Fontbonne Hires New Cross Country/Track & Field Coach

ST. LOUIS - The Fontbonne University athletic department is pleased to announce its has hired Belfred Clark as its new head men's and women's cross country and track and field coach.

"We are delighted to welcome Coach Clark to the Fontbonne community. He brings extensive knowledge of Cross Country and Track and Field from years of coaching at various levels and competing at the highest level while at the University of Tennessee," Fontbonne University Athletic Director Maria Eftink said. "His passion for the sport and for helping Fontbonne student-athletes to better themselves in sport and life has been inspiring. We are excited for the future of Fontbonne Cross Country and Track and Field with Coach Clark at the helm."

Clark comes to Fontbonne with a vast history of collegiate, high school and track club coaching experience. Prior to Fontbonne, Clark has served as an assistant coach at St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley, Washington University and Harris-Stowe College. His high school coaching experience includes eight years at East St. Louis Senior High School and at his alma mater John Marshall High School in Cleveland, Ohio. Clark's background also includes coaching experience with local track clubs in Ohio and Texas and currently with the Speedway Track Club in the St. Louis area. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Illinois Track Cross Country Association-South.

"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to coach at Fontbonne and continue its tradition of success in the cross country and track and field programs," Clark said. "I'm excited to work with such committed and dedicated student-athletes, and I look forward to helping our athletics program expand."

In college, Clark excelled as a hurdler and relays participant at the University of Tennessee. He was the SEC Champion in the 400 hurdles in 1986 and the SEC Runner-up in 1985 and 1987. In 1985, Clark was an NCAA All-American.

In 1984, Clark participated in the Olympic Trials and as the National Jr. Champion that year set the still standing Univ. of Tennessee freshman 400IH record. During that same year, he was a member of the current freshman record mile relay at Univ. of Tennessee. He brings a wealth of knowledge and a nationwide network of supporters to Fontbonne.

Courtesy Fontbonne University sports information