Claude English 
Athletic Director
Claude English is in his 11th year as Park University’s Director of Athletics. Park’s A.D. since January of 1996, English coached men’s basketball for 13 standout season before retiring from coaching at the conclusion of the 2004-05 season.
During English’s guidance as athletic director, Park University athletics has undergone drastic improvements. Women’s golf and men’s baseball have been added as intercollegiate sports since his appointment to A.D. In addition, English has overseen numerous facility improvements, such as Park soccer’s 1,500-seat Julian Field and the construction of the Breckon Sports Center.
Under English’s watch as A.D., 96 students have earned All-America Scholar-Athlete honors, while 66 individuals were named athletic All-Americans. Since 2002, Park athletic teams have won 19 conference titles, 11 region championships and advanced to 16 national tournaments.
The winningest coach in Park men’s basketball history with a record of 182-207, English’s coaching tenure was highlighted by the Pirates’ run to the NAIA Final Four in 1997-98, which ended with a school-record mark of 27-8. English was honored at the national tournament with the Charles A. Krigel Award for outstanding sportsmanship, while his team was awarded the Dr. James Naismith-Emil S. Liston Sportsmanship Award for the team recognized as most sportsmanlike at the tourney.
After playing basketball for Christian College in Dallas, Texas, and the University of Rhode Island, English was selected in the NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers where he played the 1970-71 season. English also played in the Eastern Basketball Association for the Hartford Capitals, the affiliate team for the Philadelphia 76ers. In 1973-74, English won the Eastern Basketball Association Championship with the Capitals. He was a three-year captain at Hartford.
He joined the coaching staff at the University of Rhode Island in 1972 where he remained for 12 years, including four seasons as the head coach from 1981-84. English was named Coach of the Year in the Atlantic 10 Conference in 1981.
Overall, he owns a 227-277 career record in 17 seasons as a head coach.
