2023 Rams Horn - Gannon Game

Message From WCU President Dr. Chris Fiorentino

To Our Golden Rams Players, Coaches, Fans and Friends:

As West Chester University’s president, I am pleased to welcome you to the fall 2023 season of Golden Rams football!

With the entire WCU community—students, alumni, family members, faculty, staff and friends — I share pride and pleasure in the winning tradition of Golden Rams athletics. Our WCU student athletes are winners on the field and in the classroom. The University has one of the largest NCAA Division II athletic programs in the nation and one of the most successful as well.

As a member of the NCAA Division II, West Chester University strives to comply with all rules and regulations set forth by the national governing body of intercollegiate athletics. Our athletes are amateurs, who compete to enhance their educational experience. Our coaches, administrators, and student athletes and all those associated with the University’s athletic program are mandated to promote good sportsmanship.

I want to express my appreciation to the coaching staff and to our student athletes’ families and friends for bringing out the best in each athlete. To every Golden Rams fan, my thanks for your enthusiastic support of West Chester University athletics! Please continue to enjoy the exciting competition throughout the season— and share the good news about Golden Rams football with anyone who hasn’t had the thrill of being there when the players, cheerleaders, and marching band take the field.

Whether you have been part of the Golden Rams family for many seasons, or are new to WCU sports, let me once again welcome you to another year of great football. I look forward to seeing you at the games.

Sincerely,

Chris M. Fiorentino, Ph.D President West Chester University

Rams’ Horn Table Of Contents

Rams’ Horn List of Sponsors

2023 Football Coaching Staff

Coach (Tight Ends) ................................. Pat Spadaro

Asst Coach (Wide Receivers) Justin Curry

Asst Coach (DBs) Johnathan Pruden

2023 Media Information

WCHE Radio 1520 AM / 95.3 FM

Play-by-Play ................................................ Mike Samsel Analyst Mike Materacky

Daily Local News Beat Reporter ................. Neil Geohegan

Web site .................................. www.wcupagoldenrams.com

Web streams PSAC Sports Digital Network

Facebook ......................www.facebook.com/WCUAthletics

Twitter ....................................................... @WCUAthletics

Instagram WCUAthletics

Credits

The 2023 West Chester University Rams’ Horn Football Game Day Magazine is an official publication of the West Chester University athletics department. The program was written, designed and edited by James Zuhlke, Sports Information Director, with assistance from Laurence Messler, Assistant Sports Information Director. Photos are courtesy of Scott Rowan, Danny Aguilar and Erica Thompson. Cover wasdesigned by Danny Aguilar.

University and Athletic Administration

University President Dr. Christopher Fiorentino

Dr. Christopher M. Fiorentino enters his eighth and final year as president of West Chester University. With 40 years of higher education and administration experience at West Chester University, Fiorentino announced his retirement prior to the beginning of the 2023-24 academic year. He will step down as university president in June 2024.

Fiorentino, who holds three degrees in economics (baccalaureate, master’s and doctorate) from Temple University, joined WCU’s economics faculty in 1983. His role evolved from assistant professor to dean of the College of Business and Public Administration to vice president for External Operations to his current position of university president.

Dr. Fiorentino has been active in numerous leadership roles on campus, helping to secure AACSB International accreditation for the School of Business; developing off-campus academic centers, including the Graduate Center in West Goshen Township; and working with faculty and supporters to create the Cottrell Entrepreneurial Leadership Center. Dr. Fiorentino also spearheaded the development of the Center for Community Solutions, which links business and civic leaders with appropriate University faculty and staff. His responsibilities in his last position included University operations at the State System’s Center City Philadelphia site.

Dr. Fiorentino is married to WCU alumnae, Dr. Susan Fiorentino, ’86, a Professor in the Management Department at West Chester University where she is currently serving as Coordinator for the Master of Science in Human Resource Management program. The Fiorentinos have three children: Greg, a software engineer and WCU alum; Diana Marlin, a WCU grad and registered dietitian; and Jeff, a Penn State University graduate.

Director of Athletics Terry Beattie

Terry Beattie begins his eighth athletic campaign as the Director of Athletics at West Chester University.

Overall, Beattie enters into his 18th season with West Chester University’s Department of Athletics. Previous to being named the Interim AD in 2017, Beattie served as the Associate AD overseeing facilities and game day operations. He also oversaw all of the grounds and equipment room operations for the athletic department.

A 31-year veteran in college athletics, Beattie recently spearheaded the development of the Michael Horrocks Emerging Leaders Institute at WCU, which provides leadership training and development to a select group of outstanding student athletes who, as recognized future leaders, will be taking on the mantle of leadership within their team sometime in the future.

