Hall of Fame
Former track and field head coach Paul Kaiser of Chambersburg, Class of 1962, touched the lives of hundreds of individuals while coaching at Shippensburg. A member of the Class of 1962 and a native of Chambersburg, Kaiser returned to his alma mater as an assistant cross country and track and field coach in 1974. He served as head coach from 1977 to 1981 and then after two years in private industry, he returned as head coach from 1983 to 1990.
During his years as head coach, Kaiser built Shippensburg's cross country team into a national power in just a few years. The team placed 17th at the NCAA Division II national championships in 1978, eighth in 1979 and ninth in 1980. All America honors were earned by John Doub in 1977 and 1978; Gregg Sanders in 1978 and 1979; Gary Bicking in 1980; Rob Berkebile in 1984 and Steve Spence in 1984. Another highlight was the Red Raiders' second place team finish in 1980 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) championship. Sanders and Bicking crossed the finish line together in first place.
The Shippensburg track and field program also flourished under Kaiser's direction. The team achieved a 60-11 dual meet record, including four undefeated seasons from 1984 to 1987. Additionally, the Red Raiders captured PSAC championships in 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1990.
Numerous individuals were PSAC champions through the years and dozens more were placewinners. During Kaiser's coaching tenure, two athletes earned NCAA Division II national championships. Matt Opilo won the crown in the javelin in 1978 and Steve Spence was outdoor national champion in the 5000 meter run in 1984 and indoor national champ at that same distance in 1985. In addition, 13 individuals earned a cumulative total of 20 All-America laurels.
In addition to his coaching duties, Kaiser also served the university as the Director of Conferences and Field Representative for Athletics. He was the overseer of all the university’s summer camps and conferences and served as the liason for the university with the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association.
Prior to coaching at the collegiate level, Kaiser was the cross country coach at Chambersburg High School for 10 years. Over this time he compiled a 116-5-1 dual meet record. Among the wins was a 96 consecutive dual meet victory streak.
As an undergraduate student at Shippensburg, Kaiser lettered for four years in the sport of baseball. He was co-captain of the team in 1962. He also earned a master’s degree in 1964.
