Geoff Clarke

Former athlete

THE former athlete and leading athletics administrator Geoff Clarke, has died aged 96. His interest in athletics began as a pupil at Castleford Grammar School in 1940 where his wife-to-be, Freda Cockerham, was also a talented all-rounder.

Since then their careers have run almost in tandem apart from the years Geoff did his National Service in the Royal Navy between 1945 and 1948 during which time he was prominent in track and cross country events for the Navy.

On leaving the Navy he joined Wakefield Harriers and was successful from 440 yards to cross country, gaining a Yorkshire vest at 880 yards, a sub two-minute performer (on poor grass tracks) when that sort of time was high in the national rankings. His Yorkshire appearance was in 1952, the year he and Freda were married.

Her range was impressive, having success from 100 yards to cross country. She, too, joined Wakefield (she was a founding member of their ladies section) and also ran for Harrogate, winning a Yorkshire vest at 440 yards in 1954. At that time they were the only married couple to run for Yorkshire, followed by Derek and Madeline Ibbotson, Bob and Pam Piercy and John and Sheila Sherwood.

A knee injury forced Geoff to retire early whilst Freda retired to bring up their children, Ian and Sally Anne, and it was then that their enormous contribution to the sport really began.

Both gained coaching qualifications on courses at Lilleshall run by the legendary Geoff Dyson and Freda was a founder member of the Yorkshire joint coaching committee, retiring as chairman in 1994. Geoff was also prominent on that body and his expertise was in demand outside athletics, notably as sprint and fitness adviser to Castleford Rugby League club. Stand-off Alan Hardisty, one of the all -time greats, attributes his searing “pace off the mark” to Geoff’s coaching.

Both Geoff and Freda were prominent ‘hands-on’ officials from local to International level. To his busy schedule Geoff found time to serve as announcer at meetings from local handicaps to top meetings. He shared a commentary box with such luminaries as Harold Abrahams at the White City and Rex Alston at the opening of Crystal Palace.

Until recently he was a director and trustee of the London Marathon.

As long ago as 1956 Freda became secretary and team manager of the Yorkshire AAA and completed 40 years’ service as secretary, chairman or president in 1996.

Meanwhile, Geoff became secretary and treasurer of the Yorkshire County AAA in 1968 and team manager in 1970, positions he filled with enthusiasm and distinction until well into the 90s.

On local government reorganisation in 1974, Geoff was largely responsible for Yorkshire’s continued existence in athletics as the ‘old’ county and to this day the county birth and residential qualifications relate to the pre1974 boundaries. His persuasive powers and his good relationship with the many internationals, Seb Coe included, emanating from the county meant that Yorkshire were always a force at Inter County level.

He was equally adept at encouraging the lesser performers and was particularly kind to youngsters making their first appearance in a county vest, a quality at odds with the tough, no-nonsense attitude he showed in committee meetings. Neither he nor Freda would let matters go through “on the nod”.

When the Yorkshire men’s and women’s organisations merged, it was fitting that Geoff became president and Freda chairman.

Their roles at local, northern and national levels are too numerous to list here but Geoff was able to use his professional skills to the benefit of the sport. Chief accountant for a local supermarket chain, he served as treasurer and auditor of numerous bodies including the AAA of England.

On Freda’s birthday (January 1), 2000, she was awarded the MBE for services to athletics, an award richly deserved and one to which Geoff could equally have aspired.

Geoff leaves wife Freda and children Ian and Sally Anne.