The Ring of Honor program was created to honor the past and encourage teammates and friends to reconnect with each other and the Susquehanna University Football program in the present and future. The Ring of Honor will annually recognize and enshrine a group of former players, coaches, and/or staff members whose service, success, spirit and advocacy on behalf of the SU Football program and in the community are deemed worthy of recognition by their peers.
Dave was a 3 year starter at QB at SU, and earned 2nd Team All MAC honors in 1989. He served as a Co-Captain in 1990. He was the 1991 Susquehanna U. Blair Heaton Award winner as the top male student athlete for ’90-91 academic year. At the time of graduation, Dave was the career leader in completions (255), yards (4,087) and TD’s (39). He is still ranked 9th in total passing yards for a single season. In 1989 he led the Crusaders to an MAC Championship (Co-Champions). He was named to the 1990, 2nd Team Academic All-American Team. Dave graduated summa cum laude (highest honors) in the Class of 1991. Dave was inducted into the SU Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.
Dave is currently the Executive VP, Lead Counsel for the Roger Penske Corp. He and his wife Renee are parents of son, Cameron and daughter, Alexandra. The Battisti’s’ are very active in supporting charitable causes in the Philadelphia area, in addition to their support of Susquehanna and Bucknell Universities. They have supported SU Football for over 20 years, and they are among those whose generosity is most responsible for SU having impressive facilities like the Vialonga Performance Center, which continues to benefit student-athletes at SU on a daily basis. The Battisti’s reside in Malvern, PA.
Born in Shavertown, Pa. Larry was forever indebted to his hometown church and SU for a scholarship that helped him to receive a college education. He also worked part-time jobs to help pay his tuition. As a sophomore Halfback for the undefeated 1940 grid team, he gained 498 yards rushing, averaging an amazing 9.6 yards per carry, despite playing at a weight of only 142 pounds. He was also noted for outstanding play for the 1942 team, which was riddled by injuries and loss of players to the armed services. He was among the first class of inductees into the SU Sports Hall of Fame in 1967.
After graduation from SU in 1943, Larry enlisted in the Navy, and served as a Communications Officer aboard the U.S.S. Icefish, a submarine patrolling the Pacific during World War II. In 1946, soon after his return from the war, Larry married his SU sweetheart, Louise Kresge, SU ’45, whom he had met in his junior year and her freshman year in 1941 on the steps of Seibert Hall. They would have four children.
Larry enrolled in the Wharton School of Business, from which he received his M.B.A. in 1947. He initially worked for Pricewaterhouse Coopers, then for Bethlehem Steel, then for RCA (VP and Controller 1962-1971), Allis Chalmers Corp. (Exec. VP of Finance, 1972-1977) and ended his business career as the Chief Financial Officer of Federated Department Stores, Inc. He received the Alumni Achievement award in 1976. The Isaacs lived in six different states, but after Larry’s retirement from business in 1982, their mutual love for SU led them to move back to Selinsgrove, where they would spend their next 18 years.
Larry became a distinguished Professor of Business Practice at the Sigmund Weiss School of Business, while also serving on its Advisory Council. He also became involved in the administration at SU, serving on the SU Board of Directors for a total of 34 years. He also served as Vice President and helped lead two national capital campaigns for Susquehanna University. Both Larry and Louise received Honorary Doctorate degrees from SU in 2000, prior to retiring to Florida. SU named the Isaacs Auditorium in Seibert Hall, and the Isaacs Townhouse in their honor. They established the Lawrence M. and Thomas L. Isaacs Fund to honor their youngest son who died in 1980. They also established the Lawrence M. and Louise Kresge Isaacs Endowment for Music. It primarily supports students majoring in Music who demonstrate outstanding ability, as well as professional development of Music faculty and/or Music performances. It also reflects the Isaacs’ mutual lifetime love of music (Louise majored in Music at SU), their long-standing commitment to excellence in the Music program at Susquehanna Univ., and their recognition of the vital role which the Music program has played in the life of SU and of the surrounding community.
Prior to his passing in Oct. 2007, Larry constantly gave of his time, talent and resources to the University which he and his family loved so much. His leadership helped SU grow through the years, and the legacy of generosity of Larry Isaacs and his family will continue to benefit SU students in the present day and for many generations to come
Tom started every game in his 4 years at SU. As a DB, he set SU career records for: interceptions (19), punt returns (88) and punt return yards (626). He was named to the ECAC Weekly Honor Roll in consecutive weeks as a freshman in Oct. 1981. He earned Div. 3 All American honors in 1983 as a key member of the 1983 MAC Championship team. In 1984, he played both offense and defense, and was named to the All-MAC Conference team as a DB in 1984. Tom was also an exceptional baseball player at SU. He was SU’s leading hitter and MVP in 1983, and named to MAC All-Star teams in 1984 and 1985. Tom was a Co-Winner of Blair Heaton Award in 1985, and inducted in SU Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.
