2011 Football Hall of Fame Induction Dinner
SPECIAL RECOGNITION: DR. BARBARA B. DIXON
2011 Football Hall of Fame Induction Dinner (L-R) Head Coach John Allen, Dr. Dixon, and Sharon Taylor.
The Hall of Fame committe would like to recognize President Dr. Barbara B. Dixon for her leadership and dedication to LHU football. During a time of great turmoil in education within the state, she has provided direction and stability. Dr. Dixon helped layout a positive direction for the future of Lock Haven football.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION: E. ROSS NEVEL JR. E. Ross Nevel Jr. Lock Haven’s First Sports Information Director Retired from Lock Haven in 1981 Inducted to Lock Haven’s Wrestling HOF in 1983
A very special thank you to Robert J. McLaughlin (LHU Class of 1997 and 2010 Hall of Fame member) for sponsoring the induction ceremony for this year’s inductees and guests.
Robert McLaughlinRobert McLaughlin
LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME 2011 INDUCTEES 1960 Team
PSAC West Champions
Richard Conner
Center/Linebacker
Class of 1958
Robert Craig
Running Back
Class of 1953
Richard Deibert Offensive Tackle/Defensive End
Class of 1958
Robert Difonzo
Running Back
Class of 1959
John Fisher
Coach
Asst. 1974-77; 89; 96-00 Head Coach 1978-86
Robert Narducci
Defensive Tackle/Linebacker
Class of 1981
Fred Peightal
Quarterback
Class of 1961
Ron Puhl
Running Back
Class of 1960
Joseph Speese
Running Back
Class of 1980
Daniel Spittal
Quarterback
Class of 1979
David Zielinskie
Safety
Class of 1981
E. Ross Nevel Jr.
LHU SID
Special Recognition
LHU President
Special Recognition
Dr. Barbara B. Dixon
“IN LOVING MEMORY OF FRED CARO” Frederick John Caro, Sr., 75, formerly of Edinboro, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at his home in Erie after a long, arduous battle with cancer. After graduating from Springdale in 1954, Caro played football, ran track, and wrestled at Lock Haven. The 2010 Hall of Fame inductee captained the undefeated 1957 football team, which was Pennsylvania Conference champion.
AGENDA 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Social Hour (Cash Bar) 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Dinner 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Induction of the 2011 Hall of Fame Class Note: Following the ceremony there will be an informal reception at the Fairfield Marriott located in Downtown Lock Haven. All inductees, family, friends and supporters are welcome. 2010 INDUCTEES Robert McLaughlin - Quarterback (1996) Michael Packer - Quarterback (1973) Charles Vennie - RB/WR/DB (1975) George Dintiman - Running Back (1958) G. Tony Tate - Linebacker/Center (1956) Fran Cornelius - Offensive Line (1961) Fred Caro - Defensive End (1958) John Nevins - Running Back (1939) George Teufel - Fullback (1949) Hubert “Hub” Jack - Head Coach (1946-1968) Ronald Bowes - Contributor (1966)
2011 PLAQUE SPONSORS Dave Bower
George Colfer
Fran Cornelius
John Fisher
William Kahler
Dan Keenan
Rob McCauley
Joseph Speese Evident by his name dotted in the Lock Haven record books, Speese is one of the best running backs in Bald Eagle history. The 1981 graduate sill holds the record for career rush yards with 3,399. Speese was a four-year lettermen from 1977-80 and assumed the starter role in ‘78. From that point on, Speese never missed another play. On three occasions, the running back was selected to the PSAC First team and voted a Little All-American Honorable Mention. He is still No. 2 on Lock Haven’s all-time rush attempts (651) and yards/game list (82.9).
2011 LHU FOOTBALL HOF INDUCTEE BIOGRAPHIES 1960 Team The 1960 Bald Eagles went 8-2 overall and 5-0 in Pennsylvania State College Western Conference (now PSAC) action. Only the 1957 team at 8-0 has a better record following World War II. LHU was 8-1 heading into the championship game with West Chester, but the Golden Rams came away with a 356 win.
