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Sam Chapman

Halfback

Inducted 1984

Date of Birth

4/11/1916

Birthplace

Tiburon, CA

School

University of California (1935-1937)

Bio

A native of Tiburon, California, Sam Chapman not only lettered in football at Tamalpais Union High School, but in baseball, basketball, and soccer as well. At the University of California, the "Tiburon Terror" was one of the players responsible for the great "Thunder" teams. His running, kicking, and defensive work often carried the Golden Bears to victory, and in the eyes of Coach Stub Allison, he was a better all-purpose back than the legendary Red Grange. Against Southern California, as a sophomore in 1935, Chapman caught Bill Archer's 20-yard pass on the Trojan 25-yard line and, in a stumbling run, went all the way for a touchdown. His junior year he again caused a stir in the Trojan game when he snagged Vic Bottari's 25- yard pass on the USC nine-yard line and ran for the touchdown that won the game, 13-7. Chapman was a consensus All-America selection in 1937 and sparked the Golden Bears to a 13-0 victory over Alabama in the 1938 Rose Bowl Game. Also an All-America baseball player, he signed with the Philadelphia Athletics. During World War II, Chapman earned his wings in the Navy, and was assigned fleet duty.