Clarion Athletics

Mark VanDyke, an integral part of Clarion's Swimming tradition, begins his 17th year as head coach.  The 2006 and 2004 PSAC Women's Coach of the Year after leading the team to PSAC titles, VanDyke has coached numerous athletes to All-American status in his time at Clarion.

In 2010 the Golden Eagles were 4th at the NCAA Division II National Championships under VanDyke's leadership. Other high finishes during his tenure include 5th at nationals in 2004, 6th in 2010 and 7th in 2009.

Clarion's women were 6-2 in dual meets in 2013, second at PSAC's and 17th at the NCAA D-II Nationals and the 2015 squad placed 15th at D-II Nationals.

Mark has also led the men to nine second place finishes at PSAC's and two 8th place finishes at the NCAA's.

The 2015 men's squad was 18th at the NCAA D-II Nationals, the 2014 team was 13th at the NCAA Division II Nationals. The 2013 men's squad placed third at PSAC's and 17th at the NCAA Division II Nationals, while in 2012 Clarion was fourth at PSAC's and 15th at nationals.

In 12 years as assistant at Clarion (1989-2000) the Eagles captured 6 men's and 11 women's PSAC titles. The men placed in the top 5 at the NCAA's five times, while the women earned 10 top 5 NCAA finishes.

A backstroke/IM specialist at Clarion from 1977-80, VanDyke led the Eagles to four straight PSAC Titles, and Clarion's 4th place NCAA Div. II team finish in 1978. He held school records in the 100 back (54.65), 200 back (1:57.02), 200 I.M. (1:59.27) and the 400 I.M. (4:14.97). A 3-time individual and 9-time overall PSAC Champion, he was a 12-time NCAA All-American and a 4-time NAIA A-A.

A 1980 Clarion grad in Business Management, VanDyke earned his teaching certification in Secondary Ed/Social Studies in 1982. He taught and coached at Edison High (San Antonio, Texas) from 1982-85, and at Roosevelt High from 1985-88 before returning to Clarion.

A native of Evans City, Pa., VanDyke attended Seneca Valley High and swam for Bill Miller. A state runner-up in the 100 back, Mark was YMCA Champ in 3 events before graduating in 1975. He attended South Florida, but transferred to Clarion in the Spring of 1976.

VanDyke, wife Cindy and their two children, daughter Melissa and son David reside in Shippenville.