SALISBURY, Md. — Salisbury University Football alumnus Wayne Clemons '78 (B.A.), '81 (M.Ed.) has established The Wayne Clemons Football Alumni Fund, an endowed programmatic fund through the Salisbury University Foundation, Inc., to support the Sea Gulls football program and strengthen connections among football alumni.

The fund is designed to provide flexible programmatic support for Salisbury University Football, allowing resources to be directed toward the program's greatest needs as determined by the head coach, with special consideration given to alumni outreach, gatherings, and networking opportunities that foster lifelong engagement with the program.

Clemons, a Baltimore native who played defensive back at Salisbury from 1975–78 under legendary head coach Dick Yobst, credits the football program with shaping both his character and career. A four-year starter who never experienced a losing season, Clemons helped lead a Salisbury defense that set the program record for most shutouts in a season with three in both 1976 and 1978. He led the defense during his senior season and earned All-State honors at safety in 1977 and 1978.  He was named team captain and defensive MVP in his senior season.

"I give back to football because I want to see Salisbury succeed," Clemons said. "Football instilled in me the drive to focus and accomplish goals under rigorous circumstances, in addition to making life-long friendships that are just as strong today after all these years."

Beyond competition, Clemons emphasized the lasting personal impact of his experience at Salisbury. "Going through two-a-day and three-a-day practices during the summer-built character that remains with me today," he said. "Salisbury University and football made a significant positive impact on my life. Attending class and earning my degrees mattered, but football was the icing on the cake."

The Wayne Clemons Football Alumni Fund is open to contributions from anyone, especially fellow football alumni, who are encouraged to support the fund and help expand alumni engagement opportunities across generations of Sea Gull football alumni.

"Wayne represents everything we hope our alumni will carry forward," said Salisbury University head football coach Sherman Wood. "He competed at a high level, led with integrity, and continues to give back to the program that helped shape him. This fund is about more than football support — it's about connection, legacy, and keeping our alumni family strong."

The establishment of the fund reflects Clemons' enduring commitment to Salisbury Football and his desire to ensure future student-athletes benefit from the same sense of purpose, discipline, and camaraderie that defined his time in the Maroon & Gold.

Clemons still resides in Baltimore with his wife, Constance. The team and family setting he experienced as a student-athlete inspired both his philanthropy and a career dedicated to service. He worked for the State of Maryland as a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) before serving Anne Arundel County as a Clinical Director. He retired as Director of Winchester Health and now currently works as a consultant for multiple health care clinics. While originally planning to teach, the call to serve individuals struggling with addiction resonated deeply with him.

"I carry a legacy of dedication and a commitment to fostering well-being," Clemons said. "The winding path of my career is a testament to the transformative power of each endeavor and the unwavering passion that fuels my journey. I owe my start to Salisbury University."

Clemons earned both a bachelor's degree in sociology in 1978 and a master's degree in education in 1981 from Salisbury University.

For more information on how to contribute to The Wayne Clemons Football Alumni Fund or to learn more about supporting Salisbury University Athletics and its 23 varsity programs, contact Stan Bradley at sbradley@salisbury.edu.

You can support the fund here.