The 1969, 1970 and 1971 men’s cross country teams were inducted into the Bridgewater College Athletic Hall of Fame as Teams of Distinction on March 28.
During those three years, the team won the Little Eight Conference Championship and coach Dr. Harry G.M. “Doc” Jopson led the program to new heights.
The 1969 season was highlighted by key performers such as Bob Anderson ’74, Doug Coleman ’73 and Brian Kennedy ’70. Bill Pamplin ’71 was also a steady competitor. During the regular season, Bridgewater placed second, and in the championship meet finished first to take home the Little Eight Championship.
In 1970, the team was without Jopson due to a one-year sabbatical, so Charlie Fairchilds ’70 and his brother, Vern Fairchilds ’68, stepped in to coach. Coleman and Anderson became a strong duo that year as the Eagles finished first at the Little Eight Championship, with Coleman taking the individual title.
Jopson returned to the helm in 1971 as Coleman and Charlie Phillips ’74 led the way to win the conference championship. Coleman set the course record and defended his individual title. The team earned a qualification to the NCAA college division championship, which became the first program in BC history to qualify for the NCAA college division national championship in any sport.
Published: October 9, 2026
