Bobby Clark retires after 17 decorated years at Notre Dame
Photo credit: Notre Dame men’s soccer
“All good things come to an end.”
At least that’s what Notre Dame men’s soccer coach Bobby Clark said. Clark decided to hang up his coaching hat after 31 years at the helm, 17 of which he spent at Notre Dame.
“It has to be one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever made,” Clark said. “It’s very hard to give up something you really enjoy. You want to go when you’re still enjoying it and when you have happy memories. I have nothing but happy memories.”
Clark began coached at Dartmouth from 1985-1993, Stanford from 1996-2000 and Notre Dame (2001-2017). During his career he earned a 369-156-80 record (.676 winning percentage). He led Dartmouth to the NCAA Quarterfinals twice, Stanford to the National Championship game in 1998 and Notre Dame to win it all in 2013. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
A native of Glasgow, Scotland, some can say that Clark’s love for the game was ingrained in him from birth. He played professionally as a goalkeeper from 1962-1982. With the Aberdeen Dons, Clark collected a Scottish Cup (1970), a League Cup (1976) and a Premier League Championship (1982). Clark also represented Scotland at the 1970, 1974 and 1978 World Cups.
As for his coaching resume, Clark began coaching in Zimbabwe for the Bulawayo Highlanders. He then joined the collegiate ranks at Dartmouth, where he led the team to two NCAA quarterfinal appearances and earned an 82-42-13 record. Clark coached the New Zealand National Team from 1994-96, where he boasted a 21-12-3 mark.
When Clark arrived at Stanford and Notre Dame, both teams were coming off of losing campaigns. Clark brought both programs back to life. Stanford earned a 71-21-12 record while Clark was in charge, putting the Cardinal on the NCAA selection committee’s radar. As for Notre Dame, Clark became the Fighting Irish’s all-time winningest coach after the 2011 campaign. In 2013 he led the Irish to a 17-1-6 record and the club’s first National Championship. He walks away with a 216-93-55 mark.
“When you’re coaching, you’re tied down 24/7 with 365 days of operation almost,” Clark said. “It’s a hobby, a time-consuming and somewhat selfish hobby.”
After 17 years & leading us to the 2013 National Championship, Bobby Clark says goodbye to the dear lads of @NDMenSoccer.
Thank you, “Boss”
RELEASE: https://t.co/P5qXVNjpPz pic.twitter.com/WjovqAJUgY
— The Fighting Irish (@FightingIrish) November 28, 2017
Clark said he’s enjoyed coaching. It was a job, but a job he loved. He has enjoyed and will continue to enjoy watching his players and former coaches conquer the world.
“It’s about developing players,” Clark said. “It’s about teaching. You produce doctors, engineers, teachers and coaches. I’ll miss it, everything about it – even the referees I’ll miss. They do get your blood pressure up quicker than others. But without them, we wouldn’t have a game.”
Clark’s legacy will continue through his former players and coaches. Currently six of his former assistants are coaching in the college ranks: Jamie Clark (Washington), Brian Wiese (Georgetown), Mike Avery (Valparaiso) Chad Riley (Dartmouth), John O’Connor (Castleton State) and Geoff Wheeler (Wesleyan).
As for the future Clark said he and his wife Bette will be spending more time in Scotland, but with three children and seven grandchildren stateside, it’s fair to say they’ll be splitting their time on two continents.
While Clark officially walks away from coaching, don’t be surprised to see him on the sidelines or in the stands. And he may have some words of wisdom for the coaches in charge.
“Winning is important,” Clark said. “But the most important thing is how you handle when you win or when you lose. Once it’s over it’s over. I’ve learned lessons from moving on. Can you move on? Can you handle it? Either way you’ve got to pick your team up.”
Clark’s done just that for 31 years, he’s picked up teams and players from across the globe. He’s taught his teams about overcoming adversity. He’s taught his players about the game and about life. And he’s done it all with pure class and a grin.
Follow Kathryn on Twitter: @Katknapp99.
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