Clarion University Sports Hall of Fame
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Frank Supancic, one of the original founders of the Men's Swimming and diving program, and who contributed to the success of Golden Eagles swimming and diving for over 25 years, enters the Clarion Sports Hall of Fame. A 1969 graduate of Hempfield High School, Supancic came to Clarion in the Fall of 1969, the first year of founding of Clarion's Men's Swimming and Diving program under coach Chuck Nanz, In that first season Supancic was the team's first captain and helped lead the Golden Eagles to a 9-0 dual meet record and an unbelievable second place finish at the PSAC championships. He tied for first in the 200 yard freestyle at PSAC's in that first season. Clarion went on to win three consecutive PSAC team titles (1971-73), with Supancic a strong contributor. An NCAA and NAIA national qualifier as a junior, Frank had a strong senior season with a win in the 200 yard freestyle, while setting a school record in the 400 free relay at the PSAC's in 1973. Again a national qualifier in 1973, Frank earned All-America honors while setting a new school record in the 800 free relay. Clarion had a dual record of 43-5 during his tenure. Frank was in teaching and coaching for over 40 years, starting with Bradford high from 1973-78. He then went to Warren Harding High School in 1978 and stayed until his retirement in 2013. He had a combined high school record of 428-196 and coached 20 Academic All-Americans and 39 high School All-Americans. Among his many honors was his 2001 induction into the Ohio High School Swim Coaches Hall of Fame. Also, starting in 1978 with then Clarion head coach Bill Miller, Supancic became a strong contributor to Clarion's camp and recruiting successes. Supancic was responsible every summer for running the "Elite Stroke Camp" for the Golden Eagle Swim Camp at Tippin Gymnasium (1978 – 2005), raising scholarship dollars for the swimming and diving programs. He also was a mainstay in helping with student recruitment for Clarion University. Frank and wife Terry reside in Warren, Ohio and have two daughters Jennifer and Kelly.
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