SELINSGROVE, PA (September 24, 2021) -- The Susquehanna football program will induct the 2020 and 2021 classes into the Susquehanna University football Ring of Honor Saturday at halftime of the 1 p.m. Centennial Conference contest against Dickinson College.
The Ring of Honor recognizes the accomplishments of players, coaches, administrators and staff involved with Susquehanna University football over its program history. The nominees are voted on by registered members of the football program and selected by the Ring of Honor Committee. The classes are below:
The 2020 Class of the Susquehanna Football Ring of Honor includes:
Bob Fessler '80
Bob was MVP in 1978 and 1979, and also captained the team in '79. He led the team in tackles for three straight years, and set records for total tackles in a game, season, and career. Bob was inducted into SU's Hall of Fame in 1988 and was named to SU's All-Century team in 1999.
He remained a role model by giving his best on and off the field for a young team in transition with a new coaching staff. His leadership was one of the reasons he was inducted into the hall of fame.
Bob has consistently supported SU in many ways. His oldest son, Dan graduated from SU in 2008.
Keith Henry '91
Keith was a three-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, was nominated for the MAC Defensive player of the year and named defensive MVP and team MVP by his teammates. Keith had a tryout with the Dallas Cowboys and was drafted by the New Mexico Rattlesnakes of the Spring Professional Football League in 1992.
He was inducted into SU's hall of fame in 2005.
Keith married an SU alum – Ashley '93. Keith and Ashley have supported athletics for 12 consecutive years and he and his family provide annual scholarship funds for students through a charity named for Keith's father. In 2020, Keith formed a new charity, Apace, which will aid young men and women who, due to financial need and/or family situations, might not otherwise have a chance to go to college.
Mike Keeney
Mike has been the athletic trainer at SU for almost 25 years.
Every athlete at the school knows and has an outstanding relationship with Mike. He has made enormous contributions to SU's football program, as well as other sports teams by helping students overcome injuries and stay on the athletic fields. For these reasons, the ring of honor would like to show their appreciation for his contributions to the program.
Coach William "Bill" Moll (1976-1984)
Bill came to SU as an asst. offensive line coach in 1976. In 1978, he became head coach of an SU football program that had suffered seven straight losing seasons. His leadership gradually reversed those fortunes and laid the foundation for consistent team success.
In his seven years as head coach, his last four teams enjoyed consecutive winning seasons in 1981, 82, 83 and 84. He finished with an overall record at SU of 32-30-1.
In 1983, the team won the MAC championship and Coach Moll was named MAC Coach of the Year and the NCAA Northeast Region Division 3 Coach of the Year.
The Late Rich Young '54
Rich was the quarterback and captain of the first team co-coached by Amos Alonzo Stagg Sr. and Jr. He earned little all-American team and first team all-state honors.
He set virtually all quarterback records at SU - 2,261 career passing yards, 1,088 rushing yards, and 131 points in only 20 games. He continued to hold some of those records into the 1970s, two decades after he last played.
Rich was inducted into the inaugural class of the SU hall of fame in 1967. He was the very first member of the SU football alumni association, and was a volunteer coach for SU kickers and punters in the late 90s into the early 2000s.
He was a long-time supporter of the football program and the FAA. His consistent presence and support over the years demonstrated his unwavering spirit and dedication to the program. He continued lending a hand to neighbors and others in need until the end of his life at nearly 90 years of age in February of 2019.
The 1962 Team of Honor
The 1962 Team of Honor went 9-0 under Coach Garrett, becoming undefeated MAC champions and Tangerine Bowl candidates. The team's defense still holds scoring records for SU today.
The 2021 Class of the Susquehanna Football Ring of Honor includes:
Todd Coolidge '88
Todd started his career at safety and set a record for 181 interception return yards in 1984.
After switching to quarterback in 1986, he set school records for passing yards (2,024) and attempts (265). Also that year, he led SU football to an undefeated 10-0 record and MAC championship which included the "homecoming miracle" – trailing Lycoming 28-7 at halftime and 42-22 with only 8 minutes left in the game, Todd led 3 touchdown drives, pulling out the 43-42 win on the final play.
