Hall of Fame
The MIAC singles champion in 1965 and 1966, Richard Shipman was one of Macalester's best and most successful tennis players ever. He was named captain and team most valuable player three times on some outstanding Mac squads under Coach Clifford Caine, who himself joined the M Club Hall of Fame two years ago. He was chosen Macalester's Athlete of the Year as a senior.
Shipman compiled an amazing record of 60 wins against just five defeats in his Macalester career, was a two-time MIAC singles champ after taking runner-up honors as a frosh and sophomore, and also was a conference doubles champion. The Scots were the MIAC's top team three times in four years with Shipman in the lineup.
Following graduation, Richard continued to play competitive tennis, winning Navy district singles championships in 1967, 1970 and 1972 and qualifying for the All-Navy & Inter-service competition in '76. Shipman currently plays nationally at the highest levels in his age group and this past year was a member of the team that won the National Super Senior NTRP 4.0 title. Last year he was voted North Carolina Senior Player of the Year. In non-tennis activities, Shipman is treasurer at his church and a volunteer tax preparer for the elderly, and a seasonal employee of a CPA firm in Concord.
Macalester Athletic Achievements
Tennis – 4-year letter earner 1963-1966,
Captain 3 years (1964-66),
Team MVP 3 times.
Overall career – 60 wins & 5 losses.
2-time conference singles champion (1965-1966).
Conference runner-up in 1963 & 1964.
Conference doubles champion in 1966.
His teams won 3 consecutive MIAC titles.
Athlete of the Year in 1966.
Achievements after Macalester
Navy District Singles Champion in 1967, 1970, and 1972.
Qualifier for All-Navy & Interservice competition in 1976.
Currently plays nationally at the highest levels in his age group.
In 2005 he was National Super Senior NTRP 4.0 doubles finalist.
Also #3 in the N. Carolina’s 60’s division. In 2006 ranked #2 in the
same division and voted North Carolina Senior Player of the Year.
Career in aviation including the Navy, accident investigation and
commercial pilot for several major airlines.
Treasurer at his church. Delivers meals to the elderly as part of the church ministry.
Volunteer tax preparer for the elderly.
