Rectory Alumni Awards

A Dream Player: Seaward Remembers Clarke as a Once-In-A-Career Athlete

Terrence Clarke ‘18 was enshrined posthumously on Rectory’s Athletic Wall of Honor at a ceremony held on April 23, 2022. Many of Terrence’s family members, including his mother, Ms. Osmine Clarke, traveled to Pomfret for the occasion. 

Fred Williams began the ceremony by sharing how fortunate Rectory was to have Terrence on campus, if only for one year. In that year, Terrence was a model student, earning academic distinction in both the fall and spring terms, and he set a wonderful example for younger students to follow while living on dorm and taking part in campus activities. It was on the field or court of play, however, where Terrence was truly second to none. He ran cross country and track in the fall and spring, and during the winter, Terrence excelled on the basketball court, earning team MVP and leading Rectory to an undefeated record. 

Terrence made his way through secondary school and continued his stellar play on the hardcourt such that he was recruited to play for Coach John Calipari at the University of Kentucky. After his freshman season with the wildcats, Terrence declared for the NBA Draft and was working out in California in advance of draft night when his life was cut short tragically in an automobile accident. Fred Williams commented that it was especially heartbreaking news given Terrence’s age and that he was on the brink of his athletic dreams coming true. Fred then introduced Brad Seaward, Terrence’s basketball coach at Rectory, who honored Terrence with a few words.

Coach Seaward referred to Terrence as a once in a generation talent with undeniable physical skills. He said Terrence was the type of player coaches dream of working with because beyond his natural ability, he understood the game so well and was also an incredible teammate. Coach Seaward acknowledged that Terrence could have done it all on his own if he wanted to, but he was always looking for opportunities to help his teammates get shots and make plays. It was this unselfishness and team above self attitude that made Terrence truly special. Coach said he thinks of Terrence and misses him everyday, then quipped that he needed to stop talking before he started crying. He then called up Terrence’s mother to accept the award on Terrence’s behalf. Rectory will always remember and honor Terrence Clarke as one of our all-time greats.