Clawson, Bain named Head Coaches at Shenendehowa

It's official.  Brian Clawson and Jonathan Bain will have big shoes to fill as they take over for legendary coaches at Shenendehowa High School.

On Wednesday, Clawson was chosen to lead the highly successful football program from Brent Steuerwald, who retired after 44 years.

Bain will now direct boys soccer replacing the retiring Mike Campisi, the Plainsmen head coach for 32 years.

Clawson has an extensive background at both the intercollegiate and high school level. Upon graduating Ithaca College in 1997 where he lettered in football, Clawson worked as an assistant coach at Princeton University, Ithaca College and Allegheny College. In 2001, he joined the Shenendehowa Central School District as a physical education teacher and football and track coach.

Clawson spent seven years at the junior varsity level, including six as the head coach from 2002 through 2007. In 2008, he joined the varsity coaching staff and was given the responsibility of working with quarterbacks, wide receivers and linebackers. The past two years, with Clawson as an assistant, Shenendehowa has amassed an 18-4 record and two consecutive trips to the Class AA Section II Super Bowl. The 2011 team defeated Columbia (49-6) to win the Class AA Section II Championship and defeated North Rockland (16-13) to win the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class AA Regional Championship.

"Coach Brian Clawson, as an assistant on the collegiate level and here at Shenendehowa, has clearly demonstrated the type of leadership necessary to take the Shen Football program to the next level of play and accomplishment. Brian is a student of the game and a staunch advocate for keen execution. His patient demeanor with the student-athletes, coupled with his big picture appreciation of the entire program, not just the varsity team, makes him the type of coach that will help to realize success at all levels. Shen football has turned the page and will write a new chapter of continued success," said Dr. Oliver Robinson, Superintendent of Schools.

In addition to game responsibilities, Clawson has been actively involved with helping student-athletes in the recruitment process and helping Shenendehowa players advance and participate at the intercollegiate level.

“Brian presented a great vision for the entire Shenendehowa football program, from varsity student-athletes all the way down to connecting with our Junior Plainsmen program. His positive attitude and overall approach to developing quality student-athletes will continue to make Shenendehowa football a leader, not only within our community, but in the Capital District and across New York State. We are thrilled to have someone as qualified and passionate as Brian to lead our football program," said Chris Culnan, the school's athletic director.

Of course, Steuerwald was pleased that Clawson will direct the Shen football program and offered encouraging words.

“I am very pleased to know that Brian Clawson will be succeeding me as the head coach of the Varsity Football program at Shenendehowa. He has been in our program at both the JV and Varsity levels for many years and is very knowledgeable of the workings of our program. He has the energy, the knowledge, and the commitment needed to carry on the tradition of success that we have come to expect at Shen. Brian has an excellent rapport with the players, parents, and community which will serve him well as he moves forward," said Steuerwald, who served as head coach from 1967-2011 and racked up 308 wins and 10 sectional titles.

Bain joined the Shenendehowa soccer staff in July 2000 and worked as the boys’ freshmen head coach through July 2007 when he was promoted to the boys’ junior varsity head soccer coaching position.

During that time, he amassed a 74-1-5 record. His overall record as a coach for Shenendehowa in freshmen and junior varsity soccer is an impressive 158-15-9.

“Coach Bain will undoubtedly bring a high level of enthusiasm, knowledge and respect for the student athletes in the boys soccer program. His experience at the junior varsity level provides the capacity to not only be a great Varsity Head Coach, but a great program coach as well. We believe he will continue to grow the program and the legacy of Shen Soccer that began with Coach Michael Campisi," said Dr. Oliver Robinson.

Bain also has worked in the local soccer community as a coach in the Clifton Park and New York Elite Soccer Clubs. He's coached some of the best high school players as they have come through the Shenendehowa program, as well as many of the best local players through his involvement in area soccer clubs.

“Jon has been a valued member of Shenendehowa boys soccer program since July of 2000. His experiences as a freshman and junior varsity head coach have prepared him for the role of varsity head coach. Jon has worked tirelessly to promote the game of soccer in Clifton Park. Jon is a true student of the game who has a tremendous work ethic. He cares deeply about the success of his student-athletes in the classroom and on the soccer fields. We have full confidence that Jon will continue the outstanding tradition of Shenendehowa boys’ soccer as head coach," said Culnan.

And Campisi knows the program will be in good hands with Bain.

“Jon Bain is a very knowledgeable, conscientious, hard working coach who has great respect from both his players and his peers. He is a true student of the game. I have every confidence in Jon to carry on the tradition of Shen Boys Soccer for many years to come," he said.

Campisi guided the Plainsmen to 534 wins, and 17 Section II titles along with six state and two national championships.

Article by Mike Collar