Daniel Spittal After transferring to Lock Haven in 1977, Spittal took over at quarterback and never missed a game or single play in the next three seasons. He completed over 51 percent of his passes, throwing for 4,001 yards, which is fourth-best in school history. Spittal, a First Team All-Conference selection in 1979, led the Bald Eagles to the 1979 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) title. He was a two-time All-Conference selection. Following his graduation in 1981, Spittal never stepped away from the game he loved as he served as a coach in many different arenas. Since 1999, he has served as the head football coach at Eastern High School (N.J.). Spittal led the team into the playoffs six times and twice to the State semifinals. Eastern won the 2003 New Jersey Group IV State Championship in 2003 under Spittal’s leadership.
David Zielinskie
Under head coach Hubert Jack (2010 HOF inductee), the 1960 team collected Lock Haven’s 10th consecutive winning year. Five Bald Eagles earned AllConference honors following the season with the same five players (Fran Cornelious, Ron Puhl, Fred Peightal, Robert Doan, and Jerry Roberts) all earning Williamson’s LIttle All-American honors.
Following a stellar career at Shamokin High School, Zielinskie became a four-year starter at safety for Lock Haven in 1978. After taking the field during the second half of the third game his freshman year, Zielinskie never missed another play his collegiate career. The 1982 graduate is still second all-time in the PSAC with 23 interceptions, which is also a LHU record. Additionally, he holds the single-season record for interceptions with 11 and his three interceptions vs. Mansfield in 1981 are still a record.
Fullfilling the role of center and linebacker, Conner was an important part of the 1957 undefeated team. He graduated in 1958 after a steller four-year career. At the conclusion of his senior campaign, Conner was an All-Conference selection and an NAIA Little All-American selection.
Zielinskie was a three-time All-PSAC selection and he signed a free-agent contract with the Philadelphia Eagles following his sensational career at the Haven. Following his playing days, he went on to a very lengthy and successful high school football coaching career.
Following his time at Lock Haven, he went into a 34-year career as a physical edcuation and driver education teacher at Williamsport High School. During that time, Conner also served as a football and wrestling coach. Additionally, he’s the founder of the annual Top Hat Wrestling Tournament in Williamsport.
Richard Conner
Robert Craig
(Fisher cont.) In his tenure, he developed a number of talented Bald Eagle
The 1953 graduate was running back for the Bald Eagles from 1949-52. Arguable one of the best athletes ever at Lock Haven, Craig played five sports and earned 18 varsity letters in his collegiate career. While at Lock Have, he participated in football, wrestling, track and field, gymnastics, and swimming and diving (lettering in diving).
players including fellow Hall of Fame inductees David Spittal, Joe Speese, Daviod Zielinskie and Robert Narducci, who were members of Lock Haven’s 1979 Championship team. As the head coach, Fisher also initiated nine different awards presented to LHU players. Additionally, he coached four All-Americans, seven ECAC All-Stars, and 79 All-Conference athletes. Many of Fisher’s players went on to pursue careers in coaching, including Dave Hess (DT, ’79 Championship team), who coached Selinsgrove High School to the 2009 Pennsylvania AAA State Championship and Nick Polk, former LHU head coach and current General Manager for the Atlanta Falcons.
In 1953, Craig was named a Pennsylvania State Teachers College (now PSAC) All-Conference running back after he set a new LHU single season record for touchdowns. Following his sensational athletic career, Craig went on an equally successful 41 year career as a high school teacher and coach at Cedar Cliff High School.
Richard Deibert Four-year starter from 1955-58, Deibert graduated from Lock Haven in 1959. The offensive tackle and defensive end was a key member of the 1957 undefeated team. Deibert, who was known for his exceptional blocking skills, was a huge reason behind Lock Haven’s tremendous running success during the four years he started on the offsive line. His efforts were recognized in 1958 by receiving NAIA Little All-American Honorable Mention selection honors. Additionally, he was a three-year member of the Haven swim team. Follwing his time at Lock Haven, Deibert went on a very successful career as a coach at Bedford and Hempfield High Schools. He coached football and basketball.
Robert DiFonzo Joining George Dintiman (2010 HOF Inductee), in what was arguably the best backfield tandem in the history of LHU football was DiFonzo. He was a running back for the Bald Eagles in 1956 and ‘57. DiFonzo helped Lock Haven to an undefeated season in 1957 (8-0). The following year he played on both sides of the ball and led the team in tackles from his outside lineback spot. DiFonzo was a two-time All-Conference selection and was a Little AllAmerican Honorable Mention selection in 1958. Legendary Lock Haven coach Hubert Jack referred to DiFonzo as one of the toughest pound-for-pound football players he’d ever seen. The now retired DiFonzo spent 30 years following graduation as a high school teacher and coach for football and track and field.
