University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Class 1998
Hall of Fame Class of 1998
1978 Softball TeamJane Martindell(Head Coach)
Under the direction of head coach Jane Martindell, the 1978 softball squad recorded a second-place finish at the Women's College World Series. With a record of 24-6, the Bears won a conference championship. Leading the 1978 squad was All-American pitcher Lou Piel, who recorded an impressive 0.50 earned run average. In addition, the Bears had all-conference performers in catcher Jan Breckenridge and pitcher Phyllis Schachterle
Â
Tom Benich, Track & Field Coach (1963-86)Benich served as the head track and field coach at UNC from 1963-86. Benich-led squads won conference championships in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, Great Plains Athletic Conference and most recently in the North Central Conference. During his tenure, the Bears produced 13 All-America performers. Benich was selected NCC coach of the Year following the 1982 and 1986 seasons and was also a recipient of the NCAA Division II Track Coaches Distinguished Service Award.
Â
Merle Ogle, Tennis/Basketball (1927-30)A two-time Rocky Mountain Conference singles' champion in tennis, he earned four varsity letters in both tennis and basketball. Served as tennis team captain during his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons, losing only one match during those years. He led the basketball team in scoring as a senior, earning second team all-conference honors. Was named the school's outstanding male athlete of the year as a senior.
Â
Dr. Aaron Parkhurst, Team Physician (1971-99)Served as a team physician for over 20 years. Long time UNC supporter and member of the UNC Blue & Gold Club. Was instrumental in the fundraising efforts for the building of Nottingham Field. A regular at many booster activities, he has been very generous with his time, money and expertise to the UNC athletic department.
Â
Gloria Rodriguez, Softball/Women's Basketball Coach (1969-77)Took seven UNC softball teams to the AIAW (Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women) College World Series, including a runner-up finish in1976. Led the Bears to the first of back-to-back regional championships, defeating Arizona State 3-2 in 1977. For her efforts that season, Rodriguez was named regional coach of the year.
Â
Teresa Stratman, Swimming (1989-93)Stratman enjoyed a standout swimming career at UNC from 1989-93. She became UNC's first swimming national champion as she took first place in the 1650 freestyle at the 1992 NCAA Championships. In 1993, she repeated as the 1650 freestyle champion and also placed first in the 500-freestyle. A holder of eight UNC records, Stratman was a North Central Conference champion on 17 occasions and was twice named NCC Swimmer of the Year. In addition, she earned academic all-NCC honors following the 1991 and 1993 seasons.
Â
