Hall of Fame
Parker has served as the coach of the football (1967-69), men's tennis (1970-93), and women's tennis (1976-93) teams. During his 31-year tenure Parker also coached cross country and track and field. Although Coach Parker was initially hired to assume the head football position, he would turn his interest to establishing a highly successful tennis program for both men and women. Parker's success as a coach is legendary. His teams won five WVIAC Team Championships, and four NAIA District Championships. Roger's players have earned three WVIAC Player of the Year awards, two Academic All-America recognitions, and over 50 WVIAC individual championships. As a result of his coaching techniques, strategies and team performances, Roger was honored by the WVIAC as Coach of the Year five times. John Koepke, a former tennis star and SCAHOF member, said "Coach Parker exemplifies the true dedicated professional, possessing positive characteristics associated with successful people." Katherine Thornton, a member of Parker's teams from 1976-80 said of Parker, "He used tennis as a tool to promote positive mental attitudes, physical fitness, and respect for others." Longtime colleague and friend Mike Jacobs had this to say, "I consider Roger Parker an example for which the coach category (for the SCAHOF) was created. He is the 'Father of Shepherd Tennis'." Parker retired from Shepherd College in 1998.
