Hattiesburg, MS — The Goshen College athletic department announced Tuesday that head track & field coach Rick Clark and members of his family were involved in a serious automobile accident Friday afternoon on Interstate 59 near Hattiesburg, Mississippi, critically injuring the Leafs’ 11-year program leader.

Clark was en route to New Orleans for a week of vacation with his wife, Jan, his son, Graham and his daughter-in-law, Jenny, when a thunderstorm flooded the interstate they were traveling on. Graham Clark — a six-year assistant track coach at Goshen College — said that the car began to hydroplane, spun backward off the interstate and slammed into a tree.

Graham was able to escape from the accident with minor scrapes and bruises, while his wife was taken to a local hospital for observation and released Sunday. Jan suffered a broken wrist and was released Sunday following surgery. Rick Clark, however, suffered the most severe injuries, fracturing his lower back and arm while suffering both head trauma and a tear in his aorta. Clark was airlifted to Birmingham University Hospital in Alabama where he underwent surgery to repair his aorta Friday. Graham said he is still listed in critical condition.

“This is a devastating accident for the entire Goshen community,” said Ken Pletcher, Goshen College athletics director. “Rick touches Goshen College in a variety of ways. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rick and his family, and we are hopeful that they can return to their home in Goshen as soon as possible.”

Rick Clark has guided the Goshen College track and field program for the last 11 seasons, coaching 18 All-American performances and leading his team to 82 NAIA national events. The teams finished the 2005 spring season with three All-American performances and 16 new school records, while Clark’s recruiting efforts helped land a talented incoming class this fall.

Rick Clark may receive cards only in the intensive care unit. His address is UAB Hospital, North Pavilion - TBICU, 625 19th St. South, Birmingham, AL 53233. Updates on Clark’s condition will be made to this website as they become known.

UPDATE, 8/18/05: Rick Clark has returned to his home in Goshen and is resting comfortably, according to Goshen College athletic department sources. Clark was flown back to Goshen earlier in the week, and now is recuperating at home. Doctors told Clark that a steady diet of rest is the primary agenda. Check back to this website for more details as they become known.

UPDATE, 11/30/05: Rick Clark’s recovery is progressing nicely according to Goshen College athletic department personnel. Clark has since returned to work in the track and field office, preparing for the 2006 season both administratively and in athlete pre-season training. Said Clark, “It’s my plan right now to return to teaching (at Goshen High School) by the second semester. I’m putting some hours in right now at Goshen College, and I’m on the mend. The biggest thing is trying to get my endurance up. I appreciate everyone’s concern and thoughts for both myself and my family. They are very much appreciated.” Check back to this website for continual team news as the 2006 season approaches.