Since graduating in 1985, Tom has gone on to a successful career in the field of computers. Tom and his wife have raised four sons, and he has given an enormous amount of his time to coaching 42 youth sports teams in Football, Baseball and Basketball over the past 17 years. Football: Hillsborough Junior Raiders (1998 - 2009); Basketball: Hillsborough Recreation (2002 - 2012); Hillsborough Bulldogs Travel Team (2010 - 2012); Baseball: Hillsborough Little League (1998 - 2005), and Hillsborough Heat AAU Travel Team (2006 - 2015). As Head Coach of many of these youth sports teams, his duties included coordinating and scheduling of games and tournaments. He also built a batting cage in his backyard, which has been used for coaching numerous local players (not just for his sons) for the past ten years. Tom located two abandoned fields and rebuilt them for use by youth sports teams in his community of Hillsborough, NJ. One field also benefits patients at the nearby Carrier Clinic, a Behavioral Health Facility. T
Tom’s family, work and coaching obligations leave him very little spare time. However, he has returned to campus for events involving the 1983 football team in 2003 (25 year reunion) and 2018 (1983 Team of Honor), and also participated in an alumni baseball game in the past.
Martin was a three year starter as a Defensive Lineman for SU. He earned First team All MAC as a senior on an MAC Commonwealth League Championship team in 1998. He finished his Football career among the all-time Crusader QB sack leaders with 15.5 sacks and 145 tackles, including 47 tackles as a senior.
Martin also excelled in Track & Field. His Javelin throw of 194 feet, 7 inches in March 1998 was the 8th longest Javelin throw in SU history, and earned him All-American honors. Martin was a Captain of both the Football and Track & Field teams. He was inducted into the SU Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.
Martin began working as an intern for a mining company while a student at SU. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in History from SU in Dec. 1998, he began full time work as a Purchasing Agent, and gradually worked his way up to become Director of Global Sourcing for the same company, now known as CRH Plc. It is the largest vertically integrated building materials company in the world, employing over 80,000 people worldwide. Martin’s duties as a Director include overseeing multiple large projects worldwide.
In addition to his busy schedule, and spending time with his family, Martin has given generously of his time, talents and efforts by serving in various capacities as a member of the SU Board of Trustees since 2008. For example, he has accepted the responsibilities of serving as Co-Chair of the SU Capital Campaign, as Vice Chair Board of Trustees, as well as Chair of the Board of Trustees Property/Finance Committee. He is also a member of the Philanthropy and Engagement Committee.
Service to Susquehanna as a member of the Board of Trustees involves far more than returning to campus for several meetings each year. It also requires each Trustee to perform independent research, review documents, communicate with other Trustees and SU personnel between meetings, and other “behind the scenes”preparation necessary to enable each Trustee to lead and/or participate in meetings and decisions which shape the present and future of Susquehanna University.
One of Martin’s more enjoyable services to SU was his participation in 2015 as a member of the Hiring Committee which searched for and found our Head Football Coach, Tom Perkovich. More recently, Martin served on the Committee which hired Dir. of Athletics, Sharief Hashim. Martin still makes time to attend SU Football games when he can, and has addressed the team at the request of Coach Perkovich on multiple occasions. Martin is also one of the founding members of the Ring of Honor program.
Martin and his wife, Karyn (Kern) Pinter ’01, have supported important University projects since the early 2000s, including the Colleen Supinski Sports Performance Center, the Natural Sciences Center and the new SU Admissions Building. The Pinters also support the SU Assistant Coach Intern Program, which has helped SU’s student athletes, while also giving young coaches valuable experience to further their coaching careers. In Oct. 2021, the Pinters were inducted into the Susquehanna Society, in recognition of their generous support of facilities and scholarships to benefit past, present and future SU students.
John was a 4 year varsity letter winner and 3 year starter at halfback (offensive and defensive) for SU. He also played special teams and was on the field for all 60 minutes of every game. He was a true team leader. Teammates learned from his examples of leadership and character, both on and off the field.
As a senior In 1959, John lead SU to its first winning season in several years. He was very talented but always remained humble. In the 1959 season he scored 59 points, including 3 touchdowns in his final game game against Haverford. John received Little-All-American honors that year. His career total of 118 points ranked 10th best all-time at SU when he was inducted into the SU Sports Hall of Fame in 1989.
