McGuire coach goes above and beyond, is recognized as Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA coach of the year

Published June 4, 2008
By Airman 1st Class Rebekah Phy
305th Air Mobility Wing public affairs

McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- Lt. Col. John Clark, 305th Services Squadron commander, was recently recognized as a 2007-2008 season Junior National Basketball Association/Junior Women's National Basketball Association Coach of the Year.

Competing against more than 83,000 applicants in the United States and abroad, Colonel Clark was one of only 32 coaches chosen for the prestigious award.

"(Colonel) Coach Clark is a dedicated coach for soccer, basketball and girls softball," said Erica Mitchell, 305th Services Squadron Youth Programs director. "After being recognized as McGuire's Coach of the Year, he was submitted for the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Coach of the Year ... the rest, of course, is history."

According to a Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA news release, the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Coach of the Year program recognizes member coaches who stand out, both on and off the court, exemplify and teach Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA S.T.A.R. qualities (Sportsmanship, Teamwork, positive Attitude and Respect), while representing the hard work and dedication that make youth sports a rewarding developmental experience for players, parents, officials and other coaches.

"Providing positive examples of sportsmanship and teamwork for youngsters to learn from, the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Coaches of the Year teach kids how to play the game the right way," said Bill Laimbeer, WNBA Champion Detroit Shock Coach and Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Advisory Council Member.

"The passion and commitment these coaches bring to youth basketball exemplifies the goals of the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA," said Nadine Glinski, Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Senior Director. "It was a challenge to select 32 coaches out of so many deserving candidates, but this group stood out above the rest."

As a continuous volunteer with several youth sports programs, Colonel Clark seems to be an asset to many of the 305 SVS Youth Programs and a true inspiration to other volunteers.

"Coach Clark is a true mentor for all of our volunteers who display continuous fortitude to the development of sports, fitness and recreation," Ms. Mitchell said. "Without the enormous effort of all of our volunteers, like Coach Clark, we would not be as successful with our programs."