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Preston Smith

1871 – 1945

American football coach

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About Preston Smith

Lived 1871 – 1945 (aged 74). Preston Smith was an American head coach.

Preston Hopkins Smith (May 17, 1871 – December 16, 1945) was an American football player and coach. He was the second head football coach at Colgate University and he held that position for the 1892 season. His coaching record at Colgate was 3–0. The 1892 team was the first in Colgate history to go undefeated, with victories over Hamilton, Rochester, and St. John's Academy. Some sources say that the 1892 team was coached by Samuel Colgate, Jr. and not Smith.

Smith attended Colgate and received a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in 1893. He played on the football team from 1890 to 1893, serving as captain in 1891 and 1892 (player-coach in the latter year). He lettered in the sport in 1890, 1891 and 1892.

Smith married Cordelia (Cora) Roberts in 1895. He later moved to Bayonne, New Jersey where he was a school principal. He died in 1945.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Education
Colgate University
Also known as
Preston Hopkins Smith

People in Preston Smith's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Preston Smith's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Preston Smith?

American football coach (1871-1945)

When was Preston Smith born?

Preston Smith was born on 17 May 1871 in Hamilton.

When did Preston Smith die?

Preston Smith died on 16 December 1945 in Cranford.

What was Preston Smith's occupation?

Preston Smith was a head coach.

What nationality was Preston Smith?

Preston Smith was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Preston Smith

· Wikidata: Q7241992

· DBpedia: Preston Smith (American football coach)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Preston Smith. https://biography.guide/preston-smith-head-coach/

MLA: "Preston Smith." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/preston-smith-head-coach/.

Chicago: "Preston Smith." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/preston-smith-head-coach/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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