Hall of Fame Inductees
The Chet & Marguerite Pagni Family Athletic Hall of Fame was established to recognize former University of San Diego student-athletes, coaches, administrators. Eligibility is based on athletic achievement, extraordinary service or leadership to the University and quality of character. Former athletes and coaches must have last competed five or more years prior to induction. John Manson, a USD alum, has done a wonderful job as Chairman of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee since its inception.
The Chet & Marguerite Pagni Family Athletic Hall of Fame, which is housed in the foyer of the Jenny Craig Pavilion, currently has 33 inductees. The inaugural ceremony and induction class was held in 1994 and included Bernie Bickerstaff, '68; Chester Pagni, '89 Honorary; and John Wathan, '71. Below is a list of our current members (name, year of induction).
Kris Bryant, 2019
Sue Snyder, 2018
Ali Troost, 2017
Leigh Ann Robinson Brown, 2016
Josh Johnson, 2015
Andrew Rae, 2014
Alison Cox, 2013
Kevin Herde, 2012
Hank Egan, 2011
Stan Washington, 2010
Zuzana Lesenarova, 2009
Susie Erpelding, 2008
Jose Luis Noriega, 2007
Jeb Dougherty, 2007
Thomas F. Burke, 2005
Petia Yanchulova, 2005
John "JC" Cunningham, 2003
Jim Brovelli, 2002
Ed Collins, 2001
Christine Enger, 2001
Matt Maslowski, 2001
Julie McKeon, 2000
Scott Thompson, 2000
Phil Woolpert, 2000
Patrick "Bo" Kaemerle, 1998
Becky Walley, 1998
Kerry Dineen, 1997
Gus Magee, 1997
Rev. Patrick G. Cahill, C.S.V., 1995
Jan Chapman, 1995
Mike Whitmarsh, 1995
Bernie Bickerstaff, 1994
Chester "Chet" Pagni, 1994
John Wathan, 1994
Kris Bryant
Baseball (2011-2013)
Inducted in 2019
Kris Bryant spent three seasons with the San Diego baseball program from 2011 to 2013 and produced one of the most distinguished and successful careers of any player in program history.
A two-time West Coast Conference Co-Player of the Year, three-time All-American, and three-time first-team All-WCC selection, Bryant helped guide the Toreros to the 2012 and 2013 NCAA Regionals. He also helped USD clinch the WCC Tournament title in 2013. The Las Vegas native made an immediate impact during his freshman season, earning WCC Freshman of the Year honors as well as WCC Co-Player of the Year recognition.
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In 2013, Bryant became the first Torero to win the Golden Spikes Award, college baseball's equivalent to the Heisman Trophy. He also took home the Dick Houser Award and Baseball America College Player of the Year Award after an impressive junior campaign. Bryant left USD as the program's all-time leader in home runs (54), runs scored (196), slugging percentage (.702) and total bases (440). He also set the program record for single-season home runs with 31 in his junior year, to lead the nation.
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Bryant was drafted No. 2 overall by the Chicago Cubs, making him the highest draft pick in USD history. He made his major league debut for the Cubs on April 17, 2015, against the San Diego Padres. As he transitioned to his professional career, the accolades continued. Bryant was named the Minor League Player of the Year ('14), National League Rookie of the Year ('15), National League Hank Aaron Award winner ('16) and National League MVP ('16).Â
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The two-time All-Star became just the fourth player in MLB history to follow ROY honors with an MVP award. In 2016, Bryant helped lead the Cubs to a World Series championship—their first in 108 years—fielding the final out to clinch the title in Game 7.
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Sue Snyder
Women's Volleyball Head Coach (1990-1998)
Inducted in 2018
Sue Snyder was head coach for the women's volleyball team for nine seasons from 1990-1998. During her outstanding coaching career she directed the Toreros to the NCAA Tournament four times and to the semifinals of the NIVC Post-Season Tournament twice. The three-time West Coast Conference Coach of the Year led San Diego to two WCC Championships and to the second round of the NCAA Tournament twice (1998, 1997). Prior to Snyder's arrival at Alcala Park, USD Volleyball had won just 10 conference matches in the five previous seasons combined.
Snyder finished her nine-year run with a remarkable 193-89 overall record (68.4 winning percentage); six straight seasons with 22 or more victories (1993-1998) and a school record 19-match winning streak (1997). Her best season came in 1997 when she directed the Toreros to an overall record of 26-4 and 13-1 mark in the WCC. Over her final two seasons she combined for a record of 50-10 and 25-3 WCC mark. She recruited and coached Petia Yanchulova, USD's first two-time AVCA First Team All-American in 1998 and 1997. Yanchulova was also a two-time Olympian. Additionally, Snyder coached four District VIII First Team selections, four District VIII Second Team honorees, and two WCC Players of the Year.
The San Diego native is a graduate of San Diego State University where she reached two NCAA Final Fours as a player, and twice was named to the NCAA West Regional All-Tournament team. Snyder was a member of the U.S. National Team (1985-86) and was the recipient of the 1986 USA Players' Award. Additionally, she was an assistant coach for the West Squad at the 1988 and 1989 U.S.A. Olympic Festivals. Prior to joining USD, Snyder earned six USVBA All-American citations, one MVP award (1984) and has played for three national team championships.
