Harrison Smith
Harrison E. Smith, better known as “H” at UNM, did not just love the Lobos, he loved being a Lobo. Throughout his life he was a Lobo in almost every way possible. He was born in Gallup, New Mexico, at the end of 1931. The family moved to Albuquerque in 1946. He attended Albuquerque High and began running track for legendary coach Pete McDavid in 1947, graduating in 1950.
The state quickly found out that Harrison could run like no one had before. He won his first 880 as a sophomore, and never lost for almost three years. In the 1950 district meet his senior year, he barely lost to his good friend, Jimmy Brooks. The next week he redeemed himself by winning his third straight 880 state championship over his friendly rival.
After high school Harrison enrolled at UNM and began running for his second legendary coach, Roy Johnson. But before he could start he served two years in the Army. While he was stationed in Germany, Harrison took leave to go to the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki. One of his greatest memories was meeting Coach Johnson there.
On return, he finally got to compete for UNM. As a Lobo he never lost in the 880 or the mile. He set a UNM record in the mile and set many meet records along the way. During high school and college he had an incredible 30 wins out of 31 races in his specialties, the 880 and mile. Many friends still remember how hard he worked to be the best. Unfortunately he ruptured his Achilles’ tendon, and his time as a competitor was cut short.
Soon after graduating in 1957, Harrison and Phyllis were married. Although he had aspirations of being the UNM track coach, he turned his attention to the business world. He became very successful in the construction and real estate business.
But he always supported UNM track and field and was the clerk of the course for Coach Hugh Hackett’s many great teams. Many athletes fondly remember Harrison, as he would keep them loose before their races, the way only Harrison could.
When Del Hessel became track and field coach, they became good friends. Coach Hessel loved that Harrison was a “competitor and challenged everyone.” He asked Harrison to help build a new track stadium. Harrison and Phyllis became “Great Friends of UNM Track,” and Harrison also helped with the fundraising. But he went even further and helped coach the cross country team for two years, and led them to a No. 14 national ranking.
Harrison was a Past President and Lifetime UNM Alumni Letterman and a Lobo Club member. He and Phyllis have had football and basketball season tickets since college.
Harrison’s Lobo Legacy lives on. Harrison “Chip” Smith, Jr., a Western Athletic Conference champion, and school and stadium record holder during his time as a Lobo, is now on the Alumni Lettermen’s board. Grandson, Matt Everett, ran for the Lobos.
But Harrison still has the fastest true raw speed, having run a 49-second 400 in 1955. He had two famous sayings: “Think Blue,” to win a blue ribbon, and “The world loves a winner – Be One!”