Clark takes over Barton Women’s Basketball program

At the monthly board meeting held Tuesday, the Barton Community College Board of Trustees approved the hiring of Alan Clark to take over the Women's Basketball program.  An assistant coach for the Lady Cougars the past four seasons, Clark takes the reigns of the program following the resignation of Trevor Rolfs from the position to concentrate fully on his Athletic Director responsibilities.

"I look forward to great things coming for our women's basketball program under the leadership of Alan Clark," said Rolfs. "A man of tremendous integrity, great work ethic, and a strong desire to win make him an outstanding choice for the position."

A Barton alumn, Clark joined the coaching staff in 2012 as an assistant for three years under Carter Kruger before last season's assistant duties to Rolfs.

"Ultimately, Coach Clark will bring much needed stability back to our women's program," added Rolfs.

Clark arrived to Barton after three successful seasons leading the Otis-Bison High School boys' basketball team.  Guiding the Cougars to two state tournaments, Clark's final year produced the school's highest ever finish with a state runner-up season after finishing third the year prior.  

Coaching at various levels of basketball throughout his career, Clark has coached many teams throughout the central Kansas region.  From AAU basketball to crossing lines to AAU  baseball where Clark helped develop nine of his eleven players into college scholarships as well as one Major League draftee. 

A 1978 Barton graduate, Clark played point guard leading the Cougars to their first ever Jayhawk West Conference title and Region 6 runner-up finish with a 27-3 overall mark in the 76-77 season. Clark held the Barton assist record for thirteen years and can still be found in the top eight historically thirty-six years later in assists per game, assists in a season, and free throw percentage.

After graduating from Barton, Clark went on to Midland College in Fremont, Nebraska.  Clark helped lead the team in an amazing turnaround from a dismal two win season the year before his arrival to a post season playoff team in his first year donning the Midland uniform. 

After college Clark became a well-known local businessman, as well as, a respected basketball official working numerous high school State Championship, collegiate Region VI and National tournament games. Clark has also enjoyed seeing two of his sons attend Barton playing on both the basketball and baseball teams.