SAN ANGELO, TX - Today, at Lake View High School, 900 E 43rd St., San Angelo Independent School District administrators, faculty and staff honored former tennis coach and speech teacher Brandon Clark, who passed away from stomach esophageal cancer. They dedicated the high school's new tennis complex to his memory.
The dedication ceremony took place outside of the new Brandon Clark Tennis Complex. Those who knew Brandon gathered around the complex to hear old stories about him from family, staff and old tennis athletes.
San Angelo Superintendent Dr. Carl Dethloff said, “It is a privilege to be here this afternoon as we honor and dedicate this state-of-the art athletic facility as the Brandon Clark Tennis Center.”
After a round of applause, Dethloff continued, “This outstanding complex will help preserve the memory and legacy of Brandon Clark and the positive impact he had on the Lake View community, and the city of San Angelo.”
In the summer of 2014, it was decided that the district start the process of building a tennis complex that staff, students, parents and visiting teams would be proud to play in.
“At Lake View, it was not even a question who would be the namesake on this building,” Dethloff announced.
In the eyes of his family, friends and players, Brandon was indeed a legend.
Brady, Brandon’s son, told the story of his father's schooling history and how he wound up at Lake View High School.
“My dad, coach Happy, fought hard to grow the Lake View tennis program," he told the audience. "He is the reason why Lake View built three new tennis courts, and added what was known as the tennis hut. [The hut] consisted of two old barracks with a bathroom in the middle.”
Brady also explained that his dad's battle with cancer began in 2006. He went through many surgeries and treatment procedures. His new slogan became, “It is what it is.”
“On Nov. 25, 2009, my dad’s journey on earth ended, but his legacy continues to this very day,” Brady added.
Brady concluded, “This tennis complex would be a dream come true for my dad. It is an amazing tribute to a life full of grace, courage, love, determination and unwielding faith.”
Jenny Clark, Brandon’s wife, said that all of the stories told about Brandon today were all true. She said the building dedication is “overwhelming."
"I can’t describe the words I have honestly," she said. "This building is a prime example of who Brandon is and what he stood for.”
Jamie Highsmith, Public Information Officer for SAISD, also had a few words to say about the building and Brandon. She said, “[This building] is wonderful for our entire district. I was here when Brandon was coaching here at Lake View, and we all admired his spirit and determination. To see this building named for him is personally wonderful for me because of my connection with him.”
Highsmith also mentioned the building will be an inspiration for students who will attend Lake View in the future and who are there now.
Overall, the building is about 5,000 to 6,000 square feet and cost one million dollars to build.
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