B-CU President's Tribute To Coach "Cy" McClairen

December 30, 2020

December 29, 2020

Dear Wildcat Nation:

Since my arrival to Bethune-Cookman University, I have come to appreciate that the rich heritage of our great University lies not so much in the historic buildings on our campus as it does in the lives of the indomitable people who have impacted our students and community.  The life of Jack "Cy" McClairen is one of the crown jewels in our rich history. His passing on Monday, December 28^th leaves a void in the Wildcat Nation that cannot be ignored.  Jack "Cy" McClairen's life will be celebrated in the hopes that many others will be inspired to continue the work to which he so energetically committed himself.

Among our legendary leaders in Maroon and Gold Jack "Cy" McClairen stood out remarkably.  He walked our campus as a student leader, served as Dr. Bethune's part-time chauffeur and was a three-sport letterman.   And of course, "Cy" also caught the famed game-winning touchdown on homecoming to finally beat FAMU. Upon graduation, Jack "Cy" McClairen became our very first NFL draft choice and pro football star.

In 1961, after his All-Pro football career, "Cy" returned home to Bethune-Cookman where he served for the next 56 years as athletic director, head coach in football, basketball and then in various other athletic leadership capacities until his retirement in 2017.  Along the way, he rebuffed many opportunities to leave because this was home and it was where his heart remained.  His imprint is on virtually every phase of Wildcat Athletics and his body of work is as celebrated as it is enduring.  

 "Cy" McClairen was Bethune-Cookman! He was the living embodiment of the legacy of our founder. He lived out the tenets of her Last Will and Testament through his life. The McClairen's were a total Bethune-Cookman Family. His late wife Margaret, whom he met while on campus, was a former Miss Bethune-Cookman College, his daughters Robin and Michelle and son Dwayne were all graduates of  B-CC.

While much emphasis is always placed on stats such as coaching records and wins and losses, they can easily be manipulated and debated. What can never be debated are the lives Coach "CY" touched through his generosity and leadership.  All you have to do is walk the campus, look at the people and listen to the stories. I've heard them, met the people and even met the man himself.  My clearest recollection of our discussion was that his greatness was matched with such humility.    

Our most sincere condolences go out to his family, loved ones and his many friends.   He was a giant and he will be missed. 

Most Sincerely,
 

E. LaBrent Chrite
 

Print Friendly Version