Tribute to a Clarkston Icon.
Written Thursday May 30th at 10:45 PM
Dan Fife is a legend to the State of Michigan and to Clarkston.
Fife entered eternal life on Thursday at the age of 74.
Fife coached the Wolves from 1982 until 2018 according to MIPrepZone’s Matt Mowery. He had 703 wins, 29 league titles, 30 district championships, two State championships (2017 and 2018), and 13 regional crowns. He was elected to the Michigan Sports and Michigan Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Fife was 703-170 at Clarkston. The 703 wins is third all time in State history.
“So sadden by the passing of Coach Dan Fife today but honored to celebrate his life and legacy. Coach the lives that you impacted on and off the court are truly remarkable, your commitment to Clarkston Athletics in particular Clarkston Basketball is second to none. It is amazing how much you got out of your players consistency year after year. After coaching 36 seasons, you amazed 703 wins, won 29 league titles, 30 district trophies, 13 regional crowns, and two State Championships. Your election to the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame and the Michigan Basketball Coaches Association Hall Fame spoke volumes of you as coach. You are and still are the best basketball coach in the State of Michigan. From coaching your own kids to remembering every kids name in our McGrath Basketball leagues for years, coaching your former player’s kids, your impact will be felt for generations. More importantly your love for Dan, Dugan, Jeremy, and Dane are something to be admired. Family was always #1 for you and you poured your heart and soul into them. We will always continue to play hard to Play Hard, Play Smart, and Play Together. We love you and miss you Coach Fife” Clarkston Basketball’s Twitter said in a statement.
Fife was the athletic director at Clarkston prior to also coaching basketball. He was in charge of the OAA in baseball. Fife was an all standout athlete as well (played football, basketball, and baseball.) He played college at Michigan. He was drafted in the second round by the Detroit Tigers in the 1971 Major League Baseball Draft.
Fife is a legend, an icon, tremendous athletic director, loved Clarkston, and loved his family. He was also close with former Lake Orion Athletic Director Bill Reiss. Fife has been on my sports talk show Between Taorminas.
“Miss you Coach, I was fortunate to be able to grow up the street from Coach Fife. I played sports at his house with his kids every week. He coached me at our McGrath Basketball League, Gus Macker tournaments, and youth baseball for years while growing up. I golfed at his Spring Lake Golf Course countless times. I played Varsity Basketball for him and was fortunate to be his assistant coach and continue to learn from the greatest. He taught me how to compete at a high level, work harder than your opponent, and win and lose the right way. More importantly he modeled how to be a great husband, father, and friend. He loved Clarkston Athletics more than anyone I ever knew. Coach was like a second father to me and he is still the little voice in my head helping me make the right decisions in life. I wouldn’t be coaching today if it wasn’t for Coach Fife, love you Coach” said former Clarkston Girls Basketball and current Boys Basketball Coach Tim Waslik on the Clarkston Basketball Twitter page.
Fife will be missed in the entire sports world. I’ll have my thoughts and remembering the legacy of Dan Fife on my podcast on Monday.
Stay tuned to OAA Now on Monday.
Between Taorminas with Dan Fife
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKDiYwCiz_s&list=PL25854C892B69A2AF&index=112
Here is the tweet from Clarkston Basketball
https://x.com/ClarkstonBball/status/1796333930758480343/photo/1
MIPrepZone Matt Mowery
Here is Coach Tim Waslik’s statement
https://x.com/ClarkstonBball/status/1796364549085630503/photo/1