MT. CARMEL, Ill. – Saturday, Wabash Valley College honored Paul Schnarre for his record-setting career as Lady Warrior softball coach and long tenure as Athletic Director.
And, that was just the beginning.
During a ceremony prior to the start of the Warriors' home finale basketball game, WVC president Dr. Matt Fowler read from a long list of Schnarre accomplishments, including the all-time junior college record for softball wins (1,404). Schnarre was surrounded by current and former players along with family and friends.
But there was more.
Athletic Director Mike Carpenter then stepped to the mic and surprised Schnarre again. He announced plans to begin a WVC Hall of Fame in 2021, and said that Schnarre would be the first inductee into the Hall. A sign proclaiming Schnarre's induction was then unveiled.
"We have been working on this for a few months, and the hardest part has been keeping it a secret from Coach Schnarre," Carpenter said. "His guidance and vision as the Athletic Director is the main reason why all of our sports have competed on a national level for so many years, and his excellence as a Softball coach will never be duplicated. We're happy to announce Paul Schnarre as the first inductee into the WVC Athletics Hall of Fame."
Schnarre, who retired from the head softball position earlier this year, amassed a record of 1,404-325. His teams won 23 Great Rivers Athletic Conference championships, 11 Region 24 titles and made 10 trips to the NJCAA national softball tournament.
In 1973, he was hired as the head baseball coach. He later became WVC athletic director in 1976, a position he held for 37 years before stepping down in 2013.