Clarion Men’s Basketball Coach (Deceased) 1962-69
John A. Joy was the highly respected and well-liked Clarion University head basketball coach for eight seasons (1962-69). Mr. Joy came to Clarion in 1962 and put together a very solid career record of 74-74, including a 13-5 season in 1965 and a 15-6 season in 1966, which included a second place finish in the PSAC-West and an NAIA District 18 Playoff selection. He coached two All-Americans at Clarion including 1991 Clarion Hall Inductee Terry Thompson who set the school record with 51 points in a game in 1966 against Grove City. That team also averaged 90 points per game, ranked #6 in the nation in scoring and set the single game record with 119 points against Grove City. He also produced All-American Jack Derlink. Joy continued to teach in the HPE Department as an Associate Professor at Clarion through his retirement in 1976. He was honored by the Clarion County Branch of the YMCA in 2002 as its “Sportsman of the Year”. A winner everywhere he coached, Joy will be remembered for what he taught his players about basketball and about life. He insisted his teams always have character, sportsmanship and discipline. At Meadville High he coached for 13 years prior to Clarion and posted an unbelievable record of 213-82 against the highest caliber in the state. His teams won 9 conference and 4 district titles, while also playing in three Western Finals. A native of Butler and a 1933 graduate of Butler High, he was a 1938 Slippery Rock graduate and coached at Jeannette and Monaca before going to Meadville. Mr. Joy passed away on April 2nd, 2006 and was preceded by his wife Jean last December. Son John A. Jr., and daughter Patricia Joy (Brinkel) are expected to accept for their father.
*Clarion Coach From 1962-1969
*1966 PSAC-West Runner-up
*1965 Clarion Record 13-6 Overall
*1966 Clarion Record 15-6 Overall
*1966 NAIA Regional Playoffs
*1966 Team Averaged 90 points per game- No. 6 Nationally In Rebounds
*1966 Terry Thompson Record 51 points vs Grove City
*Produced All-Americans Terry Thompson & Jack Derlink
*Was head coach for first-ever game at Tippin Gym (85-79 win over Walsh - Dec. 4, 1968)
*Was head coach for last-ever game at Harvey Gym (82-78 loss to Grove City - Feb. 22, 1968)
*Clarion Career Record 77-79
