Hall of Fame
The junior college route to college became a popular option for students in the late 80’s. Findlay basketball capitalized on this route in 1991, when Otis “Chip” Smith came to the University of Findlay after an All-American career at Owens Tech in Toledo. Chip helped to turn around a Findlay team, which had finished 14-13 in 1990-91. He led the Oilers to the NAIA Division I National Tournament in 1992 & 1993. The 1991-92 season included one of the programs all-time great wins when UF traveled up I-75 and knocked off NCAA Div. I Bowling Green State 79-68. Chip didn’t finish his career in any top 10 list because of playing at UF for just 2 years, but those who saw him play, will always recall is fire, leadership, and incredible perimeter talents that he brought to the floor. He hated to lose and rubbed it off on his teammates. He was named NAIA All-District both years and Honorable Mention All-American in 1992. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1994 in Sociology and has received several employee awards including an Outstanding Service and Social Work award in 1996 from the state organization. Chip and his wife Michelle (’93) have two kids and currently reside in Columbus, Ohio where he is employed as an Account Manager with Alliance Data Systems.