Since she retired from coaching, Snyder has continued to play volleyball nationally and internationally. She has played on teams that have won over 10 USA Volleyball Open Age Group National Championships and multiple Age Group World Championships at the Global Cup and Huntsman World Senior Volleyball Championships.
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Ali Troost
Women's Volleyball (2007-2010)
Inducted in 2017
Ali Troost '11 made a huge impact on the USD volleyball program during her four years. The 6'2" right-side hitter from Hemet, California was a two-time American Volleyball Coaches Association All-America selection, a two-time West Coast Conference Player of the Year, a three-time WCC first team selection (2008-2010), and the 2007 WCC Freshman of the Year. She earned back-to-back team Most Valuable Player honors in 2009 & 2010.
During her career she guided the Toreros to three WCC Championships (2007, 2008, and 2010) and to three NCAA Tournament appearances with a second round showing in 2010. The 2010 team finished 24-6 overall, 13-1 in the WCC, and with a final national ranking of No. 16. The program's combined team record during her playing career was an outstanding 86 wins and just 26 losses. During three of her four seasons the team finished with a final national ranking in the AVCA Top-25.
Upon graduating in 2011 she stood ninth in the Torero record books for all-time kills (1,297) and career hitting percentage (.298). Following her senior season she was recognized by the San Diego Hall of Champions as an Amateur Star of the Month for 2010.
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Leigh Ann Robinson Brown
Women's Soccer (2004-2007)
Inducted in 2016
Leigh Ann (Robinson) Brown turned in an outstanding career with the USD women's soccer team from 2004-2007. A four-year starter at midfield, she played a key role in leading the Toreros to two NCAA Tournament appearances (2007, 2004) and to a total of 45 victories. The 2007 squad her senior year finished 15-3-3 overall and reached a program-best ranking of No. 9 in the country. Postseason honors included Fourth Team All-America (Soccerbuzz), Second Team All-West (Soccerbuzz), Second Team All-Far West Region (NSCAA) and First Team All-West Coast Conference.
Prior to her senior campaign she was recognized with additional honors - First Team All-WCC (2006); Third Team All-Far West Region (NSCAA, 2006), and Second Team All-WCC (2005). For her career she finished in the top-10 among numerous Torero records including 6th in career points (48) and assists (18), and 9th in single season records for points (25) and assists (8), both achieved in 2006.
Following graduation she was drafted in the 6th round of the 2009 WPS Draft by the FC Gold Pride. Her professional career included stops with the FCS Gold Pride, Atlanta Beat, Philadelphia Independence, then played overseas in Russia for three years, before returning to the United States and played her final three years of pro soccer with the FC Kansas City where she was part of back-to-back NWSL Championship teams. On August 22, 2013, Leigh Ann received her first call up to the United States senior team by U.S. Head Coach Tom Sermanni and she would go on to earn two caps.
A native of San Diego, Leigh Ann graduated from USD with a degree in Communication Studies. She is married to former USD men's basketball player Danny Brown.
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Josh Johnson
Football (2004-2007)
Inducted in 2015
Josh Johnson, a three-time team Most Valuable Player at quarterback for the USD football team, directed the Toreros to two mid-major national championships (2005, 2006), three Pioneer Football League championships, and to a record of 30-4 as a starter.
In his senior year he was a finalist for the 2007 Walter Payton Award, the FCS equivalent to the Heisman Trophy, after tossing a school record 43 touchdowns while leading the nation in total offense and passing efficiency. He would garner 2nd Team AP All-America and 3rd Team Sports Network All-America honors. For his career he completed 724-of-1,065 passes (68.0%) for 9,699 yards and 113 touchdowns. He added 1,864 rushing yards (6.1 yards per carry average) and 19 touchdowns on the ground. A two-time PFL Offensive MVP, he finished with 11,563 yards of total offense and is the current NCAA career leader in passing efficiency (176.7).
Following his senior year he was named the MVP of the 2008 East-West Shrine Game and was selected in the 5th round of the 2008 NFL Draft by Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His NFL career to date has included stops with Tampa Bay, Cleveland, Cincinnati and San Francisco. From Oakland, California, Josh is Founder and President of the Fam 1st Family Foundation, which improves the lives of inner-city youth by mentoring them on the importance of education, literacy and self-esteem.
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Andrew Rae
Men's Tennis (1972-1975)
Inducted in 2014
Andrew Rae '76 (Melbourne, Australia) competed four years for the Toreros' men's tennis team from 1972 through 1975. He was a two-time NCAA Division II All-American and National Singles Champion (1974 & 1975), the NCAA Division II National Doubles Champion (1974), and the NCAA Division II National Doubles Runner-up in 1975. His doubles partner was fellow Australian Russell Watts who he is still good friends with. He led USD to back-to-back NCAA Division II National Team Championships in 1974 & 1975.
Following graduation he got married and taught tennis under Ed Collins at nearby Rancho Bernardo Inn before accepting a head pro position at a private club in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He returned home to Australia in 1979, and in 1981 founded and still operates a successful business in retail lumber and hardware.
