Luke steps down as Clarion football coach

Malen Luke resigned Monday as football coach at Clarion University after leading the program for 12 seasons.

Luke, whose best year resulted in an 11-3 record and a trip to the NCAA Division II semifinals in 1996, compiled an overall mark of 57-73, including 29-43 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division.

"I want to thank the university for the opportunity to lead this program, along with the alumni and area community for their support during my tenure," Luke said. "I just feel its time to move on."

The Golden Eagles this year posted a 3-7 record, including 1-5 in the PSAC-West, and haven't enjoyed a winning season since going 7-4 in 2002.

In addition, Clarion hasn't been to the Division II playoffs since reaching the semifinals in 1996, which was Luke's third season with the Golden Eagles.

That year, Clarion won the PSAC-West title and was ranked No. 8 in the final national poll, as Luke earned dual honors as PSAC-West and American Football Coaches' Association Region 1 coach of the year.

Luke, 52, also won PSAC-West coach of the year in 2000, when Clarion last won a PSAC-West championship with a 5-1 record (7-4 overall).

Clarion President Joseph P. Grunenwald said a national search was under way to find a successor.

"We thank Malen for his 12 years of dedicated service to Clarion University and wish him well in his future endeavors," Grunenwald said.

In 16 seasons as a college coach, Luke's record is 88-79.

Before taking over at Clarion in 1994, he coached NCAA Division III Defiance to a six-year record of 37-21, capped by consecutive 9-1 seasons in 1992 and 1993.

Luke's departure comes less than a week after longtime Indiana (Pa.) coach Frank Cignetti announced his retirement after a 20-year record of 182-50-1.