Torchy: The Humble Life of a Coaching Legend

The definitive biography of the coaching legend who left his indelible handprint on the lives of his players, students, coaches, and family. With excerpts from Torchy's unpublished manuscript, "I Live by the Scoreboard," son, Bo, traces the steps in his wonderful journey.

TORCHY CLARK is remembered as one of the most successful high school football and basketball coaches in the state of Wisconsin. His prized pupil at Appleton Xavier in both sports was legendary Rocky Bleier who won four Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Today, Torchy's Xavier legacy lives on as the on-campus gym bears his name, the Gene "Torchy" Clark Gym.

In 1969, the Oshkosh, Wisconsin native and former Marquette University basketball player (1947-51), moved his family to Orlando, Florida to start the program at UCF. Torchy's magnificent run of success continued winning five Sunshine State Conference Championships (in eight years) and coaching the Knights to the 1978 NCAA Division II Final Four in Springfield, Missouri winning 24 consecutive games. He amassed a 274-89 record and is the school's all-time leader in wins. Torchy is an inaugural member of UCF's Athletic Hall of Fame (1998).

The devoted husband to Claire and father of five was a man of deep, committed faith. His love for the Lord resonates throughout the chapters. Torchy's humble, down-to-earth, yet intense, demanding work ethic and teaching style created a "culture of excellence" in every program he led.

With detailed research through meaningful and poignant interviews, the iconic figure comes to life. Torchy, who won 82 percent of his games in his career shares his secret to coaching mastery and explains his philosophy of the word "obligation" in a team setting. A champion of the underdog, Torchy Clark was truly a winner on the court, in the classroom, and in the community. Read about this one-of-a-kind, humble coach and the humorous, fascinating, and compelling stories of his enduring legacy. The Torch Will Never Go Out!

"1136890798"
Torchy: The Humble Life of a Coaching Legend

The definitive biography of the coaching legend who left his indelible handprint on the lives of his players, students, coaches, and family. With excerpts from Torchy's unpublished manuscript, "I Live by the Scoreboard," son, Bo, traces the steps in his wonderful journey.

TORCHY CLARK is remembered as one of the most successful high school football and basketball coaches in the state of Wisconsin. His prized pupil at Appleton Xavier in both sports was legendary Rocky Bleier who won four Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Today, Torchy's Xavier legacy lives on as the on-campus gym bears his name, the Gene "Torchy" Clark Gym.

In 1969, the Oshkosh, Wisconsin native and former Marquette University basketball player (1947-51), moved his family to Orlando, Florida to start the program at UCF. Torchy's magnificent run of success continued winning five Sunshine State Conference Championships (in eight years) and coaching the Knights to the 1978 NCAA Division II Final Four in Springfield, Missouri winning 24 consecutive games. He amassed a 274-89 record and is the school's all-time leader in wins. Torchy is an inaugural member of UCF's Athletic Hall of Fame (1998).

The devoted husband to Claire and father of five was a man of deep, committed faith. His love for the Lord resonates throughout the chapters. Torchy's humble, down-to-earth, yet intense, demanding work ethic and teaching style created a "culture of excellence" in every program he led.

With detailed research through meaningful and poignant interviews, the iconic figure comes to life. Torchy, who won 82 percent of his games in his career shares his secret to coaching mastery and explains his philosophy of the word "obligation" in a team setting. A champion of the underdog, Torchy Clark was truly a winner on the court, in the classroom, and in the community. Read about this one-of-a-kind, humble coach and the humorous, fascinating, and compelling stories of his enduring legacy. The Torch Will Never Go Out!

32.99 In Stock
Torchy: The Humble Life of a Coaching Legend

Torchy: The Humble Life of a Coaching Legend

by Bo Clark
Torchy: The Humble Life of a Coaching Legend

Torchy: The Humble Life of a Coaching Legend

by Bo Clark

Hardcover

$32.99 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    Qualifies for Free Shipping
  • PICK UP IN STORE
    Check Availability at Nearby Stores

Related collections and offers


Overview

The definitive biography of the coaching legend who left his indelible handprint on the lives of his players, students, coaches, and family. With excerpts from Torchy's unpublished manuscript, "I Live by the Scoreboard," son, Bo, traces the steps in his wonderful journey.

TORCHY CLARK is remembered as one of the most successful high school football and basketball coaches in the state of Wisconsin. His prized pupil at Appleton Xavier in both sports was legendary Rocky Bleier who won four Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Today, Torchy's Xavier legacy lives on as the on-campus gym bears his name, the Gene "Torchy" Clark Gym.

In 1969, the Oshkosh, Wisconsin native and former Marquette University basketball player (1947-51), moved his family to Orlando, Florida to start the program at UCF. Torchy's magnificent run of success continued winning five Sunshine State Conference Championships (in eight years) and coaching the Knights to the 1978 NCAA Division II Final Four in Springfield, Missouri winning 24 consecutive games. He amassed a 274-89 record and is the school's all-time leader in wins. Torchy is an inaugural member of UCF's Athletic Hall of Fame (1998).

The devoted husband to Claire and father of five was a man of deep, committed faith. His love for the Lord resonates throughout the chapters. Torchy's humble, down-to-earth, yet intense, demanding work ethic and teaching style created a "culture of excellence" in every program he led.

With detailed research through meaningful and poignant interviews, the iconic figure comes to life. Torchy, who won 82 percent of his games in his career shares his secret to coaching mastery and explains his philosophy of the word "obligation" in a team setting. A champion of the underdog, Torchy Clark was truly a winner on the court, in the classroom, and in the community. Read about this one-of-a-kind, humble coach and the humorous, fascinating, and compelling stories of his enduring legacy. The Torch Will Never Go Out!


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781732974609
Publisher: James P. Clark
Publication date: 04/16/2020
Pages: 356
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.94(d)

About the Author

Bo Clark was the head basketball coach at NCAA Division II Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, for 31 years. Torchy and Claire Clark's third son was a UCF basketball All-American and a 1980 graduate. He also earned master's degrees from both UCF and the United States Sports Academy. Clark currently directs summer youth basketball camps in Florida and resides in St. Augustine with his wife Nancy. They are the proud parents of three sons, JP, David (Charlsea), and Matt (Alexandra).
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews