Rick Clark has lit a fire on the landscape of darts in the Northwest and I predict he will leave an indelible impression on each and every one of you who come in contact with him. Rick’s got street cred and brings a solid voice of assurance as an accomplished Dart Coordinator for the biggest Medalist dart house in the entire country!
Let’s listen, ‘cause I think Rick’s getting ready to speak! Let’s find out what this longtime Kent, Washington based dart player has to say for himself…
So, Rick, welcome to the “Pages”. Feelin’ good are ya? I’m actually loving life. I’m fortunate to have a job, a home, a family and to be involved with my extended family and dart program at Cloud 9.
Where did young Ricky Clark spend his childhood? I grew up all over Western WA, but ended up finishing high school in White Center at Evergreen.
Did you realize then that you would eventually end up with a total babe? Not at all. Amy and I have been together for over three years. With her children Lauren, Bailey, and our new addition two years ago, Alexis Jolee, we share a nice home in Kent.
I see. Tell us what kinds of interests fill your time outside of darts? Outside of darts, I love to play softball, Golden Tee, barbequeing, shopping and hanging out with my friends and family; Amy, Lauren, Bailey and Alexis.
Excellent! What position do you play on the field? After taking two years off, I finally got back on the field last year. I currently pitch but have played every position over my last 25 years of playing.
What was your ball team’s win/loss record last season? I played on two teams last year at Celebration Field; Coed and Men’s. My combined record was 19-9.
Impressive! Rick, tell us when and how you first began throwing darts? Wow, that was a log time ago. I want to say it was ‘91 or ‘92 and it was because of my sister who played, she got me started and Wang’s Dynasty in White Center.
What was it about the game that hooked ya? It’s the competition and camaraderie that hooked me.
What was your rating when you first started and what is it today? Honestly, I don’t remember, but I think I was a 6 when I started, back when a 12 was the highest you could be. I am currently a 10 and usually bounce between a 9 and an 11.
What steps have you taken to elevate your game? I have found that not being afraid to get your butt kicked by playing people better than you is the best way to elevate your game both physically and mentally.
Is it tough being a Dart Coordinator in today’s “climate”? I wouldn’t say it’s tough, but definitely challenging at times. Luckily, I have an awesome owner in Ike, great co-coordinators in Robert and Tia, a great bar staff and the most respectful group of players in the game today. We function collectively as a family and a team and it works really well for us.
The biggest dart house in the country… Really? How do you even do that? Honestly, it starts with an owner who cares and is involved in the game himself. It’s about being good people to good people and keeping things real. It’s about caring for every individual as a family member. With 54 teams this season, our family is very unique and diverse but it’s OUR family!
What would you say to other Coordinators trying to jumpstart their own programs? Get the owners involved and keep it real. You and the owners greet everyone every time you see them and let them know they are an important part of what you are trying to build.
What has been your greatest personal achievement thus far? Winning “A Flight” at State with Chris Bennett and taking 2nd in “A Flight” at State with Robert and Sumit.
Do you tend to be superstitious before a big event? Yes, every time I play. I have to always touch my teammates last before starting league or a tourney.
And by “touch” I assume you mean high-five. What’s the coolest vacation you’ve ever taken? The “BOYS TRIP” in the RV to Arizona for spring training with my dad, John Strom, Robert Brown and Brian Harris. What a fun and memorable trip.
What is the one thing (non-living) that you cannot do without? White Chocolate.
Hmm, interesting. Who are your favorite partners for leagues and tournaments? Amy, Robert, and Johnny to name a few, but mostly anyone who is competitive and wants to have fun. Anybody who isn’t a poor sport and isn’t a “bagger”.
How do you feel about playing against lower-rated players? As long as they are true lower-rated players, I don’t mind at all. Most low-rated players are striving to get better and learn the game. I enjoy the opportunity of helping these players approach the game differently and improve.
Who has been most influential in your development in the game? There are so many players, but to name a few I would have to say Slim, Slammer from Wang’s, Chris Bennett, Tia Russo and Tony Ashworth.
Who have you introduced to the sport that still plays? To be honest I can’t really think of anyone that I have brought into the game, but hopefully I have kept a lot of players in the game.
Are you actively recruiting brand new players to the sport? Always! There are a lot of us “OLD” players in the game and we can’t shoot forever, so we have to get the younger generation involved. Hopefully they will get addicted like I did and run with it.
Besides Cloud 9, which are your favorite dart houses and why? Spectators and R Bar because of the board layouts, and Pickled Onion because of my friends up there!
Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met and how did it happen? Grand Master’s World Champion, John Husman! LOL! I’m sure it was him kicking my butt in a tournament somewhere.
What do you do for work, Rick? I am a service manager for Pitney Bowes/EBS and have worked in Redmond at the same place for 18 years now.
What is your favorite aspect of the game? The competition and the friends and family you meet.
What inspires you? Working hard for what you have in every aspect of your life so that you appreciate it more! Whether its work, coordinating darts or playing sports - give your best always and it makes your achievements mean so much more.
What are your feelings about the direction of the sport these days? I love this game! Its tough when you take a diverse bunch of individuals, add alcohol and a competitive situation and try to keep everyone happy. I think the direction of the sport is good.
Would you make any changes if you were in charge? I would start by creating a way to have a player card or button that would keep stats on all tourneys as well as league and upload them directly to Medalist to help cut down on the sandbagging in league. I would also put together a coordinator committee to rerate known “baggers” at all locations for tourneys and also inform Medalist of what the players want and think to help the program go in the right direction. I would get more $$$ back into the payouts at State like it used to be and I would promote the Grand Masters in the game, both at State and Worlds, because they are what the other players are striving to be.
Great suggestions, Rick. Who’ve been your biggest influence(s) in the game so far? Mike and Elaine, Ike, Tia Russo, Tony Ashworth, Pat Gorman, Chris Bennett, John Husman, Melvin Cherry.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned from the game? No matter where you’re playing, the board is always the same height and the line is always the same distance. No situation or game can change that. This is a game and it should be fun. Regardless of your rating, always try to shoot your best and always treat your teammates and others with respect.
Does it bother you when players drink only water? That doesn’t bother me at all. Different people have different reasons for not drinking and it’s all personal preference.
What is your beverage of choice? Vitamin “B” or Bud Light, B52’s and Fireball.
What makes you an interesting person? I don’t know necessarily that I am an interesting person, but I would say that I have the ability to get along with just about everyone. I am very honest, sometimes to a fault, and I have the ability to diffuse just about any situation. I am very passionate and take a lot of pride in the things that I do and will always give my best efforts.
What does the next year hold for you and where do you see yourself in ten years? Hopefully the next year will bring us at Cloud 9 the honor of being the #1 dart house in the world for the second time. As for 10 years from now? I would love to get into the bar business and own a place of my own.
Anything else you’d like to say to our readers? I just want to thank all of those people that are my friends and extended family in the dart community that I have met over the past 20 years. You are all part of the reason that I still enjoy being involved in this game. Thank you to all our players at Cloud 9 that make it my home away from home, and to our mentors that continue to help our program succeed.
Thanks to Rick Clark for taking the time to chat with us. It’s great to be able to get to know him better as a person rather than the ultra-busy dart director guy. May the new year bring only the best to you and yours. God bless.
If you’d like to be our next Player Profile, please contact us at [email protected] or (425) 282-4610.
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