PSAC WOMEN’S SWIMMING AWARD

CLARION’S MARK VANDYKE NAMED PSAC “COACH OF THE YEAR”

            The PSAC recently honored Clarion Swimming Coach Mark VanDyke as the 2006 PSAC Women’s Swimming “Coach of the Year” in a vote by the league’s coaches.

            VanDyke, who has completed six years as Clarion’s men’s and women’s swimming mentor, claimed his second “Coach of the Year” honor in the last three years. He was also honored in 2004.

            In 2006 VanDyke led Clarion’s women to an impressive 9-3 dual meet record, won the PSAC Women’s Swimming Championship and went on to place 11^th at the NCAA Division II nationals.

            In wining the PSAC team title the Golden Eagles dethroned defending champion West Chester. Clarion totaled 928.5 points, while West Chester was second with 890.5 points. VanDyke led the Eagles to the title winning only one event, focusing on great team scoring depth to capture the crown.

            “I’m very thankful and appreciative of winning this award, but the award reflects the dedication and sacrifice of the team, as well as the great job done by assistant Christina Tillotson Sheets and diving coach Dave Hrovat,” said VanDyke. “I accept this award on behalf of the entire program.”

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            Also the 2004 PSAC Women’s “Coach of the Year” when Clarion also won the league championship, Clarion’s women have a 45-15 dual meet record under VanDyke. The 2004 women were 5^th at the NCAA’s.

            In 12 years as assistant coach (1989-2000)at Clarion under Bill Miller, the Eagles captured 6 men’s and 11 women’s PSAC Championships. The Eagle men placed in the top 5 at the NCAA’s five times, while the women earned 10 top 5 NCAA finishes.

            A backstroke/IM specialist at Clarion from 1977-80, Mark led the Eagles to four straight PSAC Titles, and Clarion's 4th place NCAA Div. II team finish in 1978. He  held school records in the 100 back (54.65), 200 back (1:57.02), 200 I.M. (1:59.27) and the 400 I.M. (4:14.97). A 3-time individual and 9-time overall PSAC Champion, he was a 12-time NCAA Div. II All-American and a 4-time NAIA All-American.

            A 1980 Clarion grad in Business Management, Mark earned his teaching certification in Secondary Ed/Social Studies in 1982. He taught and coached at Edison High (San Antonio, Texas) from 1982-85, and at Roosevelt High from 1985-88 before returning to Clarion.

            A native of Evans City, Pa., Mark attended Seneca Valley High and swam for Bill Miller. A state runner-up in the 100 back, Mark was YMCA Champ in 3 events before graduating in 1975. He attended South Florida, but transferred to Clarion in the Spring of 1976.

            Mark, wife Cindy and their two children, daughter Melissa and son David reside in Shippenville.