Many individuals might not see similarities between enjoying soccer and serving in the US Armed Forces, however Lieutenant Common Richard Clark sees many widespread bonds between the 2.
“I tell people that I learned as much about leadership on the gridiron as I did with all the military training,” Clark defined. “I think they go hand-in-hand. You learn a lot about yourself and about teamwork. You learn a lot about things you have to employ later, especially in the military.”
Clark shares these observations from expertise. The Superintendent of the Air Drive Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado grew up enjoying soccer in Richmond, Virginia, and he performed it properly, incomes all-state honors and making all of it the best way as much as the school degree enjoying for the Academy. Even after struggling a knee damage and having to change from linebacker to nostril guard, he thrived. What many noticed as a type of adversity, he managed to show into a possibility.
“That was a big switch from linebacker, but I learned to love that position and had some success as well.”
Clark credited soccer for serving to him develop his psychological power, which turned an enormous asset for him as he dedicated to a full-time profession within the army after graduating in 1986. He would see motion in three totally different conflicts – the Gulf Warfare, the Warfare in Afghanistan, and the Iraq Warfare. All through his profession, he would obtain quite a few honors, together with three Distinguished Service Medals and two Bronze Stars, amongst others. He’s most pleased with being alongside the folks he served with. One second that stands out in his reminiscence is main a squadron of B-1 Aviators into fight as a part of a profitable mission whereas commanding the 34th Bomb Squadron. He was the commander, however he additionally noticed himself as a coach of a soccer group would.
Clark recalled, “It was so much like being on an athletic team. We all trained, practiced, and prepared ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally for what was about to happen. I leaned on a lot of lessons that I learned in football in that experience.”
In 2020, President Donald Trump nominated Clark to succeed Jay Silveria because the Superintendent of the Academy, and he started working in that function on Sept. 23, 2020. He was the primary black superintendent within the historical past of the establishment.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate,” he stated humbly. “I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would ever be Superintendent, but it is a privilege to be here and help develop our future leaders of character.”
After all of the years of defending freedom on the battlefield and altering lives for the higher as Superintendent, Clark’s army profession is nearing the end line. His final day of lively obligation comes on Could 31st, however he received’t be settling down into retirement. On June 1st, he’ll take the helm because the Govt Director of the Faculty Soccer Playoff. This transition into his different main ardour will include challenges, however that’s not new to him. He’ll succeed Invoice Hancock, who has served the game properly, however Clark embraces the chance to make a distinction and positively influence the game in a brand new approach.
“The primary element of the job description is selecting the top teams in college football for that year and put them on the field in a playoff format that allows us to play through and determine who the number one team is,” he shared. A giant portion of the job may also contain working with schools, coaches, commissioners of conferences, and different folks that may serve vital roles within the course of. Even with the challenges that include the function, he feels the tip outcome will probably be a playoff that People could be pleased with.
“When you really boil down to it, it is about student athlete success, see where that success leads to, and be proud of it.”
Clark will see many younger males take the sector with hopes of elevating a nationwide championship trophy, however he hopes many different younger women and men will embrace the alternatives that include service. He has skilled the advantages that include the army firsthand, and he has seen others profit from it as Superintendent. He’s optimistic about what is feasible for these of the following era that benefit from these alternatives.
“I get to hand the baton off to these young men and women that are going to lead our country. They are remarkable young people, so talented, passionate, patriotic, and motivated. They are everything you would want not just in a military member but as a human being.”
The 2024 faculty soccer season kicks off in August, with the season’s playoffs happening in December and January. The Nationwide Championship recreation will happen on Jan. 20, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
For extra info on the Academy, go to https://www.usafa.edu.