Nov. 11, 2009
By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - When he learned that UCF would be honoring him and his father on Friday when the Knights host Massachusetts, Bo Clark was happy to change his schedule so he could be in attendance at the UCF Arena. Clark, who is currently the head coach at Flagler, gave his team the day off of practice so that he will be there when UCF unveils banners honoring him and his father Torchy inside the new arena.
Clark who was a three-time All-America selection during the late 1970s, will have his No. 23 raised to the UCF Arena rafters. His number has been retired for years, but has not been formally displayed. His father, Torchy, will also have a banner displayed at the arena. Torchy began the UCF program in 1969 and won 274 games in 14 years as the Knights' head coach. He passed away in April at age 80.
"This is a great honor," Bo said. "It is even more special because my dad will be honored at the same time."
Bo scored 2,886 points as a Knight. In 1978-79, he led all Division II players in the country in scoring at 31.6 points per game.
He feels that the banner ceremony is an honor for him and his father, but also for all of the players from the early years of the program.
"I really feel that my number represents all of the players who played during the first 15 years of the program," he said. "It represents the Jerry Prather's, the Calvin Lingelbach's and the Bennie Shaw's. Every jersey number could go up there. It is not just about Bo Clark, it is more about the players who played during the Torchy Clark era. Anyone who saw me play knows that I needed my teammates. This recognition is for them as well."
The halftime recognition for the Clark family is part of a basketball Homecoming weekend at UCF. Head coach Kirk Speraw is inviting all former Knights to attend the game with Massachusetts as part of the school's Homecoming festivities. Tip-off for Friday's contest against the Minutemen is set for 7 p.m.
Season tickets for the 2009-10 campaign, which start at just $79, are currently available by calling (407) UCF-1000 or by visiting UCFAthletics.com.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.