He has also served on a number of strategic planning committee’s both within the athletic department and in conjunction with the university.

In his seven years as the university’s athletics director, Beattie created a Sports Performance aspect to the athletic department implementing additional resources from which WCU student-athletes could benefit. His collaboration with a number of other areas on campus gives student-athletes access to mental health and sport psychology experts, an expanded and much improved strength and conditioning program as well as education on sport nutrition.

His work in the field of Sport Leadership Training gives West Chester University’s coaching staff and administrators access to some of the cutting edge research on how to become a better leader, coach and mentor to young adults.

A member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), Beattie was recently named the chair of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Athletic Administrators for the 2023-24 campaign. He has also served roles on the NCAA regional and national advisory committees overseeing selections to the NCAA Division II Tournament in a variety of sports.

A native of Rochester, N.Y., Beattie has an extensive background in college athletics dating back to 1991.

Beattie, 54, is 1991 graduate of Alfred University in Alfred, N.Y., with a degree in Business Administration. He completed his master’s degree in Sport Administration at Canisius College in 1999. He received a tenured promotion to Assistant Professor at West Chester University in April 2009.

About West Chester University

West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, regional, comprehensive institution committed to providing access and offering high-quality undergraduate education, select post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania.

West Chester University is committed to attracting, enrolling and graduating quality students from a wide variety of educational, cultural and economic backgrounds. This endeavor requires the University to attract and retain highly qualified faculty and staff and to provide each member of the University community with learning and leadership development opportunities. To this end, the University supports and encourages programs which benefit all people and which seek to eradicate discrimination and injustice. We treasure what we believe to be the highest principles of American society: the worth and uniqueness of each individual, the belief that success is to be earned by individual effort put forth in an environment founded on equality of opportunity, and the appreciation of the ideal of an inclusive society.

We believe that it is incumbent upon all members of our community - staff, students, faculty and administrators - to conduct themselves with civility toward one another at all times. We value the special talents and contributions of each member of our community. We further affirm the worth and dignity of each member and the shared responsibility of all to treat each other as individuals, with respect and courtesy.

As a university owned by the citizens of Pennsylvania, we value our mission to provide the best educational opportunities possible which will enable the University community to successfully address the concerns of a global society. To this end, West Chester University seeks to provide diligent advising for students and to focus on teaching students to think clearly and critically, to make logical and ethical judgments, and to communicate effectively with others.

West Chester University’s community strongly supports the principles of academic integrity and academic responsibility, viewing both as the province of every member of the campus community. We hold the highest esteem for teaching directed toward student learning and affirm that mastery of content as well as mastery of teaching skills necessary to communicate such content are paramount.

As a university owned by the citizens of Pennsylvania, we value our mission to provide the best educational opportunities possible which will enable the University community to successfully address the concerns of a global society.

West Chester University will be a national model for excellence for public regional comprehensive universities and is especially noted for:

l Undergraduate programs that actively engage students in connecting the life of the mind to the world in which they live and work.

l The responsiveness of its graduate and post-baccalaureate programs to regional needs.

l Its focus on providing lifelong-learning, technical, and applied skills essential to graduates’ success now and in the future.

l A commitment by faculty, staff, and administrators to provide access and to serve effectively the educational needs of a diverse student body.

l Its role as a leading educational and cultural resource and partner in fostering the economic, social, and cultural vitality of southeastern Pennsylvania.

The Legacy of Dr. W. Glenn Killinger

Dr. W. Glenn Killinger’s name is synonymous with West Chester University. In 36 years of teaching, coaching and administration, “Killy,” as he was affectionately called by his many friends, built a level of success that made him nationally known.

A 1921 All-America quarterback and halfback at Penn State, Dr. Killinger came to West Chester in 1934 to teach in the Department of Health and Physical Education, and to be the head coach of the football, baseball and basketball programs. His service to West Chester included duties as “Dean of Mean” from 1935 until he retired in 1970.

Among his many honors, Dr. Killinger was nominated to the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 1964, the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame in 1966, and the Coaches Hall of Fame by the American Association of College Baseball Coaches in 1970.

In 37 years as a head football coach, his only losing season was a 1-7 record at Rensselaer in 1927. His team came back the following year with a 7-1 record. At West Chester, he never had a losing season, winning 146 games, losing just 39 and tying 12. Highlights included four undefeated teams (1945, 1947, 1952, 1957), trips to four bowl games (winning

two) and six Pennsylvania State Teachers College Conference games.

