It has been a frustrating year for Bangor High School’s Chip Clark. But despite two disappointing developments in post-season play, Clark finished his high school athletic career on a high note.

Clark was instrumental in guiding Bangor to a 14-4 regular-season record and an appearance in the Eastern Maine Class A Championship basketball game in March. He saved two of his best performances for the tournament, scoring 38 points in the first two games.

His tournament performance earned him the distinction of being named MIDWEEK Athlete of the Month.

Clark’s Bangor team advanced to the EM final and was defeated by Lawrence of Fairfield 50-44.

“We were really nervous about playing in the tournament, but once we got that first game over with, we really started playing well,” Clark said. “But Lawrence shut us down in the final.”

It was a disappointing way for Clark’s last varsity season of high school hoop to end, but Clark can look back with pride on three solid seasons.

“It was hard going in (to the tournament), because a lot of people thought we’d choke. Even during the regular season, it was like that,” said Clark. “I think we silenced some of the critics.”

The senior captain certainly did his part in silencing the critics. He scored 22 points in the first tourney game and hit clutch shots in the closing moments to key the Rams’ victory. In the second game, Clark had 16 points and six rebounds to help lead the Rams to a four-point win.

It was a different story for Clark and his teammates in the next game. Clark was held under double figures in scoring and managed only seven points, five rebounds and four assists.

Even more disheartening to Clark than that game was the way in which his soccer season came to an abrupt end.

The Bangor soccer team finished its regular season with an 8-4-2 record and qualified to play in the Eastern Maine Class A playoffs.

Because Bangor used a player during some regular season games who was ineligible for competition under Maine Secondary School Principals’ Association guidelines, Bangor was not allowed to compete in the playoffs.

Clark and the other players on the team learned that they wouldn’t be allowed to play only one day before their scheduled playoff game.

“That was my biggest disappointment. We all took it pretty hard. I mean, there were 26 of us in a room and most of us were crying,” said Clark.

Clark was able to shake off the bitter memories of that setback and rebound with a great basketball season.

“He’s been a key player for us. His leadership was a great plus and he was a steadying influence on the team,” said Roger Reed, head basketball and soccer coach at Bangor.

“It’s going to be hard to replace him. … on both teams.”

The 5-10 point guard was named to the Big East All-Star Team and also played in the McDonald’s East-West Senior All-Star Game.

In soccer, Clark was named to the Penobscot Valley Conference All-Star team his junior and senior year.

Right now, Clark will concentrate on his studies and getting some well-deserved rest after two straight athletic seasons. He has already applied to, and been accepted by, Colby College in Waterville.

“I’m really looking forward to going there. I wanted Colby for the academics, the chance to play basketball and also the small-college atmosphere,” said the honor roll student.

The son of Elanna and Vaughn Clark would like to pursue a law degree or possibly major in computer science.

“I think it’ll be tough for me as a freshman next year, especially in basketball; but I’m looking forward to the challenge,” said Chip Clark, MIDWEEK’s Athlete of the Month.