John Smith was a wrestler at Ball State from 1970-73. He earned All-America honors as a senior after placing sixth at the 1973 NCAA Championships. Smith posted a 24-6 record as a senior, including winning the NCAA Regional Championship. In his career, Smith posted a 58-29-1-career mark as an individual. He was recognized by the Indiana High School Athletic Association as the only person in Indiana history to have won a state title in wrestling, coached a wrestling state championship team, and officiate an IHSAA Wrestling State Final. He is the only person ever inducted into the Indiana Wrestling Hall of Fame as a player, coach, and a contributor. Smith began working for the Muncie Community Schools beginning in 1974.