Atchison, Kansas native former two-time Benedictine College All-American, four-time state basketball championship coach and Atchison high school player, Mathew "Chic" Downing is sent to be enshrined into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame on October the 4th in the Wichita Boathouse as part of the Class of 2015.

From player to coach, Mathew “Chic” Downing of Atchison, Kansas, has been successful in every stop in his storied basketball career. A two-time All-State selection at Atchison High School, Downing chose to play basketball at Benedictine College for 2004 KSHOF Inductee Ralph Nolan where he was twice named an NAIA All-American selection, including a first-team selection in 1972. When Downing left Benedictine, he held the school’s career mark for scoring, was second in career rebounds, and was tops in numerous single season records, including single season scoring and single season scoring average. Downing was selected by the New York Knicks in the 1972 NBA Draft before becoming the head basketball coach of Atchison High School in 1975 where he remained as coach until 1992. As a coach, Downing guided Atchison to four state championships and ten state tournament appearances. Downing was also named the 1986 Coach of the Year by the Wichita Eagle. Downing was inducted to the Kansas Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame in 1995, the Benedictine College Sports Hall of Fame in 2000, and the Slow Pitch Softball Hall of Fame in 2015. (info courtesy of KSHOF).

The Class includes 10 other inductees (full press release - click here) . Tickets for the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be available for purchase starting August 3, 2015. (for ticket info check out www.kshof.org)