Dr. Killinger had an equally impressive record as a baseball coach, winning 340 games, putting him among the top 40 coaches in major college baseball. Amazingly, in his 32 years as West Chester’s head baseball coach, Dr. Killinger had only one losing season. A native of Harrisburg, Pa., Dr. Killinger was a graduate of the Harrisburg Technical School. After learning he was too young to enlist for military service, he entered Penn State in 1917, and received a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering in 1922. He went on to receive his master’s degree in health and physical education in 1933 from Columbia University.

As an undergraduate at Penn State, he received nine varsity letters in football, baseball and basketball. He served as captain of both the football and basketball squads.

In 1921, the triple-threat quarterback become Penn State’s first All-America football player. He was also given the supreme honor of being named “Back of the Year” by Walter Camp on his first team.

After Penn State, he spent a brief stint at Dickinson College as its head football coach before returning to his alma mater as the backfield coach from 1923-26, as the

only assistant under Hugo Bezdek, who coached Killinger during his playing days. Killinger also served as the head baseball coach.

Following the 1926 season, Killinger accepted the position of head football coach at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and would remain there until 1932. He spent the 1932-33 season at Moravian College as the head football, basketball and baseball coach.

Killinger played professional baseball with Jersey City of the International League in 1922, and with Atlanta of the Southern Association in 1923. He then played and managed at Harrisburg, Shamokin and Williamsport of the New York-Penn League and with Allentown of the Eastern League from 1924-32.

From 1942-45, Killinger served in the United Stated Navy, earning the rank of Commander, U.S.N.R., before being honorably discharged. While in North Carolina Flight School, Killinger coached the football team to a surprising 21-14 victory over the U.S. Naval Academy – thenranked No. 1 in the nation – in 1944. Under his expert tutelage, future hall of famer Otto Graham was converted into a T-formation quarterback.

One writer quoted Killinger as saying, “Winning isn’t everything. It’s the only thing. But you must do it within the rules, otherwise, you haven’t really won.” Noted as a stickler for perfection, another writer said, “He never liked to do anything he didn’t know anything about. He knows the rules. He studied them inside and out, backward and forward.”

Killinger believed that excellence was earned by hard work and by setting high stands. “We have certain standards set up for our players,” he said. “They must meet them. We don’t ask the impossible. But they must continue to develop towards their fullest capabilities not just one year but all the seasons they play football for us or they’re out.”

As evidence of the admiration and respect shown by West Chester students, the 1958 Serpentine was dedicated to him. On October 25, 1968, Killinger Hall was named in his honor. Killinger passed away July 25, 1988. He was 89.

2023 WCU FOOTBALL

QUARTERBACK GOLF CLASSIC

2023 WCU Golf Classic Supporters

CB Richard Ellis/BSN Sports

O’Reilly Buick/GMC

Green Arrow Financial Advisors

Pepsi Co.

Levante Brewing Co.

Principality of Sealand

Scovi Contracting LLC.

Greenlawn Fertilizing

WCHE Radio

Rocky Springs Golf Club

Healthcare Services Group

JMB Property Management

Golden Rams Football Club

Tom Burnley

Touchstone Industries

Saloon 151

Barnaby’s

Timothy’s

Senator Tommy Tomlinson

The Brazill Family

Kildaire’s

Mike Hudson

Lynn Curry

WSFS Bank

The Daniels Family

Bill Blystone

Dave McDonald

The 2023 WCU Football Quarterback Golf Classic was a tremendous success as WCU Football was able to raise over $25,000 for its annual scholarship fund.

If you are interested in playing or helping to sponsor the 2024 WCU Football Quarterback Golf Classic, please call Mike Furlong at: 610-436-2159, or email him at: mfurlong@wcupa.edu The 2024 Quarterback Classic will be held on May 24, 2024 at the Downingtown Country Club

Head Coach Bill Zwaan, Sr.

Bill Zwaan begins his 21st season as head coach of the Golden Rams, having put together one of the most impressive coaching resume’s in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) over the last two decades.

Zwaan has won six PSAC Eastern Division titles (2004, 2007, 2008, 2015 and 2017, 2018) and in 2018 added an outright PSAC Championship crown to his resume. Additionally, he has copped Coach of the Year plaudits five times and guided the Golden Rams to the NCAA II playoffs a school-record 10 times and steering the institution to the national semifinals twice (2004 and 2013). His 20 years of service to Golden Rams football is the second-longest stint as head coach in school history. Only the legendary W. Glenn Killinger coached West Chester football for a longer period of time (23 years).

