SUNY Brockport Head Men’s Basketball Coach Greg Dunne announced his retirement on Wednesday afternoon following an incredible 24 years with the program, including the last 16 as the Golden Eagles head coach. Dunne retires as the winningest head coach in program history, recording 271 career victories. Associate Head Coach Joe Clarke has been named the interim head coach and will take over the reins of the program effective immediately.
“As I step away from my role as the head men’s basketball coach at SUNY Brockport, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. It has been an incredible journey, one filled with remarkable experiences and cherished memories,” said Dunne. “As my family grows older, I believe it’s the perfect time for this transition, allowing me to spend more quality time with them.”
As head coach of the Golden Eagles, Dunne posted a .655 winning percentage (271-143) and guided the Golden Eagles to three SUNYAC Championships as well as four NCAA Division III Tournament appearances. He was a two-time SUNYAC Coach of the Year, and he was also head coach for one SUNYAC Player of the Year, three SUNYAC Rookie of the Year selections and two SUNYAC Defensive Players of the Year. He coached 32 SUNYAC All-Conference selections, including 15 first team picks and he also guided 10 players to All-Region honors, including East Region Player of the Year and All-American First Team selection John Ivy, who is also the program’s all-time leading scorer.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had the privilege of being a part of this program for a long and fulfilling 24 years,” Dunne added. “I am immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together, and I leave knowing that the foundation we’ve built will continue to thrive in the capable hands of Joe Clarke and Seth Johnston. Joe and Seth’s passion, dedication, and vision for the program make them the ideal successors.”
Dunne and the Golden Eagles never missed a SUNYAC Conference Tournament in his 16 years at the helm. He advanced to the SUNYAC Championship game five times, coming away with conference titles in 2020, 2014, and 2009. In 2014 he was named the Glenn Robinson National Coach of the Year after guiding Brockport to the SUNYAC Conference title and a 24-4 overall record. He was also named one of D3 basketball’s 50 most influential coaches on multiple occasions, an NABC All-District Coach of the Year and a USBWA All-Rochester Area Coach of the Year.
“Coach Dunne’s unwavering dedication and tireless commitment to our basketball program have left an indelible mark on SUNY Brockport Athletics. His 24-year journey on our coaching staff has not only shaped the lives of countless student-athletes but has also set a standard of excellence that will continue to inspire generations to come,” said Athletic Director Erick Hart. “We thank Coach Dunne for his extraordinary service, and as we bid him farewell, we know that the legacy he leaves behind will forever be a source of pride and inspiration for our entire community.”
In 2019-20, he guided the Golden Eagles to the Sweet 16 and posted the second most wins in a single-season in program history (26), but the storied run was cut short due to the pandemic as Brockport was set to host Tufts in mid-March.
His impact on the Brockport program truly began back in 1999 when he accepted his first assistant coaching position under the guidance of previous head coach Nelson Whitmore. Whitmore and Dunne teamed up to help guide the Golden Eagles to consecutive conference championships in 2000 and 2001. The momentum continued as the Golden Eagles went to the NCAA tournament five of six years from 2000 to 2006, including an appearance in the Elite 8 in 2006-07. Dunne has been a part of five of Brockport’s nine total conference championships.
“I couldn’t be happier about the future of SUNY Brockport basketball, and I’m eager to watch as this team continues to evolve and flourish,” said Dunne. “Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey; it’s been an honor to serve as your coach.”
Dunne was a 1999 graduate of Nazareth where he was a four-year starter for the Golden Flyers and is among the top all-time assist leaders. He was voted the Empire 8 Conference Player of the Year and was a Second-Team NABC All-American as a senior. For his accomplishments at Nazareth, the University inducted him into their Athletic Hall of Fame on April 18, 2008.
Newly appointed interim Head Coach Joe Clarke has been on the Brockport staff since 2009 and has played a major role in helping to guide one of the most successful programs in the SUNYAC for the past 14 years. Clarke has been actively involved in all aspects of the program including recruiting, preparing scouting reports, video editing, practice planning, and execution. Clarke has worked with players, both individually and on a team basis, using film sessions and on-court instruction to prepare for games.
“I am beyond excited and grateful for the opportunity!” said Clarke. “I look forward to leading our program while maintaining the family culture that coach Dunne has worked so hard to establish and maintain over the years.”Clarke was a three-year student-athlete of the Golden Eagles from 2006-2009. The Liverpool, N.Y. native finished his career with 437 points, 205 rebounds and 80 steals. He was part of the 2006-07 team that went to the NCAA Elite Eight, the 2007-08 ECAC Upstate Championship team and the 2008-09 SUNYAC Championship team. Clarke was selected to the 2009 Chase Tournament All-Tournament Second Team and the 2009 SUNYAC All-Tournament Team. He was also a member of the SUNYAC All-Academic Team from 2007-2009.
“I want to thank Erick Hart for the opportunity and, most importantly, Coach Dunne for the everlasting impact he has made in my life; a lesson that has taught me what “coaching” truly means,” said Clarke. “I am a better coach, colleague, friend, husband, and father because of the imprint he has left, all without even knowing.” Additionally, Clarke serves as an adjunct professor for the Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies, and Physical Education and also works in Academic Advisement assisting with freshman registration in the summer.
Clarke graduated from Brockport with a Bachelor degree of Science in Physical Education and also earned his Master’s degree in Athletic Administration from Brockport in 2014.
