1/16/08

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.—Lycoming College has named alumnus Michael Clark its new head football coach, according to an announcement by Dr. James Douthat, Lycoming's president. Clark, a 1993 graduate of the College with a degree in business administration, played under legendary head coach Frank Girardi and coached Lycoming’s offensive line from July 1998 until May 2000. Clark was selected following a national search that generated more than 75 applicants. He replaces Girardi, who served as Lycoming’s head coach for 36 years and compiled a record of 257-97-4.

A press conference to introduce Clark is set for Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 2:30 p.m. in Lamade Gymnasium.

"As a former Lycoming player and coach, I am honored to be named Lycoming’s head football coach,” said Clark. “I'm excited to return to Lycoming football and its rich tradition, and I plan to continue the success established by Coach Girardi and the staff. We are fortunate to have tremendous student-athletes at Lycoming and we are eager to begin our pursuit of a MAC Championship. I look forward to getting to know the players, the coaching and support staff, and members of the college community."

Since leaving Lycoming eight years ago, Clark has served as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Davidson College, a Division I FCS (formerly I-AA) non-scholarship school located in North Carolina. During his tenure at Davidson, the Wildcats averaged nearly 25 points per game. In 2007, the Clark-led offense averaged 31.2 points and 414.3 yards per game, while allowing just seven sacks in 393 passing attempts. The 2006 Davidson offense ranked seventh in passing in Division I FCS, as well as 13th in total offense and 15th in scoring offense. Clark also coached some of Davidson’s career leaders in rushing, passing, receiving, touchdowns and scoring.

After graduating from Lycoming, Clark was a graduate assistant coach for two years at Rowan College, where he earned a master’s degree in business administration. He then spent two seasons coaching running backs and tight ends at Princeton University before joining Lycoming’s staff in 1998.

In announcing the appointment, President Douthat noted, "The depth and success of Mike Clark’s coaching experiences in NCAA Division III and at Davidson have prepared him well for Lycoming’s head coaching position. He knows, understands and respects the great football traditions that Lycoming established during the Girardi era, having played and coached at Lycoming during some of the most successful years of Warrior football."

While Clark coached at Lycoming, the Warriors reached the NCAA playoffs twice, advancing to the final eight in 1998. As a player, Clark was an offensive lineman on the Warriors’ 1990 team that went to The Stagg Bowl—the Division III national championship game—in Bradenton, Fla.

Clark, a native of Ridley Park, Pa., and his wife, Danielle, have two daughters, Allison (6) and Emily (21 months), and a son, Brendan (3).