In memorium: Clive Marsh
Today friends and family celebrated the life of Clive Marsh, a much loved friend and coach at Par Track.
Clive was our expert groundsman ensuring the area of Par Track was tidy and the track was kept in top condition. However Clive’s career at Par Track began with Newquay and Par Athletic Club and was one of their longest serving coaches and officials.
Clive started his association with the club in 1985 when he brought his son to be coached and became a parent helper. He progressed to become a coach, team manager, track and field official and club officer. He simply became one of the key members of the club. His hard work and influence is evident throughout the club and at the track. The days away at league meetings with Clive were legendary, full of fun and enthusiasm and always finishing with a gargantuan roast dinner.
As a coach, Clive firstly channelled his talent into throws where both his daughter Kim and a son, Brett, were County and South West level. Kim went on to finish 8th in the English Schools National Discus Final at Nottingham on her 14th birthday. This was before he focused on the Pole Vault and High Jump, enthusiastically reading, watching as many videos as he could on the events and constantly talking to other coaches. That dedication and expertise resulted in him winning the 2006 South West Performance Coach of the Year. He was respected by other coaches up to National level and well known for his broad Cornish accent!
For Clive, it was always about the athlete. He quietly worked with the athletes, never wanting to take the limelight, but just wanting to help them be the best they could be as an athlete and person. We must mention just a few of his athletes who have achieved English School's and National Championships and his "roll of honour" are
Sam Brereton -English Schools and National High Jump Champion, also Under 15 National Championship Record holder in 2017 (Sam is currently in the UK Talent Squad and being seen as a full International prospect)
Jasmin Hicks - Under 15 English Schools and National Pole Vault Champion + Runner up ESSA under 17
Lucy Allen - Under 15 3rd in Pole Vault at English Schools and National Silver medalist
Jordan Henwood - Under 15 National Silver medalist at Pole Vault
Bo Rason - Under 15 3rd in Pole Vault at English Schools
Plus three other ESSA (English Schools) Finalists: Pole Vault - Isaac Vassell & Charlotte Lowe and James Housman High Jump
Clive was so much more than just a superb coach. He was a real character, full of life, drive and sheer enthusiasm for people and the human spirit.
He has left a legacy at Newquay & Par Athletics club and Par Track, both of which have flourished as a contribution of Clive's dedication. His legacy will live on in the athletes he has coached who are not only great at their sport but wonderful individuals and he has passed his coaching methods and knowledge onto other coaches.