Hall of Fame
He attended Cathedral Latin from 1969 to 1973 where he played football and baseball all four years. In football, he started as a junior on the varsity team as an undersized offensive guard in a high-scoring triple option offense. He graded out at over 90% on game films opening a number of holes for a great backfield which included Jimmy Weiler, Dubber Ward and Bill Hallal. He started both ways at offensive guard and outside linebacker. Dave not only continued to grade out at over 90% in offensive line, but he was second leading tackler on defense and led the team in recovered fumbles and receptions. Dave brought a real grit to the team where he maximized his talent on the field. Tom Rodeno ’64 was a teacher and coach at Latin in 1971. He noted that Dave was one of his most outstanding students and a gifted leader on the athletic field. He was considered a great player and person by all his teammates. His classmate Tim Hyland says, “Dave Clements did not have a cardboard heart. It was gushing purple and gold blood 24/7.”
After graduation, Dave accepted a full football scholarship to the University of Wyoming to study and continue his football career. He was noted as being a “terror on the football field” as a starter at defensive end. He was second on the team in tackles both his junior and senior years, while lettering in 1975, 1976 and 1977. Because of his leadership and work ethic, Dave was voted a team captain for the 1977 football season. He was instrumental in the Cowboys run to a Western Athletic Conference championship and an appearance in the 1976 Fiesta Bowl under Coach Fred Akers. He had the honor to be named Captain and Most Valuable Player of the 1977 Cowboys.
After graduating with a degree in Administration of Justice, Dave began a 27-year career in the beer distribution business as Sales Manager and President of two Wyoming companies.
