By Mara Allen
Contributing Writer
ASHWAUBENON – If there’s a saying that best describes the mindset of Green Bay Blizzard center Trent Clark, it would be the quote in his Facebook bio: “Anything is possible with the right motivation.”
With great amounts of hard work, dedication and determination, Clark has faced every challenge in his life head-on and conquered each one, all in pursuit of living out his dreams.
Love for football
Clark grew up in the city of Trotwood, Ohio — a suburb of Dayton — and began playing football in elementary school, starting with Pop Warner.
“Football has been a part of my life for almost as long as I’ve been alive,” Clark said.
He described his father, Dwayne, as his “hero”, recalling fondly how his dad “overcame a lot of adversity to provide for me and see that I could do a lot of things in my life.”
One of those things was attending college.
After an impressive four years playing at Trotwood-Madison High School, Clark chose to continue his football career at the collegiate level at Tiffin University — an NCAA Division II program a few hours from his hometown.
“Spring of my sophomore year is when I really started to get in the mix of earning a starting role on the offensive line,” Clark said. “I started at guard and then showed my talent at center.”
Once Clark got rolling, he never stopped, racking up numerous All-Region and First Team All-Conference accolades in the coming seasons.
Off the field, he also became the first person in his family to graduate from college, earning his bachelor of arts degree in Health, Fitness and Wellness.
“It was a great accomplishment,” Clark said. “My family was so proud.”
New opportunities
Professional coaches — including those from the Blizzard — took notice of Clark’s talent while competing at Tiffin University.
“The recruiting process was fairly quick — getting the playbook, knowing what the standard is as an O-lineman and knowing what the [Blizzard] was trying to accomplish,” Clark explained.
“It was basically all set in front of me, and I had the option to take it or leave it.”
Ultimately, Clark decided to take it, signing his first professional contract with the Green Bay Blizzard, a member of the Indoor Football League (IFL).
Clark described reading his contract and signing his name on the dotted line as “mesmerizing.”
“I still remember signing the last page of that contract, where it says: ‘You are a professional athlete.’ That’s what keeps me going when I feel like all else fails,” he said. “At the end of the day, I’m doing something that a small percentage of people can say they get to do.”
A steady presence
Through their 13 games so far this season, the Blizzard have had four different starting combinations on the offensive line.
The one thing that has remained consistent all year is Clark in the middle, anchoring the line amidst many changes alongside him.
“I’m very adaptable to change,” he said. “[The season] is not a quick sprint, it’s a marathon. I’m very fortunate that I’ve been able to take care of my body and stay injury free.”
Clark’s positive and persevering mindset were noticed by his teammates early on in the season, evidenced by him being chosen as a team captain.
“It felt great that this group of guys sees me as a leader and sees that I have the right focus and intentions for our team,” he said.
Embodying the type of player the Blizzard look for, Clark has earned high praise from many people within the organization.
Blizzard Offensive/Defensive Line Coach Dean Picotte said, “Trent’s toughness and leadership are an incredible asset to the Blizzard.”
A frequent visitor at elementary schools and other local events, Clark has also embraced being a role model in the Green Bay community, saying that one of his favorite things about playing for the Blizzard is the impact players like him can have on young lives.
“The kids think we’re Packers players,” he said with a laugh. “From their perspective, you’re a big football player. You’re their idol for a while.”
More than football
Right now, Clark’s main focus is on helping the Blizzard reach the playoffs for the first time since 2019.
However, once his football career eventually comes to an end, Clark plans to use his college degree to become a strength coach.
He and his fiancée, Bronlyn, are set to tie the knot in December.
Clark’s face lit up at the mention of the upcoming big day, calling it, “so exciting.”
Wherever life takes him next, Clark will undoubtedly succeed as he continues to pave his own path to greatness.