In the fall of 2021, Zwaan surpassed two coaching milestones for victories when he earned his 200th career win at home against Edinboro in the third game of the season and then became West Chester University’s all-time winningest head coach when he topped W. Glenn Killinger with his 148th win at the school against Bloomsburg on Homecoming Weekend.

In 20 competitive years on West Chester’s sideline, Zwaan has masterminded a 157-71 (.689) record. He sports an overall record of 211-85 (.713) in 26 seasons of play.

Additionally, Zwaan’s 26 years of service as a head coach is sixth across the nation in Division II in terms of longevity. His .689 career winning percentage ranks 17th among active head coaches across all divisions. His 211 career wins are the most among active Division II coaches in the country.

The Golden Rams’ 28-9 victory over Kutztown on the road in the final PSAC contest of the year was Zwaan’s 100th conference win. West Chester has never suffered a losing season in conference play under Zwaan’s tutelage either, authoring a 100-28 (.786) mark against pri-

marily the PSAC Eastern Division since 2003.

The 26-year college football mentor is one of only a handful of college coaches to lead a school to the NCAA Tournament semifinals at both the Division II and III levels, having guided West Chester to the Division II semifinals in both 2004 and 2013, and Widener University to the Division III semifinals in 2000. He was inducted into the Delaware County Chapter of the Pennsylvania State Sports Hall of Fame in July 2008.

West Chester University has captured the Team of the Year award handed out by the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) nine times during Zwaan’s tenure (2004, 2006-09, 2013-14, 2018-19).

4,000 yards during his college career and set numerous records on the national, conference and school levels. His record of 50 straight games with at least one pass reception is a Division II record and one shy of the NCAA record at any level.

Currently, two former Golden Rams play in the resurrected USFL. Jarey Elder is a defensive back for the New Orleans Breakers while Shane Griffin is an offensive lineman for the Michigan Panthers. Former defensive end Ch’aim Smith plays for the Northern Arizona Wranglers in the Indoor Football League as well.

Place-kicker, Shawn Leo, was named a finalist for the Fred Mitchell Award in both 2010 and 2011, handed out to the national kicker of the year, who exemplifies excel-

In his first 21 years at West Chester University, Zwaan has mentored seven All-Americans and 12 players who were finalists for player of the year at their respective positions. Linebacker Jackson Taylor was the latest in a long list of Cliff Harris Award finalists in 2022. In 2019, two Golden Rams were named finalist for the Cliff Harris Award, handed out to the top small school defensive player in the country, marking the first time that West Chester landed a pair of finalists on the list.

Overall, Zwaan has produced 13 All-Americans and four academic All-Americans. One of his WCU protégé’s, MLB Ronell Williams was the first sophomore All-America selection in Zwaan’s coaching career. Additionally, former WR Mike Washington caught for more than

lence both on the field and in their community.

Meanwhile, former wide receiver Mike Washington was a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy in 2008, handed out to the Division II national player of the year, and former standouts Rondell White and Sean McCartney were each finalists for the same award in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Additionally, linebacker, Ronell Williams was named a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award in 2013, and defensive back Al-Hajj Shabazz was a finalist fo that honor in 2014.

Shabazz, who signed a free agent contract with the Indianapolis Colts and spent some time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, appeared in eight NFL games in 2016 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He moved over to the Baltimore Ravens and later the Detroit

Head Coach Bill Zwaan, Sr.

the Golden Rams their first outright conference crown since 1971. Zwaan was named Coach of the Year in the East as well as in the ECAC, and Morrissey was named the loop’s defensive player of the year for the second straight time. The Rams finished 10-1 on the year, after a heartbreaking loss in the first round of the NCAA II Playoffs.

NAIA colleges and universities. Morrissey, Dell and Ferguson were all conference defensive players of the year with both Morrissey and Ferguson turning the trick twice. Joining that list of linebackers to win defensive player of the year plaudits twice was Jackson Taylor in 2021 and 2022. Taylor certainly cemented his name with the other great linebackers at West Chester before moving on to the University of Delaware for his senior season.

Lions. The most recent Golden Ram to get a shot in the NFL is Nydair Rouse, who was signed as a free agent by the Green Bay Packers in 2018 and spent the preseason with The Pack.

Former WR Dan DePalma, another product of Zwaan’s Spread Wing-T offense, spent three seasons in the NFL on the practice squad for the New York Giants in 2011 and 2012, before moving over to the San Diego Chargers practice squad in 2013. DePalma also spent some time in the Canadian Football League.

