More than two decades have gone by since Dawn (Hartwig) Smith ran track and cross country for the Bruins, yet her name still appears all over the George Fox record books. As of 2021, she ranked No. 3 all-time in school history in the 3,000 meters (10:05.03, set in 1996), No. 4 in both the 1,500 (4:41.28, 1996) and 4X800 relay (9:30.44, 1995), No. 5 in the 5,000 (17:40.91, 1996), and No. 6 in the 5K (18:08, 1995). In back-to-back seasons (1995 and 1996), she was an NAIA All-America selection, first earning the honor in cross country with a seventh-place national finish, then following up in track with a sixth-place national performance in the 3,000 meters.
After graduating in 1996 with a degree in biology, Smith went on to Chemeketa Community to earn a degree in nursing. She worked in both McMinnville and Providence Medical Hospital in Newberg in various capacities, and started a family with her husband John, head coach of the George Fox track and field team. She continues to stay connected to the program, doing logistics management and working with athletes as a form of ministry. “John loves coaching and I like being around it, in a supportive role – being that female presence for the female athletes.”
Dawn’s time running cross country and track at George Fox changed her life forever. It’s where she met her best friends, her husband, and most importantly, where she came to know and develop a relationship with Christ.