At the age of 35 he started competing in Seniors tennis events in Australia, USA and Europe. Since the age of 45 he has achieved the #1 world ranking in 45, 50, 55, and 60 age groups; won 7 world singles titles; won 9 world doubles titles in world team competition; and been a member of 8 winning teams in world team competitions playing at #1. Additionally, he held the #1 ranking in Australia in his age group from 2000 into late 2013. In 2010 he became the first person from his country to receive the prestigious John Newcombe medal for Seniors tennis, and in December of 2012 was honored with his second Seniors Newcombe medal.
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Alison Cox
Women's Rowing (1998-2001)
Inducted in 2013
Alison Cox '01 started her rowing career as a walk-on at the University of San Diego and developed into one of the most successful Torero athletes ever, becoming the first and only women's rower in USD history to earn All-America honors when she was named Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) second-team All-America as a senior in 2001.
Cox earned All-West Coast Conference honors in 1999, 2000 and 2001, becoming the first Torero rower to garner three career All-WCC nods. She also took home a trio of WCC Most Valuable Oarswoman awards, in addition to being selected to the CRCA Division I All-Region first team in 2001.
In 2000, Cox was a member of the United States' Under-23 rowing team and, upon graduating in 2001, joined the U.S. senior rowing squad, where she helped the women's eight claim gold at the 2002 World Championships; multiple World Cup gold medals; and a silver medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.
Following the Olympics, Cox took a hiatus from formal competition before rejoining the U.S. team in 2010, where she won a bronze medal at the 2010 World Championships. Altogether, Cox was a six-time member of the U.S. women's rowing squad, winning 11 gold medals in various national and international competitions.
Cox, a native of Turlock, Calif., graduated in 2001 with a BA in communication studies and a minor in business administration. While currently living in New York, Cox has parlayed her education into a variety of marketing, consulting and philanthropic positions. She also is currently a member of a variety of committees focused on expanding the sport of rowing -- including the U.S. Olympians Association, the National Rowing Foundation Board of Directors, Row New York and RestoreOurShore.
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Kevin Herde
Baseball (1990-93)
Inducted in 2012
Kevin Herde '93 excelled both on the baseball diamond as well as in the classroom during his outstanding four-year career at the University of San Diego. Primarily a catcher for the Toreros, Herde earned the moniker "Mr. Versatility", also seeing action at first base, on the mound as a pitcher, and in a designated hitter role. He is the only Torero baseball player to have earned the team's Most Valuable Player award three times (1991-93).
Selected a member of the prestigious West Coast Conference 40th Anniversary team, Herde was selected the 1993 WCC Player of the Year during his senior campaign, as well as being named an Academic All-American. Twice he was named First Team All-WCC and WCC All-Academic (1992, 1993).
During his senior year he batted .372, including a remarkable .430 in league action, as he guided the Toreros to 36 wins, the 2nd most in program history at the time. That magical season he added 46 RBI, 18 doubles and 10 home runs.
A player that truly loved to compete, Herde was the team's Rookie of the Year in 1990 with team best marks of 18 doubles and 45 RBI while batting .330. During his sophomore campaign he earned WCC Second Team honors as a utility player with 8 homers and 48 RBI.
For his career he led the Toreros in RBI all four years, finishing with a total of 183; good for the program's all-time mark at the time. Additionally, he finished with 216 games played, 774 at-bats, 263 hits, 59 doubles, 32 home runs and 426 total bases. He had a .550 slugging percentage and an overall batting average of .340.
Herde, from nearby Escondido, was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 38th round of the Major League Baseball draft following the 1993 season.
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Hank Egan
Men's Basketball, Head Coach (1984-94)
Inducted in 2011
Hank Egan was head men's basketball coach at USD for ten seasons (1984-94) where he compiled an overall record of 156-126. His 1986-87 ball club that advanced to the NCAA Tournament still owns the best USD single season record of 24-6 (13-1 WCC champions). Known as one of the top defensive coaches in the country during his collegiate tenure, Egan won back-to-back WCC Coach of the Year honors in 1985-86 and 1986-87. His 1986-87 team ranked No. 1 in the nation in field goal percentage defense (.401).
Egan, who brought a wealth of knowledge as a coach, teacher, mentor and friend for nearly 45 years in the basketball coaching arena, recently retired. He closed out his career as assistant coach the past five years with the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers. With Mike Brown (USD, '92) at the helm, the Cavaliers finished with the NBA's best record the past two seasons; combined for a five-year mark of 272-138, and advanced to the NBA playoffs in each season including the NBA Finals in 2006-07.
In 2002-03, Egan spent one year with the Golden State Warriors whose head coach was USD alum Eric Musselman ('87). Prior to Golden State, Egan spent eight seasons as an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs and helped guide the club to an NBA Championship in 1999. During his tenure with San Antonio, the Spurs compiled a 403-221 (.646) record and made seven trips to the NBA Playoffs. Egan began his coaching career in 1966 as an assistant coach at the Air Force Academy. In 1971 he was named the head coach at Air Force where he remained until joining USD in 1984. Additionally, Egan was one of the coaches during the 1984 Olympic trials and then scouted for the '84 Olympic team.
