Published: Tuesday, June 3, 2025

By Lindsay McCarthy | Notre Dame Green Pond Athletics

In the storied history of Notre Dame athletics, few student-athletes have ever accomplished what junior Alex Clark has in the past year. A rare four-sport athlete, Clark competes in football, basketball, volleyball, and track & field.

This spring, Clark cemented his legacy on the track with one of the most remarkable postseason performances Notre Dame has ever seen. He became the first male runner in school history to medal in four events at the PIAA State Championships, and over the course of just two days. 

According to Head Track & Field Coach Art Corrigan, who’s spent four decades guiding top athletes, Clark’s run was unlike anything he’s ever seen: 

“Alex Clark's performance in the league championships, district championships, and state championships was probably one of the greatest performances ever in 40 years of my coaching track and field. He was in four events in leagues, districts, and states. That means, to get to a final in each event, he had to run eight races in leagues, districts, and states.” 

“In the league championships, in the finals of the 100, which was his first final of all 12, he pulled up the lane with a cramp in his hamstring. After that, in the leagues and districts, his seven events... he won two gold medals and five silver medals. Then when he went to states... he medaled in four different events. It’s amazing.” 

Clark’s name now sits atop the Notre Dame record board in three events: the 100-meter dash (10.78 seconds), the 200-meter dash (21.97 seconds), and the 4x100-meter relay (43.54 seconds, with teammates Andrew Shupe, Aaron Gordon, and Kalet Wilson). 

His postseason accolades tell the story of a dominant competitor: a District XI Champion in the 200 meters, runner-up in the 100 meters, 4x100 relay, and 4x400 relay. At the Colonial League Championships, he added another 200-meter title and silver medals in both relays. Finally, at the PIAA State Championships, Clark medaled in every event—5th in the 200, 8th in the 100, 8th in the 4x100, and 8th in the 4x400. 

And that was just the spring season. 

In the fall, Clark lit up the football field with his speed and playmaking ability, particularly on special teams. His return game earned him All-State honors, and he was a difference-maker every time he touched the ball. Head Football Coach Philip Stambaugh praised both his athletic gifts and his leadership. 

“Alex Clark is a dynamic athlete whose speed and natural ability consistently stand out on the football field. He’s the type of player who can shift the momentum of a game with one play especially on special teams, where his explosive return ability made a major impact. His performance in the return game last season was outstanding and earned him All-State honors, a recognition that speaks to the game-changing presence he brings every time he’s on the field.” 

“What makes Alex so valuable isn’t just his athleticism, but his coachability and team-first mindset. He’s a multi-sport athlete who has also excelled in track & field, and I couldn’t be more proud of what he’s accomplished there. His success on the track is a direct reflection of his competitive drive. Alex is coachable, humble, and always puts the team’s goals first. He’s a good kid, a great teammate, and someone his peers and coaches truly respect. Balancing multiple sports while consistently showing up with the right attitude speaks volumes about his character. His ceiling is incredibly high, and I’m excited to see all that he’ll continue to achieve both on and off the field.” 

Winter brought another opportunity for Clark to shine. As a member of Notre Dame’s basketball team, he brought the same intensity, hustle, and team-first attitude that define his athletic career. Head Basketball Coach Pat Boyle reflected on what Alex brings to the court. 

“We love having Alex as part of our basketball program. His energy, effort, and great personality bring a lot to the team. His level of athleticism is off the charts, and I love watching him compete in all of his sports.” 

No matter the sport or season, one thing is consistent: Alex Clark competes at the highest level while carrying himself with humility, discipline, and a relentless drive to improve.

Balancing four varsity sports across three seasons is a challenge few would even attempt, but Alex Clark has not only managed it, he’s thrived. His ability to perform at a championship level while maintaining his composure, focus, and team-first mentality sets him apart as one of the most exceptional student-athletes Notre Dame has ever seen. 

As he enters his senior year, the bar is set high, but if his junior season is any indication, Alex Clark is just getting started.