After nine season as the football head coach at Lawndale High, Travis Clark is making the move to Long Beach Wilson.
Clark confirmed the news Wednesday evening. The school also confirmed the hiring.
“It happened fast,” said Clark, whose departure from Lawndale was announced last week. “After the season, I had to take time to myself to weigh my options. It was a difficult season for me. It felt like I was losing my culture and my program, it was tough on me. I decided to put my name in the hat (at Wilson), they offered me the job and I recently accepted it.
“I’m excited for the new challenge.”
In 2018, Clark led Lawndale to the CIF-Southern Section Division 5 championship, CIF SoCal Regional and CIF State titles.
Last season, was a challenging one, he explained, as his teaching job was moved from Lawndale to Leuzinger and then he had to head back to Lawndale for football practice and games.
“I learned resiliency,” he said. “I learned I was capable to withstanding challenges and I can do things under adversity. I believe in core values of discipline, loyalty and commitment, and even though I was going through a lot of adversity off of the field, I would still be there as a leader. I was doubting myself and questioning myself for a major part of the season, but I was committed.
“I want to thank all of the coaches and people who sacrificed and helped make that program (Lawndale) what it was. I felt like we put together an incredible run and accomplished some great things at Lawndale. I have nothing but love for Lawndale. I’m thankful to all of the kids and families and I will love them for the rest of my life. I love my coaches, community and I’m thankful for them for believing in me and giving me a chance.”
At Wilson, Clark replaces Scott Meyer, who was let go after leading the Bruins the last three seasons. Wilson has posted consecutive 4-6 seasons.
Clark previously was the head coach at Santa Monica for six seasons.
He will continue to teach at Leuzinger and will have to commute to Wilson for practices.
After last season, he believes he’s better prepared for the two-location day.
“I think I’m better with scheduling practice and I will make it work,” he said. “Coaching is my passion and it’s something I want to do for the rest of my life. If I’m coaching, I’m happy inside and I’m looking forward to this move. I want to win, I want to send kids to college, I want to teach kids lessons that they will take with them for the rest of their lives.”