Stockton University Athletics

Stockton Athletics 2019 Hall of Fame Class Inducted

Athletics | 10/15/2019 9:42:00 AM

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Galloway, N.J. - Stockton Athletics inducted its 10th Hall of Fame class at a dinner in the Campus Center Event Room on October 11. The inductees were Audra Schappell '07 (track & field), Stephanie Warner '13 (volleyball), Paul Chambers (distinguished service) and the 2008-09 Men's Basketball Team.
 
Nearly 150 people attended the dinner, which was part of Stockton's University Weekend celebration. The event began with opening remarks by Dr. Harvey Kesselman, Stockton University President before transitioning into the induction speeches.
 
Chambers, who was an assistant athletic director for 34 years and played a key role in the growth of Stockton's athletics and recreation programs, was the first inductee at the podium. "For me, having a small part in the advancement of the athletic programs was a dream come true," Chambers said. "Playing a part in making a change for the better was exciting and invigorating."
 
Schappell was the next honoree to take the stage. She was a 2006 All-American in the discus as well as a seven-time NJAC champion and 13-time NJAC all-conference performer in the throwing events. "Thanks to everyone at Stockton for allowing me to join this prestigious group of athletes, coaches and teams in the Stockton Athletics Hall of Fame," Schappell said during her speech.
 
After dinner, the speeches resumed with Warner, who was a three-time All-American and the only Stockton volleyball player ever to be named to an All-American team higher than Honorable Mention twice (2011 & 2012 Second Team). Warner led NCAA Division III in hitting percentage in 2011 and ranks 17th in Division III history in career hitting percentage.
 
She spoke poignantly about her father, who passed away in November 2012, right around the time her playing career at Stockton was ending. "My dad was my biggest supporter, especially when it came to sports," Warner said.
 
Speaking about his passing and the support that she received from the team in that difficult time, Warner stated, "My coaches and team were really there for me. No words can express how appreciative I am of my teammates for their support at that time."
 
The 2008-09 Men's Basketball Team was the final inductee of the night. The squad became just the second Stockton team in any sport to reach an NCAA championship game. The Ospreys finished as the Division III national runner-up and set a school record with 30 victories (30-3 record). Twelve of the 15 players and all six coaches from the squad attended the Hall of Fame dinner.
 
Head coach Gerry Matthews spoke first, saying, "It takes a special group to get to a Final Four. This group clicked from the first day to the last. They were all together. They liked each other, they all got along and they took the coaches for a great ride."
 
Chad Davis, a starter on the 2008-09 team as a senior that year, gave a speech on behalf of the players that was part comedic, part thoughtful and struck all the right notes. "The coaching staff kept us locked in the entire year," Davis said. "2008-09 was a special year. That year, I gained 13 brothers. Our time off the court was just as special as our time on the court."