Joseph R. Clearfield
	Position: Head Coach Experience: First Year Alma Mater: Union '93

Maj. Joseph R. Clearfield, USMC, was named the head coach of the Navy sprint football program in February 2006. Clearfield replaces Maj. Jerome Rizzo, USMC, who posted a 26-1 record (.963) with three CSFL championships during his four seasons as head coach.

"The transition should be smooth and I expect Maj. Clearfield to carry forward the same high level of organization, intensity, work ethic and winning spirit established by his predecessor," stated Naval Academy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk. "Navy sprint football has no objective less than National Champions on an annual basis."

"I am thankful for the opportunity to serve as the head coach," stated Maj. Clearfield. "I have some big shoes to fill with the achievement of Navy's program over its 60-year history. I am excited about the position and look forward to continuing that history of success."

Clearfield served as the assistant head coach and special teams coordinator for the 2005 Navy sprint football team that won its 31st CSFL Championship with a perfect 7-0 record. At the helm of the special teams unit, Clearfield had three Mids earn a combined four CSFL Special Teams Player-of-the-Week honors. Navy's special teams blocked two punts, one field goal and one extra point attempt, in addition to returning a kickoff and punt for a touchdown during the 2005 campaign.

In 1993, Clearfield graduated Cum Laude from Union College with a Bachelor of Arts in History, after attending Columbia University. He is also a graduate of Amphibious Warfare School, Infantry Officers Course, The Basic School, Airborne School (Honor Graduate), Naval Senior Officers Legal Course, and the Recruiting Management Course.

Clearfield came to the Academy with an impressive military background and decorations. Clearfield served as Platoon Commander and Executive Officer Company F in the 2nd Battalion 2nd Marines from 1994-97. He participated in Operation Uphold/Restore Democracy in Haiti 1994, Operation Strong Resolve in Norway 1995 and Operation Assured Response in Liberia with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) in 1996.

From 1997-2000, Clearfield returned to the United States to serve as Operations Officer and Executive Officer of the Recruiting Station in Baltimore. During that span, the station was named the 4th Marine Corps District's Recruiting Station of the Year three times.

Clearfield performed as a Commanding Officer in Company I, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines in 2001-03. In that time, Clearfield served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and commanded the Boat Company in the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) during Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2002, he also participated in Operation Moonlight in Jordan and Operation Eager mace in Kuwait.

During 2003-04, Clearfield served as an Operations Officer with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines. He was involved with Operation Iraqi Freedom II, including Operation Vigilant Resolve in Fallujah.

For his efforts and service during his military career, Clearfield has earned several honors and decorations. His personal decorations include the two Bronze Stars with Combat "V", Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two Gold Stars, and the Combat Action Ribbon with one star. In 1996, he won the "Tarawa Award" for the outstanding Platoon Commander in 2nd Marine Division.

He is married to the former Kimberly Regan Blaisdell. They have one daughter, Mackenzie Julia (2).