More Than the Greatest Coach Ever

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Legendary hoop coach and educator John Clark, in front of the old Peterborough High School

Conval High’s outstanding hoop heritage has been sustained through the decades thanks in large part to several outstanding coaches who have made their mark on teams, players, and the game they love. Perhaps the most noteworthy of them all has been John Clark, who led Peterborough High School to four state titles in 1931, 1932, 1936 and 1941.

But “Mr. Clark,” as he was respectfully known by many students and players, was more than a great coach. He invested in students’ education by serving in the classroom and later as principal, and was invested in the game of basketball by being a leader in promoting girls’ and boys’ basketball in New Hampshire, and was a pioneer in developing quality officiating.

Born in Scotland, Mr. Clark starred at Manchester Central where he set an early state tournament record with 44 points in three games. Later, he was a three-sport standout at UNH before coming to Peterborough in 1930 where he coached all sports and taught social studies and physical education. He was also a longtime basketball referee and head of the NH Coaches Association and NH Basketball Association. In the 1930s, he directed the girls’ state tournament that was held at the Peterborough Town House, and was named first pre-NHIAA director of the boys’ state tournament in 1948. During his days in Peterborough, Coach Clark somehow found time to be director at Adams Playground, coach and manage amateur basketball and baseball, and form the Peterborough Boys Club.

When he retired as principal of PHS in 1967, however, John Clark was most known for caring about and investing in his students, whether they played sports or not. He cherished numerous letters from students and players alike over the years that expressed appreciation for caring about them and making a difference in their lives. Mr. Clark’s motto was “My door is always open,” and many students and athletes over the years did just that.


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