Former linebacker Sam Scott enjoyed a lengthy career north of the border in the CFL. He played eight seasons in Canada, before retiring and going into coaching. He spent time with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Calgary Stampede as well as the Hamilton Tiger Cats. Scott joined Zwaan’s coaching staff once his playing days were over and coached the Golden Rams’ defensive line for parts of four seasons.

Before the pandemic, Zwaan engineered another NCAA Tournament campaign, the Golden Rams third straight bid to the postseason, while senior DB Jarey Elder was named the Defensive Player of the Year and freshman RB Ja’Den McKenzie was tabbed the Eastern Division Rookie of the Year and Don Hansen FB Gazette Atlantic Region Freshman of the Year. West Chester finished the campaign at 8-3 and in second place in the PSAC East. A loss to Notre Dame College (Ohio) ended an otherwise successful campaign. Senior DE Ch’aim Smith was dubbed an American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) first team All-American at season’s end.

In 2018, West Chester finished up an undefeated regular season, its first since 1967, with Zwaan steering his charges to the PSAC Championship Game for the third time in four seasons. A 33-10 victory on the road over Slippery Rock handed

West Chester captured its second PSAC Eastern Division title in a three-year span in 2017, showing a 6-1 mark against league competition. It was enough to land the Golden Rams in the PSAC Championship Game as well as earning the Purple & Gold a berth in the NCAA II Playoffs. A first-round win on the road over Shippensburg gave West Chester a shot at redemption over national power Indiana (Pa.), which had beaten the Rams in the PSAC title game two weeks prior. However, that is where the Golden Rams’ playoff run ended.

Despite having the reputation as a head coach that favors throwing the ball, Zwaan’s stable of running backs each fall wind up among the conference leaders in rushing. Former RB Rondell White set 21 school records during his four-year tenure at West Chester that ended in 2013. The consensus All-America running back finished 2013 with 1,989 rushing yards, 843 receiving yards and 275 return yards. His 406 carries also broke the NCAA Division II single-season record. White is the only running back in DII history to eclipse 400 rushing attempts in a single season. White is the Golden Rams’ all-time leading rusher (4,336 yards). He was named to the AFCA Division II All-America Team, AP Little All-America Football Team and the AllPSAC Eastern Division First Team while being named the ECAC Offensive player of the year and being honored by the Maxwell Football Club and the Philadelphia Sports Writers’ Association as regional player of the year on both occasions.

Defensively, linebackers Morrissey, Ronell Williams, Mike Dell and Lateef Ferguson are widely considered four of the best Zwaan has overseen during his 21 years at West Chester. Williams was named a finalist for the inaugural Cliff Harris Award as the top small college defensive football player in the country, representing nearly 500 NCAA Division II, III and

Zwaan has been an outspoken advocate for both Autism Speaks and the “Be The Match” national marrow donor program many college football programs across all three divisions around the country have gotten involved with. Each fall, Zwaan and his football players take part in the Autism Walk in Philadelphia that raises money for autism. His tradition of selected an individual with Autism to run for a touchdown during the Golden Rams’ spring game each April has been a huge hit.

Since 2007, Zwaan has been involved with the “Be The Match” marrow donor program through the assistance of former Villanova head coach Andy Talley.

HOFFMAN’S EXTERMINATING COMPANY

About Today’s Game

West Chester University opens its home slate Saturday afternoon against Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division rival Gannon University at John A. Farrell Stadium.

The Golden Rams split their first two games of the year with a season-opening thriller in Waltham, Mass., a 20-19 win over Northeast-10 power Bentley. Last week, a lackluster defensive performance led to a 49-24 defeat at Slippery Rock.

Today, West Chester welcomes Gannon to Southeastern PA. The Golden Knights are in search of their first win of the season after dropping their first two contests of 2023. Gannon fell on the road at Charleston (WV) in its opener two weeks ago, 2213, before dropping its home opener last Saturday to Millersville, 28-21.

This afternoon, West Chester has an opportunity to put last week’s clunker behind them and come out in front of its home crowd and get back to its winning ways. Today marks the final non-conference tilt of the regular season before the focal point of the campaign, the PSAC East schedule, begins in earnest next Saturday at Millersville. A team with a lot of new faces has seen its ups and downs in the first two games. Hopefully, some of those inconsistencies work themselves out today. West Chester has never lost to Gannon in its short history. The Golden Rams are 5-0 when they match up with the Golden Knights from Erie, Pa. The two did not play until Gannon made the move to the PSAC about 15 years ago.

