RELEASE DATE: 9/19/06

Mansfield University Alumni/Athletic Hall of Fame Set to Induct Six New Members this Friday Evening – Marion “Spotts” Decker, Molly Dry, Craig Jobes, Rod Kelchner, Charlie Phillips, and Tom Walton Comprise Class of 2006

MANSFIELD – Mansfield University will welcome Marion “Spotts” Decker, coaches Molly Dry and Rod Kelchner, football standout Craig Jobes, baseball standout Charlie Phillips, and basketball standout Tom Wallon as its newest members during the 24^th Annual Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies this Friday evening in Manser Hall.

The Class of 2006 spans a wide array of athletic history at Mansfield with inductees whose careers ran from the 1920s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. It includes two legendary head coaches and support staffers (Molly Dry and Rod Kelchner), a record breaking quarterback (Craig Jobes), as well as members of 1964 basketball team that advanced to the NAIA National Championship tournament (Tom Wallon) and the 1979 baseball team that finished third in the NCAA Division III National Championship (Charlie Phillips).

With the inclusion of the Class of 2006, 147 former Mountaineer athletes, coaches and support personal have been inducted into the Hall of Fame since 1983.

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2006 Hall of Fame Inductee’s

Marion “Spotts” Decker – Entering the Hall of Fame in the Legend’s category is Marion “Spotts” Decker. A standout basketball player, Decker also was a member of the football and baseball teams at Mansfield State Normal School in the mid-1920s.

Decker returned to his alma mater after the conclusion of WWII and is responsible for the modern athletic program. He served as Director of Athletics from 1946 until 1969. Decker Gymnasium, which houses the athletic department and facilities, was named in his honor.

Molly Dry – The founder of the modern track and field program and first full-time athletic trainer, Molly Dry also served as an assistant football coach during his 10-year Mansfield career.

Dry came to Mansfield in 1962 as an assistant health and physical education professor, assistant football coach and athletic trainer for all the athletic teams. Beginning the next year, Dry started the track and field program including arranging and assisting with the construction of the track around the then new Karl Van Norman field.

Dry served as head coach of the track and field program for six years and also started the cross country program in 1968.

Craig Jobes – Jobes was the starting quarterback for the football program during the 1986, 87 and 88 seasons. His strong right arm helped change the Mountaineers offensive scheme for years to come.

The PSAC East Rookie of the Year in 1986 after passing 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns, Jobes threw for 1,882 yards and 13 TD’s in 1987. Jobes was leading the PSAC in passing in 1988 before being forced to miss two games with injuries late in the season. He still managed to pass for 1,830 yards and 18 touchdowns. He was named the NCAA Division II National Player of the Week after a school record six touchdown passes in a win over Kutztown.

Rod Kelchner – One of the most successful head football coaches in school history, Rod Kelchner was associated with athletics in one form or another for almost all of his 34 years at Mansfield, a career that included being Dean of Students, Dean of Development and External Relations and, from 1984 through 1998, President of Mansfield University.

Kelchner was an assistant football coach under Tut Moore for two seasons before taking over the reigns of the program in 1966. Mansfield posted a 15-13 mark with Kelchner at the helm including a 6-4 record in 1967, just missing the PSAC East title.

During his tenure at Mansfield, Kelchner also served as an assistant basketball coach and statistician and later was the long-time Chairperson of the PSAC Board of Directors.

Charlie Phillips – A three-year starter at third base, Charlie Phillips played for Dr. John Heaps from 1977-79. Phillips hit .383 with a team best seven home runs and 29 RBI’s in 1977 earning First Team All-PSAC East honors.

In 1978, Phillips batted .331 with 19 RBI’s and was one of just two players to appear in every game that season. In 1979, Phillips helped the Mountaineers advance to the NCAA Division III National Championship where they finished third in the nation with a 26-10 record. Phillips earned First Team All-PSAC East honor for the second time in 1979 and was considered one of the best infielders during the Heaps era.

Tom Wallon -- Tom Wallon was a member of the Mountaineer varsity basketball team from 1962-64 and the baseball team in 1963.

Wallon was the starting forward on two state championship teams and was the sixth man on another. He was a starter on the 1964 team that advanced to the quarterfinals of the NAIA National Championship.
A forward, Wallon was a tenacious rebounder. His 707 career rebounds still rank seventh best in school history while his 307 during the championship 1964 season still ranks seventh best in school history.

On the fabled 1963-64 Championship team, Wallon pulled down a team best 307 rebounds (12.8 per game) while averaging 13.8 points a game