For 25 years I have lived in one of the quiet neighborhoods that surround Alvernia University. Even though I live only four blocks from the campus, I often have had difficulty giving directions to the campus. The most popular tee shirt sold in the book store for many years has been, “Alvernia Football, Undefeated Since 1958.”Making light of the fact that the school has not had a football team since it’s founding in 1958. Not being able to find Alvernia U. and not having a football team are coming to an end rather quickly. Last fall The university announced a major east campus expansion and that Alvernia would field a NCAA Division III football team beginning in 2018.
Ralph Clark was chosen as the inaugural Head Coach. A search committee sorted through over 300 applicants for a two month period before announcing Coach Clark as their choice on January 6th . “Coach Clark will be a fine representative of the university both here in Reading and throughout the region,” said Alvernia President Dr. Thomas Flynn at Coach Clarks introductory press Conference. Athletic Director Bill Stiles said, “his (Coach Clark) experience recruiting in PA and the Mid-atlantic region was a real positive to the committee.” Coach Clark has over 19 years of coaching experience, most recently as the as the Defensive and Recruiting Coordinator at Seton Hill University. Coach Clark’s experience includes being a high school head coach and a Defensive Coordinator at the NCAA Division 1 FCS, DII and DIII levels.
The “family component” at Alvernia was a big factor in Coach Clark coming to The Crusaders. Coach Clark plans on telling recruits that they are not just joining a football program, they will be joining a family at Alvernia. Coach Clark also plans on stressing that being part of an inaugural football program is being a part of history. He will also show that the university expansion and establishment of the football program demonstrates Alvernia’s commitment to “Athletic as well as Academic excellence.” Coach Clark has already visited many of the high schools in the area and recruiting and campus visits began last week. Coach Clark plans to carry 90 to 115 players from southeast PA, NJ, MD, DE and from his home area of Washington D.C.
Alvernia will play in the Middle Atlantic Conference. The “MAC” is comprised of Alvernia’s cross town rival Albright, Stevenson, Delaware Valley, Widener, King’s, Lebanon Valley, Wilkes, Lycoming, FDU-Florham and Misericordia. Due to the rotation of league schedules, the earliest Alvernia and Albright would play in football would be 2020. Reading has some great rivalry sporting events. But once these two lock horns in football, watch out.
One Response
Great article and why not, Alvernia fits right in with the MAC schools and will only make for one heck of a rivalry with Albright College. They can also have cross conference games w/ Landmark Conf teams as well (Moravian, Susquehanna, Getty, Muhl, etc..)