Induction Sport Role

2016 Track | Cross Country Coach

Dave Clegg was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. He ran track for Akron North and went on to run track and cross country for the University of Akron. Dave started his coaching career at Alliance High School. He coached track for 23 years and started the first cross country team which he coached for 17 years. His Alliance Cross Country teams finished in the top ten at the State Meet three times and won State Titles in 1976 and 1984. Dave then coached for 9 years at Hoover High School. After he became a Viking, Dave turned the Hoover track and cross country teams into respected and successful programs. His cross country teams finished in the top 5 at the State Meet in each of the last five years he coached. Dave coaches several athletes to individual State Titles in track and field. During his coaching career Dave was names Stark County Coach of the Year in track and cross country 10 times. He was inducted into the State Track and Cross Country Hall of Fame. He was named the OATCC Career State Coach of the Year for Boys Cross Country. During his career, Dave coached 12 individual State Champions. He also coached countless All-State performers.

Coach Clegg lost his battle with cancer in 2002 at a very young age of 56. He initially started hosting the Hoover Cross Country Invitational held annually at North Canton while he was coaching. The invitational was later renamed "The Dave Clegg Invitational" in his memory to recognize his tireless commitment to the development of all runners as athletes and individuals. Dave's widow, Judy Clegg, will accept his award.