John was a Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity brother when he met Ann Hewes, an Alpha Delta Pi sorority sister. Before graduating, John gave his fraternity pin to Ann, the 1960 Homecoming Queen, on the front steps of Seibert Hall. They married in Oct. 1961. When Seibert Hall was renovated, Ann saved a piece of the wooden steps as a memento of that moment, their love for each other and for SU.
John graduated from SU in May 1960, served in the U.S.Army, and earned a Master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University during a 20 year career at U.S. Gypsum. John and colleagues then formed their own company, which was a great success. The sale of that company, now known as the Strober Organization, provided a strong financial foundation for John, Ann, their family and their goals.
In appreciation for all that his professors and coaches at SU had done to shape him and his success, John always made extra effort to give back to his alma mater from his time, talents and resources. As alumni, John and Ann served and advocated for students, coaches and the SU community in many ways. A few examples show John’s impact as a player at SU was met or even exceeded by his impact as an alumnus.
John co-chaired the committee for the Bob Pittello Tribute in 1998, which renamed the locker room in his honor. Coach Pitello called that evening, “the greatest night of my life.” John also took on a leadership role in the significant contributions, by himself and by others, needed to build the Jim Garrett Sports Complex. Since its completion in 2001, it has benefited all SU students and community members, and will continue to serve everyone for many years to come. Such facilities would not exist without the efforts, dedication and generosity of alumni like John and Ann Yanuklis, and many others as well.
John and Ann were so grateful for the opportunities they received at SU that they also established two legacy funds: one for SU student-athletes and another for female students in need, to help them achieve their dreams: The John ‘60 and Ann Hewes ‘61 Yanuklis Endowment for Athletics and The John ’60 and Ann Hewes ‘61 Yanuklis Scholarship Fund. The creation of the endowment and fund by John and Ann assured that long after John’s passing in 2011, and Ann’s passing in 2019, there will always be support for the causes they cared about most at SU, and opportunities for current and future SU students.
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Todd Coolidge ’88 (1984-1988)
Started his SU Football career on the defensive side of the ball at Safety. Set a record for INT return yards (181) as a freshman in 1984. Switched to QB as a junior in 1986. Set school records for passing yards (2,024) and attempts (265). Led SU to an undefeated 10-0 record and MAC Championship, including the “Homecoming Miracle”. Trailing Lycoming 28-7 at halftime and 42-22 with 8 minutes left, Todd led 3 touchdown drives, winning on the final play, 43-42. In its first NCAA Div. III Football playoff appearance in 1986, SU defeated Washington & Jefferson College before bowing to Salisbury State in the quarterfinals. As a senior in 1987, Todd set records for TD passes (18) and total offense (2,086 yards) while leading SU to an 6-1 record before an injury ended his career. Inducted into SU Sports Hall of Fame in 1997, and named to the SU Top 100 All- Century team in 1999. Coached Football at Davidson College, and Wellsboro HS. Helped with SU’s recruitment of some fine student-athletes. After a career in Banking, he currently invests in real estate and resides just outside Charlotte NC, but he stays in touch with his teammates and supports SU Football in a variety of ways, including regular participation in the SU Football Golf Outing.
Barry Hackenberg ’62 (1959-1962)
Multi-talented, standout QB/End, earned College Little All-American Football Team honors at SU playing for his mentor, Coach Jim Garrett. Barry taught Social Studies and coached High School Football for nearly 40 years. He was the only teacher honored as Graduation Commencement speaker at North Schuylkill HS in 1992. Nominated for Outstanding Teacher awards 1993 and 1996. Named in Who's Who Among American Teachers in 1992 and 1996. Inducted into North Schuylkill Football Hall of Fame in 2000 and Daniel Boone HS Sports Wall of Fame in 2002. Barry declined offers to coach professional football with Coach Garrett in order to continue teaching, coaching and help High School students (athletes and non-athletes) find their way to college. He encouraged numerous students and student-athletes to attend SU, including his son, Erick, standout QB of the 1993 and 1994 teams. Enjoyed coaching with his son and grandson. Everyone who knew “Hack” had at least one favorite story about his boundless enthusiasm. At his passing in 2007, many former students and student-athletes thanked Barry’s family for his valuable guidance in their lives.
