As an HSE alumnus you likely may have attended a Mudsock game or two between the HSE Royals and Fishers Tigers during your high school years.  Those games have always spurred the friendly rivalry between the RED and the BLUE for sure. But did you ever stop to wonder just why that game has been called "Mudsock"? If you're like most of us, you likely questioned it, but never knew the answer.  

This Alumni Spotlight is certainly unique, because not only does it spotlight a very special Hamilton Southeastern alumnus, but also may solve the mystery to a commonly asked Fishers, Indiana question...

Why DO we call it the "Mudsock" game?

Robert "Dub" Clark - At the Heart of Hamilton Southeastern Schools Athletics

In the annals of Fishers High School history, few names shine as brightly as that of Robert "Dub" Clark, a 1941 graduate whose passion for sports and community left an indelible mark on the school and the entire Fishers athletic program.

A Lifelong Fan

Dub surrounded by family (Jessica Jacks, Lukas Allen, wife Jeanne, Meagan Bryant & Abbie Jacks) as he receives a Foundation award.

From his days as a student to his golden years, Dub's enthusiasm for high school sports never waned. A fixture at countless football, basketball, baseball, and softball games, Dub's presence became synonymous with support for both high school teams.  His dedication to Fishers athletics began in 1930 when he himself played basketball and softball for the school, marking the start of a love affair with local sports that would span nearly a century.

Dub Supporting Royals and Tigers!

A Partnership in School Spirit

Dub & Jeanne are celebrated at the Fishers Freedom Festival Parade

In 1948, Dub married Jeanne, and together they became a powerhouse of support for Fishers Athletics. Jeanne was not only the treasurer of the Hamilton Southeastern School corporation for ten years, but was instrumental in the founding of the HSE Booster Club and served as an officer as well as a dedicated team member. Dub and Jeanne also both served on the HSE School Board.  

Together, their dedication went beyond mere participating and spectating. The Clarks often opened their home to teams for gatherings or treated them to post-game meals. It was also not uncommon to see Fishers basketball players in the barn loft at the Clark residence for pick me up games in the summer. And every bit of this generosity continuously fostered a sense of community and camaraderie that extended far beyond the playing field.

The Three Wise Men

Dub's passion for high school sports was shared by two of his close friends, Dallas Farr and Loren "Goney" Ridgeway. Together, this trio became affectionately known as "The Three Wise Men" due to their extensive knowledge and unwavering love for high school sports in Fishers.

All three were graduates of the original Fishers High School, and their support for Fishers athletics never wavered. Beginning in 1967, when the new Hamilton Southeastern High School opened its doors, The Three Wise Men were fixtures at local sporting events, offering their wisdom, encouragement, and steadfast support to generations of young athletes.

Their presence at games became legendary, with fans, coaches, and players alike looking forward to seeing these dedicated supporters in the stands. The Three Wise Men embodied the spirit of community that has always been at the heart of Fishers athletics, bridging the gap between the town's past and its future.

The Birth of a Rivalry

Stan & Cherie with Parents Dub & Jeanne

Perhaps Dub's most lasting legacy is his role in christening the fierce rivalry between the Fishers Tigers and the Hamilton Southeastern Royals. It was Dub who coined the term "Mudsock" to describe any contest between these two local powerhouses, adding a colorful chapter to the area's sports lore.  Though the term "Mudsock" was a nod to Fishers' nickname from long ago, it has now become better known as the moniker for every game where the Tigers and Royals battle it out on the field, court or course. 

And not only is Dub credited with naming this famous face off between the high schools, he was instrumental in the creation of the entire Mudsock process...including the creation of an actual trophy (pictured above), the sponsorship of all the smaller Mudsock trophies that are awarded to winning team sports each year, and the point system used to determine the yearly winner of the Mudsock competition.

A Family Legacy of Education

Jeanne & Dub with great granddaughter Jessica Jacks & Children Richie, Cherie and Stan

Dub's connection to local schools runs deep and spans generations. He and his daughter Cherie both graduated from the original Fishers High School - Dub in 1941 and Cherie in 1967. Interestingly, Cherie's class was the last to graduate from the original Fishers High School before the new Hamilton Southeastern High School opened in the fall of 1967.

The Clark family's educational journey continued at HSE High School, with Dub's sons Stan and Richie graduating in 1969 and 1975, respectively. The tradition has carried on through the generations, with four of Dub and Jeanne's grandsons also graduating from HSE High School.

In a full-circle moment that Dub surely cherished, two of his great-granddaughters returned to the family's roots, graduating from the new Fishers High School. This multi-generational connection to both schools perfectly embodies the spirit of community that Dub championed throughout his life.

A Lasting Impact

The Clark family's commitment to local sports didn't end with Dub and Jeanne. Today, the family sponsors the coveted Mudsock trophy, which symbolizes athletic supremacy between Fishers and Hamilton Southeastern. This traveling trophy, awarded to the school with the most points from Mudsock games, matches, and meets, ensures that Dub's spirit of friendly competition and community pride lives on.  Even to this day new generations of Clarks are still actively involved in the story of the Mudsock and attend athletic events throughout the year.  You might even catch one of them presenting their family sponsored award as well! 

Robert "Dub" Clark's legacy is a testament to the power of school spirit and community involvement. From the stands to the trophy case, his influence continues to shape the athletic landscape of both Fishers and HSE High Schools, inspiring new generations of students to take pride in their schools and their fellow athletes. The Clark family's enduring connection to both institutions serves as a living bridge between the past and present, embodying the very essence of community spirit that Dub championed throughout his life.

The Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation is honored to be able to help Dub and Jeanne's legacy live on in its annual Mudsock VIP fundraiser that takes place each year in the end zones of the football fields of our district's high schools. This annual event gives supporters and fans of both teams a place to come together to cheer on the Royals and the Tigers in a way that we hope would make Dub proud. This year's 2024 Mudsock VIP takes place next Friday, September 13th at HSE High School.