March 24, 2009

UC Davis head coach Gary Stewart was inducted into the University of La Verne Athletics Hall of Fame on March 21. The former Leopard student-athlete and head coach was one of six individuals in the 2009 induction class.

Stewart played four seasons for La Verne before graduating in 1984. He earned All-Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference distinction all four years and All-District VIII honors in each of his last three seasons. A three-year team captain, Stewart finished his career ranked among the Leopards' top 10 in numerous statistical categories. He captured the SCIAC's Ted Ducey Award, bestowed upon one senior who best exemplifies outstanding achievement in academics, athletics, leadership and sportsmanship. Additionally, he was the 1984 recipient of the Anthony P. Scafani Sportsman of the Year Award.

As head coach from 1987-95, Stewart guided La Verne from last place to first in three years and remains the only coach in La Verne history to lead his team to a SCIAC title or a berth in the NCAA Division III Championship. Additionally, he ranks second all-time at La Verne with 116 wins during his eight-year tenure.

Stewart just completed his sixth season as UC Davis head coach and 16th overall. He led the Aggies to their first Big West Conference Tournament in 2008-09.