Egan is a 1960 graduate of the Naval Academy. He and his wife Judy, who reside in Colorado Springs, Colorado, have two children, John and Kelly, and five grandchildren.
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Stan Washington
Men's Basketball, Three-time All-American (1971-74)
Inducted in 2010
Few athletes in USD history have left as lasting an impression on the university as Stan Washington. In fact, the former men's basketball standout held the school's all-time scoring record (1,472 points) for over 34 years before being passed by Gyno Pomare in 2009.
A hard-working and compassionate individual on and off the court, Washington earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from USD in 1974. Currently residing in North Carolina, he has flown back to the West Coast for alumni games, and joined a small but loyal group of Torero faithful in Tampa, Fla., to watch the team's historic upset of perennial power Connecticut in the 2008 NCAA tournament.
Perhaps USD basketball's greatest pure scorer, Washington is still at or near the top of the list in several important categories, including most field goals (621 - first all-time); field goals made in a single season (229 - first all-time) assists in a game (14 - tied for first); and points per game scoring average in a season (18.2 - first all-time). An outstanding shooter from the perimeter, Washington would more than likely still hold USD's all-time scoring record if he had played in an era when the three-point shot was permitted, or if freshman were allowed to play on the varsity squad. He would finish his career at USD as a three-time All-American, and was the team MVP for the 1972, 1973 and 1974 seasons. During Washington's three-year tenure as a starting guard, the Toreros went 47-34.
After graduating from USD, Washington would go on to be the first of only five Torero men's basketball players to ever be drafted by an NBA franchise, going in the fourth round of the 1974 NBA Draft to the Washington Bullets.
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Zuzana LesenarovaÂ
Women's Tennis, 1996-2000
Inducted in 2009
Zuzana Lesenarova made a tremendous impact on the collegiate women's tennis national scene during her time at the University of San Diego (1996-2000). A four-time NCAA All-American, she is the school's only NCAA Division I national champion. During her junior campaign she won the 1999 NCAA Division I national singles championship with a win over Stanford's Marissa Irvin in the final, ending her fabulous junior season as the No. 1 ranked player in the nation.
In 1999 she won three of the four Grand Slam events, and all told won 37 career Grand Slam matches. Named the 1999 ITA National Player of the Year, she was rewarded with an invitation into the 1999 U.S. Open Championships. Additionally, she held the No. 1 singles ranking twice (1999, 2000), the No. 1 doubles ranking once (2000, w/Katrina Valkyova); is a two-time National Clay Court Champion; a two-time Riviera All-American Champion; a three-time Semifinalist at the Rolex Indoors; a three-time West Coast Conference Player of the Year; and a three-time WCC All-Academic selection.
For her Torero career she finished with an overall record of 202-55 (139-25 in singles; 63-30 in doubles). In 2011 she was inducted into the West Coast Conference Hall of Honor.
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Susie Erpelding
Women's Basketball (1995-2000)
San Diego, CA (Our Lady of Peace HS)
Inducted in 2008
Susie Erpelding excelled on the basketball floor as well as in the classroom during her time at USD (1995-2000). She is the program's all-time leading scorer with 1,510 points, and is the only Torero (women's or men's) to crack the 1,500 point plateau. During her senior year (1999-2000) she set a school record with 510 points, averaging 17.0 ppg, and leading the Toreros to the WCC Tournament title and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. She scored a then school-record 37 points against Portland on February 19, 2000. While leading the team in scoring for three straight years (1997-2000), she was also named a three-time First Team All-West Coast Conference performer.
She capped off her career by being named the 2000 West Coast Conference Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year. She was a First Team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American in 1998, and a Third Team selection in 2000. A two-time WCC All-Academic Team selection, she as also a four-time WCC Scholar-Athlete. A motivated and hard working individual, Susie twice was named a National Strength and Conditioning All-American (1998 & 2000). She earned her undergraduate degree from USD in Sociology (1998), and followed up with her Master's degree in 2000 (Counseling Psychology).
From San Diego, she prepped at Our Lady of Peace. After suffering a knee injury during a CIF semifinal game her senior year at OLOP, Susie sat out her first year at USD (1995-96). She is in her fifth year serving as color analyst for home USD women's basketball internet broadcasts.
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Jose Luis NoriegaÂ
Men's Tennis
Class of 1992
Inducted in 2007
Jose Luis Noriega accomplished what few collegiate athletes can even dream about - he became a four-time NCAA All-American. He was the first USD student-athlete to achieve that status. Although he fell short of his goal of winning an NCAA Singles Championship during his time at USD, Noriega accomplished just about everything else possible in college tennis. His four-year cumulative record was 138-30 (100-15 in singles; 38-15 in doubles), and his overall record in ITA Grand Slam events was an amazing 34-10.
