After decades on the deck guiding young athletes, longtime Emporia High diving coach Barb Clark is preparing for one final home meet — and a well-earned tribute.
Clark has been coaching EHS divers since the 1980s, building a program that has produced multiple state champions and left a lasting mark on generations of student-athletes. While the wins and titles stand out, Clark says the most meaningful part of her career has been the relationships she’s built along the way.
Her retirement nearly came a few years ago, but a conversation with current diver Allie Weiss changed the timeline. Weiss, the program’s lone diver, struck a deal with her coach — if she could win a state title, Clark would stay through the remainder of her high school career. Weiss delivered, and now enters this spring chasing a third consecutive state championship.
Clark says that decision made the final chapter of her career even more special, and she expects Thursday’s home meet to come with plenty of emotion.
Thursday’s swimming and diving competition will also serve as Senior Night. Clark will be honored ahead of the festivities, which are scheduled to begin at 3:45 p.m., marking the end of an era for Emporia High diving.
