Maynard E. Clark

Maynard got me into college. He was a great track recruiter; and was sincerely interested in me as a runner & person to come and join his program which made us a top U.S. junior college track team! He created a fun environment couched with hard work, whether with him or on your own. He was HOF worthy!

While at FMCC I took classes from Maynard whenever they fit into my schedule. Archery, canoeing, camping, were not as impressive sounding as the statistics, and physics classes I took, but I learned more as far as life skills. I remember out first canoe trip, my partner and I were both lifeguards, with canoe experience and Maynard was worried about some of the novice canoe teams. He made us hang back and watch the newbies, he told us if everyone arrived safely we would get an A. They did and we got our A, bottom line he cared about his students. The lessons he taught about team work, hard work, responsibility etc did not come from a book, they came from his heart. I had not seen Maynard in 38 years, but was talking about him with a former student last month. As I read the comments, I was happy to see an entry from my other favorite teacher Jonas Kovar. They were both unique instructors. Thank you for sharing Maynard with us.
Bernie Kirk FMCC class of 78

Maynard recruited me for the Track team and got me into college at SUNY Cobleskill. He was an excellent recruiter of talent, and a coach who wanted to win - and only athletes who did the same. A pioneer in bringing black athletes to Cobleskill and melding our team. I can smile at all the funny things he did - and helped me personally.
-Daniel Buddie (Cazenovia, NY; XC & Track '69

Maynard was a popular classmate of mine and graduated with me in the GHS Class of 1951. I was also in the Yellow Jackets with Maynard, and it was such a joyable time in our livss. I was so glad to see Maynard and Jeannie at one of our class reunions several years ago.

My condolences to Jeannie and the family on the loss of a great guy. God bless his soul.

My name is Jonas Kover. I came to teach at FMCC in l969. My teaching load was History classes and I didn't have a close friendship with Maynard, however when I began teaching the forestry classes and later the ice fishing classes during the winter term, Maynard and I became good friends.Our love of the outdoors was a strong bond that remained until Maynard retired in l993. Maynard was an excellent instructor. His classes were always full to capacity. He was both respected and loved by his students. The college was a better institution because of MAYNARD. IN FACT, I MADE TIME TO ACCOMPANY MAYNARD AND HIS CLASS ON BOTH CANOEING AND HIKING trips. THEY WERE BOTH EXCITING AND VERY EDUCATIONAL. IT CERTAINLY PROVED THAT ALL EDUCATION DOESN'T COME ONLY FROM BOOKS.

My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. We have lost a good man.
Rest in Peace Maynard.

A very sad day. Maynard Clark was the best coach I ever had (and I had many). He put me through some brutal workout sessions as a high-school middle-distance runner in the 1980s, but more than that he made me believe in myself like no one else in my life ever had. He taught me that you get out of something what you put into it, and he was always in my ear telling me I could do things that seemed out of my reach. And then I did them. He made me a better person. He swore like a sailor, he smoked unfiltered Chesterfields, he used a stopwatch from the 1960s, he was a hall of famer ... and he was one of the best things that ever happened to me. Rest in peace, Coach. I'm going to need a recovery lap.

As the current cross country coach at SUNY Cobleskill I am greatly saddened by Coach Clark's passing. The man was a force of nature who helped many young men become better athletes and people because of their working together. He was always kind to me and spoke highly of the program under my direction to his former athletes. I will miss him. God bless you coach and when we meet at that final finish line I look forward to good scotch and entertaining conversation.