FLOCK TALK

West Chester boasts the top offense in the conference heading into Week 3. The Golden Rams’ 901 yards of total offense through two games is the most in the PSAC while its average of 450.5 yards per game is also No. 1 in the league. The team’s 603 passing yards ranks third in the conference, and the Golden Rams’ 64.3 completion percentage is fourth in the PSAC.

The bad news is that West Chester’s defense ranks 14th out 16 teams in the PSAC. The stop unit averages allowing 432 yards of offense per game. It’s 864 yards allowed in two games is the third-most in the league, and its nine touchdowns allowed also third most. It is the defense that has head coach Bill Zwaan most concerned heading into this week’s clash with Gannon and the upcoming conference slate set to begin next Saturday.

These two schools met a year ago on the banks of Lake Erie with the Golden Rams coming away with a come-from-behind 2923 victory. The Golden Knights scored all 23 points in the first half and led, 23-17, at the break. However, West Chester’s ‘D’ pitched a shutout in the second half, and the offense mounted the comeback.

Ke’John Batiste and Sam East each caught for over 100 yards in the contest. But, it was not enough to get past the Golden Rams. Cooper Jordan was 2-for-5 for 23 yards in his first college start. He left the game in the second half with an injury and did not return. He also racked up 36 yards on 10 carries in the game.

MOVING THE BALL

West Chester put up 497 yards of total offense against the No. 15-ranked team in the country.

Sophomore QB, Cooper Jordan, showed his flare once again while proving that he can move the ball against one of the top de-

fensive units in the country. Unfortunately, he also showed his youth in throwing three interceptions with two of those coming deep in Slippery Rock territory.

Junior wide receiver, D’Shaun Seals, also enjoyed a productive day for the Golden Rams’ offense. He tied a career-high with 101 yards receiving in the loss to Slippery Rock. He caught a teambest five passes in the game. He was one of eight different Golden Rams to catch a pass in the contest. He also rushed for 58 yards on six carries - most of those jet sweeps. Seals is averaging nearly 100 yards receiving per game. He leads the team with 196 yards on nine catches.

Another favorite target of Jordan’s has been his namesake, a transfer from Wagner, Julian Jordan. He has seven catches for 115 yards in two games as a Golden Ram. The two have quickly developed a rapport with one another and have connected on some key pass plays that have led to scoring drives over the last two games.

ON THE HORIZON

West Chester will travel to Millersville next Saturday for the conference opener for both schools. The Marauders are 2-0 entering its visit to Slippery Rock this week. Zwaan has never lost to Millersville in his 20 years at West Chester.

