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Orono, Maine – The University of Maine Athletics Department will hold a ceremony at noon on November 24th at halftime of the men’s basketball game, with the Black Bears hosting Holy Cross, during the opening game of the men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader at The Pit. , a tribute to Skip Chappelle.
Between the men’s and women’s games, fans and supporters will have the opportunity to stop by New Balance Fieldhouse to say hello to Chappelle and enjoy refreshments.
In recognition of his accomplishments as both a student-athlete and a coach, Chappelle was inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame in 1987 after a distinguished career as both a player and a coach.
Chappelle was the only Black Bear to be named a Little All-American (’61) and led Maine to two of the most successful seasons in program history. 19 wins and 4 losses in 1959-60 and 18 wins and 5 losses in 1960-61. Chappelle at one time held 12 individual school records and led the Yankees conference in scoring for three straight seasons. A three-time All-Yankee Conference first-team selection (1960-1962), Chappelle was drafted by the St. Louis Hawks in the 11th round (89th overall) of the 1962 NBA Draft, becoming Maine’s first NBA draft pick. He became a draft pick. His jersey number 34 was retired by the University of Maine.
Chappelle returned to Maine in 1968 as a varsity assistant and freshman basketball coach and became head coach in 1971. He spent the next 17 years at the helm of the program, accumulating 217 wins, coaching seven future NBA draft picks, and was named ECAC North Coach of the Year in 1988.
Tickets for the November 24th doubleheader are available at: GoBlackBears.com/ticketscall 207-581-2327 or visit us in person at the Alfond Arena box office.
-Umain-
