Terry Clarke Elmhurst, Illinois Death – The passing of Coach Terry Clarke, a beloved educator and coach in Elmhurst, Illinois, has left a profound impact on the community. For over four decades, Clarke dedicated his life to teaching and coaching, profoundly influencing countless students and athletes.
Born and raised in Taylorville, Illinois, Terry Clarke graduated from Taylorville High School in 1976. During his high school years, he was a multi-sport athlete, earning varsity letters in football, wrestling, track, and golf. His leadership qualities were evident early on, serving as vice president of his class and team captain in both football and wrestling. Beyond athletics, he was an active member of the band, student council, and Key Club.
Clarke continued his education at Elmhurst College, where he earned three varsity letters in wrestling. In 1980, he began his teaching and coaching career at York High School in Elmhurst. That same year, he founded the Elmhurst Jr. Dukes Wrestling Club, fostering youth engagement in the sport. His commitment to wrestling extended beyond the school, as he became involved with the Illinois Wrestling Federation and the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation, leading York High School to host 20 combined tournaments.
As an assistant wrestling coach from 1980 to 1989, Clarke played a pivotal role in developing four All-State wrestlers and six state qualifiers. His dedication was recognized in 1988 when he was nominated for Assistant Coach of the Year. In 1990, he became the head wrestling coach at York High School, a position he held for over two decades.
Under his leadership, the wrestling team achieved 372 dual meet victories, produced two individual IHSA state runners-up, five other All-State place-winners, 23 state final qualifiers, and two Scholastic Wrestlers of the Year. His teams won three West Suburban Silver Conference titles, eight regional championships, and two sectional runner-ups. Additionally, his teams secured 33 tournament championships.
Clarke also served as an IHSA Regional Wrestling Representative for 18 years and was a founding member of the West Suburban Summer Wrestling League. He was twice nominated for Coach of the Year. Beyond wrestling, Clarke served as the Department Chair of Physical Education, Health, and Driver Education at York High School, where he also coached football for 30 years and previously coached women’s track and field and baseball.
While Clarke’s coaching achievements are impressive, it was his role as a mentor that truly defined his legacy. He was known for his integrity, humility, and dedication to developing young men and women of character. One poignant story shared by a former student-athlete illustrates this:
“After losing in the state finals, I threw my headgear in frustration. Coach Clarke stopped me, made me pick it up, and said, ‘You’re allowed to be mad, but you’re going to be a class act.’ That moment stayed with me, and he continued to guide me for over 15 years.”
This story reflects Clarke’s ability to use sports as a platform for teaching life lessons, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship, resilience, and personal growth.
Clarke’s influence extended beyond the wrestling mat and classroom. He was a pillar of the Elmhurst community, known for his involvement in various local initiatives and his unwavering support for his students and athletes. His dedication to education and coaching earned him a place in the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association (IWCOA) Hall of Fame.
As the community mourns his passing, it also celebrates the enduring legacy of Coach Terry Clarke. His commitment to excellence, mentorship, and character development has left an indelible mark on Elmhurst and beyond. His lessons continue to resonate with those he mentored, serving as a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many.