Gannon Golden Knights 2023 Roster

West Chester Golden Rams 2023 Roster

70 Bill Martelon Holder 90 .....Chris Barbera

Two Deeps

GOLDEN KNIGHTS Offense

WR 1 Ke’John Batiste 19 Braeden Soboleski

TE 84 .....Jonathan Bowden 83 .... Rashann Tompkins

LT 55 Eyvar Robles 72 Cameron Stoffel

LG 54 Jacob Petit 78 Brad Kormanec

C 76 .....Montana Nietert 71 .... Mike Dempsey

RG 66 Jake Vasko 65 Daeshawn Larry

RT 56 Riley Noble 70 Dylan Wilson

QB 6 Nate Mikell 5 Elijah Banks

RB 7 Antonio Wright, Jr. 20 Donny Marcus

WR 82 .....Donell “Tank” Mason 2 .... Damerisse Freeman

WR 3 Sam East 81 Joshawn Lewis

GOLDEN RAMS Defense

DE 55 Nate Desmond 54 Charlie Mininger

NT 0 Ayyub Dail 99 Tom Burns

DE 94 .....Daniel Hicks 98 .... Debrick Johnson

OLB 15 Brody McAndrew 29 DuJuan Dandridge

ILB 41 Khalib Slaughter 49 Ricardo Delgado

MLB 47 Connor Noble 53 Luke Trunell

OLB 7 Maurice Beverly 28 Michael Alexander

CB 39 .....Izaiah McPherson 22 .... Victor Pena

SS 26 Shane Mosley 25 Jimmy Wright

FS 24 Kaleb Brown 35 Ben Marsico

CB 2 .....Sterlen Barr, Jr. 22 .... Victor Pena

GOLDEN KNIGHTS Specialists

Place-Kicker 94 .....Eric Scarpino 99 .... Donovan Warren

Punter 99 Donovan Warren 27 Luke Sittinger

Kick Ret. 4 Bransen Stanley 1 Kam Snell

Punt Ret. 81 Joshawn Lewis 80 Chaz Lewis

Long Snaps 43 Kenneth Hartwig 23 Zach Evans

Holder 22 .....Isaac West 15 .... Jonathan Quinque

2023-24 West Chester University Cheerleaders

From late August through early-to-mid March each school year, West Chester University’s cheerleaders are front and center at all Golden Rams football games in the fall and both men’s and women’s basketball games in the winter. Additionally, West Chester University’s cheerleaders have traveled to Orlando, Fla., and the Wide World of Sports in January to compete in the UCA Nationals. The Golden Rams Cheer Squad placed among the top five at UCA Nationals in each of the past two years, including a runner-up performance in 2023.

The cheerleaders work hard in the preseason learning mostly new material for the upcoming campaign, conditioning and developing a pride in the West Chester University community. Aside from preparing their 35-member team for the year ahead, the West Chester University cheerleaders also host high school clinics in order to develop cheerleading around the area.

The West Chester University cheerleaders take on many community service projects focusing mainly on breast cancer awareness, as well as doing many youth and high school cheering clinics, donating to needy schools and volunteering with the elderly within the West Chester community.

The team also makes many public appearances as representatives of WCU, highlighted each holiday season with a spot in the West Chester Borough’s annual Christmas Parade.

Name Pos. Cl. Hometown / High School

Alexis Aguiar Base Sr. Delran, N.J./Delran

Kira Bhuta (C) Flyer Sr. Burlington, N.J./Burlington Twp.

Jasmin Bullers Base Fr. Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cumberland Valley

Alexis Casale Back So. Springfield, Pa./Springfield

Charli Culbert (C) Backspot Sr. Upper Chichester, Pa./Chichester

Mia Fornito Flyer Sr. Medford, N.J./Shawnee

Emily Ham Backspot So. West Grove, Pa./Padua Academy

Justice Haynes Flyer Fr. Reading, Pa./Conrad Weiser

Cameron Heron Base Fr. Philadelphia, Pa./Saint Hubert

Madison Hines Flyer So. Garnet Valley, Pa./Garnet Valley

Sarah Hogan Base Jr. Holland, Pa./Council Rock South

Julia Hunt (C) Base So. Ridley, Pa./Archbishop Carroll

McKenna Maffei Flyer Jr. Oxford, Pa./Oxford Area

Adelyn Mariani Flyer Fr. Springfield, Pa./Springfield

Emily Matienzo Base Sr. Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Jefferson Twp.

Jacqueline Nadera Flyer Sr. Old Bridge, N.J./Old Bridge

Allison Nadin Base So. Chadds Ford, Pa./Unionville

Samantha Noble Base Fr. Bordentown, N.J./No. Burlington

Olivia Ople Backspot Fr. Doylestown, Pa./Central Bucks East

Caroline Orokos Base Sr. No. Brunswick, N.J./No. Brunswick Twp.

Kylie Orseno Backspot Fr. North Wales, Pa./North Penn

Cameryn Pellegrini Base Fr. Doylestown, Pa./Central Bucks West

Madison Polansky Flyer So. Lansdale, Pa./North Penn

Alyssa Redding Base Sr. Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty

Abby Roman Base Jr. Mountain Top, Pa./Crestwood

Keilian Rudisill Base Fr. Reading, Pa./Exeter

Noelle Schusko Backspot So. Malvern, Pa./Pope John Paul

Madison Skowronek Base Sr. Media, Pa./Penncrest

Devon Stein Base Fr. Norristown, Pa./Norristown

Marnie String Backspot So. Cherry Hill, N.J./Cherry Hill West

Lexi Swisher Flyer Jr. Morgantown, Pa./Twin Valley

Kyleigh Taylor Base Fr. Philadelphia, Pa./Saint Hubert

Peyton Taylor Base Fr. Bethlehem, Pa./Freedom

Victoria Zencak Base Fr. Warrington, Pa./Central Bucks South

Emiily Zoellner Base Fr. Garnet Valley, Pa./Garnet Valley

Head Coach: Jacqueline Kline

WCU’s Incomparable Marching Band

With a proud and distinguished history that dates back to 1889, the 324-member “INCOMPARABLE” Golden Rams Marching Band continues to delight audiences with its innovative and inspiring performances.

The Golden Rams Marching Band performs regularly at WCU football games, exhibition events throughout the region, and special events for the university and community. In addition to performances at National Football League events and World Series games, the group has also twice performed at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Golden Rams Marching Band is proud to perform regularly at Bands of America Regional and National Events. Most recently, the Golden Rams performed in featured exhibition at the 2018 Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana. This coming January, the “INCOMPARABLE” Golden Rams Marching Band will be featured in the Tournament of Roses Parade as well as the Rose Bowl.

