Bio

Beloved by teammates, classmates, coaches and peers, Deitch served as the school's sports information director from 1972-80 before passing away at the age of 39 from a three-year battle with leukemia. He was honored posthumously with the Hall of Fame induction that same year.

Deitch had been a staple for the Chapman basketball squad at the end of the Don Perkins' era, playing for the Panthers from 1961-64 and starting every game for three straight seasons at point guard. Chapman set a school assist record with Dietch leading the way and went a combined 39-13 in his first two seasons as a starter. He was also a member of the Panther tennis team, compiling an unblemished doubles record during the 1963-64 season. In 1972, he was hired as Chapman's Director of Sports Information.

From the Chapman CEER Yearbook in '64, "Although Woody's point per game average was only 5.7, he spent a great deal of time helping the Panthers work as a team. Chapman will not again see a person who can color the game with his antics and develop sportsmanship as Woody has."

*Passed away: October 1980