Get to know Coach Andy Clement

Highlight: Coach Andy Clement

Coach Andrew Clement (Falmouth, ME) is in his first year as both the Cross Country and Track and Field coach.  In this short time, Clement has worked tirelessly to build a competitive athletic programs. Previously a student-athlete at the University of Maine in Orono, he ran the 200-meter dash while studying Marine Biology. He then earned his master's degree in Professional Science before taking on the head coaching responsibilities at YCCC.

Clement has seen major success in such a short time at the helm of both the cross country and track & field programs.  Clement produced the Hawks first Academic All-American in Kenneth Richard (Gorham, ME), who also finished with a program best 34:32.80 8K finish.  On the women’s side, Kiara Audette (Kittery, ME) had a season best in the 5K with a 21:53.31.  With the track and field season underway, the Hawks have seen outstanding performances in both indoor and outdoor meets.  Under Clements leadership, the Hawks look to progress through the season and make an appearance in the schools first National Invitational tournament on April 30^th. 

What Coach Clement had to say:

When did you decide you wanted to coach?

• I graduated from the University of Maine in 2021, earning my master’s degree in marine policy, but coming out of it I knew I wanted to take a break from what I studied. While at the University of Maine I was on the track and field team, and some of the best memories I have from my time up there come from being on the track team. When I came back home, I wanted to remain local and pursue a passion of mine. I saw the advertisement for this coaching position and the idea of building a similar culture at YC to what I had on the UMaine track team was what really inspired me to apply for the job.

What is your favorite thing about YCCC so far?

• I've met some really amazing people, and being back on a college campus is so much fun. I love hearing from everyone about what is going on in their lives and the struggles of being a college student because it is very relatable. I also love that this is just our first year and I can see the foundation being laid for years to come for the YCCC cross country and track & field teams, and to get to be an integral part of that ground floor is very exciting. 

What has been your favorite part of coaching the Track and Field and Cross-Country teams?

• Going back to the meets as a coach. Every time we go back for the meets I can feel the nervous energy and tension from the athletes and it reminds me of my time on the UMaine team and that feeling I had right before my race started. That nervous energy leading up to your race making you feel sick and is what I have missed most and getting to be around that again has been so much fun. Also, seeing my athletes improve is so much fun. Seeing them after their race and the excited look they have on their face when they have set a new personal best makes me smile. As a coach, I feel like I had a contributing part in that success and that their improvements are also my own which is a great feeling to have.

Do you have any pets?

• I have two dogs, named Carly and Nala. 

What is your favorite meal?

• Pancakes with Vermont Tech maple syrup.

Who is your hero or mentor?

• Growing up I always idolized Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, which eventually lead me down the marine policy path I pursued at UMaine. But as I've gotten older, I really admire him because he was so passionate about his job and he loved it so much and I could just tell how happy he was doing what he loved. Over the past couple of years, the pandemic and lockdowns have really shaped the way I view my life and career. I want to devote my time and energy to things that I enjoy and bring me happiness. For this reason I am so thrilled about coaching here at YCCC because track and field has been a passion of mine since I was in junior high and it has brought me so much joy ever since. 

York County Community College: York County Community College (YCCC) is a public community college located in Wells, Maine. YCCC is part of the Maine Community College System and has been serving students since 1994.