Thomas Nelson "Skip" Chappelle[1] is an American former college basketball player and coach at the University of Maine.[2][3]

Skip Chappelle
Biographical details
BornOld Town, Maine, U.S.
Playing career
1959–1962Maine
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1962–1968Fort Fairfield HS (ME)
1968–1971Maine (Asst.)
1971–1988Maine
Head coaching record
Overall217–226
Accomplishments and honors
Awards
3× First-team All-Yankee (1960–1962)
ECAC North Coach of the Year (1988)

Playing career

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After starring at Old Town High School and leading the school to the 1957 Maine state championship, Chappelle spent a post-graduate year at Maine Central Institute where he was part of its New England Prep Championship squad.[4] He played his college basketball with Maine where he was a three-time All-Yankee Conference selection, and the school's first player to be selected as a Little All-American.[5] He was the first Black Bear men's basketball player to have his jersey number retired by the university.[6]

Chappelle was selected by the St. Louis Hawks in the 11th round of the 1962 NBA draft, becoming the school's first-ever NBA Draft selection.[7] He tried out for the Boston Celtics in 1962, but left the team to return to his job as a teacher and coach in Fort Fairfield, Maine.[8]

Coaching career

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Chappelle returned to Maine in 1968 as assistant varsity and head freshman basketball coach.[9] He took over as head coach in 1971, guiding the Black Bears to a 217–226 record over 17 seasons. During that time, Chappelle coached seven future NBA draft selections, including Rufus Harris, Jeff Cross and Rick Carlisle.[10][11] He also coached Maine's golf team.[12]

Head coaching record

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Statistics overview
Season Team Overall Conference Standing Postseason
Maine (Yankee Conference / ECAC North) (1971–1988)
1971–72 Maine 15–10 6–4 2nd
1972–73 Maine 13–10 6–6 4th
1973–74 Maine 14–10 2–10 7th
1974–75 Maine 11–14 1–10 7th
1975–76 Maine 14–11 5–7 5th
1976–77 Maine 13–13 N/A N/A
1977–78 Maine 17–8 N/A N/A
1978–79 Maine 14–10 N/A N/A
1979–80 Maine 14–12 N/A 4th
1980–81 Maine 14–14 N/A 4th
1981–82 Maine 7–19 3–7 6th
1982–83 Maine 12–14 6–4 4th
1983–84 Maine 17–10 7–7 5th
1984–85 Maine 11–17 5–11 T–6th
1985–86 Maine 7–20 5–13 T–7th
1986–87 Maine 10–18 6–12 7th
1987–88 Maine 13–15 10–8 6th
Maine: 217–226 (.490) 62–99 (.385)
Total: 217–226 (.490)

Post-coaching career

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After leaving Maine, Chappelle was the director of community relations for the Bangor Daily News and director of the Paul Bunyan Amateur Golf Tournament (formerly the Bangor Daily News Amateur Golf Tournament).[13]

References

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  1. ^ "Thomas Nelson Chappelle". The Maine Alumnus. January 1960.
  2. ^ "Skip Chappelle Coaching Record - College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com".
  3. ^ "University of Maine Sports Hall of Fame – University of Maine Athletics".
  4. ^ "Inductees".
  5. ^ "Tom "Skip" Chappelle – College Hoopedia".
  6. ^ Warner, Pete; Mahoney, Larry (December 10, 1997). "Maine basketball to retire Keith Mahaney's No. 14". Bangor Daily News.
  7. ^ "1962 NBA Draft - Basketball-Reference.com".
  8. ^ "Chappelle Quits; Celts Down to 14". The Boston Globe. October 8, 1962.
  9. ^ "Philbrick '55 Replaces McCall as Maine Basketball Coach". The Maine Alumnus. June 1968.
  10. ^ "NBA Draft Picks From University of Maine - Basketball-Reference.com".
  11. ^ "Steve Solloway: Champ's a genuine product of Maine – Portland Press Herald". 3 July 2011.
  12. ^ Monahan, Bob (May 29, 1970). "Jay to captain NU nine; Lufkin Tigers'ice coach". The Boston Globe.
  13. ^ Chard, Ron (April 28, 1996). "The Maine Tour is Coming, and the Prizes are Tempting". Portland Press Herald.