Clarion Athletics

The architect of Clarion's nationally recognized men's and women's diving program, Don Leas had a 24-year career that was unequalled by any coach in the nation from 1966-90. His divers won 36 individual national championships and posted 234 All-America placings. Named NCAA Division II "Coach of the Year" in 1984 (swimming & diving), he was selected as NCAA Div.II Men's Diving "Coach of the Year" in 1988 and 89. Two women's divers went on to Olympic competition (Barbara Schaefer Nejman, Chris Seufert), with Seufert winning a bronze medal in the 1984 games. Instrumental in Clarion's overall success, he helped the men's team win 19-straight PSAC titles (1971-89), and the women's team capture 15 PSAC crowns and 8 Division II National Championships (77, 78, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84  86). Named in 1991 to the NCAA's "Team of the Decade" coaching staff celebrating its 10th year offering women's championships, he continues to be active in diving on an international scale. He was in charge of the 1996 Olympic Diving competition in Atlanta, Georgia, and has been International Chairman of Diving for the World University Games since the 1981 Games in Bucharest, Romania. He was National Rules Chairman of US Diving for 15 years, National President of AAU Diving 4 years and Editor of 20 Diving Rule Books. A native of Philadelphia, Pa., a 1953 graduate of Northeast High and a 1957 graduate of Michigan State University, Don was an accomplished gymnast and diver. He came to Clarion from St. Cloud State in 1966.