Feb. 19, 2004

University of South Carolina junior center John Chappell has been named to the Verizon All-District All-American team today. It is a first-time honor for Chappell and a second-time for a Gamecock under USC Head Coach Dave Odom. An International Business major, Chappell sports a 3.89. Chappell’s name will now be forwarded for the All-American committee for consideration nationally.

USC is 20-5 and 7-4 in the SEC. The Gamecocks play at Arkansas on Saturday at 3 pm EST.

“I’m happy to receive such an honor, such a distinction,” said Chappell (New Berlin, Wisc.). “I will try to keep up my studies, but it’s been a group effort – everyone’s pushed me to do well. I’m pleased with what I have accomplished thus far, but certainly not satisfied.”

“Being named Academic All-American is a wonderful honor for John, our basketball team and our university,” said Odom. “We are very proud of John and the contribution he has made to our team and his achievements both in the classroom and on the basketball court. We look forward to continuing to work with John and watching him progress as a student-athlete.”

Chappell has been a member of the Dean’s List at USC four times and the President’s List once. He has been a member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll twice and is on track to graduate in 3 1/2 years.

It’s a second-time honor for a player under Odom in his third year at the helm as center Marius Petravicius received the honor his junior year as well.