John Fisher Fisher, a 1964 graduate of Slippery Rock, influenced the lives of hundreds of young men during his long and sucessful career as a coach at Lock Haven, Coaching from 1974-2002, Fisher served as the head coach from 1978-86. He led the Bald Eagles to the 1979 PSAC Championships and was named PSAC Coach of the Year for his efforts.
Robert Narducci The four-year starter at defensive tackle showed his toughness and determination by never missing a game in his collegiate career. Narducci’s hard work payed off as he earned All-Conference honors three consecutive seasons from 1978, ‘79, and ‘80. Following the 1978 and ‘80 season, he was named the team’s Defensive Player of the Year. Narducci finished his career with 270 tackles, which is 12th best in Haven history. He also played linebacker. After graduating from Lock Haven in 1981, Narducci entered the world of coaching and quickly became assistant on Jack Fisher’s staff at Lock Haven. For the last 25 years, Narducci has worked for the State of Connecticut in the Department of Children and Families office. During that time he also served as an assistant football coach for 12 season at Valley Regional High School (Conn.) Additionally, he spent four years as an assistant with Southern Connecticut State University. He plans to retire in 2011.
Fred Peightal From 1958-61, Peightal went a remarkable 20-5-1 at the quarterback position. The four-year letterman and three-year starter (1959-61) threw 13 touchdown passes during the team’s 1960 run for the conference title. Following the 1961 season, Peightal was an All-PSAC Second Team selection, AP Little All-American Honoroable Mention selection, and was selected as the starter in the Gem City Bowl. He was also a three-time All-Conference selection.
Ronald Puhl Puhl, a former All-Conference running back for Lock Haven, is a 1961 graduate. He was a member of the football team from 1958-60. Puhl was a 1959 and 1960 All-PSAC selection and an NAIA Little All-American in 1960. During the 1960 season, he was ranked among the top-three backs in the NAIA with 1,269 rushing yards. At the time it was the school’s single-season record. Puhl was also a 1960 Associated Press LIttle All-American and William’s AllAmerican selection. Following his graduation, Puhl went onto a 44-year career as a teacher and coach at the high school and collegiate levels.
2011 Football Hall of Fame Induction Dinner (L-R) Head Coach John Allen, Dr. Dixon, and Sharon Taylor.
The Hall of Fame committe would like to recognize President Dr. Barbara B. Dixon for her leadership and dedication to LHU football. During a time of great turmoil in education within the state, she has provided direction and stability. Dr. Dixon helped layout a positive direction for the future of Lock Haven football.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION: E. ROSS NEVEL JR. E. Ross Nevel Jr. Lock Haven’s First Sports Information Director Retired from Lock Haven in 1981 Inducted to Lock Haven’s Wrestling HOF in 1983
A very special thank you to Robert J. McLaughlin (LHU Class of 1997 and 2010 Hall of Fame member) for sponsoring the induction ceremony for this year’s inductees and guests.
Robert McLaughlinRobert McLaughlin
LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME 2011 INDUCTEES 1960 Team
PSAC West Champions
Richard Conner
Center/Linebacker
Class of 1958
Robert Craig
Running Back
Class of 1953
Richard Deibert Offensive Tackle/Defensive End
Class of 1958
Robert Difonzo
Running Back
Class of 1959
John Fisher
Coach
Asst. 1974-77; 89; 96-00 Head Coach 1978-86
Robert Narducci
Defensive Tackle/Linebacker
Class of 1981
Fred Peightal
Quarterback
Class of 1961
Ron Puhl
Running Back
Class of 1960
Joseph Speese
Running Back
Class of 1980
Daniel Spittal
Quarterback
Class of 1979
David Zielinskie
Safety
Class of 1981
E. Ross Nevel Jr.
LHU SID
Special Recognition
LHU President
Special Recognition
Dr. Barbara B. Dixon
“IN LOVING MEMORY OF FRED CARO” Frederick John Caro, Sr., 75, formerly of Edinboro, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at his home in Erie after a long, arduous battle with cancer. After graduating from Springdale in 1954, Caro played football, ran track, and wrestled at Lock Haven. The 2010 Hall of Fame inductee captained the undefeated 1957 football team, which was Pennsylvania Conference champion.
