By: David McFeely, Director of Media Relations
Bolivar, Mo. - Clark Sheehy announces he is stepping down as head coach of the SBU men's basketball team. He has been a collegiate coach for 25 years and been at the helm of the Bearcats for the last nine. Sheehy will remain as Director of Athletics for Southwest Baptist University.
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"Coach Sheehy is a leader who has not only elevated our men's basketball program, but also created a Christ-centered culture of excellence and integrity in the SBU athletics program." SBU President Dr. Rick Melson said, "As he invests fully in his work as athletic director, he brings a commitment to the success and growth of our student-athletes and will undoubtedly continue to transform and propel the SBU athletics program forward. Thank you for your faithful service, Coach!"
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Sheehy has posted an overall 320 wins across his 18 seasons as head coach at Fresno Pacific, John Brown, and SBU. He was voted coach of the year three times, won 20+ games nine times, and qualified for the post season 16 of the 18 seasons as a head coach. During his time at SBU he had an overall record of 138-115 leading the Bearcats. He has led them to eight conference tournament appearances, two GLVC West division titles, a #1 seed in the GLVC conference tournament, and as high as 17
th in the National poll. He has guided the team to three 20-win seasons the past four years, making it the second-best four-year stint in program history.
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Being a coach for as long as he has, Sheehy has mentored and guided 100's of young boys to become great men. In just his nine years here, he has had over 60 Academic All-Conference awards, seven MIAA Academic Excellence awards, two GLVC Council of Presidents Academic Excellence awards, and over 20 athletes graduate from SBU. On the athletic side, he has had over 15 All-Conference honorees (four 1
st-team), a 2018 MIAA freshman of the year, 2022 GLVC player of the year, and numerous players in top-10 in career records.
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"It has been an absolute privilege to be a college coach for 25 years! The relationships and bonds that I've been blessed to have with players, coaches, and families is what makes it such a honor to be called a coach." Sheehy said, "I am excited to shift my passion and energy and enthusiasm to make a positive impact for our student athletes full time and I hope that we can make a positive impact for our department and University! SBU is a special place, and we are fired up for great days ahead! Let's go Bearcats!"
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