2008 Woodie Awards
Defensive coordinator becomes new Clarion head coach
By Adam Brewer
Rocket Sports Editor
Issue date: 2/10/06 Section: Sports
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"Becoming a head coach has been a goal of mine and it feels like Clarion would be the perfect fit for me," Foster said. "I felt very comfortable at Slippery Rock, but I just felt that this was a big opportunity for me"
At age 46, Foster will be in his first head coaching job starting the 2006 season for the Golden Eagles of Clarion.
Foster, who resides in Grove City with his wife Dory and three children, Zach, Thom and Brogan, will have plenty of expectations in his first year at Clarion in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West division.
Foster, a native of Berwick, Maine, graduated from Noble High School in 1977 and attended Plymouth State College in New Hampshire. Foster played free safety, and he started his last two seasons at Plymouth and was selected to be on the All-New England Conference squad in 1983. Foster got his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from Plymouth in 1985.
Before coming to SRU in 1988, Foster was a graduate assistant at West Chester University for the 1986 and 1987 seasons. Foster coached tight ends and wide receivers the first year, and then coached outside linebackers the next year.
Foster got hired by current SRU head coach George Mihalik as a defensive coach in 1988, then Foster became the defensive coordinator for the next 17 years.
"He has done a great job for us," Mihalik said. "He has been a loyal and hard working coach for us over the years. He is a true friend. It's always hard to have somebody go, but this Clarion job is a great opportunity for him and I wish him the best."
Mihalik and Foster compiled a 120-73-4 record, including three NCAA Division II playoff berths and four PSAC West titles over their 18-year run at the Rock.
Foster's defenses were ranked first in the PSAC in pass defense the past two seasons and fourth and fifth in the PSAC in total defense, respectively. In 2002, the defensive squad was ranked first in scoring defense and second in total defense in the PSAC.
