A record-setting basketball star for New Hal1ford Central School, Paul Stappenbeck went on to a starting center role for St. Bonaventure University, and later the Utica Wreckers semi-professional team.

Stappcnbeck set five team records for the New Hartford Spartans: points in one game (44); points per season (527); career points (1,139); rebounds in one game (31), and rebounds for one season (449). He graduated in 1962.

At St. Bonaventure, he became a solid member of the "400 Club" with 708 career points and all average of 10.7 points per game. Far from being point-happy, he earned the respect of his coaches at every level for his unselfish style of play and ability to bring out the best in his teammates.

Stappcnbeck was also a major force for the Wreckers, the team once coached by Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame member Jim Klein. Stappenbeck has earned this same solid leadership quality over into his professional career as a Labor Services Representative with the New York State Labor Department, where he has earned awards for outstanding performance.

As a volunteer, he has received appreciation awards from Catholic Youth Services and other grateful volunteer agencies.