Antelope Valley College athletics leader Newton “Newt” Chelette has been selected for induction into the 2026 California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) Hall of Fame, recognizing a career that spans coaching, administration and statewide service.
Chelette will be honored during the annual 3C2A Convention, scheduled for March 31–April 3, 2026, in Burbank, CA.
At AVC, Chelette built a legacy that is still visible inside Marauder Gym. He remains the winningest men’s basketball coach in program history and earned multiple major coaching honors, including seven Foothill Conference Coach of the Year awards and two 3C2A Southern California Coach of the Year honors, according to the 3C2A Hall of Fame profile.
Chelette’s impact extended well beyond the basketball court. During his AVC tenure, he also coached men’s golf, taught physical education, and served in key leadership roles including Athletics Director, Dean, and later Vice President of Student Services, according to AVC athletics biographical information.
In the community, Chelette was named City of Lancaster Citizen of the Year in 2014, with the city recognizing both his athletic accomplishments and his civic involvement.
Chelette was also recognized on campus in 2016, when AVC named its renovated basketball floor Newton Chelette Court, honoring his decades of leadership and success with Marauder men’s basketball.
More information about the 2026 Hall of Fame class is available through 3C2A's announcement.
