The Coach Mark Conover Endowed Scholarship
“Coach Conover taught me that the same discipline, patience, and perseverance it took to be a successful distance runner carried over to everything we do in life. I will carry those lessons with me the rest of my days..” Adam Boothe, one of the first athletes coached by Mark at Cal Poly, class of 2002.
“Coach Conover was the ultimate fighter. His stories of continuing to run while battling cancer will forever inspire my pursuit for greatness. His love, passion, and most resilient spirit will live on forever, in my heart and in the hearts of each person who had the honor of knowing Coach Conover.” – Katie Izzo Class 0f 2019
“Coach Conover was instrumental in my growth both as a runner and as a person. He got the absolute best out of me and helped me attain goals I never thought were possible. He’ll forever be my Coach, inspiration, role model, and hero.”- Chris Frias class of 2008.
“Mark was an incredible coach, I feel very fortunate to have witnessed some of the most incredible college distance running under his tutelage. More scholarship money for student athletes is something he always had a need for. What a perfect way to honor his legacy!“ - Sharon Day-Monroe, Heptathlon/HJ, Olympian, class of 2008
In April of 2022 Coach Mark Conover lost his long battle with cancer. Multiple times since 1993 Coach Conover faced down cancer with the same focus and optimism that he used to lead hundreds and hundreds of athletes over his 20 year career at Cal Poly.
Mark coached the team all the way to his final days. The track and field team of 2022 dedicated their season to him.
With the creation of this endowed scholarship, to be awarded to a male or female student athlete at the discretion of the Head Coach, we plan to address one of Mark’s major desires as Head Coach – more financial opportunity for athletes to afford an education in San Luis Obispo,
Highlights of Mark Conover’s Coaching Achievements
- 20-Time Big West Conference Coach of the Year
- 3-Time USTFCCCA West Region Coach of the Year
- 14 All-Americans Since 2003
- 25 USTFCCCA All-Academic Teams & 43 Individuals Since 2007
- Over 350 Graduated Athletes
Total raised for the Coach Mark Conover Endowed Scholarship:
$25,520
Read the 2023 Impact Report Here
To continue honoring Coach Conover and acknowledge the many athletes Mark impacted, Cal Poly Athletics is promoting the Coach Mark Conover Memorial Scholarship. The founding donor team have committed the first $15,000.
Once endowed, the Cal Poly Track and Field / Cross Country Program will be able to award Mark's scholarship in perpetuity, creating a true legacy in his memory. Contributing to “The Conover” is a symbiotic relationship between supporting the Cal Poly program and memorializing a remarkable Mustang Legend. By establishing this memorial scholarship, Mustang running, throwing, and jumping alums honor Mark for generations to come.
To contribute a financial gift, click the link below. If you prefer to mail a check or donate appreciated securities, please contact Jenna Tognazzini at jtognazz@calpoly.edu.
Thank you to the generous donors who have contributed to this scholarship:
David Albritton
Harold Andoetoe
Michael & Julie Bartlett
Rod & Robyn Berry
Greg Bistline
Kasey Blattler
Adam Boothe
Jerry & Stephanie Brown-Trafton
Kelly Conover
Charles & Amy Cook
Ryan Cosens
Angela & Carl Dargitz
Daniel & Sharon Day-Monroe
Brock Dickie
Peter & Jill Erickson
Joe & Lori Fabris
Christopher Frias
Marc & Aeron Arlin-Genet
Amanda Giacopuzzi
Kellie Hall
Christine Hamilton
James Hurley
Katherine Izzo
Meghan & Michael Johnson
Joe Mangan
Kathleen Manning
Liam Martinez
Richard & Kathleen Murray
Blake & Alex Page
Michael & Tracy Parrott
Elaine Ramos Doyle
Phillip Reid
Stan & Elaine Rosenfield
Kristen Sanzari
Jim Sapienza
Kevin & Noreen Searls
Billy Smith
Bruce Storms
Sara VanDyke
Nathanael Vickers
Matthew & Eileen Vukicevich
James & Helen West
Mike Williams
Cal Poly Coaches and Staff who have contributed:
Assistant Coach Kelly Bean
Coach Deanna Vochatzer
Coach Ryan Vanhoy
Coach Michelle Chewens
Assistant Coach Bradley Pickett
Ashley Offermann - Senior Associate Athletic Director
Jenna Tognazzini - Assistant Athletic Director
The Founding Team
Adam Boothe ‘02
Alex Page (Ciaraglia) ‘13
Ben Bruce ‘05
Chas Cook ‘20
Chris Frias ‘14
Jessica Dahlberg ‘02
Katie Izzo ‘19
Laura Hollander ‘17
Kristen Sanzari ‘11
Liam Martinez ‘18
Luke Llamas ‘06
Nick Woolf ‘17
Peter Cotsirilos '18
Phil Reid ‘08
Sharon Day Monroe ‘08
Stephanie Trafton Brown