Blair Heaton (1938-1942, 1946, 1956-1960)
He was the star End on offense and defense for the undefeated 1940 football team. Named Little All-American and Captain of the 1941 football team. In the 1940s, 1950s and even early 1960s, referees penalized teams 15 yards if coaches called plays from the sideline, or sent in substitutes to call plays. The QB nearly always called plays, but Blair’s brilliant mind and football knowledge so impressed his SU coaches and teammates that they asked Blair to call the plays from his position on the end of the line. He became one of SU’s greatest athletes by constantly practicing his skills. He averaged 20 points per Track & Field meet in sprints, shotput, discus, long jump and especially high jump, clearing 6 ft., 3 and 5/8 inches, an Olympic level height. However, the 1940 Olympics were cancelled due to WWII in Europe. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions but joined the Army Air Corps, and after serving in WWII, returned to campus, graduating in May 1946. He played pro football for the Wilkes-Barre Bullets of the American Football Association. He taught and coached sports at Selinsgrove H.S. prior to returning to SU in the late 1950s. At SU he taught Math, was Head Coach in Track & Field, and assistant in Football and Basketball. He often practiced with players half his age in each sport to teach them his valuable skills. After his untimely passing, he was remembered in the 1961 Lanthorn with a quote from William Mathews, “A great deal of the joy of life consists in doing perfectly, or at least to the best of one’s ability, everything which he attempts to do. There is a sense of satisfaction, a pride in surveying such a work…a work which is rounded, full, exact, complete in all its parts…It is this conscientious completeness which turns work into art.” The Lanthorn also stated, “In the short time he was among us, Blair Heaton quietly displayed the essential qualities of manhood. His life was characterized by his dedication to his chosen profession, boundless love for his family, and thrill for sports. He gave his talents unsparingly to his alma mater. The influence of Blair Heaton’s life will not pass but linger on in its memory.” The Blair Heaton Award is still presented annually to the SU senior male student athlete who best exemplifies his devotion to scholarship and athletics, as well as self-discipline and character.
Gerry Huesken ’77 (1973-1977)
Four year starter at OT for SU, Off. Co-Captain as a Senior (1976), All MAC (1st Team,1975, Hon. Mention, 1976). NCAA Top Five Student-Athlete, National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame Student-Athlete 1976. Academic All-American, College Division 1975, 1976. Sunbury Kiwanis Best Off. Player Award 1976, Burlington County (NJ) Football Club College Football Player of the Year in 1976. NCAA Graduate Scholarship 1977. Inducted into SU Sports Hall of Fame in 1984. Named to SU’s Top 100 Players All Century Team in 1999. Palmyra HS (NJ) Athletic Hall of Fame 2005. B.A. in English from SU (4.0 GPA, 1st of 311) in 1977. Master’s degree in Educational Admin., Univ. of Pennsylvania in 1978 (GPA 3.9). Doctoral degree in Educational Admin., Temple Univ. 1991 (GPA 3.92). Spent 38 years in Education, 33 years in School Admin. At his last meeting, the School Board voted unanimously to rename its middle school the “Gerald G. Huesken Middle School” in honor of his 30 years of dedicated service, 19 as Superintendent of Schools for the Conestoga Valley School District. Gerry has held leadership roles in numerous civic and professional organizations, but always finds time to attend SU Class reunions and participate in career related programs in Education for the benefit of SU students. He has faithfully supported SU Football and SU since graduation, and has also been a member of various athletic groups over the years, including the SU Football Alumni Association, and was among the first alumni to join the SU Football Ring of Honor program.
Gary Pontecorvo ’85 (1981-1985)
Son of Italian-Americans, Joseph and Grace, the values they taught and his athletic ability made him a Fullback at Emerson HS (NJ) and SU: strong, tough, smart, humble, unselfish blocker for QBs, opening holes for RBs. Key contributor to undefeated 1983 MAC champs. Overcame adversity as a senior in 1984. Computer Science degree from SU (1985). Earned Master’s degree in Criminal Science at night from Rutgers (1990), while starting a 31 year career in law enforcement: policeman: 4 years, FBI agent for 27 years: anti-drug trafficking in Washington, D.C., Organized Crime Task Force in New York City. On Sept. 11, 2001, he was among the first responders at the World Trade Center, running into the fire and mayhem, protecting and rescuing others, while surviving the collapse of both towers. He then led over 100 agents and police in counterterrorism efforts in New York. Served over 2 years in Afghanistan for the FBI, deployed with U.S. military task forces which captured some of the world’s most dangerous terrorists. Two such task forces, including one he led, received the most prestigious award given by the FBI (Directors’ Award) for extraordinary contributions to communities and missions accomplished. The values taught by his parents and lessons learned in Football served Gary well on other fields of battle, where the outcomes are measured in lives, not points. Now retired from the FBI, he combats cyber enabled fraud for a large financial company. In his limited spare time, he gathers with family and many of his fellow SU Football teammates. He has helped SU students with career opportunities, and shares with them his valuable expertise and remarkable career experiences.
Team of Honor 1986: 11-1
Undefeated 10-0 MAC Champs under Coach Rocky Rees. Won NCAA 1st round game, advanced to 2nd round. 11 wins tied for most wins in a season in SU Football history. Top 5 defense in Div. 3. Multiple All-Conference players and some SU Hall of Fame players.