During his senior year he advanced to the semi-finals of the NCAA Singles Championships. He captured two Grand Slam titles - the 1992 Rolex National Collegiate Indoor Championships and the 1989 DuPont Intercollegiate National Clay Court title. He led USD to two West Coast Conference Championships (1989 & 1990) and two NCAA Team Championship appearances (1989 & 1990). In his junior campaign he advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals; won his second West Coast Conference Singles Championship; received the Region VIII Head/Arthur Ashe Sportsmanship award, and at the NCAA's was the recipient of the national Rafael Osuna Sportsmanship Award. As a sophomore he won the WCC Doubles title (with J.R. Edwards) and was runner-up in singles. He was the WCC Singles Champion and Doubles Champion (with Dave Stewart) as a freshman and was named the 1989 Volvo Tennis/Rookie Player of the Year.
Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Noriega was one of his country's best junior players. He capped off his junior career by winning the 1987 South American Junior Championships. During his USD tenure, he also won back-to-back Peruvian National Clay Court titles (1989 & 1990), and represented his country for the first time in Davis Cup competition (1990-91).
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Jeb Dougherty
Football
BaseballÂ
Class of 1997
Inducted in 2007
Jeb Dougherty was an outstanding athlete at the USD in the sports of football and baseball. He excelled both on the field and in the classroom where he garnered Academic All-America honors in both sports. Dougherty was a defensive back for the Torero football squad between 1993-96, he still ranks among the top-three in career tackles (312), pass break-ups (23), kickoff return average (25.6) and forced fumbles (8). During his senior year of football he was named a 3rd Team Associated Press All-American, and a 1st Team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American. Besides being named the team Defensive MVP in 1996, he also earned 1st Team All-Pioneer Football League honors and was the team's scholar-athlete selection for the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (San Diego Chapter). In 1995 he was tabbed a 2nd Team Academic All-American, and for his career was a 3-time PFL All-Academic pick and a 4-time PFL Player of the Week.
Dougherty left his mark on the baseball field where he played outfield for the Toreros between1994-1997. During his junior season, he was co-MVP of the team; a 1st Team All-West Coast Conference pick; and an Academic All-American for District VIII. In his junior and senior seasons he led the team in hits, runs, and batting average. In 1996 he batted .351 with 67 hits, 40 runs, 26 RBI and 21 stolen bases. In 1997 he batted .348 with 77 hits, 36 RBI, 36 runs, and 15 stolen bases. Along with being an honors student, he was a four-time West Coast Conference All-Academic honoree.
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Thomas F. Burke
USD Administrator, 1973-2003
Inducted in 2005
Thomas F. Burke served as Vice President for Student Affairs at USD for 28 years. He arrived in 1973 as dean of students, and played a major role in building a strong student affairs division from the ground up. He put his stamp on the university by helping shape the identity it enjoys today on a national level. With athletics under his watch, he guided USD's move up to the NCAA Division I collegiate ranks and membership in the West Coast Conference in 1979. Under his leadership, USD was able to build a successful athletic program while maintaining the academic integrity of the university's educational mission.
He worked closely with the development of the Sports Banquet, USD's single largest fund-raising event for athletics; he was President of the WCC Executive Cabinet from 1983-1994; and he played an important role in seeing a dream become a reality with the opening of the Jenny Craig Pavilion in October, 2000. His legacy also includes the Hahn University Center, expanded on-campus housing, scores of student organizations, and a role in shaping the lives of countless students, all a direct result of his patience, faith and determination.
In 2012 he was inducted into the West Coast Conference Hall of Honor.
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Petia Yanchulova
Volleyball
1995-1999
Inducted in 2005
Petia Yanchulova, a 1999 graduate, made a huge impact on the USD volleyball program. The 5-11 outside hitter from Sofia, Bulgaria, was a two-time AVCA first team All-America, a two-time District VIII first team pick, a two-time WCC player of the year and a two-time WCC first team selection, all for 1998 and 1999 seasons.
During her four years she guided USD to the WCC Championship twice (1997, 1998) and to the NCAA Tournament each year with the team reaching the 2nd round three times. She was named WCC Defender of the Year in 1999, a WCC 2nd team member twice, (1996, 1997), and the WCC Freshman of the Year in 1996. A two-time MVP, she also was named 2nd team District VIII All-Academic in 1998, and was a two-time WCC All-Academic selection. She is USD's all time leader in kills (1,892), digs (1,341), and attack attempts (4,295).
Petia, who represented her home country of Bulgaria in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, had a successful beach volleyball professional career. In 2013 she was inducted into the West Coast Conference Hall of Honor.
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John "JC" Cunningham
Baseball Coach, 1964-1998
Assistant Basketball Coach, 1962-1977
Inducted in 2003
Cunningham began his USD career in 1962 when he was hired by former Athletic Director Phil Woolpert to be the freshmen basketball coach, assistant varsity basketball coach, and director of intramural activities. He assisted baseball coach Mike Morrow in 1963 and took over the program in 1964. During the next 35 years he directed the Toreros to 843 victories, 16 winning seasons, and four NCAA regional appearances, including trips to the College World Series in 1971 and 1978. He was named the WCC Coach of the Year twice (1993& 1998). Forty-seven of his players signed professional contracts with ten making it to the Major Leagues.
