Hall of Fame
Chris Potter was one of the hardest hitting defensive backs in the history of Shippensburg University football, starting at strong safety from 1980-83. Potter was a three-time All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division selection, earning First Team honors as a senior in 1983 in addition to Second Team honors as a freshman in 1980 and as a junior in 1982.
For his career, Potter totaled 311 tackles, nine interceptions and five fumble recoveries in his role as a strong safety.
Potter was an integral member of the historic 1981 team that finished 12-1 under head coach Vito Ragazzo and advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA Division II Football Championship. Potter finished the year second on the team with 97 tackles, totaled two interceptions, blocked a kick and recovered two fumbles. As a freshman at Shippensburg in 1980, Potter totaled 69 tackles and tied for the team lead with three interceptions.
In his 1983 senior season, Potter totaled 73 tackles, four tackles-for-loss (TFLs), three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and tied for the team lead with three interceptions. As a junior in 1982, Potter had 72 tackles, one interception, one sack and one blocked kick.
A 1979 graduate of Littlestown High School, Potter was a member of the Big 33 team. Under coach George Shue, Potter helped guide Littlestown to a Blue Mountain League Championship. His parents, Leonard and Edra Potter, both notable athletes, introduced Chris to sports at an early age and always encouraged him to take his game to the next level.
Potter received his bachelor's degree in administration of justice from Shippensburg in 1983. He then joined the Red Raider coaching staff as he completed his master’s degree in criminal justice, which he received in 1986. During his years at Shippensburg, Dr. Robert Orndorff and his wife Mary Lou were a terrific influence on Potter maintaining a balance between football and academics.
After graduation, Potter worked with troubled youth at Glen Mills. He continued to advance his career at Abraxas and then Hoffman Homes. He later joined the family business, Littlestown Foundry, and was the owner of Potter Rentals.
In 2006, Potter was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The following years were filled with both challenges and joys. During this time, he met his wife, Denise, and welcomed their son, Johnny, into this world. His family and friends said he fought his cancer like he played on the field – with determination and a “no lose” attitude – “HIT HARD.”
Potter passed away at his home on Apr. 7, 2008.
