Clarion Athletics

1961 Clarion University Grad - Secondary Ed./Social Studies

John S. Shropshire was a major contributor to Clarion University Athletics as an undergraduate athlete, administrator and a coach. A native of Pittsburgh (Homewood) and a 1956 graduate of Westinghouse High, John came to Clarion and was a starter for the football team for three years (1958-60) on both the offensive and defensive lines under head coach Ernest “Turk” Johnson. He helped Clarion to a 6-1-1 record in 1959 and a three-year record of 12-11-2. After graduating in 1961, Shropshire taught and was head basketball coach at Central Dauphin East (1961-72), but returned to Clarion in 1972 as assistant director of Admissions. In 1978 he was named Director of Admissions and in 1983 was named Dean of Enrollment Management until his retirement on January 3, 2000. During his years he was a strong supporter of all Clarion athletic teams and helped a large number of student athletes reach graduation through scholarships, counseling, etc. He was also the Clarion University Boxing Club coach for many years and a member of countless organizations and groups on campus. A member of the Clarion University Sports Hall of Fame Committee from 1993-2001, he received the Clarion Distinguished Service Award in 1999. A Clarion County Commissioner from 2000-2001, he passed away on June 5, 2001. Receiving his award will be his wife Jamie, who resides in Shippenville. John had two sons, Phillip and Christopher, and a daughter Alicia.