Running Wild: Clark breaks school rushing record

At five feet seven inches, Joe Clark doesn't pose a very intimidating threat.  Clark, though, has run through defenders and straight into the record books.

As a senior, Clark came into the year needing only 538 rushing yards to break Chris San Agustin's career record, and finally overtook him at Winona State

last weekend.

"It feels good," Clark said.  "It's a relief, no doubt.  I'm glad it finally happened."

The record was expected to fall at some point mid-season, but doing it at Winona State was special for Clark, who grew up less than 50 miles from the college.

"I had a lot of friends there, along with my mom," Clark said.  "Having them there was really special."

Coming to Augustana, Clark never dreamed of such high status.

"I didn't imagine this at all," Clark said.  "I just wanted to be good enough to play and compete for a starting role.  I've definitely surpassed even

my expectations."

Clark had breakout year his sophomore season, with 1,114 yards.  Even after that, Clark felt he needed to prove himself.

"I feel like I always have to prove myself," Clark said.  "Not just in games, but everyday."

Clark has been proving himself all season, particularly the past three games, in which he has rushed for more than 100 yards each time.

Clark's yards are credited to him, but he pointed to his offensive line as the main reason he achieved the feat.

"The credit goes to them," Clark said.  "The offensive line is really the reason that any of us running backs can do what we do."

For the past two seasons, senior Dan Schoen has anchored that line at the center position, and was proud to be a part of Clark's achievement.

"I think there always has to be a connection of running backs and offensive line," Schoen said.  "When the line has a good day, I think it can transcend into a running back having a

good day."

That connection is seen in the line creating the openings, and the running backs finishing the plays, according to Schoen.

That being said, Schoen feels Clark's talent has been the main factor in the record.

"Joe's the kind of athlete who doesn't demand too much from his line," Schoen said.  "Joe's caliber of talent speaks for itself."

With four games remaining, Clark should continue to increase the gap between Agustin and himself.

With the record in his name, Clark continues to count his blessings.

"I'm blessed," Clark said.  "Having the teammates and support I have. It's great."