Michael Smart
Head Coach
(973) 877-1949
smart@essex.edu

Michael Smart was named Head Coach of Men’s and Women’s Track & Field at Essex County College in October 1986. A native of Newark, Smart returned to the college 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 25 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, Olympic Record holder), 5 Olympic medalists 27 Olympians, 4 World Champions, 272 National Champions, 394 All-Americans, and over 400 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 I 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 25 National Teams. 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:
"A Smart Caribbean Pipeline" (by by O’Neil A. Reid )

Noah Waters
Volunteer Assistant Coach

Noah Waters is the latest addition to the coaching staff at Essex County College. Born & raised in Newark, New Jersey he began his track career at St. Benedict's Preparatory School in 2000 under Coaches Keith Corpus and Marty Hannon. He excelled in all events but favored the 400m, 800m and 1600m.

Noah’s accolades include numerous individual Catholic Conference, Essex County, and New Jersey State Prep Championships in both the indoor and outdoor 800m and 1600m events in 2001 and 2002. In 2002 he received NSIC All- American honors, for the indoor track season. Noah furthered his track career at Essex County College under the guidance of Coach Michael Smart in 2003.

While running for the Wolverine’s he received another All-American honors in the Distance Medley Relay. Noah believes that a great runner is made through consistency, willingness to learn and mental determination.

Kye'Airre "Chad" Cary
Volunteer Assistant Coach

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Chad started her running career in 1991, running unattached at local meets and continued this process until she reached high school. At Queen of Peace High school Chad ran under coaches Lionel Leech, Jeff Riddick and Joe Griffin. Chad excelled in the 400m, 800m and 1600m, while receiving All-American Honors in 800m and 4x400m relay. After high school, Chad furthered her track career at New Jersey City University under Coach Charles Mayes.

As an Essex County College Alum, Chad became a new addition to the coaching staff on the Essex County College track and field program, for the 08-09 season, helping produce National Champion Natasha Ruddock in the 55/100m hurdles and All-American Riker Hylton in the 400m.

Chad obtained her A.A. in Social Sciences at Essex County College and her B.A. in Sociology with Dual Certifications in Early Childhood Education/ Special Education at New Jersey City University. Chad is earning her Masters in Social Work at Rutgers University in Newark, N.J.

Manager

Candia McQueen