University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Athletics

    Clyde Horner’s roots run deep in the Johnstown area, as well as the University of Pittsburgh system.  A 1964 Richland High School graduate, Mr. Horner was a member of the Pitt-Johnstown men’s basketball team at the Cyprus Avenue campus, and he was team captain in 1966—the same year he was selected to the first team All-Pennsylvania Conference and first team Pennsylvania State Tournament. Also, in the spring of 1966, he participated on the baseball team.
     After earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Pittsburgh, Mr. Horner found himself back on the Pitt-Johnstown campus.  The versatile veteran served as the head coach of six varsity sports during his 36-year tenure.  These include men’s tennis (1969), men’s soccer (1969-1974), women’s basketball (1975-1981), men’s basketball (1981-1987), women’s indoor and outdoor track (1987-2005) and women’s volleyball (1988-2005).  During his career, Mr. Horner reached numerous athletic milestones. His 633 career wins top the list for any coach, active or retired, in the University of Pittsburgh athletic system.  He recorded almost half of his wins in volleyball, as well as recording at least 100 wins in women’s basketball and track.  Mr. Horner had a hand in helping the men’s soccer team transition from a two-year program into a varsity sport.  Mr. Horner also is credited with starting the women’s basketball program in 1975, and his teams posted a 36-2 record in the first two seasons.  He led the Lady Cats to a 40-game winning streak, and, in 1980, the women’s basketball team earned its first-ever No.1-ranking, and the team finished the season ranked fourth in the nation.  The following season, the Lady Cats made their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament.  Mr. Horner also taught Pitt Johnstown physical education classes, served as Intramural Director form 1969-1975 and Sports Camp Coordinator from 1975-1981.
     “Over the course of my career, I have received numerous awards, but none that mean as much to me as this one,” Mr. Horner said.  “To be recognized for your accomplishments by your own ‘people’ is the high point of achievement in any field.  There is no doubt it is the crowning event to my career at Pitt Johnstown.”
     Mr. Horner is a member of Beulah United Methodist Church, where he taught Adult Sunday School—the Challengers Bible Class—for 28 years.  He also attends Elton Zion United Methodist Church and was a lay speaker.  Mr. Horner and his wife Carol (Keim), who will celebrate 40 years of marriage in April 2009, held fundraiser volleyball and basketball clinics for Camp Allegheny in Stoystown, Pa.
     The couple raised two daughters, Amy, 1995 Pitt Johnstown graduate and Joy, deceased.  The Horners reside in Salix, Pa.