Clarion Athletics

Bernie Carpenter, a hard hitting outside linebacker and defensive end from 1976 – 1979, was a captain and a leader of the Golden Eagles defense throughout his career. Carpenter helped the Golden Eagles to a four-year record of 33-7-1 under coach Al Jacks, a PSAC title in 1977 and West titles in 1977 and 1978. 

An All-PSAC selection in 1978 and 1979, Carpenter had 81 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries and returned a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown against IUP in his final game in 1979. He averaged 28 yards per kickoff return that season. In 1978, he led the team with 117 tackles and 3 sacks and, of course in 1977, helped led the Eagles to a PSAC title and a 
25-24 win over Millersville in the “State Game.” 

Leading a defense masterminded by the late Charlie Ruslavage,  Carpenter was a key part of some great defenses that registered a total of five shutouts and held teams to seven points or less a total of 16 times from 1976 - 1979. 

A native of Brookfield, Ohio, and a 1976 graduate of Brookfield High, he has a daughter, Kristin, and a son, Benjamin, and step children, Nick, Bryanne and Jillian. Bernie resides in Kent, Ohio, and is the president of Hapco Inc. (Tarpco).