Dave Clark Steps Aside As Swimming And Diving Head Coach at UW-Milwaukee

June 16, 2006

Milwaukee, Wis.- After 15 years as the head swimming and diving coach at UW-Milwaukee, three-time Horizon League Coach of the Year Dave Clark has stepped down to move into an administrative position within the school's athletic department.

Clark will become the school's Coordinator of Camps, Clinics and Facility Scheduling. In the position, he will be in charge of the planning of the summer camp and clinic program and scheduling of practices and events of all sports in the Klotsche Center, Engelmann Field and external practice sites.

"After 25 years as a head coach [Clark spent 10 years at Northern Illinois prior to coming to UWM], I am looking forward to the new challenges that will come my way as an administrator," Clark said. "I will definitely miss coaching and being on the side of the pool, as well as the relationships with the student-athletes. On the other hand, I am looking forward to building new relationships and the new challenges that this opportunity will present."

Clark has directed the swimming program at UW-Milwaukee since 1991, winning Horizon League championships with the men's team in 2000 and with the women's squad in 2001. This past winter, he directed the men to a fifth-place finish and had the women in contention for a championship until the final day where they placed third. Overall, the two teams combined for four Horizon League records and 23 school records during the season.

He has earned coach of the year honors three times and coached winners of numerous league honors, including three Horizon League Most Outstanding Performers (Lindsay Caldwell in 2006 and 2005, Amanda Chan in 2000), six Divers of the Year (Erin Blemberg in 2006 and 2005, Nic Seider in 2002, Todd Hill in 2000 and 1999 and Dave Arvai in 1994), two Newcomers of the Year (Jason Procto 2002, Matt Schmaling 2000) and two league Performers of the Year (Caldwell in 2006 and Josh Baseheart in 2003).

Clark is also in the middle of a four-year term with the NCAA Swimming Committee. The group of coaches, school administrators and NCAA representatives develop, introduce and implement rule changes for member conferences and institutions.

"Dave has always had an interest in getting more involved in the athletic administration side of things, and this will give him the opportunity to do that," UWM Athletic Director Bud Haidet said. "With our intramural department moving out of athletics, an administrative position to handle a wide variety of duties needed to be filled. Dave has provided this University and department with a great deal of excellent service in his time as the swimming coach, and we think Dave will do a great job in this new position."

Clark will begin his new job duties on July 1. A search for a new head coach will begin immediately.