University of Central Florida Libraries
5/22/2013
http://library.ucf.edu/
Eugene “Torchy” Clark, founder of FTU/UCF basketball died at his home Wednesday, April 24th, 2009 at the age of 80. From now until the end May, UCF Libraries Special Collections & University Archives is displaying scrapbooks, photos and memorabilia featuring Clark during his years with FTU/UCF basketball.
In 1969, Clark founded the then FTU basketball team after 10 years as coach at Xavier High School in Wisconsin. During the following 14 years, Clark led the FTU/UCF Knights to 274 victories, 14 winning seasons, and a trip to the NCAA Division II Final Four. Clark’s contributions to university history also took place in the classroom as a teacher in the College of Education. Given the nickname ‘Torchy’ for his red hair and fiery passion of basketball, Clark’s legacy at UCF will remain a cornerstone to UCF history for many years to come.
