The University of La Verne inducted eight former student-athletes, as well as the entire 1981 women’s volleyball national championship team, into the Athletics Hall of Fame at a ceremony Saturday at Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center.
The list of inductees features student-athletes from various eras of La Verne’s history.
Richard Hepner, class of 1953, played tackle and end under legendary football head coach Roland Ortmayer.
John Verhoeven, class of 1974, played baseball in the major leagues for five seasons (1976-81), pitching for franchises such as the Angels, Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins.
Will Lawson, class of 2004, earned All-American honors running track and field. He currently serves as an officer in the United States Army.
Tricia Schary, class of 2005, earned All-American honors in women’s volleyball and was a dominant player during her tenure as a Leopard.
Scott Lindeen, class of 2005, helped the Leopards win back-to-back Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference baseball championships as a pitcher.
He was drafted by the Florida Marlins following his final season as a Leopard.
Jared Carvitto, class of 2006, is one of the best swimmers in the history of the University. He earned All-American honors in 2006.
Chelsea Sherier Rutherford, class of 2007, is a two-time All-American who pole vaulted for the Leopards. She holds a school pole vaulting record of 12–02 1/2 that has yet to be broken.
Rizal Amin, class of 2009, was a three-time PING All-American in men’s golf and was named the Lee Fulmer SCIAC Golfer of the Year in 2008.
The 1981 women’s volleyball team was also honored. The squad won the Division III national championship under head coach Jim Paschal.
They were just the second team throughout all sports from the University of La Verne to win a national championship.
This was the University of La Verne’s 16th Hall of Fame class to be inducted.
—Christopher Livingston
