The Consistency of Clarkston Athletics.

Written Saturday October 3rd at 7:00 PM

Clarkston Athletics

One word to describe them.

Consistency

As Oakland University, Head Coach Greg Kampe often says, "Consistency is the Hallmark of Greatness."

There is no denying that Clarkston has been consistent.

Consistently strong.

In multiple sports, on all three levels.

Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Lacrosse, Baseball, Softball, Track.

Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Freshman.

Both boys and girls.

At present, their football programs, all three levels are currently undefeated. Playing an OAA Red schedule against other strong programs.

Their basketball programs, boys and girls basketball have also been strong in all three levels. Though numbers have impacted their girls program, it is expected that they will field a Freshman/JVB team this season after not having one last season.

Their volleyball program has also been very successful under two legendary coaches Kelly Pinter and later Allison Smith. Clarkston has had a continued consistency in volleyball often competing and winning league championships and having deep runs in the state tournament just like their basketball counterparts. Like basketball, Clarkston Volleyball has also been consistent.

Even their Middle School levels, Clarkston is very consistent posting several successful records throughout football, basketball, volleyball, and track. All of their programs have continued to be successful year in and out.

It's been that way for multiple years, even decades.

That is a testament to both Clarkston's legendary basketball Coach and Athletic Director the late great Dan Fife and also Clarkston's legendary football coach Kurt Richardson. Coach Fife has always put athletics as a high priority in Clarkston and set the bar for all of his athletic programs. In the past, he was the Athletic Director in charge of the baseball committee. Though no longer here, his shadow always lingers at Clarkston. Coach Richardson also continues to be involved in the football program but in a smaller role, more like a mentor figure for both players and coaches. His influence is still felt on the football program to this day. Current football coaches Justin Pintar and boys basketball coach Tim Wasilk have continued their respective legacies in football and basketball respectively. In volleyball, the credit should go to Pinter and Smith. Both of whom have continued to build their program into what it is today. Smith has also overcome cancer as well. It is also a credit to Clarkston's coaches who have put in the work and dedication to help improve their kids and prepare them for the next level.

There doesn't seem to be a let up, there is a lot of participation from students starting in the Youth Levels to the Fife Basketball Camps. Volleyball camps and others. Many students also participate in travel leagues though there seems to be a bigger emphasis on multi-sport athletes. That was something they lacked over the years until recently.

If Clarkston keeps being consistent. Good things will continue to happen for them.