Clarion Athletics

Tippin spent 31 years at Clarion as an athletic director and coach and was one of the most prominent sports figures in Western Pennsylvania from the 1930s until 1966.
 
A native of Clay Center, Kansas, Tippin graduated from Geneva College in 1922 and after short stings at Rochester High School, Meadville High School and Allegheny College, he came to Clarion in 1935 and took over a losing football program.
 
After a 1-12 record in his first two seasons, “Tip” posted a 52-37 slate over his last 13 years of coaching (1935-47, 1952-56) and had an overall record of 53-49-3. His best season may have been the best in Clarion history when he led the Golden Eagles to a 9-0 record in 1952 including a 13-6 Lion’s Bowl victory over East Carolina.
 
Also head basketball coach and golf coach, Tippin served as Clarion’s athletic director from 1935 to 1966 when he retired and was responsible for evolving the intercollegiate scene at Clarion.
 
On Oct. 12, 1968, Clarion’s new gymnasium and natatorium was dedicated in his honor.
 
Tippin, who passed away June 15, 1985, at age 85, had a son, Samuel, and a daughter, Nancy Jane, with his wife, Marjorie.