Hall of Fame
Michael “Schmidty” Schmidt, a member of the Class of 2012, left an indelible mark on the men’s cross country and track and field programs and continues to give back to the sport today.
Schmidt thrived in all three seasons, arguably achieving his greatest success in the outdoor slate. He concluded his career as a six-time NESCAC Champion spanning three events and as the 2012 national runner-up in the 10,000-meter run. At the NCAA Championship later that spring, Schmidt placed fourth in the 5,000 to earn a second All-American distinction and the third of his career. He holds program records in each discipline that still stand today.
Schmidt added a pair of indoor All-American accolades in his senior indoor campaign, including the 5,000 and the distance medley relay (DMR). His indoor clocking of 14:10.30 in the individual event is still a school record.
A four-time All-NESCAC selection and 2011 All-American in cross country, Schmidt was just as successful on the course. He led the men’s program to its initial NESCAC team title and an individual runner-up showing in 2010 and paced the field to the finish line the following year despite losing a shoe in the mud during the early stages. The Panther collected a pair of regional individual titles in those same two seasons. Schmidt’s efforts helped secure the program’s first two NCAA Championship berths. The Panther men’s cross country program’s Most Valuable Person, which is handed out annually at the conclusion of each season, is named after him.
Following graduation, Schmidt spent 11 years coaching at Tufts, was named the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) New England Division III Assistant Coach of the Year three times, and was part of the NESCAC Coaching Staff of the Year on five occasions. The current head coach of men’s and women’s cross country and assistant coach of men’s and women’s track and field at Brandeis, Schmidt has guided numerous stellar athletes, including 44 track and field All-Americans. He competed in the 2026 Boston Marathon, posting a clocking of 2:22.33 to finish 92nd overall and earn the title as the “fastest Bostonian.”