Bob Fessler '80 (1976-1979)
Four-year starter at LB. MVP in 1978, and led the team in tackles 3 straight years. MVP in 1978 and 1979, Captain in 1979. Earned several All-Star awards including 1st team All-MAC and 3 time ECAC AllStar. Set school records for tackles in a career (451), season (151) and game (25). Inducted into SU Sports Hall of Fame in 1988 and named to SU's All-Century team in 1999. Bob has encouraged area students to attend SU, including son, Daniel, ’08. He has served on Reunion Committees and has been a consistent supporter of SU Football and related projects (Vialonga Performance Center and others) and also University initiatives, such as the GO program.
Keith Henry '91 (1987-1991)
Keith was a dominant DE at SU. He was a 3-year starter who set school records with 35 tackles for loss and 14 sacks his senior year. As a junior he was named 1st Team All MAC, a Pizza Hut All American, and Defensive MVP by his teammates. As a senior he was Captain of the 1990 team, a consensus All American including 1st Team Kodak Division II-III All American, 1st Team All MAC, nominated for the MAC Defensive Player of the Year, and named Defensive MVP and Team MVP by his teammates. Keith has returned to SU to speak with students interested in careers in Business. He has encouraged worthy students, including Football recruits, to enroll at SU. Keith and his family have established charitable organizations which provide financial aid to students in need who seek to attend college.
Mike Keeney (1995-Pesent)
Mike received a B.S. in Athletic Training in 1991 from West Chester Univ., and a Masters of Educ. with a focus in counseling from Shippensburg University in 1995. He worked at Holy Redeemer Sports Medicine from 1991-1993, then at Shippensburg from 1993-1995. Mike has been the Athletic Trainer at Susquehanna almost 25 years. Every athlete at the school knows and has an outstanding relationship with Mike. He has made enormous and incalculable contributions to SU’s Football and other sports teams by helping student athletes overcome injuries and stay on the athletic fields.
Coach William “Bill” Moll (1976-1984) Bill played Off. and Def. line in high school and at West Chester Univ. He turned several losing HS programs into winners before becoming Head Coach at SU. His first 3 years built the foundation for consistent success, with winning records in his last 4 seasons, finishing with an overall record at SU of 32-30-1. His 1983 team (8-0-1) won the MAC Championship. He was named MAC Coach of the Year and NCAA Northeast Region Division 3 Coach of the Year. He was also MAC North Coach of the Year in 1982. Coached 10 SU Hall of Famers and over 20 All-Conference players. He was inducted into the SU Sports Hall of Fame in 1995.
Rich Young '54 (1950-1954)
Rich set virtually all QB records at SU for passing and rushing yards in a career, as well as season and single game records, some of which he still held 20 years after he last played. Little All American. All State. Inducted in the Inaugural Class of the SU Sports Hall of Fame in 1967. Donated Coach Stagg’s hat as the trophy for the annual SU v. Lycoming game. The very first member of the SU Football Alumni Association. Coached SU kickers and punters in the late 90s and early 2000s. Attended nearly all of SU’s home football games, and many away games, for several decades. His presence and support over many years showed his unwavering spirit and dedication to the SU Football Program, and to the many Football alumni he cherished as friends.
Team of Honor 1962: 9-0
Coach Garrett: Undefeated MAC champions. Defense still holds scoring records for SU. Avg. margin of victory over 21-points per game. Great team, Tangerine Bowl candidate.
Rod Bamford '84
A three-year starter at linebacker, the late Rod Bamford '84 was the captain and MVP of the undefeated 1983 Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Championship team. Bamford led the team in tackles in back-to-back seasons with 98 in 1982 and 105 in 1983. He was named to both the MAC and Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III South All-Star teams in 1983 as well as a Division III Honorable Mention All-American. A true "team first" player, Bamford was named to the SU Top 100 All-Century Team in 1999. Rod was an active member of the SU Alumni Club, Habitat for Humanity, and the Alzheimer’s Association prior to his untimely passing.
Steve Briggs
Steve Briggs spent 27 years with the Susquehanna football program. Briggs arrived at SU in 1988 as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator under fellow inductee, the late William “Rocky” Rees, before taking over the head coaching reins in 1990. His career wins (127) and the number of games he coached (253) both exceed the totals set by any other head coach in Susquehanna's long football tradition which dates back to 1892. Briggs guided the 1991 team to the program's only berth to date in the semifinals of the NCAA Division III Football Championship, falling to the eventual national champion, Ithaca College. In 2009, he led SU to a Liberty League title and he and his staff earned the league's Coaching Staff of the Year award. That same year, the Liberty Mutual Group named Briggs one of five NCAA Division III finalists for its National Coach of the Year award. He coached an impressive list of 73 first-team all-conference players since 1990 in the Centennial Conference, Liberty League, and Mid-Atlantic Conference with five of them being named conference players of the year. Briggs also mentored seven All-Americans and four Academic All-Americans.
