Bio

Jan Chapman was born in Arkansas City, Kansas in 1936 where he attended elementary school, high school and junior college. A premier athlete, he was three-year letter winner in football, basketball and track. His senior year, Arkansas City High School won the Kansas State Football Championship and he was selected All-State as quarterback.

Following high school, Jan attended junior college for one semester, playing football and basketball. During that semester, he accepted a football scholarship to the University of Arizona where he lettered in track and football. In 1956, Jan hoined the U.S. Navy and played football and basketball at the Naval Training Center in San Diego. After completing his naval obligation, it was back to Arkansas City Junior College, competing in track and winning the Kansas State Javelin Title and earned his AA degree.

Jan accepted a football scholarship to the University of San Diego (USD) where he also played basketball and baseball. He was captain and quarterback of the football team and in 1960 he was named Most Valuable Player and selected Small College All-American.

A born leader, he also served as Associate Student Body President for Men. Following graduation in 1961, he signed a free agent short- term contract with the San Diego Chargers.

In 1962, two important events occurred. Marian High School hired Jan and Barbara Correll married him. They had four children: Jan Jr., Christy, Tricia, and David. Barbara, who eventually realized her dream to become an RN, died in 1995 as a result of a cerebral aneurysm. In 1999, Jam married Christie Ross, a classmate from his USD days.

Christie has three children: Joe, Diane, and Susan. Since the two families merged, the Chapmans have seven children, 11 grandchildren and one great- granddaughter.

In 1968, Jan was hired by the Sweetwater Union High School District, where he taught and coached very successful programs at Castle Park, Bonita Vista, and Hilltop. In 1982 Coach Chapman joined that football staff at Southwestern, coaching both the “Apaches” and the “Jaguars” through 2005 as the quarterback coach. Athletes, fellow coaches and staff speak of his work ethic, leadership, and “old school” ways that seem to translate into discipline, respect, and performance. In 2006, Jan was asked to be SWC’s Head Football Coach to reestablisehed the program and build stability. He did exactly that by recruiting 125 athletes within few weks, breathing new fire into the program, and winning games. Jan says that being the Jaguars Head Coach was a great highlight in his career. Exemplifying his beloved wit, he adds, “Staying alive was an exceptional accomplishment.”

Reflecting his lifetime achievement as an outstanding player, coach, and humanitarian, Jan Chapman’s Hall of Fame Honors include a 1995 induction into the University of San Diego’s Hall of fame, a 2005 induction into the Arkansas City Junior College Hall of Fame, and tonight, the Southwestern Athletic Hall of Fame. Thus far, Jan has coached for 45 years.

Jan’s best memories of SWC include: “I have had the privilege of coaching with some outstanding young men, notably Head Coaches, Bob Mears, Mike Pompa and Walt Justice and working with a wonderful support staff. I must say that I have been blessed by all the terrific young men that I have coached over the last 25 years. These memories will be with me forever-thank you, Southwestern College.”