Ken Nellis, an integral part of the Clarion tradition, begins his eighth year as head coach.

The Eagles were 4-8 last year, 5^th at PSAC= s, 6^th at EWL= s and 55^th at the NCAA Tournament. In 2003 the Golden Eagles were 9-8 overall and 26^th at the D-I nationals. In 2001 Nellis led Clarion to an 11-3 dual meet record, a 5-2 mark in the EWL and 4^th place at EWL= s and PSAC= s. In 1998 the Eagles were 8-5-1, 4th at EWL= s 24th at the NCAA Div.I Nationals. Clarion also placed 26^th at the NCAA= s and 4^th at PSAC= s in 2000 and 27^th at the NCAA= s, 3^rd at PSAC= s and 5^th at EWL= s in 1999. He is 44-59-2 at Clarion.

Nellis wrestled at Clarion from 1981-86, returned to his alma mater in 1990 as an assistant coach and was named Clarion's head coach on May 7, 1997. Nellis is only the fourth head coach at Clarion since 1959. A premier wrestler, coach and person, Nellis brings a strong work ethic, a style of teaching fundamentals and techniques on the mat, and a contagious enthusiasm to the Eagles.

"I'm excited to be the wrestling coach here," stated Nellis. "Clarion is a special place...The support the wrestling program receives from the administration, faculty, pin club and our great fans and alumni has always made the wrestlers feel like this was their second home. I truly believe there is no other place like Clarion"!

A true leader on the mat at Clarion under former head coach Bob Bubb, Nellis compiled an outstanding overall record of 113-28-5 and was a 4-time NCAA Division I National Qualifier.

His freshman year (1982), Ken was 23-9-1 and placed second at PSAC's and EWL's at 142-pounds. He helped Clarion to a 12-5 dual meet record. In 1983, also at 142-pounds, Nellis was 29-9 overall, won his first PSAC title and was second at EWL's. Clarion compiled a 10-6 record.

In 1984, his junior year, Ken moved up to 150-pounds, notched a 34-5-1 slate, won at PSAC's and again placed second at EWL's. Co-captain of the Eagle team, he helped the Eagles to an 11-3-1 record.

After sitting out 1985, Nellis returned for what has been Clarion's top dual meet season. Co-captain again, Nellis was 27-5-3 overall, won his third PSAC crown and finished 2nd at EWL's for the fourth time. He also led Clarion to a 17-0-1 dual meet record, and an amazing #3 ranking in the final NCAA Division I Poll.

Nellis' keys for Clarion wrestling?

"First I'd say academics and team discipline are big keys. Keeping a quality talent pool on the mat is important, but with that comes patience, teaching techniques and working tirelessly on the fundamentals. Clarion is known for having talented wrestlers, but also for being a scrappy, hard-nosed team that is in great condition and comes at you for seven minutes. That is Clarion wrestling and that is the type of team we expect to continue."

A native of Glenshaw, Pa. and Shaler High School, Ken had an outstanding high school career. At Shaler, Nellis was a two-time PIAA Class AAA State Champion, posted a career record of 124-3 and was selected to participate in the Pittsburgh Press Wrestling Classic.

Nellis earned his Bachelor's Degree in 1986 in Business Management and was employed by Huntington National Bank before returning to Clarion in 1990. Ken, wife Cindy, daughter Brianna and sons Luke and Seth reside in Clarion.