Eli Drinkwitz sends condolences to Shawn Clark’s family, reflects on friendship

Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz sent his condolences to Shawn Clark and family after the long time coach passed away this week. Clark coached with Drinkwitz at Appalachian State, was eventually the head coach and most recently coached at UCF as the offensive line coach.

Drinkwitz and Clark had a close relationship. The Tigers’ coach even mentioned their Wednesday night rendezvous to get burgers at Wendy’s, a weekly ritual.

There’s no doubt Clark touched many positively as a coach and positive figure. Count Drinkwitz among those who will miss him deeply.

“I want to say that I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Shawn Clark, coach at UCF, a friend of mine, really have a heavy heart for … his wife and kids,” Drinkwitz said. “I know his players loved him. I know UCF is going through it right now. I know how good of a coach he was. You know, when I first got to App State, we don’t have that type of season without Shawn Clark really being the glue that held us together, bridging our culture with the championship culture that they had already established, and really being able to bridge that together. 

“We were great friends. I’ll miss the walks that we had and the phone calls we had. I’ll never sit around another fireside Bible study that we do on Wednesday night and I think about Shawn. And double cheese from Wendy’s, we had every Wednesday night. I still have one every Wednesday night and think about him … The world lost a really good person and great football coach.”

On September 10th, it was reported Clark experienced a “medical emergency,” but was in stable care. It was unclear what the issue was at the time.

Before being hired at UCF, Clark served a successful tenure as head coach at Appalachian State for five seasons. There, he compiled a 40-24 record, the high-point being a 10-win season in 2021.

App State is Clark’s alma mater, where he was a two-time All American during his playing days, as well as a three-time all-conference selection as an offensive lineman. He enjoyed success while playing for the Mountaineers as well, posting a 45-16 overall record during his time wearing the the uniform.

While his time coaching App State came to an end last season, Clark expressed his excitement to join the UCF football program. It’s was first stint with the program.

Before App State, Clark coached at Louisville, Eastern Kentucky, Purdue and Kent State. He had over two decades of college football coaching experience under his belt.