In 1988 school officials honored him by renaming the baseball field "Cunningham Baseball Stadium". In 1991 his peers voted him into the American Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame. The Society for American Baseball Research (Ted Williams Chapter) recognized him as one of the 25 most influential people in San Diego involved with the sport of baseball. In 2005 he received the prestigious Lefty Gomez Award, amateur baseball's top award for service to the sport of baseball.
A native San Diegan, Cunningham attended Saint Augustine High School, then went on to graduate from the University of San Francisco. He has one son, Geoffrey, a '96 graduate of USD. Currently the department's Director of Transportation, "JC" has logged hundreds of thousands of miles on the Torero Team Bus assisting team travel for all USD athletic teams.
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Jim Brovelli
Men's Basketball Coach
1973-1984
Inducted in 2002
Jim Brovelli, who coached the Torero men's basketball program between 1973-1984, successfully guided USD's transition from a NCAA Division II power to the Division I ranks. He took the Division II program to three NCAA Western Regionals, winning the championship in 1977-1978 and advancing to the Final Four while earning District VIII Coach of the Year honors. His final three years of coaching the Division II program saw the teams go 20-7 (1976-1977), 22-7 (1977-1978), 19-7 (1978-1979).
Brovelli guided USD's move from NCAA Division II to the NCAA Division I ranks in 1979-1980 when the Toreros joined the WCC. His programs improved each year in the win column, and during his final year (1983-1984) at USD, he directed the Toreros to the program's first WCC championship and first appearance in the NCAA Division I Tournament. That season the Toreros finished 18-10 overall and 9-3 in the league play, and Brovelli earned WCC Coach of the Year honors. He left with 160 career victories.
After USD Jim moved to his alma mater, the University of San Francisco, to resurrect the Dons' program. He guided USF for ten seasons (1985-1995), and finished with 131 victories. His best year came in 1992-1993 when USF finished 19-12. He ranks 8th all time among WCC coaches for overall league wins with 76. Following USF he went on to the NBA where he joined Bernie Bickerstaff as an assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets and later the Washington Wizards. He is currently the Director of Athletics at College of Marin.
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Ed Collins
Men's Tennis Coach
1978-1996
Inducted in 2001
Ed joined the USD coaching staff as the head men's tennis coach just as USD was upgrading the athletic program to Division I. After one year in Division II, Ed led USD tennis to two WCC titles, ten years ranked in the "Top 25" and a record of 350-190 for a winning percentage of .648. The highest ranking was in 1990 when his team, led by 4-time All America Jose Luis Noriega, won the WCC and finished ranked #12 in the nation.
Ed enjoys being referred to as a "teacher" as much as his role as coach. He has always been very active in the community teaching lessons and providing tennis camps for juniors as well as adults. Ed estimates he has taught tennis to over 25,000 students over the years. After leaving USD at the end of the 1996 season, Ed established the Ed Collins Tennis Academy which allowed him to continue teaching and promoting the game he loves.
Ed has a unique ability to build true friendships with his players while maintaining the role of respected coach. He has maintained a lasting relationship with many of his former players at USD. These friendships are more important to Ed than championships or national top 25 rankings.
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Christine Enger
Women's Basketball
Class of 1993
Inducted in 2001
In 1990, Chris was named First Team All-WCC and the WCC Freshman of the Year. Following her freshman year, she was chosen to compete in the 1990 Olympic Festival. Before she finished her career in 1993, Chris had accumulated a long list of honors. She was a three-time First Team All-WCC selection; a two-time selection to the WCC All-Academic Team; and a member of the WCC All-Tournament Team after leading the team to its first NCAA Tournament berth in 1993. She was also chosen as team captain for the 1992-1993 season.
The USD women's basketball record section is filled with Chris' accomplishments. She is the all-time leader in career rebounding (831) and blocked shots (372). She is third all-time in scoring (1,187). Chris also holds single season records for rebounding (278, '92- '93), rebounding average (9.9, '92- '93), field goal percentage (.580, '89-'90) and blocked shots (137, '92-'93). Chris led the nation in blocked shots in '92-'93 with 137(4.9 per game) and her career average of 3.88 blocks per game is still number one in the NCAA record books. She also still holds WCC career and single season records for blocked shots. After graduation in 1993 with a degree in English, Chris played professional basketball in England. She is currently a teacher in San Diego County.
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Matt Maslowski
Football
Class of 1971
Inducted in 2001
After playing at Mission Bay High School and Mesa Community College in San Diego, Matt Maslowski decided to continue his career at USD. At 6'3" and 205 lbs., Matt dominated as a receiver for the Toreros. During his first season, he was the leading club football receiver in the nation with 42 catches for 799 yards in only seven games. His collegiate career was cut short in 1970 due to injury, but he still managed some remarkable numbers during his career. Playing in only 11 games for USD, Matt had 80 catches for 1,552 yards and 18 touchdowns. He averaged a remarkable 19.4 yards per catch at USD.
Because of his size and speed, Matt was offered a free-agent contract by the L.A. Rams and played for George Allen and Tommy Prothro. In addition to the Rams, Matt played for the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and finished his career with the Florida Blazers of the World Football League.
