The El Modena wrestling program will honor an integral part of its history today, when former coach Alan Clinton is inducted into the El Modena High Hall of Fame.
The ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m. in the school’s gymnasium.
“I’m honored to be put into the Hall of Fame, especially there, with so much history that’s gone on there,” Clinton said. “That was my home, my daughters still go there. It was very difficult to leave … it was probably the toughest thing I’ve ever done. I’ve broken my neck twice. That was a piece of cake compared to leaving.”
Clinton coached the wrestling team at El Modena for 21 years before heading to Servite to start the Friars’ program in 2006. He started his teaching career at El Modena in 1981. His first year as wrestling coach was 1985.
After the ceremony, Clinton will lead the second-ranked Friars against the sixth-ranked Vanguards in a nonleague dual between league champions. The dual is expected to start at 2 p.m.
“He gave a lot to the school and he’s been a pillar of the wrestling community,” El Modena coach Corey Schuld said of Clinton. “We thought it would be great to invite all of the old alumni back and show him how he affected all of their lives.
“I’ve learned a lot from him, seeing how he interacts with people and how to run a program. He’s been a mentor and you always learn from your mentor by watching.”
Among the highlights during Clinton’s years at El Modena: He coached 76 league champions; there were 13 CIF champs; there were 26 state medalists and two national All-Americans.
“Every year had its own uniqueness,” said Clinton, who also served as El Modena’s athletic director. “There wasn’t a bad year. It was a special time.”
Contact the writer: dcalhoun@ocregister.com
