Appomattox football coach Doug Smith resigns, citing health reasons
Appomattox Raiders football head coach Doug Smith (second from left) poses with his wife Susan (left) and other members of his family after announcing that he is resigning due to health concerns. Charles Conrad/Times Virginian

The illustrious 12-year tenure of Appomattox County High School football coach Doug Smith came to an end this morning when he announced to his Raider football team that he is resigning his position due to an ongoing bout with cancer.

The meeting took place in the team's weight room facility at the high school, where many team members along with members of Smith's family were present for the announcement.

Smith was hired as head coach of Appomattox in 2012, and after three rebuilding years, led the Raiders to their first-ever Class 2 state championship in 2015. Four other championships followed in 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2020/21. During the final championship, which was held in the spring of 2021 due to COVID-19 complications postponing the fall 2020 season, Smith was unable to coach because he was undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma and underwent stem cell replacement therapy. Interim head coach Stephen Castello stepped in that season but Smith returned to the sidelines in the fall of 2021.

Smith was recently diagnosed with cancer in the lymph nodes of his chest and is undergoing additional treatments. His decision to step aside is, as he told his players, for the purpose of focusing on his health and recovery.

Smith will remain involved with the football program in a limited capacity, working with players in the weight room and assisting with fundraisers. He will be remembered for his "Power Of One" legacy and for the impact he made in the lives of his players both spiritually and in character development.

Find out more in the upcoming issue of the Times Virginian newspaper. Pick up a copy or subscribe at www.timesvirginian.com/subscriber_services to view the full article in the e-edition version.