At the request of a group of students in 1969, the University of San Diego agreed to bring football back eight years after dropping the sport. Under Coach Jim Gray, they started a club program. Matt and his teammates from the club football team laid a foundation for a solid football program going strong thirty years later.
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Julie McKeon
Women's Tennis
Class of 1994
Inducted in 2000
Julie, who played tennis from 1991-1994, became the first female at USD to earn three All-America honors. She advanced to the NCAA Tournament in each of her four years and earned All-America honors in 1992, 1993, and 1994.
During her senior season (1994), she was named West Region ITA Senior Player of the Year after going 21-8 in singles and 39-15 overall. She won the NCAA Flight "A" doubles title with teammate Laura Richards.
In 1992 she earned her first All-America honor when she teamed with Laura Richards to reach the semi-finals of the NCAA Tournament. She finished with a career record of 152-72 (82-40 in singles; 70-32 in doubles). Part of four straight top 25 teams that combined for a record of 52-31, Julie was also a three-time WCC scholar-athlete.
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Scott Thompson
Men's Basketball
Class of 1987
Inducted in 2000
Scott, who played basketball between 1983-1987, was the team's starting center all four years and played a key role in helping USD advance to the NCAA Tournament twice (1984, 1987). During his senior year, the seven-footer started all 30 games in leading the Toreros to a school-best 24-6 mark; a WCC championship 13-1 record; and a NCAA Tournament berth. He averaged 15.9 ppg and 7.4 rpg on his way to earning WCC Player of the Year honors, and his second straight team MVP award. The program's only 3-time first team All-WCC selection, Thompson also earned WCC Freshman of the Year in 1983-1984 in helping lead the Toreros to the WCC title and their first NCAA Division I Tournament appearance.
Over his career Scott played in 113 games, starting the final 105 of those, with the team going a combined 77-36 in games he appeared in. In the Torero record books he is third all-time in scoring with 1,379 points - among USD Division I records only, Scott is first in scoring, rebounding (740), and blocked shots (183).
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Phil Woolpert
Basketball Coach/Athletic Director
1962-1973
Inducted in 2000
Phil Woolpert first arrived at USD in 1962 after accepting the twin positions of Director of Athletics and Head Men's Basketball Coach. He compiled a 90-90 mark over seven years at USD as basketball coach with his best year coming in 1965-1966. That team finished 17-11 and received a berth in the Small College Regional Playoffs. After stepping down from the coaching ranks, he stayed on for three more years as the school's Director of Athletics.
Prior to USD, Woolpert's name was known throughout the U.S. as the coach of the great University of San Francisco teams that won two NCAA championships in the 1955 and 1956 seasons. During that period the Dons set a national record by winning 60 straight collegiate games, an NCAA record until UCLA's 88-game winning streak. Woolpert was enshrined as a coach in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992.
Phil's contribution to USD athletics goes well beyond wins and championships. He brought stability and prestige to a very young USD Athletics Department.
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Patrick "Bo" Kaemerle
Men's Soccer
Class of 1987
Inducted in 1998
Bo Kaemerle, an outstanding forward for the men's soccer team, came to USD in 1983 and helped build the team into one of the most respected programs on the West Coast. The team's leading scorer each year, his best season was his senior year when he set a school record with 29 goals and led the Toreros to a 19-4-1 record. The 19 goals is still a Torero record, while his 48 points that season (he also had ten assists) ranks second all-time at USD and in the WCC.
Kaemerle was a two-time team captain and MVP. After USD, he went on to play two years of pro soccer before attending law school at USC and going on to a career as an attorney.
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Becky Walley
Women's Volleyball
Class of 1978
Inducted in 1998
Becky (Carnes) Walley was a standout middle blocker for the USD volleyball team in the 1970's. The first woman elected to USD's Athletic Hall of Fame, she stands out as one of the top female athletes in USD history. The team's most valuable player in each of her four years (1975-1978), she powered the Toreros to three WAIAW Regional Playoff appearances.
Walley, who missed only one of 94 matches during her career, played in every game of those matches while leading the team in virtually every offensive and defensive category. USD's overall record during her four years of playing was 67-27. She graduated from USD in 1978 with a degree in nursing.
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Kerry Dineen
BaseballÂ
Class of 1974
Inducted 1997
Played three years at USD on the baseball team from 1971 to 1973 where he was recognized as a three-time NCAA Division II All America as an outfielder and a two-time USD team MVP. Kerry is the lone Torero to hold a career batting average above .400.
He went on to lead the club in hitting the next two years with averages of .394 and .411. After his 1973 campaign at USD, Kerry was drafted by the New York Yankees and made his major league debut on June 14, 1975. He had a brief stint on the 1976 Yankees team that went on to win the World Series, and he finished his major league career in 1978 with Philadelphia.
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Gus Magee
Men's Basketball, player & assistant coach
Class of 1970
Inducted 1997
Gus Magee came to USD in 1966 after completing his tour of duty in the Air Force. He played basketball from 1966 to 1970. Gus played center during his four years and was twice selected the team's MVP. He still holds most of USD's rebounding records: career rebounds at 1,002; most in a single game at 24; and highest average in a single season at 14.4.
