Nov. 8, 2005
ORLANDO - The UCF men's basketball program will honor a former coaching great at halftime of its Nov. 18 game with Rollins when the UCF Arena floor is renamed "Torchy Clark Court." Eugene "Torchy" Clark, who served as the first head coach in UCF history, guided the Golden Knights from 1969-83 and still resides in the Orlando area.
Tip-off for the Rollins game is slated for 8 p.m.
During his 14 seasons at UCF, the Golden Knights posted a 274-89 (.754) mark and the program became a state and national power at the Division II level, making six NCAA Tournament appearances.
"This is a well deserved honor for Torchy Clark," said UCF director of athletics Steve Orsini. "He embodies the spirit and tradition of UCF basketball. Torchy was responsible for starting the program and truly put the school on the college basketball map. He has always been passionate about the program and about UCF and this is a great way to honor him."
Prior to the game, Clark will be recognized at the new FAIRWINDS Alumni Center from 6-7:30 p.m. The event is free to all UCF Alumni Association members and Golden Knights Club donors. Guests can attend the pre-game event for $5. Fans should call (407) UCF-ALUM for more information on the event.
In 1978, Clark guided UCF to the 1978 Division II Final Four as the team finished the year with a 26-4 record, the best in school history. Under Clark, the Golden Knights won 20 or more games in a year on seven occasions.
His teams won five Sunshine State Conference titles and he earned numerous coach of the year honors. A member of the school's athletics hall of fame, Clark coached his sons Bo and Mike at UCF.
Following his coaching stint, Clark taught at UCF in the College of Education.
2005-06 season tickets are currently on sale. Call (407) UCF-1000 to purchase tickets or for more information.