Clarion Athletics

One of the finest basketball players to ever run the hardwood at Clarion University was Jack Derlink. Jack played basketball at Clarion from 1963-66 and was a four-year starter under coach John Joy. As a freshman in 1963 he played in all 18 games and averaged 15.2 points per game while grabbing 162 rebounds. The team was 10-8 overall, 5-5 in the PSAC and 8-1 at home in Harvey Hall. Although official season stats are not available for 1964 and 1965, he had strong years to help Clarion to a 10-8 record in 1964 (4-6 in PSAC) and a 13-6 mark in 1965 (6-4 in PSAC). In 1966 he had a tremendous season averaging 26 points per game and 14 rebounds to lead Clarion to a 15-6 record and a 7-3 mark in the PSAC. Clarion was selected for the NAIA Playoffs in 1966. Derlink was voted first team All-district and PSAC, while being the runner-up vote getter for District “Player or the Year”. He was also named an NAIA All-American. Derlink finished his career with 1,400 points and 840 rebounds, second most in school history in both categories. He had seven games in 1966 that he scored 30 or more points and had a career high 37 in a win over Alliance. Jack and wife Sarah reside in Lower Burrell and have two sons, Jacob and Damian. He is a 1961 graduate of Springdale high School and is retired after 35 years teaching in the Kiski Area School District.

• 1963-66 Four-Year Starter
• 1966 NAIA All-American
• 1966 Scored 30 or More Points in 8 Games
• 1966 Averaged 26 ppg, 14 rpg
• First Team All District and Conference
• Runner-up District “Player of the Year”
• 1963-66 - 1,400 Career Points Estimated (2^nd)
• 1963-66 - 840 Career Rebounds Estimated (2^nd)