Richard Caruso ’65
Richard Caruso ’65 was a two-way player at guard for head coach Jim Garrett. Caruso earned four varsity letters, and as a senior, he was named co-captain, All-MAC, and All-State. Susquehanna’s record was 32-3-1 over his four years. He was inducted into the SU Sports Hall of Fame in 1980. Richard earned advanced degrees and became a highly successful, nationally honored entrepeneur. He developed products of benefit to mankind, such as synthetic skin to aid burn victims. He served on the Board of Trustees at SU and gave back his valuable time, considerable talents and resources to support SU Football and the University.
Bill Muir ’65 Bill Muir ’65 was an All-MAC offensive tackle in his junior and senior years but also played defensive tackle. Muir’s coaching career, which began in 1965 as an assistant coach under head coach Jim Garrett, stretched more than 40 years and took him from Susquehanna to Division I programs to the National Football League, including serving as an assistant coach for the 2003 Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was inducted into the SU Sports Hall of Fame in 1990 and was again honored by SU in 2018. Muir is also a member of the Hall of Fame of the State of Pennsylvania.
William “Rocky” Rees
The late William “Rocky” Rees became the Susquehanna head football coach in 1985. Rees led the Crusaders to an NCAA record for the greatest improvement in wins from one season to the next with three wins in 1985 to 11 wins in 1986. He guided Susquehanna to MAC conference titles in 1986 (11-1), 1988 (8-2), and 1989 (8-1-1). In 1986, Susquehanna earned its first NCAA playoff appearance and victory following an undefeated 10-0 regular season. Rees achieved a coaching record of 36-15-1 at SU. He continued and completed his distinguished coaching career at Division II Shippensburg University. From 1990-2010, Rees compiled a record of 123-110-1, and won conference championships and/or NCAA playoff games in 1991 (NCAA Quarterfinals), 2004 and 2009.
Ernie Tyler ’72
A four-year starter, the late Ernie Tyler ’72 set SU season records for passes completed (233) and passing yardage (1,239) in 1969. His honors as a quarterback include First Team All-MAC North, Honorable Mention All-Lutheran College, and Third Team All-State. An all-around athlete, Tyler also garnered Honorable Mention All-Lutheran honors as a freshman defensive back in 1968. He also earned two varsity letters as a catcher for the Crusader baseball team. Ernie taught and coached Football at Shikellamy HS for decades. He guided many good students and talented student-athletes to SU, among them were SU Sports Hall of Famers QB Mike Bowman, ’03, and WR Mark Bartosic, ‘04, a prolific passing combination who broke some of Ernie’s passing records at SU.
Team of Honor 1991: National Semi-final Team
In 1991, the Crusaders posted an overall 11-2 record in Steve Briggs' second season at the helm of the SU football program. The 11 wins equaled the 11 wins by William "Rocky" Rees' 1986 team for most wins in a season in school history. Susquehanna notched a 21-20 victory over Dickinson College to capture the NCAA Division III South Region Championship before taking down Lycoming College, 31-24, in the NCAA Quarterfinals. SU finished out the season by falling to the eventual champion, Ithaca College, in the NCAA Semifinals.
Amos Alonzo Stagg Jr. and Sr.
Amos Alonzo Stagg Jr. was the head coach for Susquehanna from 1935-54 and was co-head coach with his father from 1947-52. The younger Stagg led the team to an undefeated season in 1940 and the duo combined for an unbeaten season again in 1951. Amos Alonzo Stagg, Sr. was a legendary coach, innovator and mentor in college football. SU’s football field was dedicated to both men in 1981.
Jim Garrett
Jim Garrett coached the team for six seasons and compiled an impressive 39-11-1 record including a streak of a win or tie in 36 of 37 games. He worked as an Asst. Coach for the NY Giants (1970-1973), Head Coach of the Houston Texans in the World Football League (1974), then as an Asst. Coach for the New Orleans Saints (1976-1977) and Cleveland Browns (1978-1984). He was Head Coach at Columbia University in 1985, then worked as a scout for the Dallas Cowboys (1987-2004).
Lou Santangelo '50
Lou Santangelo '50 was a Little All-American in 1950 and seldom left the field as he starred on offense, defense and was the team's kicker. Lou has been involved with numerous committees at SU over many years: Weis School of Business, Football Alumni Association charter member, Central PA Alumni chapter and has supported SU football for decades.
