Head Men's and Women's Indoor/Outdoor Track Coach 
Michael Smart was named head Men’s and Women’s Track & Field Coach at Essex County College in October 1986. A native of Newark, Smart returned to the school for which he had competed in 1973-75.
Smart is the only coach at Essex County College who played for and coached a National Championship team in the college’s sports history. He was named an All-American twice in the 1970s. During the past 23 years, Smart was named National Junior College Coach of the Year four times and honored by the NJCAA Region XIX three times. He was also named District/Region Coach of the Year 16 times.
Smart has developed 1 Olympic Champion (Melaine Walker 400IH), 5 Olympic medalists 27 Olympians, 4 World Champions, 264 National Champions, 378 All-Americans, and over 300 All-Region picks. His runners currently hold all 5 Women NJCAA National Records in the hurdles. His women’s teams have won the NJCAA National Championship twice (1997, 2007), placed second at Nationals nine times, and placed third twice. Smart’s success is not only on the track. His runners have amassed an outstanding 98% student graduation rate at the college, and at least 90% have gone on to run for major Division 1 colleges and universities. Smart was named as a coach for the 1996 Olympic team for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and the 2001 United States under 25 National Team. Smart is certified by the United States of America Track and Field (level 1) for sprints and jumps. He is also certified by the International Amateur Athletic Federation in sprints, jumps, and hurdles.
- Read More about coach Michael Smart on the Online News Article :"A Smart Caribbean Pipeline" (by by O’Neil A. Reid )
Latisha LaGrier
Assistant Coach
Latisha started her track career in 1987 running for the East Orange Striders track club. Her Coach Mr. Earl Rogers is who inspired her to love the sport more than she can ever imagine. Throughout her track career Latisha ran the 55 meter dash, 100, 200, 400, and the 4x4 relay races. Latisha's major career highlights started as early as thirteen years old, where she competed in the Jr. Olympics and placed 2nd in the 200 meter dash. Another career highlight was in the United States Youth Games where she placed 2nd in the 200 meter dash and the 100 meter dash. Another major high light was in the Colgate games where Latisha placed in the top 3 places for the 200 meter dash two consecutive years. Latisha recently graduated with a Bachelors degree in Early childhood Education.
Thomas Evans
Volunteer Assistant Coach
Three-time NJCAA Ail-American in the 400m dash and 4x400m.
After graduating from Essex County College, I continued my athletic endeavors at Seton Hall University. While competing at Seton Hall University I was a two-time NCAA All -American, four-time Big East Champion, and three time ICAAAA champion.
EDUCATION
- 1993-95 Essex County Community College Newark, NJ
Associate Business Administration
- 1995-1998 Seton Hall University South Orange, NJ
Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice/Social Behavioral Science
MANAGERS
Natalee Ruddock
Avena Walters
