BY WENDI REARDON PRICE
Clarkston News Sports Writer
Dan Fife stopped by The Clarkston News office on Friday afternoon to extend his gratitude to the Clarkston community, especially following his induction to the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame on his birthday, Oct. 5.
“Looking up at the stands to see about 40 people from Clarkston was really humbling,” he said about the experience.
It was a busy Saturday as he went to the University of Michigan Stadium for the football game, then to Detroit to be inducted into the hall of fame at Motor City Casino Hotel, where his wife, Jan, sons Dugan, Jeremy, and Dane and grandchildren celebrated with him – about 130 miles total.

During his 36-year tenure as head coach, he had over 700 wins; won two state championships (2017 and 2018); won 13 regional championships; won 30 district championships; and 29 league championships. He also prepared younger players by holding the winter McGrath basketball league and two summer camps, Fife Fundamentals and Fife Basketball Camp.
A 1967 graduate of Clarkston High School, Fife was drafted into the NBA by the Milwaukee Bucks and Major League Baseball by the Detroit Tigers, both in 1971. In 1973, he pitched seven games for the Minnesota Twins, finishing 3-2, prior to shoulder issues ending his time in the pros. He served as Clarkston athletic director and coach for decades, retiring from coaching in September 2018.
“For 36 years, I was privileged to coach the Clarkston Boys Varsity Basketball team. I would like to thank my coaching staff, my players, their families, school administration, faculty and the community of Clarkston,” Fife said. “Without the support of everyone, I would have never had the success throughout my career. Over these 36 years, I’ve been left with many memories. Three of my favorites come to mind – the two state championships and the opportunity to be inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. Thank you Clarkston! I will forever be grateful.”

  Dan Fife, hall of fame