Bob Pittello '51
Bob Pittello '51 played for the Staggs and served as a longtime assistant coach with the program. He was an assistant under five different head coaches over 43 additional seasons at the University. His service to SU resulted in his induction into the SU Sports Hall of Fame in 1973 and he was named to the SU Top 100 All-Century team in 1999.
Dick Purnell '58
Dick Purnell '58 was a two-time All-State selection and a Little All-American in 1956 before playing one year of professional football for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. He then started his long career as a successful head football coach at Shikellamy and assistant at Susquehanna. He amassed a record of 167-94-5 over his 25 years at Shikellamy, where he was also a Mathematics teacher.
Team of Honor 1983: 8-0-1
The 1983 team compiled an 8-0-1 season, winning eight straight games after a season-opening 3-3 tie against Lycoming. The team won the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Championship under head coach Bill Moll.
ROH CRITERIA FOR INDIVIDUALS
SERVICE
Evaluation of Nominees in this category seeks excellence in the area of service. Examples may include:(1) service on the football field, or in some capacity which serves the interests of SU Football and/or the University. Examples of service after graduation may include: (1) serving for a significant time or holding a leadership role on an SU volunteer board, or (2) serving their home communities and the world through exceptional volunteerism, or (3) Staying involved in the sport as a coach, mentor or other capacity within their community. Candidates should be unwavering in their dedication to making a difference through duration, scope and versatility of their volunteerism, reflecting Susquehanna’s mission of preparing students for lives of “Achievement, Leadership and Service.”
SUCCESS/OUTCOMES/POST-GRADUATION
Evaluation of Nominees in this category seeks excellence in preparing students for life after graduation. Examples may include: (1) hiring SU graduates, (2) providing or arranging internships for SU students, (3) coming to campus multiple times to talk with students or participate in a Break Through Alumni-Student activity, or (4) Success in their field after graduation (perhaps reflected by awards unique to their chosen field)
SPIRIT
Evaluation of Nominees in this category considers how they “raise the Orange and Maroon” in significant ways. Examples may include: (1) through game attendance; (2) promoting the SU “brand” (3) advocating on behalf of Susquehanna Football and/or the University and/or (4) showing character and cooperation in exceptionally difficult circumstances on or off the field.
ADVOCACY
Evaluation of Nominees in this category seeks excellence in the area of new student recruitment and retention, as permitted by NCAA guidelines. Examples may include: (1) recruiting new students to the university through sharing names of potential students, communicating with recruits, attending college fairs on behalf of SU, etc. (2) communicating with students at Susquehanna in ways that encourage their connection to the Football program and Alumni network. All of these efforts help Susquehanna improve and maintain its enrollment, and create or identify opportunities for SU students after graduation.
ROH CRITERIA FOR TEAM NOMINEES
Which SU Football team was the best? Please tell us why, based on factors such as won-loss record, conference championship, playoff wins, bowl wins, significant upset wins, or other evidence of outstanding team play.
ROH-VOTING SURVEY FAQs
We suggest that you first review:
Once you click “Submit” your “votes” will be cast and you will not be allowed to submit new evaluations of any nominees you “skipped”, nor change any previously submitted evaluations or Top 5/team selections. Please consider your evaluations and selections carefully. You may send ideas for improvements in the ROH program to RingofHonor@susqu.edu, at any time.
2) WHY DOES ROH CONSIDER ACHIEVEMENTS BOTH ON FIELD AND OFF THE FIELD?
Outstanding achievement on the field for SU is relevant, but not the only criteria for ROH selection. The Hall of Fame already honors athletes and coaches based solely upon performance in their sport. ROH honors performance on the field, and since then, by players, coaches, staff and other supporters. HOF induction, by itself, does not assure induction into ROH. A good player who has been a great alumnus, by giving back time, talents, efforts and resources to SU Football in particular, and/or to SU in general, and/or to their community or country, may be determined to have met the ROH criteria (service, success, spirit, advocacy) better than a HOF player who has not been back to campus, nor connected in any way with the SU Football program since graduation.
3) WHY ARE THE INDIVIDUAL NOMINEES LISTED ALPHABETICALLY?
We listed individual nominees alphabetically for your ease of reference in locating names of particular interest to you. We considered listing names by decade of participation, but there are multiple nominees whose participation spans two or more decades. Therefore, the ROH Committee decided the focus should be upon identifying those most worthy of this unique honor, without placing undue emphasis on their decade(s) of participation.
We also want to encourage all past and present members of the SU Football program to read about the many outstanding individuals who participated in eras other than your own, to learn about and respect the legacy of the SU Football program, through the activities of its many members both on and off the field, for over 100 years.