Todd was inducted into the SU Hall of Fame in 1997 and named to SU top 100 all-century team in 1999. He coached at Davidson University and Wellsboro High School, and still participates in the SU football golf outing and stays in touch with his SU teammates.
The Late Barry Hackenberg '62
Barry played quarterback and tight end at SU, and was selected for College Little All American Football Team.
He was a very enthusiastic teacher and football coach at the high school level for over 30 years. In 1992, he became the only faculty member to be chosen for the honor of graduation commencement speaker in the history of North Schuylkill School District. He was nominated for the superstar teacher series in 1993 and for the Russell Galt Award for outstanding teaching at the high school level.
Barry recommended numerous players to SU including his own son, Erick, who was a standout quarterback. Barry was a constant fixture in the stands at home games. He was always about helping students, especially guiding them to college. At his passing in 2007, many former players and students thanked him for his guidance in their lives.
The Late Blair Heaton '46
Blair was a star on offense and defense for the undefeated 1940 SU football team, and became one of SU's greatest athletes – he averaged 20 points per track and field meet in sprints, shotput, discus, long jump and high jump, clearing 6 foot 3 and 5/8 inches, an Olympic level height.
He was drafted by the Detroit Lions but joined the Army Air Corps and after serving in WWII, returned to campus, graduating in 1946. He played pro football for the Wilkes-Barre Bullets.
He taught and coached sports at Selinsgrove HS prior to returning to SU in the late 1950s. At SU, he taught math, was head coach in track and field, and asst. coach in football and basketball.
After his untimely passing, the Lanthorn wrote "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 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
Gerry was a 4-year starter for SU and offensive co-captain as a senior in 1976. He was named to the all MAC first team offense in 1975, named an NCAA top five student athlete in 1976, and national football foundation and hall of fame student-athlete in 1976.
He graduated summa cum laude from SU in 1977, ranking 1st in his class of 311 students.
He was inducted into the SU sports hall of fame in 1984 and named one of the top 100 players in the first 100 years of SU football in 1999.
Gerry has spent a total of 38 years in the field of Education, including 33 years in school administration, with 30 of those years devoted to his work for the Conestoga Valley School District, serving 19 years as its superintendent.
Gerry attended numerous SU class reunions, career related programs for SU students, and has been a faithful supporter of SU's football program since he graduated. He was one of the first members of the ring of honor committee and served until his nomination this year.
Gary Pontecorvo '85
Gary was a fullback for SU and contributed to an undefeated MAC championship team in 1983.
After graduating, Gary began a 30 year career in law enforcement, 27 of those with the FBI.
On Sept 11th, 2001, Gary's character, courage and patriotism were shown again as one of the first responders at the World Trade Center. He literally ran into the fire and trauma that day, putting himself in harm's way to protect others that he never met. He rescued many people, opening paths for their escape, while managing to survive the collapse of both towers. He devoted the next 16 years of his life to fighting terrorism.
Gary served as a leader in counterterrorism efforts in NYC, leading over 100 agents and police officers. He also served overseas tours of more than two years in Afghanistan. Gary received the FBI Directors Award, considered the most prestigious award given by the FBI, for extraordinary contributions to the community and to the successful accomplishment of FBI missions.
His intelligence, courage, integrity, resilience and humility are what the Ring of Honor program is all about.
The 1986 Team of Honor
Under Coach Rees,the 1986 Team of Honor became undefeated 10-0 MAC champs. The team won its NCAA 1st round game and advanced to second round.
The team's defense was rated a top five defense in all of Division III football, and its 11 wins are tied for most wins in a season in SU football history.
The team was comprised of multiple all-conference players and future SU Hall of Fame members.
Please give a round of applause to the 2020 and 2021 Susquehanna University Football Ring of Honor Inductees!
--RIVER HAWKS--
