<p>Naval Academy loses a legend</p>
<p>It was hard to travel in Annapolis sports circles and not know Dave Smalley. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1957, but it was his return to the academy several years later that made him a legend.</p>
<p>Mr. Smalley died June 1 at age 72, but not before compiling an extraordinary record of achievement as an athlete, a coach and a fine gentleman.</p>
<p>His athletic accomplishments on the field earned the midshipman six letters in baseball and basketball. He returned to the Yard as an assistant basketball coach in 1962 and became the team’s head coach four years later. Later, he was named the assistant director of athletics.</p>
<p>His greatest honor came in 2005 when the Alumni Hall court was named after him. Just last year he was inducted into the Maryland Sports Hall of Fame, receiving the John Steadman Lifetime Achievement Award.</p>
<p>Beyond his many awards, though, he was an outstanding person who guided many mids through the academy and just looked out for their well-being. He knew the importance of character at the academy.</p>
<p>We offer our condolences to his family. A funeral service will be held at the Naval Academy Chapel tomorrow at 10 a.m.</p>