4) HOW CAN I VOTE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND TEAMS FROM ERAS I KNOW LITTLE ABOUT?
We ask for your evaluation of each individual nominee, to assist us in the difficult task of identifying those who are most worthy of this honor, by choosing your Top 5 individuals and one team from all the nominees. We hope you will read each of the brief biographies describing the honorable accomplishments of the many individual nominees on and off the field.
You will compare nominees whose participation occurred many years before and after your own participation. You may not have witnessed the service, success, spirit or advocacy of many of the individual nominees, either on or off the field. The information provided in brief biographies allows you to form an opinion as to which individual nominations you support, highly support or do not support, so that you can provide feedback as to each nominee, and then choose your Top 5 individuals and one “best” team.
5) WHAT DOES ROHC WORK ON AFTER NOMINATIONS CLOSE?
Once the nominations close, ROHC members continue to encourage Football Alumni to join ROH, but ROHC members also communicate with nominees to research their background, compile statistics, prepare and edit brief biographies relevant to the ROH Criteria of Success, Service, Spirit and Advocacy to assist you and the ROHC in selecting the “most worthy” among many worthy individual and team candidates. We then work with SU's Alumni Advancement office to organize this information into a "user friendly" Voting Survey, which is then distributed online to all Football Alumni for them to review and respond over a period of about two weeks on dates designated and announced well in advance by ROHC each year.
Our goal is always to create a voting and selection process which is as fair, meaningful and manageable as the number of nominees and volume of information given to us will allow, and to recognize those deemed most worthy of this unique honor by their peers.
This process always requires considerable time and effort. However, we believe the effort is worthwhile, and we enjoy reconnecting with alumni, teammates, the current team, as well as discovering more about the proud legacy of the SU Football than any of us knew prior to this program. We hope you will enjoy that journey as well by reviewing all nominations and provide fair evaluations and any meaningful feedback you may want to share.
6) WHEN WILL THE VOTING PROCESS BEGIN AND END?
The voting period typically lasts for two weeks each year, with specific opening and closing dates announced by email well in advance of each date. The ROHC communicates by email and other means to all Football alumni, providing links to the Voting Survey at the start of the voting period, and at least one “reminder” message with a link to the Voting Survey prior to the end of the voting period for that year.
7) WHAT VOTING RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED, AND WHEN?
Only the names of the individuals and a "Team of Honor" selected for induction in a given year will be announced. The number of individuals to be selected and whether to select a "Team of Honor" in any year is to be determined by the ROH Committee, exercising its judgment and discretion in the best interest of the ROH program. No voting survey results will be disclosed (i.e. number of votes for any of the nominees), even for those selected. The names of individual inductees and any “Team of Honor” selected for induction for that year will be announced by the Ring of Honor Committee shortly after its Selection Conference, to provide notice in advance of the Ring of Honor Induction Ceremony for that year.
A. WHY DOES ROH REQUEST NAMES/EMAIL ADDRESSES OF FOOTBALL ALUMNI WHO WANT TO NOMINATE INDIVIDUALS OR RESPOND TO THE VOTING SURVEY?
To verify they participated in the SU Football program, assuring voting by peers, and to allow us to contact those who submit ideas which may require additional information.
B. ARE NOMINEES AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS ALLOWED TO VOTE?
Yes, all Football Alumni are entitled and encouraged to vote and we want to hear from everyone. If you are a nominee, please use your best judgment, and vote for those you think are most worthy after taking a few minutes to read the brief biographies. Members of the Committee are also entitled to respond to the Voting Survey, though our responses do not count any more or less than responses submitted by other Football Alumni.
C. CAN FOOTBALL ALUMNI REGISTER FOR ROH AT ANY TIME DURING THE YEAR? YES!
Please tell anyone you know who participated in the SU Football program for at least 1 year to click on the link to the registration form now and register during the Voting period, which typically lasts about two weeks as announced in emails sent by the ROH Committee.
D. WHEN WILL INDUCTION CEREMONIES BE HELD?
Each year we invite all Football Alumni and their guests to join us for a free pregame through halftime Big Tent Tailgate Party to celebrate the individual and team inductees.
Each individual and team inductee selected will be honored in a pregame Induction Ceremony and on the field at halftime of a home game. We look forward to seeing as many Football Alumni as possible to reconnect with teammates, friends and the current SU Football coaches and players.
WHAT KIND OF FEEDBACK IS ROHC SEEKING IN QUESTION 4?
Whatever feedback you want to provide. Tell us what you like and/or did not like about this year’s ROH program. What suggestions do you have to improve this program for next year?