Greenville Tech Photo
Adam Clark has been selected one of four returning members of the 2014-2015 Men's National Bobsled team. He is working with Carl Washburn, department head, in the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center.
Greenville Tech Photo
'I’m motivated by competition, both athletically and academically.'
Adam Clark
Greenville Tech student and member of U.S. National Bobsled Team
He is among 14 athletes from across the country, and one of only four returning members, selected for the team. Clark was first named to the national team in 2011 and is entering his fourth season.
“I’m motivated by competition, both athletically and academically,” said Clark. “I’m always challenging myself to be better than I was yesterday and I get excited when I see other people pushing themselves too. I’m very excited that Greenville Tech is willing to work with me so that I can continue to represent my country and my family, while still getting an education.”
Clark’s path to Greenville Tech was not that of your typical student. A Kentucky native, Clark earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kentucky and worked in the aircraft maintenance industry before joining the USA National Bobsled Team. During the last year he was living in Vacaville,Calif., where his wife, Ashley, was stationed at Travis Air Force Base.
When his wife learned she was being transferred to Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, Adam decided he needed to gain some additional certification to continue his career path once his athletic career comes to an end. He searched for programs offering the Aircraft Maintenance Technology Program and discovered Greenville Tech. He is studying for the FAA Airframe and Powerplant exam.
“Adam’s drive and determination were evident before he ever began our program,” said Carl Washburn, department head. “While in California, he completed the online application and signed up for one of the last classes available. He didn’t arrive in Greenville until two days prior to the start of classes, but was ready and focused on the first day. Adam’s drive to perfection in the classroom has resulted in a 4.0 GPA.”
Clark was named the 2013 Men's Bobsled Athletes' Choice Award winner. He will balance his studies while competing during this bobsled season. The World Cup tour begins in Lake Placid, N.Y., on Dec. 12 and runs through March 9, 2015. During this time he’ll be training, practicing and competing with only a 10 day break for Christmas.