North Gaston football coach, alum Justin Clark steps down

The coaching carousel has spun once again at North Gaston High School.

A little more than two years after accepting the job at his alma mater, Justin Clark is stepping down as the Wildcats’ head football coach.  

"Ultimately, my goal as a young player and coach was to coach at the highest level possible. And while I was able to turn down some opportunities earlier in my career, there are only so many times you can turn them down," he said. "This was one of those I couldn't turn down. I'm excited about this and excited about the season me and my family are stepping into."

He spent two seasons (2020-21) at the school, North Gaston going 1-16 during the span. The ninth coach at the school, Clark followed in the footsteps of his late father Bruce, the Wildcats’ all-time leader in wins with 44 during his eight seasons at the helm (2000-07).

Clark also served stints in various capacities at schools throughout the Southeast, including North Henderson in North Carolina, South Carolina’s Boiling Springs and Gaffney, as well as Northview High in Johns Creek, Georgia.

Prior to making a splash in the coaching ranks, Clark was a product of the North Gaston football program. His work at the high school level earned him a full ride to Western Carolina, where Clark played three seasons at quarterback between 2002 and 2006.

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He announced his plans Friday afternoon with a letter to North Gaston staff, administration, members of “Wildcat Nation” and most notably, his players.

“There is never an easy way to say goodbye. Instead, I will say thank you!,” Clark said. “To the NoGa administration: Thank you for allowing me to come home and become the elader of this football program. This was something that I dreamt of as a player here at NoGa and as I continued my career as a coach. We love this community and school, this is a special place where people and family truly care and are there to support each other.

“To my staff: Thank you for pouring into these young men and building these guys into men of character. I appreciate the countless hours that you and your families took away from each other and devoted it to this program. Thank you for taking this journey with me.

“To my players: Thank you for allowing me to be part of your life. You have no idea the love I have for each and every one of you. You are a special group of young men and I am extremely proud of how far you all have matured and began to love one another. You have so much to be proud of and the things you have accomplished. I will always treasure the times we had here at NoGa together and I would not be where I am as a man or coach without each and every one of you! 

“Thank you for becoming big brothers to my little girls and becoming sons to my wife and I. Continue to build what we have started, continue to love each other and remember you can do and be whatever you want to be as long as you set your focus and surround yourself with people that pour into you.

“I tell our young men to DREAM and when dreaming, DREAM BIG! An opportunity has presented itself for myself and my family that allows me to fulfill a lifelong dream of mine. I look forward to the next season God has placed before my family and I. 

“I wish nothing but success for each and everyone in the future.”

You can reach Joe Hughes at 704-914-8138, email jhughes@gastongazette.com and follow on Twitter @JoeLHughesII.