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Coach Jason Clarke Honored by Annapolis TD Club
Millersville coach dedicated to kids, sports
By BRIAN BURDEN For The Capital
In just a few short years, former West Pasadena Charger product and Chesapeake High School graduate Jason Clarke has established himself as the epitome of what a youth league coach should be.
On Feb. 16, Clarke, a coach with the Millersville Wolverines Youth Athletic Association, will be recognized for his efforts both on and off the gridiron by the Touchdown Club of Annapolis. He is this year's recipient of the Vince DePasquale Award, given annually to a coach for dedication and exemplary service to the Anne Arundel Youth Football Association.
Clarke's teams have certainly gotten the job done. With a squad he's taken from 75 through 130 pounds, Clarke has won three straight county championships, five consecutive conference championships and four divisional championships. His teams have gone a combined 63-15 over this seven-year span, including 55-4 over the past five seasons.
"He has led those boys since they were 6 and, throughout this time, he has been a great mentor who has provided the type of leadership you want the kids to have," said Raymond Connor, Commissioner of the MWYAA.
Clarke played wingback and quarterback in Chesapeake's Wing-T offense before graduating in 1988. After a couple of years in college, he joined the Coast Guard, serving for 10 years. He is currently employed by the Department of Treasury, with the IRS, yet he still makes the time to coach Millersville's 130 pounders, serve as the organization's president and participate on AAYFA's council.
"I first came on board when Ed and Mike Clay founded the Millersville organization, and it has been a privilege to see it go from an experiment to where it is now,"Clarke said.People around the county and state have lauded the discipline and organization Clarke instills.
Sixteen of 22 players from Clarke's 2004 team made their school's honor roll, while 13 of 25 did so this past year. "With Jason, you are talking about someone who does all the right things for his organization," said AAYFA Commissioner Rick Peacock. "Jason monitors kids academically and makes sure that they are shadowing potential high schools. He is cut from the same cloth as past award winners."
This is not the first time Clarke has been recognized for his efforts.
In 2003, he was the recipient of the Baltimore Touchdown Club's Youth Coach-of-the-Year Award. While he felt honored then as well, he does understand that this upcoming award recognizes more than just his accomplishments on the field.
"I have put in a lot of time into the teams, the organization and the county. I have gone to and spoken at clinics around the region and worked as hard as I can to bring football to the forefront of the county," Clarke said.
As with any coach who devotes so much time to a sport, Clarke's greatest sacrifices involve his family, where he says his wife is basically a 'widow' during the season. "My wife and family support me through everything," Clarke said. "I have three sons and I am all their's until next season comes around."
The ultimate reward for Clarke comes not in the form of awards and wins, but rather in the development of his players.
"I want my boys to be able to look back and say that 'Coach J. taught me this,' " Clarke said.
"You are teaching kids with no idea of the ins and outs of football. Now, they are coming to me and talking about what plays should be open and what should work there." Despite several overtures from high schools, Clarke will continue to focus his coaching efforts at the youth level. This coming season, he will help out with the 75 pounders. "Initially, I thought there was no way I could be a mentor," Clarke said. "Then I realized, these kids live to be with you and their parents put their trust in you to have their kids spend hours upon hours under your tutelage. It's very humbling."
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