BALTIMORE -- The Coppin State department of athletics announced its fourth Hall of Fame class. The six Hall of Fame members along with a special team will be honored at a ceremony beginning at 7 Friday, Feb. 13 in the Auxiliary Gym of Physical Education Complex on campus. The Hall of Fame class will also be honored during halftime of the Coppin State-Howard men’s basketball game on Saturday, February 14 at the Physical Education Complex.
The Hall of Fame class of 2015 includes men’s basketball standout Phil Booth, former CSU Director of Athletics Charles Hardnett, baseball player Willie Fields Jr, women’s basketball stalwarts Thelma Lyles and Pamela Pratt along with dual-sport athlete Terese Hatch, who played volleyball and basketball. In addition, the 1991 Coppin State women’s basketball team will be inducted together.
Charles Hardnett (Men’s Basketball Athletic Director/Coach) coached at Coppin State College from 1968 to 1974. Hardnett, a former NBA player who played for the Chicago Zephers and Baltimore Bullets, began his coaching career at Coppin as a part-time coach in 1968. He became full-time coach in 1970. This was a turning point for athletics at Coppin—other sports would soon commence; thus, the beginning of an intercollegiate athletics program. Under Hardnett’s tutelage the Eagles were Potomac Inter-Collegiate Conference (PIC) regular season champions in 1972 and 1973; in 1974 they were tournament champions.
Phillip “Phil” Booth (Men’s Basketball) joined the Eagles in 1987. The Philadelphia native, during his first year, led both his team and the MEAC in scoring with a 20-point average while also ranking among the MEAC leaders in seven of eight statistical categories. He finished ninth in MEAC rebounding, tied for ninth in steals and was in the top 20 in assists and field goal percentage. He was named First Team All-MEAC. The Eagles became eligible to compete in the MEAC tournament in the 1988-89 season. A team captain in 1990 Booth helped the Eagles win the MEAC regular season and tournament championship. With the win, Coppin earned a berth in NCAA Southwest Regional. Booth finished his career with 1,268 points.
Willie Fields Jr. (Baseball) played two years (1985 and 1986). Fields, an outfielder and catcher, finished his CSU career seventh in RBIs, tenth in doubles, second in batting average, and fourth in slugging percentage. He was awarded several honors during his career including 1985 Honorable Mention All American, 1985 Team MVP, 1986 MEAC All Tourney Team, and Tri-Captain 1985-86. Fields also was a member of Coppin’s indoor track and field team and swimming teams.
Thelma Lyles (Women’s Basketball) played 1987 to 1989. Lyles, the point guard for the Lady Eagles, held the Coppin’s record for single season leading scorer from 1989 to 2007. In 1989 she scored 247 points (while making 73 3-pointers). She scored 1,005 points in 54 games. Lyles scored over 30 points seven times. During the 1987-88 season she led her team in assists. Lyles was All MEAC Honorable Mention in 1988-89 and MEAC Scoring Leader 1988-89.
Pamela Pratt (Women’s Basketball) Pratt was a guard from 1986 to 1989. Pratt held the record for CSU’s career scoring leader until 2001. She also ranked among leaders in rebounding, assists, and steals. Pratt scored 1,261 career points in 76 games. Pratt led CSU in scoring in 1987 and 1988. Her 18.6 career scoring average ranks sixth all-time in Coppin State women’s basketball history. She was three-time All MEAC Performer, who finished her career with 497 rebounds.
Tarese Hatch (Volleyball/Women’s Basketball) recruited for the developing women’s volleyball team but was a “walk-on” for the women’s basketball team. She played on the volleyball team from 1989 to 1992. She joined the basketball team in 1990 and played until 1993. Although, she made significant contribution on the volleyball court, she excelled on the basketball court.
1990-91 Lady Eagles Basketball Team was a special because all of the players were high caliber. Seven players averaged 6.4 or more points per game and four players averaged more than five rebounds per game. They finished the regular season with a 16-8 record and 8-6 in conference play. The Lady Eagles won their first MEAC Championship 55-53 following LaShawn Scott’s buzzer beater. Regina Nolan was named First Team All-MEAC, Tarese Hatch was named to the MEAC All-Rookie Team and five other players were selected Honorable-Mention All-MEAC. Regina Nolan was the 1991 MEAC Tournament Outstanding Player and was on the All-Tournament Team. Laura Medley was named to the All-Tournament Team. Coach Douglas Robertson was named MEAC Outstanding Coach of the year. The members of the 1990-91 Lady Eagles Basketball Team were Monica Benson, Tarese Hatch, Karen Hendricks, Tricia Hobbs, Allison Jenkins, Yvette Larkin, Vanessa Marion, Faye McCallum, Laura Medley, Bridgid Mitchell, Regina Nolan, Karen Russell, LaShawn Scott, Tammi Scott, Bess Simpson, Sharon Smith, Tisha Washington, Keysha West, Charles Alderman, DeWayne Burroughs, and Tim Bond, The Head Coach was Douglas Robertson and Assistant Coach John Gaines.