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Idaho State University will induct six into Sports Hall of Fame on Oct. 21

October 13, 2017

POCATELLO – The Idaho State University Office of Alumni Relations and ISU Alumni Association will induct five new members into its Sports Hall of Fame on Oct. 21.

The new members include Fred Rodriguez, wrestling; Chester Dickey, baseball; Kelly Chapple, softball; Bob Matsey, football; Dale Wilkinson, basketball; and James Cherniss, lifetime achievement award.

Biographies of the ISU Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2017 inductees follow:

Fred Rodriguez, 1968 – Wrestling

Rodriguez wrestled for ISU from 1964-1969. He was a member of the 1967 and 1968 Big Sky Conference team. During his career he was a four-year starter, a two-time winner, and two-time runner up, Big Sky Champion.

Chester Dickey, 1970 – Baseball

Dickey was a member of the baseball team from 1968-1969 coached by Babe Caccia. He is still a record holder at ISU. During his career he was a twice all Big Sky Conference winner and twice all NW Region All Star. Dickey went on to coach a variety of sports, including baseball, until his retirement in 2002.

Kelly Chapple, 1982 – Softball

Chapple played softball from 1978-1981. She still holds ISU career records including fourth in most sacrificed hits, sixth in most triples, ninth in most stolen bases, and eleventh in most stolen base attempts. She continued her love of sports by serving as athletic director of Lowell Scott Middle School in Boise for 18 years.

Bob Matsey, 1981 – Football

Matsey played football from 1976-1980. He was elected co-caption of the All-Big Sky Team in 1979 and 1980, and was also recognized as All Big Sky Safety in 1980. Bob was known for his leadership as well as his skill on the field.

Dale Wilkinson, 1991 – Basketball

Wilkinson was a member of the basketball team from 1978-1982. He Shot 56 percent from the field, and 90 percent from the free-throw line and scored an average of 15 points a game. After his colligate career he was drafted in the NBA and played professionally in Italy and Japan. He also played for the Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Clippers and the Lakers. 

James Cherniss, Lifetime Achievement

Cherniss coached ISU Volleyball from 1982-1987. He was the first ISU coach to win a conference championship. He recruited some of ISU’s best Volleyball players, many are Sports Hall of Fame members. Cherniss lead the team to MWAC Championship in 1986 and 1987, and he was awarded the MWAC Coach of the Year in 1985 and again in 1987. Under his leadership the 1987 team had a 31-win season, the best in ISU history.   


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