CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Stephen Clark was not a highly touted track and cross-country runner when he asked Coach Caleb Morgan, Lee University Director of Men's and Women's Track, Cross Country and Field, for an opportunity to walk on with the Flames. "I started running my freshmen year of high school, but not by my choice," Clark admitted. "My basketball coach forced me to run to get in top shape for the season. All the way through my junior year of high school, I only ran cross-country. Basketball was my main sport so I would play travel ball in the spring (season when track is going).
"After placing third in the state in cross country my senior year, my running coach said I should run track for my final year, and he believed I could run collegiately at a good college. So, after basketball season ended in February, I started my first track season ever. I placed fourth in the mile, fifth in the 3200 and sixth in the 800 that year at state."
Lord wanted me at Lee: Clark suggests his times were simply good enough for Coach Morgan to allow him to be a walk-on. "I committed to Lee late in the year, around late May. I was late in the recruitment process and was touring a lot of smaller schools but still felt like I had not found where the Lord was calling me. My buddy went to Lee and recommended I go on a visit, so I emailed Coach Morgan and came on a quick afternoon visit. Immediately after the visit I knew that was the place the Lord wanted me to go!"
Steeplechase something new! Stephen said he had always been running cross-country, so having been a distance runner he had never tried any sprints or hurdles. "I first started running the steeplechase my freshman year because there was an open spot and the team had to compete in the outdoor GSC championships. I placed fifth at the 2023 GSC championships and did not run the spot again until two years later, when Coach Morgan recommended I give the steeplechase another try. I will never thank him enough for recommending that. Last year I qualified for nationals and placed seventh, earning All-American honors."
A Chance to Win Big Race: Going into the DII Steeplechase final, Clark said he was obviously not the favorite. "In an article published three of the writers predicted that I would get sixth," he recalled. "With that, I honestly thought if I put myself in the race, I would have a shot to win it.
"I also really liked the fact that I did not have a target on my back and most of the competitors wouldn't be concerned about me," he pointed out. "After finishing first in my prelims and my body feeling the freshest it felt all season, I knew that I could win. I just had to be in the race with 400 (meters) to go. Also, my teammates and coaches were amazing. They shared their belief that I could win and that helped me to believe going into the final."
One More National Win! Said Stephen, "Well, I have eligibility for cross country and outdoor track for next year, and a chance to help the team (and win the Steeplechase again). But other than that, I do not see myself seriously continuing to run competitively. I do plan to keep running for the rest of my life to stay in shape and it is healthy mentally as well to do hard things, so with that I will always try to win the local turkey trot."
Plans Outside of Athletics: Clark has an audit internship at JHM this summer, an accounting firm located in Chattanooga. "I knew I wanted to run and pursue an accounting degree at Lee," he explained. "With having a fifth year of eligibility, I have added a finance degree as well to earn 150 hours toward acquiring my CPA license. My plan later in life is to acquire that CPA license and so far continue down the audit path of accounting, but who knows what the Lord could call me to do with my accounting and finance majors."
Clark's Academic Honors: 2025 GSC Men's Outdoor Track and Field All-Academic Team, 2026 GSC Men's Indoor Track and Field All-Academic Team, named to the Dean's List Honors every semester at Lee.
From Flowery Branch, Georgia, Stephen is the son of Chelsey and Josh Clark and is the oldest of four sisters and one brother. His fiancée is former Lady Flames soccer standout Avery Sides.
Coach Morgan's Thoughts
"Stephen's national title in the 3,000-meter steeplechase was an incredible moment for our program. We knew he had the talent and work ethic to compete at a very high level, but to see him execute on the biggest stage and come away with a national championship was special. I would not say we were surprised by his ability, because he has put in the work every single day, but anytime an athlete wins a national title it is a tremendous accomplishment."
The Coach added, "What makes Stephen's story so exciting is that he came into our program and continued to develop year after year. Our coaching staff takes a lot of pride in helping athletes maximize their potential, and Stephen is a great example of what can happen when talent, commitment, and the right environment come together.
"Having national champions like Stephen Clark and Aria Hawkins is huge for recruiting. Prospective student-athletes want to see proof that they can come here and compete at the highest level, and these championships show that our athletes can develop into national-caliber performers. It gives recruits confidence in what we are building and the opportunities available within our program.
"These titles raise the standard for everyone else on the team. Success is contagious. When athletes see their teammates reach the top of the podium, it motivates them to believe they can do the same. Stephen and Aria have set a great example through their work ethic, discipline, and competitiveness, and I think their success will inspire the rest of our track and field athletes to strive for even more," Coach Morgan stressed in closing.
