BY WENDI REARDON PRICE
Clarkston News Sports Writer
A large yellow poster saying “700” rose in the bleachers as the scoreboard counted down the final seconds in the Clarkston Boys Varsity Basketball regional win over Orchard Lake St. Mary’s at West Bloomfield, lofted by fans of coach Dan Fife.
The 58-35 win marked the 700th win for the long-time head coach, March 14.
“He’s a great role model for his players, has an incredible work ethic and expects the same from his team,” said fan Karen Hagen Sanderson. “Congratulations Dan Fife!”
“The boys become young men with Dan,” said fellow fan William Tymkow.
The victory also marked the fastest ever in state history to reach the milestone, and Fife is the only coach in state history to do it at one school.
As Fife was getting closer to the milestone, he attributed the success of the program to all of the players and who they become as adults as well as who they are as fathers.

“To be in this for so long, my trophies are the kids walking around representing Clarkston Basketball and the Clarkston community, who they become,” he shared. “It’s really awesome. I just had five come and see me tonight after the game. We have to have trophies for all the right reasons, but we also have to produce kids to be involved and be a part of their life. I am so proud of all this. I couldn’t have the success without the support of the kids, their families, the community and the teaching staff, the administration. The recognition is throughout the community.”
Players begin their journey with McGrath Basketball during the winter, led by Fife with assistant coaches and varsity players helping and offering tips. During the summer, the learning continues as boys entering seventh through ninth grade can participate in Fife Basketball Camp; and boys entering fourth through sixth grades can participate in Fife Fundamentals

  700 wins, Clarkston Boys Basketball, Dan Fife