SAN JOSE, Calif. - Ernie Clark is joining San José State as an assistant coach for the Spartan track and field program, director of track & field and cross country Charles Ryan announced on Wednesday.
"I have been an admirer of the exceptional work Coach Clark has been doing at Ashland for years," says Ryan. "I believe he has the potential to be a star in coaching. I spent many years in the Division II world and I know what that grind is like and Ernie is exactly who we need in this role. We landed our first star recruit with this hire and I want to thank our administrative team, Director of Athletics Jeff Konya, Blake Sasaki and Mary Quintanar who have all been incredible in helping me navigate this process."
- Clark is a four-time USTFCCA National Assistant Coach of the Year award winner (2017-18 outdoor, 2019-20 outdoor, both indoor and outdoor in 2020-21).
- He arrives in San José from Ashland, where he has served as the associate head track & field coach (specializing in sprints, relays and hurdles) since 2015.
- The Eagles soared to three NCAA 4x400m national titles under Clark's guidance. The team's top winning time clocked in at 3:06.12.
- The coach's last Division I experience came at Indiana from 2014 to 2015. Clark assisted in the development of both Big Ten and NCAA Regional qualifiers while with the Hoosiers.
- Clark has coached six USA/Olympic Trials Championship qualifiers, three USTFCCCA National Athletes of the Year and two athletes ranked in the top-10 in the world.
- A graduate of Indianapolis, Clark was a two-time DII national provisional qualifier in the 400 hurdles. He also earned Freshman of the Year honors from the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
"I am honored to join such an esteemed program at Speed City," Clark says. "I would like to thank Coach Ryan and the entire athletics administration for this incredible opportunity. I look forward to working alongside Coach Ryan and our student athletes to develop the highest levels of success both on and off the track. Let's get to work."
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