Prayers for Coach Clark

[Bootsy]

It’s early and I’m out here the porch, thinking about Shawn. Up to now, I’ve tended to focus more on the way things ended last year, with sadness and regret. But Coach Clark and his teams provided some amazing accomplishments I’ll always cherish.

Many will point to winning in College Station, hosting College Gameday, or “Miracle on the Mountain #2” when we beat Troy that day as their favorites.

My cherished memory was on October 21st, 2023. Shawn was speaking to the team after a tough loss at ODU. The team had suffered other tough losses up to that point (UNC, Wyoming, Coastal) and the wheels could’ve easily come off. If you can find it, listen to Shawn’s speech to the team after that game.

That was the turning point for the entire season: the team bought into his plan, kept grinding and went on to win six of the last seven, including the Cure mud bowl in Orlando. No, we didn’t end the season ranked or win the SBC. But for me, it was a magical season and I’ll always be grateful to Shawn and the team for those memories.

[AEwiththebraids]

I've been busy with class but once I get a second, I plan to either get some chalk and draw a big 61 outside the rock. Or spray paint in the tunnel.

[Novaapp]

Beautiful post, Bootsy.
My favorite memory, and one that keeps repeating in my mind, was the on-field interview after the JMU win at their place the same year. Coach said that the Conference championship "still runs through Boone" and reflected on the belief the team had in itself that was built after that ODU game. His wife, son and daughter were next to him, beaming. Seeing his daughter fighting back tears, full of pride and love for her father, was so touching. I have a daughter her age. Thinking about it now hits me so hard. God bless his family.

[BambooRdApp]

This may have already been posted. Apologies if it has..
This is very moving

[AppWyo]

[proasu89]

This may have already been posted. Apologies if it has..
This is very moving

https://x.com/JoshGrahamShow/status/197 ... swEWQ&s=19

Thanks for sharing that. I quit twitter last year and wouldn’t have seen that otherwise. I was fortunate to have played a round of golf with him on a beautiful summer day in Boone. He had a wicked slice but after a few helpful adjustments he smoked a couple of drives and was as happy as a kid at Christmas. We had a great time and I’ll never forget that day.

[MDaniels]

This may have already been posted. Apologies if it has..
This is very moving

https://x.com/JoshGrahamShow/status/197 ... swEWQ&s=19

Thanks for sharing that. I quit twitter last year and wouldn’t have seen that otherwise. I was fortunate to have played a round of golf with him on a beautiful summer day in Boone. He had a wicked slice but after a few helpful adjustments he smoked a couple of drives and was as happy as a kid at Christmas. We had a great time and I’ll never forget that day.

Every time I stumble across a tribute to Coach Clark, I'm overwhelmed with emotion. Glad that someone arranged for Coach Moore to go see him in Orlando before his passing. This hits hard, guys. Peace Coach Clark. You were loved by many.

[appstate24]

This may have already been posted. Apologies if it has..
This is very moving

This was a great tribute.

Man, Coach is gonna be missed.

GO APPS!!

[Bootsy]

Retire #61. Shawn Clark deserves the honor accorded to men like Coakley, Edwards, Hackett, Hand and Settle.

[MDaniels]

Just look at what an impact Coach Clark had on the folks at UCF in just a few months with them. Different kind of man and one that we need more of in this world.

[AppState89]

#61 forever. I bought this off Amazon and will be wearing it next week. RIP Coach.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/B1p ... SX466_.png

[scatman77]

I would suggest, if it's not already a choice, that there be an offensive lineman award given after the season. It should be named after Shawn Clark and given to the lineman who exhibits the type of player and person that Shawn was. Maybe there could be other criteria but this comes to mind at the moment.

[EastHallApp]

I'm not sure if they'll retiree his number, but I believe he should receive a waiver and get added to next year's HOF class.

I think this would be a great way to honor him, if it even requires a waiver. But it would be certainly deserved, and the timing feels like it would be right.

I'm not a big fan of doing things like retiring numbers, naming streets/buildings after people, etc., immediately after they have died. No one was talking about retiring his number before, which would mean you're doing it because he died. If that's something people want to pursue in, say, 3-5 years when it's a less emotionally charged decision, I'd be more in favor of that.