July 25, 2007

Lopers Mourning the Loss of Track Standout

Grand Island Native & Hastings Resident; UNK Record Holder

      Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney athletic family is mourning the loss of former track standout Clark Spanel, who was killed Tuesday (July 24) in an auto accident near Trenton, Nebraska.

      Spanel graduated from UNK in 2004 with a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice. He had previously graduated from Grand Island Senior High School.

      The 25-year old was married to the former Lacritia Welke, also a UNK graduate, and living in Hastings. Spanel was working as a pharmaceutical salesman.

      From 2001 through the 2004 seasons, Spanel was one of the Lopers' top sprinters and jumpers. He was a two-time RMAC (Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) long jump champion and a six-time NCAA Championships qualifier.

      His versatility helped UNK win three straight RMAC indoor titles (2001-03) and consistently rank among the national leaders in the team dual rankings.

      In May 2004 at the Emporia State Twilight Qualifier, Spanel set a school record in the long jump (24-5.75) that still stands. Just a week earlier at the RMAC Championships, he had four top three finishes.

      Spanel also ran on the two fastest 4 x 100 relay teams in UNK history and his name dots the record books in many sprint events.

      In his prep days, Spanel won the 2000 long jump all-class gold medal (23-4.5). At the same meet, he helped the Islanders' 400 relay team place first (41.91) in Class A.

      "Clark will be greatly missed by all of his Loper teammates. We will always remember him as a tremendous athlete who competed at the highest level for us," said UNK head track & field coach Andy Meyer. "But more importantly, what will be remembered most was his sharp wit, and his way of making us (coaches and teammates) fall over with laughter."

      Visitation is Friday (July 27) from 3-7:00 p.m. at the All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island (2929 South Locust). The funeral will be held Saturday (July 28) at 10:30 a.m. at the Evangelical Free Church in Grand Island (2609 South Blaine). For continued information, visit the Kearney Hub (www.kearneyhub.com) and Grand Island Independent (www.theindependent.com)

      Below are several pictures of Spanel during his Loper days.