AGENDA 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Social Hour (Cash Bar) 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Dinner 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Induction of the 2011 Hall of Fame Class Note: Following the ceremony there will be an informal reception at the Fairfield Marriott located in Downtown Lock Haven. All inductees, family, friends and supporters are welcome. 2010 INDUCTEES Robert McLaughlin - Quarterback (1996) Michael Packer - Quarterback (1973) Charles Vennie - RB/WR/DB (1975) George Dintiman - Running Back (1958) G. Tony Tate - Linebacker/Center (1956) Fran Cornelius - Offensive Line (1961) Fred Caro - Defensive End (1958) John Nevins - Running Back (1939) George Teufel - Fullback (1949) Hubert “Hub” Jack - Head Coach (1946-1968) Ronald Bowes - Contributor (1966)
2011 PLAQUE SPONSORS Dave Bower
George Colfer
Fran Cornelius
John Fisher
William Kahler
Dan Keenan
Rob McCauley
Joseph Speese Evident by his name dotted in the Lock Haven record books, Speese is one of the best running backs in Bald Eagle history. The 1981 graduate sill holds the record for career rush yards with 3,399. Speese was a four-year lettermen from 1977-80 and assumed the starter role in ‘78. From that point on, Speese never missed another play. On three occasions, the running back was selected to the PSAC First team and voted a Little All-American Honorable Mention. He is still No. 2 on Lock Haven’s all-time rush attempts (651) and yards/game list (82.9).
2011 LHU FOOTBALL HOF INDUCTEE BIOGRAPHIES 1960 Team The 1960 Bald Eagles went 8-2 overall and 5-0 in Pennsylvania State College Western Conference (now PSAC) action. Only the 1957 team at 8-0 has a better record following World War II. LHU was 8-1 heading into the championship game with West Chester, but the Golden Rams came away with a 356 win.
Daniel Spittal After transferring to Lock Haven in 1977, Spittal took over at quarterback and never missed a game or single play in the next three seasons. He completed over 51 percent of his passes, throwing for 4,001 yards, which is fourth-best in school history. Spittal, a First Team All-Conference selection in 1979, led the Bald Eagles to the 1979 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) title. He was a two-time All-Conference selection. Following his graduation in 1981, Spittal never stepped away from the game he loved as he served as a coach in many different arenas. Since 1999, he has served as the head football coach at Eastern High School (N.J.). Spittal led the team into the playoffs six times and twice to the State semifinals. Eastern won the 2003 New Jersey Group IV State Championship in 2003 under Spittal’s leadership.
David Zielinskie
Under head coach Hubert Jack (2010 HOF inductee), the 1960 team collected Lock Haven’s 10th consecutive winning year. Five Bald Eagles earned AllConference honors following the season with the same five players (Fran Cornelious, Ron Puhl, Fred Peightal, Robert Doan, and Jerry Roberts) all earning Williamson’s LIttle All-American honors.
Following a stellar career at Shamokin High School, Zielinskie became a four-year starter at safety for Lock Haven in 1978. After taking the field during the second half of the third game his freshman year, Zielinskie never missed another play his collegiate career. The 1982 graduate is still second all-time in the PSAC with 23 interceptions, which is also a LHU record. Additionally, he holds the single-season record for interceptions with 11 and his three interceptions vs. Mansfield in 1981 are still a record.
Fullfilling the role of center and linebacker, Conner was an important part of the 1957 undefeated team. He graduated in 1958 after a steller four-year career. At the conclusion of his senior campaign, Conner was an All-Conference selection and an NAIA Little All-American selection.
Zielinskie was a three-time All-PSAC selection and he signed a free-agent contract with the Philadelphia Eagles following his sensational career at the Haven. Following his playing days, he went on to a very lengthy and successful high school football coaching career.
Following his time at Lock Haven, he went into a 34-year career as a physical edcuation and driver education teacher at Williamsport High School. During that time, Conner also served as a football and wrestling coach. Additionally, he’s the founder of the annual Top Hat Wrestling Tournament in Williamsport.
