Owatonna Coach Earns Minnesota Special Olympics State Award

Longtime Owatonna Area Special Olympics coach Scott Clark was an award winner Saturday at the Minnesota Special Olympics Distinguished Service Awards program.

Clark was named the Outstanding Coach award winner on a night that recognized coaches, volunteers, sponsors and athletes. Clark has three sons in the program and coaches several sports. His wife also coaches.

Clark has been the head coach for basketball, softball and bowling through the years and an assistant in flag football and poly hockey. Owatonna athlete Peter Broin introduced him, saying that Clark likes to win but the most important thing is playing. That and making sure everyone has a ride home.

Owatonna Area Special Olympics board member Marlys Vierling nominated Clark for the award. In her submission she complimented Clark on his leadership, knowledge of each sport and his patience with athletes. She also stated that he takes time to answer any questions athletes, parents or coaches have.

He and his family help with fundraising events and he serves on the local management team. He even plays on the football team as part of the Unified Sports program that connects Special Olympics athletes with non-Special Olympic athletes on the same team.

The 30th annual Distinguished Services Awards banquet was held at the Pantages Theater in downtown Minneapolis. Fox 9 meteorologist Ian Leonard was the emcee. Broin, along with the other athlete presenters, has gone through the Minnesota Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Program to learn how to speak in public.