Simpson University to Honor Hall of Fame Inductees

Immediate Release
Jan. 26, 2006

REDDING, Calif. - Simpson University will induct a former athlete and coach into its new Hall of Fame during halftime of the men's basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 28. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. inside the Heritage Student Life Center.

The 2006 inaugural class of the Hall of Fame will include Monica (Lepper) Rodriguez, who played volleyball for Simpson from 1994-1997, and Paul Kress, who headed the men's basketball program at Simpson from 1969-1989.

Inductees will receive recognition and a plaque. A plaque will also go up in the Heritage Center. The new Hall of Fame is designed to honor men and women who helped bring recognition to Simpson through their athletic prowess or who have made outstanding contributions to the overall athletic program.

"As we move forward in our athletic program we are excited to honor those that have made a commitment to getting us where we are today," said Simpson Athletic Director Mark Pettengill. "These individuals have truly been pioneers in Simpson's athletic history."

General admission to Simpson University games is $4 for adults, $2 seniors/military and $1 students. The campus is located at 2211 College View Drive in northeast Redding. The gymnasium can be accessed most easily along the university's Shasta View Drive entrance.

Simpson University is a Christian liberal arts university offering undergraduate, graduate and teaching credential programs. Simpson's athletic department offers intercollegiate programs in women's volleyball, men's and women's soccer and basketball, and men's baseball. Athletes who are interested in pursuing scholarship opportunities at Simpson can contact the athletic department at (530) 226-4074 or via its Website at www.simpsonuniversity.edu.

For more information about Simpson University, or to arrange a personalized visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit www.simpsonuniversity.edu.


SIMPSON HALL OF FAME FACT SHEET

Criteria for membership:
1. The Athletic Hall of Fame shall be composed of athletic lettermen, former and/or present coaches and other individuals who by actions show themselves to be outstanding benefactors to Simpson's athletic program.
2. In general, athletes must have completed participation in intercollegiate athletics at Simpson University a minimum of five years before induction
3. In addition to athletic excellence, the recipient must be considered to be of good ethical and moral character in accordance with Simpson University ideals.
4. Selection into the Simpson Athletics Hall of Fame should be done by the Hall of Fame Committee based on the outstanding overall contribution to Simpson Athletics.

2006 INAUGURAL CLASS

Monica (Lepper) Rodriguez
Women's Volleyball
1994-97

In her four years as a member of the Simpson volleyball team, Monica was named NCCAA DII All West Region three times, including Region MVP in 1996. Lepper was also a three-time All-Conference standout at setter, earning the honor twice in the California Coastal Conference and in 1996 as All California Pacific Conference. In that 1996 season, Lepper was also rewarded as an NCCAA All-American and NAIA Academic All-American. The academic honor was repeated a second year.

Paul Kress
Men's Basketball
1969-89

Coach Paul Kress headed up the men's basketball program for its entirety when Simpson was located in San Francisco. For 20 years, he was the face of Simpson basketball and Simpson athletics. He coached in over 450 games, far and away a school record. Coach Kress won a school record 177 games, which included two 20-win seasons in 1986-87 and 1987-88, the only back-to-back 20-win seasons in the school's history.

Contact: Mark Pettengill
mpettengill@simpsonuniversity.edu
(530) 226-4157