Welcome To Potsdam Public Museum

Jack (John) Hantz (1924-1986) was well known for his 32 years at Clarkson University as head coach of Soccer, Lacrosse, and Wrestling teams, all of which he introduced to the university's sports program.

 He served as Director of Athletics for a time and as Chairman of the Athletic Department form 1979 until 1985.Jack's wrestling teams were undefeated in the 1961-62 and 1963-64 seasons and he helped found the Northern New York Wrestling Officials Association along with being inducted into the NYS Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in 1979.

Clarkson's Lacrosse team earned over 51 victories under his guidance and numerous athletes he mentored sent on to earn All-American or all-star accolades. As coach of the Clarkson soccer teams, he led them to over 55 wins and six championships.

Hantz also served as president of the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association in 1978 and was a member of NCAA Men's Lacrosse Committee from 1983-85. John "Jack" Hantz passed away on July 5, 1986 at the age of 62. Prior to his death, Clarkson University dedicated their new Lacrosse field in his honor on May 3, 1986



These are the boots that Jack got in Texas when training for the Navy in WWII.