By Steve Svetovich
Dunmore soccer midfielder Tommy Clark not only led the league in goals with 45, but was selected All-State, All Regional and Lackawanna League Player of the Year.
Son of Tom and Molly Clark, Dunmore, he also is a Lackawanna League Coaches’ first-team all-star selection.
He was among the league leaders with 16 assists and totaled 106 total points.
Tommy is also a member of the Dunmore cross country and track and field teams.
His dad is his soccer coach at Dunmore.
“Playing for my dad is not always easy,” he said. “We have our struggles. But he always makes sure I have a very strong attitude and work ethic. He is a great coach for our team and believes in team unity.
“My dad is very good at what he does. He makes sure everyone is close together as a team. We have a lot of success because of our high work ethic at practice. He makes sure of that. He brings us close together. We even have meals at each other’s houses. There is a lot of team unity and cohesiveness.”
The junior scholar-athlete has a highly impressive 3.9 academic average at Dunmore. His best subject is Math.
He now has 89 career goals and 45 assists.
He talked about what it takes to excel as a student-athlete.
“You need good study habits. You need to study hard and have school street smarts.
“You don’t wait until the season starts to start training for your sport. You need focus, determination and keeping your head straight. There should be no distractions.”
The hard working midfielder said both his parents teach him a lot.
“They tell me to stay humble throughout any success. They tell me school matters the most.”
The junior soccer stalwart has high aspirations for the future. “I want to play Division I soccer in college,” he said. “I want to come out of college with a good education and job. I might want to move out of the area after college.”
Tommy said he enjoys listening to music in his spare time and would like to see The Beastie Boys in concert.
“They are an older group, but I like them a lot.”
The talented junior said he likes the closeness of Dunmore High School.
“I like it a lot,” he said. “The teachers are always around for you. There is a close connection to the teachers and staff.
“All of that just makes you better.”