Clarion Athletics

Tom Carnahan had a significant impact on Clarion University both in the classroom and as a coach. Employed at Clarion from 1946 through his retirement in 1975 as a math professor, he contributed 29 years to the athletic department as a coach in four sports. Tom was assistant football coach 1946-65, men's tennis coach 1947-60 (undefeated 8-0 team in 1948), assistant men's basketball coach (1946-48; 1950-52), men's basketball coach (1948-50; 53-61) and men's golf coach 1961-75. He led the golf team to five PSAC Championships, five second place finishes, and three third place endings, plus having a number of quality hoop squads. His dedication to Clarion, along with the impact he had on the lives he touched, make him a natural selection for the Hall of Fame. A native of Parkwood, Pa., and a 1928 graduate of Grove City High, he attended Grove City College and earned three letters in football and track before graduating in 1932. He taught at Falls Creek 1932-35 and coached football, basketball, and softball. From 1935 to 1944 he was supervising principal at Falls Creek, then entered the military in 1944. He was the personnel officer at the Naval Research Laboratory 1944-46 before coming to Clarion.