Chowan University Athletics

Herman Alfred Clark was Chowan’s first All-American football player and made his name on the gridiron and in the coaching ranks in Virginia and the Carolinas. His passing skills led Fork Union to the state military schools football championship in 1950. Clark was an all-around athlete, lettering in football, baseball, and basketball. However, it was football in which he made a name for himself.

Clark’s gridiron exploits were a continuation of his love affair with football that spanned five schools and the U.S. Army. After playing high school football in his hometown of Victoria, Va., Clark played for two years at Fork Union Military Academy. At Fork Union, he was named All-State for military schools and passed for 20 touchdowns each year. The team captain of 1950 was named All-State both years at FUMA. As the leader of the Blue Devils, Clark lost just one game in two seasons, while throwing 20 touchdown passes. He went on to win the Orchid Bowl after his senior season.

Clark played one year of freshman football at the University of Richmond, then transferred to Chowan Junior College where he became the school's first All-American in 1955. Clark quarterbacked the Braves to an 8-1 record in 1955 including two bowl victories.

Clark returned to Chowan as an assistant coach for one year, then went on his own. During his 10-year stint as head coach at Murfreesboro (NC) High School, he never endured a losing campaign. He was named the State's Coach of the Year in 1972, and coached the "East" Squad in the North Carolina East-West Shrine Game. Clark also coached at Scotland Neck (NC) High School for five seasons. 

Clark passed away in March of 2017.