Richard Conner
Robert Craig
(Fisher cont.) In his tenure, he developed a number of talented Bald Eagle
The 1953 graduate was running back for the Bald Eagles from 1949-52. Arguable one of the best athletes ever at Lock Haven, Craig played five sports and earned 18 varsity letters in his collegiate career. While at Lock Have, he participated in football, wrestling, track and field, gymnastics, and swimming and diving (lettering in diving).
players including fellow Hall of Fame inductees David Spittal, Joe Speese, Daviod Zielinskie and Robert Narducci, who were members of Lock Haven’s 1979 Championship team. As the head coach, Fisher also initiated nine different awards presented to LHU players. Additionally, he coached four All-Americans, seven ECAC All-Stars, and 79 All-Conference athletes. Many of Fisher’s players went on to pursue careers in coaching, including Dave Hess (DT, ’79 Championship team), who coached Selinsgrove High School to the 2009 Pennsylvania AAA State Championship and Nick Polk, former LHU head coach and current General Manager for the Atlanta Falcons.
In 1953, Craig was named a Pennsylvania State Teachers College (now PSAC) All-Conference running back after he set a new LHU single season record for touchdowns. Following his sensational athletic career, Craig went on an equally successful 41 year career as a high school teacher and coach at Cedar Cliff High School.
Richard Deibert Four-year starter from 1955-58, Deibert graduated from Lock Haven in 1959. The offensive tackle and defensive end was a key member of the 1957 undefeated team. Deibert, who was known for his exceptional blocking skills, was a huge reason behind Lock Haven’s tremendous running success during the four years he started on the offsive line. His efforts were recognized in 1958 by receiving NAIA Little All-American Honorable Mention selection honors. Additionally, he was a three-year member of the Haven swim team. Follwing his time at Lock Haven, Deibert went on a very successful career as a coach at Bedford and Hempfield High Schools. He coached football and basketball.
Robert DiFonzo Joining George Dintiman (2010 HOF Inductee), in what was arguably the best backfield tandem in the history of LHU football was DiFonzo. He was a running back for the Bald Eagles in 1956 and ‘57. DiFonzo helped Lock Haven to an undefeated season in 1957 (8-0). The following year he played on both sides of the ball and led the team in tackles from his outside lineback spot. DiFonzo was a two-time All-Conference selection and was a Little AllAmerican Honorable Mention selection in 1958. Legendary Lock Haven coach Hubert Jack referred to DiFonzo as one of the toughest pound-for-pound football players he’d ever seen. The now retired DiFonzo spent 30 years following graduation as a high school teacher and coach for football and track and field.
John Fisher Fisher, a 1964 graduate of Slippery Rock, influenced the lives of hundreds of young men during his long and sucessful career as a coach at Lock Haven, Coaching from 1974-2002, Fisher served as the head coach from 1978-86. He led the Bald Eagles to the 1979 PSAC Championships and was named PSAC Coach of the Year for his efforts.
Robert Narducci The four-year starter at defensive tackle showed his toughness and determination by never missing a game in his collegiate career. Narducci’s hard work payed off as he earned All-Conference honors three consecutive seasons from 1978, ‘79, and ‘80. Following the 1978 and ‘80 season, he was named the team’s Defensive Player of the Year. Narducci finished his career with 270 tackles, which is 12th best in Haven history. He also played linebacker. After graduating from Lock Haven in 1981, Narducci entered the world of coaching and quickly became assistant on Jack Fisher’s staff at Lock Haven. For the last 25 years, Narducci has worked for the State of Connecticut in the Department of Children and Families office. During that time he also served as an assistant football coach for 12 season at Valley Regional High School (Conn.) Additionally, he spent four years as an assistant with Southern Connecticut State University. He plans to retire in 2011.
Fred Peightal From 1958-61, Peightal went a remarkable 20-5-1 at the quarterback position. The four-year letterman and three-year starter (1959-61) threw 13 touchdown passes during the team’s 1960 run for the conference title. Following the 1961 season, Peightal was an All-PSAC Second Team selection, AP Little All-American Honoroable Mention selection, and was selected as the starter in the Gem City Bowl. He was also a three-time All-Conference selection.
Ronald Puhl Puhl, a former All-Conference running back for Lock Haven, is a 1961 graduate. He was a member of the football team from 1958-60. Puhl was a 1959 and 1960 All-PSAC selection and an NAIA Little All-American in 1960. During the 1960 season, he was ranked among the top-three backs in the NAIA with 1,269 rushing yards. At the time it was the school’s single-season record. Puhl was also a 1960 Associated Press LIttle All-American and William’s AllAmerican selection. Following his graduation, Puhl went onto a 44-year career as a teacher and coach at the high school and collegiate levels.
