WEST VIRGINIA SHOWS SUPPORT OF THE 61 INITIATIVE
October 01, 2026 03:18 PM | Football
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia Football is joining college programs from around the nation and publicly honoring former Appalachian State coach Shawn Clark by showing support for the 61 Initiative and the Shawn Clark Legacy Foundation.
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The Foundation and its 61 Initiative are named after former college football coach Shawn Clark, who was hospitalized after a medical emergency and sadly passed away just more than a week later in September 2025, at the young age of 50. Clark served in the coaching profession for more than two decades, holding the head coach position at his alma mater, Appalachian State (2020-24).
"One of the top priorities of WVU football is to be aware of and invested in the health and well-being of each member of our entire program," Rich Rodriguez said. "West Virginia Football is honored to partner with the Shawn Clark Legacy Foundation and its 61 initiative and will work to create the national attention it deserves."
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The Shawn Clark Legacy Foundation's mission is to prioritize and improve the physical and mental health of the coaching community through awareness, prevention and support. The Clark family established the foundation in Coach Clark's honor and have traveled across the United States to speak with coaches and administrators about improving institutional awareness around the importance of physical and mental health in the profession.
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The Foundation and its 61 Initiative are named after former college football coach Shawn Clark, who was hospitalized after a medical emergency and sadly passed away just more than a week later in September 2025, at the young age of 50. Clark served in the coaching profession for more than two decades, holding the head coach position at his alma mater, Appalachian State (2020-24).
"One of the top priorities of WVU football is to be aware of and invested in the health and well-being of each member of our entire program," Rich Rodriguez said. "West Virginia Football is honored to partner with the Shawn Clark Legacy Foundation and its 61 initiative and will work to create the national attention it deserves."
Â
The Shawn Clark Legacy Foundation's mission is to prioritize and improve the physical and mental health of the coaching community through awareness, prevention and support. The Clark family established the foundation in Coach Clark's honor and have traveled across the United States to speak with coaches and administrators about improving institutional awareness around the importance of physical and mental health in the profession.
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