The end of the 1997 spring semester spelled the end of an era in Duke athletics as head wrestling coach Bill Harvey resigned after 31 years at the helm of the Blue Devils.
His replacement will be assistant coach Clar Anderson.
Harvey announced his retirement May 5 along with his elevation to the position of Director of Recreational Facilities. Harvey will also continue to serve as an associate professor in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department.
During his three-plus decades as head coach at Duke, Harvey amassed a 220-195-4 dual match record, notching the third most wins in Atlantic Coast Conference history. The 60-year-old Harvey coached 16 ACC champions during his tenure, most notably 1983 graduate Bert Govig, who wrestled for the U.S. in the 1984 Summer Olympic Games.
"I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to be a head coach for 31 years at Duke," Harvey said. "I am really looking forward to being able to help the school in a new capacity. I am anxious to take on a new challenge."
Harvey has actually been a part of the Duke Athletics family since 1960, spending time as an assistant wrestling coach, assistant football coach and freshman baseball coach.
The 34-year-old Anderson steps in to take over for Harvey after spending the last two years as an assistant at Duke. While the top position was something Anderson had hoped for following Harvey's resignation, it is not something he took for granted.
"It wasn't something I expected," Anderson said. "I was very hopeful though, that's for sure. I love being here at Duke, working with these student-athletes. They are a great bunch of guys. At other schools I've been at, you have to constantly monitor the kids off the mat, making sure they go to class and keep up in school. Here we have quality kids."
Anderson has also spent time as an assistant coach at both Oklahoma State and North Carolina State. His resume as a wrestler is extremely impressive, having three-times been named an All-American. And in 1983 Anderson won the NCAA Championship in the 134-lb division. The 1985 graduate of Oklahoma State also attended Auburn before transferring.
"We are excited and fortunate to be able to promote someone with such excellent credentials as Clar Anderson into the head coaching position," Athletic Director Tom Butters said. "Clar's readiness to take over the program will undoubtedly make this a smooth transition period."
With Harvey remaining at Duke in his new position, some may wonder how much of a role he will still play in the Blue Devil wrestling program. While Harvey is following through this summer with completing Duke's 1997-98 schedule, once the fall semester begins, the former coach plans only to act as a consultant to Anderson.
"Bill will be there as a counselor by meeting only," Anderson said. "I of course look up to coach Harvey, and we will certainly use him when possible."
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