According to the Alfred State Wrestling Facebook page ..

“In July of 2018, NYS Trooper Nicholas F. Clark courageously lost his life in the line of duty at the age of 29. Clark was a graduate of nearby Canisteo-Greenwood HS where he was a gifted athlete in both football & wrestling, winning an Individual New York State Wrestling Title in 2006. 

Collegiately, Clark was a four-year letter winner across the street for the Alfred University football program. He ended his career as one of the most decorated players in program history setting the school record for career tackles (377) while adding 26 career rushing touchdowns. He was a 2X All-America honoree, earned E8 Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors twice & received the Empire 8 Merit Award. Post-graduation Clark even earned a tryout with the Buffalo Bills. 

The AU football program honors his legacy each season by his #32 jersey being worn by a student-athlete that is selected to honor Clark’s passion, determination and service to others both on & off the field of play. 

With the blessing from his family, our wrestling program is extremely proud to have a similar tradition. Congratulations to Owen Cummings as our honoree to have Nick’s ‘#32 Clark’ replace his own locker room and headgear hook name and number. Cummings quietly leads the team with an unrelenting work ethic both on the mats. He is a prime example of what it looks like to be not only a high achieving student-athlete but a role model for others in all aspects of life. Congrats to OC on being selected by the coaching staff to carry out this prestigious honor for our program.”

Cummings has gone 7-5 for Alfred State this season .. going 4-2 at 157 pounds at the Tonee Ellis Memorial Tournament to help Alfred State finish 6th of 15 teams, placing 4th (2-2) at the Washington & Jefferson Invite and going 1-1 in a tri-meet where Alfred State beat Waynesburg and fell to St. John Fisher.

PHOTO courtesy of alfredstateathletics.com