ISSUED: 10 February 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Shepherd University recognized five individuals during halftime of the men’s basketball game against East Stroudsburg on Saturday, Feb. 7, as part of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference’s (PSAC) 75th‑anniversary celebration. PSAC Commissioner Steve Murray joined Director of Athletics Carrie Bodkins and University President Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix in honoring the recipients.
Tyson Bagent, former Shepherd football quarterback from Martinsburg, W.Va., was recognized as one of the PSAC’s 75 Greatest Male Athletes. Bagent holds virtually every Shepherd passing record and finished his college career with 17 NCAA Division II records. He won the Harlon Hill Award in 2021, was a two‑time All‑American, and became the first Shepherd player to participate in the Senior Bowl. He is currently a backup quarterback for the Chicago Bears.
Nicole Purtell, a former Shepherd softball standout from Centreville, Va., was honored as one of the PSAC’s 75 Greatest Female Athletes. Purtell played for the Rams from 2019–23 and is the program’s all‑time leader in hits (256), runs (192), and total bases (386). She earned two All‑American honors and was a three‑time Academic All‑American.
Three additional honorees were recognized as PSAC 75th‑anniversary Distinguished Keystones:
- Ernie McCook, head football coach since 2018, has led the Rams to a 66‑22 record over eight seasons, including three regional appearances and two Super Region One titles. He earned PSAC East Coach of the Year and AFCA Region One Coach of the Year honors in 2022. Before becoming head coach, McCook served as offensive coordinator for nine years and offensive line coach for 10 years (1999–2008).
- Chip Ransom, sports information director since 1997, nominated and promoted Tyson Bagent for the 2021 Harlon Hill Award. He received the College Sports Communicators 25‑Year Award in 2023 and is a member of CSC, the Football Writers Association of America, the U.S. Basketball Writers Association, and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.
- Sam Odell, recognized for his accomplishments as head women’s soccer coach (2021–25), joined Shepherd as a graduate assistant in 2019 and compiled a 49‑28‑22 record. In 2024, his team went 18‑2‑4, won both the PSAC and Atlantic Region titles, and became the first Shepherd squad to capture a PSAC championship. His 2025 team posted a 12‑2‑6 record, won another PSAC title, and made an NCAA Division II regional appearance. Odell is now the head coach at USC Upstate.
The halftime recognition underscored Shepherd’s proud legacy within the PSAC and highlighted the lasting impact of its student‑athletes, coaches, and staff on collegiate athletics.
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