While pursuing his master's degree in social science, Gus began his coaching career as a graduate assistant to Bernie Bickerstaff and ended up coaching in some capacity at USD for the next 22 years under both Coach Jim Brovelli and Coach Hank Egan.
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Rev. Patrick G. Cahill, C.S.V.
Athletic Director
1979-1988
Inducted in 1995
Father Pat Cahill was the director of athletics from 1979-1988. He guided USD's transition from Division II to Division I in 1979 with men's baseball, basketball, golf, soccer, cross-country, and tennis joining the WCC. By 1985, all the women's teams had become Division I programs and also joined the WCC. Under his direction, USD added men's and women's cross-country, men's soccer, and women's softball to its intercollegiate program; the department crowned nine NCAA All-Americas; the 1981 women's tennis team won the SCAA title with their 9-3 record; the 1981 football team finished 9-1; and men's basketball twice won the WCC title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament (1984, 1987).
In directing 15 intercollegiate teams and the athletic department's staff, Father Cahill brought to the university his integrity, leadership, and devotion to the job.
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Jan Chapman
FootballÂ
Class of 1961
Inducted in 1995
Jan Chapman was a three sport letter winner at the University of San Diego, but it was football where he made a name for himself. His three-year totals at quarterback included 3,573 yards and 23 touchdowns on 188-367 passing. His senior year was his best when he completed 85-167 passes for 1,087 yards and 9 TD's, ranking him 23rd in the nation. Also as punter, he ranked 3rd in the nation his sophomore year (43.8 yards per punt) and 6th his senior year (43.2). He is the current season record holder for yards punted (2,287) and average (43.8). Chapman is still remembered for leading USD to a 21-20 upset over the Marine Corp Recruiting Depot which touted four future NFL stars.
Chapman's leadership abilities were demonstrated on the field as well as on campus. As co-captain for football his senior year, he received the Gil Kuhn Award as the Outstanding Gridder, given to the player that best demonstrates sportsmanship, performance to the highest degree, and leadership. He was also President of ASB his senior year. Since graduating in 1961, Jan has stayed in the San Diego area, giving back to the community by teaching and coaching at the high school and community college levels.
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Mike Whitmarsh
Men's Basketball
Class of 1986
Inducted in 1995
Mike Whitmarsh played just two years on the USD's men's basketball team, but his impact was substantial. His senior year he led the 1984 squad to USD's first WCC basketball championship and its first appearance in the NCAA Division I Tournament. Mike was selected Honorable Mention All-America (A.P.), first team All-WCC, team MVP, and a WCC scholar athlete. He currently holds the USD record for points scored in two seasons (893), and is tied for the USD Division I records for points in a game (37), assists in a game (12), and assists in a season (169). An all-around player, Mike's senior year was his best when he averaged 18.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 6.0 assists per game, and shot 73.2 percent from the line and 54.3 percent from the field.
After USD, Mike was drafted by the Portland Trailblazers in the 5th round of the NBA draft. After three seasons of professional basketball in Europe, Mike began a career in professional beach volleyball. He excelled at his new sport and was a silver medalist in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
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Bernie Bickerstaff
Men's Basketball, player & coach
Class of 1968
Inducted in 1994
A point guard for two seasons at USD (1964-1966), Bickerstaff was team captain and MVP his senior year. Named USD head coach in 1969, he was an assistant to legendary coach Phil Woolpert for three years. His four years as head coach were highlighted by his 1972-1973 squad that finished 19-9 and his four year record of 54-49.
After USD, he joined the Washington Bullets as an assistant coach. As the top assistant in 1978, the Bullets won the NBA Championship. Hired by the Seattle Supersonics in 1985 as head coach, Bickerstaff led the team to the NBA playoffs three times and was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1987. After Seattle, Bernie served as both head coach and general manager of the Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards and Charlotte Bobcats.
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Chester "Chet" Pagni
Class of 1989 Honorary
Inducted in 1994
The "founding father" of the USD Sports Banquet, Pagni was the chairman of the University's single largest fund-raising event for 14 years. During this time, the Sports Banquet raised over 1.5 million dollars and drew numerous alumni and San Diego community members closer to the University.
He was also past president of San Diego's Stardust Country Club. His involvement in the San Diego Junior Golf program assisted the likes of Scott Simpson, Phil Mickelson and many others. Pagni is a lifetime member of the USD president's club.
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John Wathan
BaseballÂ
Class of 1971
Inducted in 1994
An All-American catcher in 1970, Wathan batted .430 with 39 RBI's and was named the team MVP. His career batting average of .347 ranks third while his 67 career stolen bases is fourth all-time among USD players
He was the Kansas City Royals first selection in the 1971 January free agent draft (4th pick overall). He played his entire 15-year professional career with the Royals and was a member of each of the Royals six American League West Championship teams, as well as the World Series squads of 1980 and 1985. He began his coaching career in 1986 and was manger of the Royals from 1987 through 1991. Having coached with the California Angels and the Boston Red Sox, the 1994 season was Wathan's 23rd in professional baseball.
