Richard Clarke named new head track and field coach
Richard Clarke has been named the new head men’s and women’s track and field coach, as announced by Director of Athletics Rick Baker.
MARS HILL, N.C. – Richard Clarke has been named the new head men's and women's track and field coach, as announced by Director of Athletics Rick Baker.
"It's an honor to return home to the Hill as the head of the track and field program," Clarke said. "I look forward to working with student-athletes on and off the track, guiding them not only to become more efficient at their respective event, but to guide and equip them with skills needed for when they leave Mars Hill."
Clarke began his coaching career at Asheville Christian Academy in 2014, serving as head coach for four years. While manning the track teams, Clarke led the women's team to claiming the 2015 NCISAA 1A/2A 4x800 relay state championship.
He also served as head coach for Asheville Lightning Junior Olympic Team from 2016-17. He coached throwers, jumpers, distance runners and sprinters while also delegating tasks to volunteer coaches and administrative staff as well as entering the athletes into competitions.
"Richard is not only a former Mars Hill track athlete, but he also worked for the University for three years in the institutions Admissions Office following graduation," Baker stated. "After leaving MHU, Richard has enjoyed success coaching track and field at various levels. His background in strength and conditioning and diverse training at all levels will benefit our athletes beyond measure. He will fit in immediately to our Athletic Department."
Clarke saw state championship success once more when he joined Christ School as an assistant coach in 2018, working closely with throwers and high jumpers. At the state championships, his high jumpers finished first, second, and third.
Clarke also worked as a high intensity training coach and physical trainer with Hard Exercise Works Asheville. A trainer of four years, Clark demonstrated proper workout techniques and facilitated warm-ups, workouts, and cool downs for clients.
Clarke returns to Mars Hill after serving as an admissions counselor from 2010-2013. An alum, Clarke graduated from Mars Hill in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion with a concentration in Youth Ministry.