The West Chester University INCOMPARABLE Golden Rams Marching Band has been selected as the recipient of the 2019 Sudler Trophy! Presented by the John Philip Sousa Foundation, the Sudler Trophy is awarded biannually to a college or university marching band which has demonstrated the highest musical standards and innovative marching routines and ideas, and which has made important contributions to the advancement of the performance standards of college marching bands over a number of years. WCU is the first Division II School in history to receive this prestigious honor!

Killinger Football Memorial Scholarships

Memorialize a loved one, teammate or friend through a Killinger Foundation Memorial Scholarship.

Contact Col. Emil Messikomer at (610) 213-3035 for more information. Thank You to our Memorial Scholarship Supporters!

Listed Below is a list of current WCU Football scholarships.

Bonder Family

Killinger Family

Ercolani Family

Tom Hogan

Michael Horrocks

Bonnie Claire Bruno

Buechele Family

Brogan Family

Jack and Helen Ivins

Augenbaugh Family

1958 Team

1954 Phys. Ed. Class

Louis Caparro

John G. Taronis

Burrows

Guy R. Isenberg

Ciccarone Family

Cheesman Family

Robert Mitten

Emil H. Messikomer, Jr.

William J. Phillips

Adolph and Wanda Strohschien

Men’s Basketball

2023-24 Schedule

Women’s Basketball 2023-24 Schedule

West Chester Football Patrons

Coach Kris & Family

Debra Garofalo & Family

The Barrett Family

The Broderick Family

The Burls Family

The Croner Family

The Dandridge Family

The Del Nero Family

The Derr Family

The Desmus Family

The Doody Family

The Gale Family

The Hackett Family

The Hagemeyer Family

The Jenkins Family

The Leaf Family

The Liberatore Family

The Longo Family

The McAndrew Family

The McKenzie Family

The Minniger Family

The Noble Family

The Phipps Family

The Pohorilenko Family

The Rahnama Family

The Richardson Family

The Ruskowski Family

The Teeshock Family

The Toskos Family

The Weade Family

T’avon Aiven

Myke & Megan Althouse

David Angst

Dr. Bell

Barry Berger

Betty Berger

John Bertolino

Andy & Cindy Bidwell

Brian & Meghan Bing

Gregg Bittler

Shannon Boehmer

Darla Boruto

Ashley Brown

Jennifer Brown

Renee Bruce

Max Burns

Hal Burrall

Kirsten Burrall

Heather Cantrel

Sarah Coleman

Courtney Curran

Day Excavating

Becky Dickson

Crisa Dougherty

Mike Dougherty

Greg Fredricus

Jake Gillen

Johnny Gillen

Steph Gillen

Tony Gillen

dtan Goliat

Linda Hess

Christina Hodges

Randie Holmes

Shirley Holmes

Gianna Hoover

Gordon Hoover

Gordy Hoover

Maria Hoover

Ann Hornberger

Ariel Hornberger

Cameron Hornberger

Tammy Hornberger

Robyn Howton

Chris & Tiffany Huffman

Lisa & Tim Humanik

Doug Jacobs

Gretchen Jacobs

Zane Jacobs

Carol Johnson

Ben Johnson

Fred Johnson

Minnie Johnson

Jason Jovovich

Don & Joan Kalavik

Don & Maria Kalavik

Jim & Jen Kalavik

John Kirchenbauer

Chris & Angela Klick

George & Joanne Klick

Jeff & Rhonda Klick

Sabrina Koenig

Carli Kohler

McKenna Kohler

Wichete Kohler

Woody Kohler

Zach Levey

Steve Long

Dorothy Lower

Frank Luckangelo

Jennifer Lutchkus

Beth Mattey

Jeff Mayer

Mark Mayer

Jake McCain

Kevin & Mary Jane McCain

Patrick McCain

Sam & Leeny McCain

Danielle McCurdy

Frank McGlinchey

Janet & Mike McGlinchey

Jim McGlinchey

Mary Jane McGlinchey

Matt McGlinchey

Mikey & Brooke McGlinchey

Tom McGlinchey

Dawn & Jesse Metheny

Milce Milano

Toni Morioni

Bob & Marlene Morschauser

Alie Muscella

Anthony Muscella

John Muscella

Michael Muscella

Olivia Muscella

John Nelson

Lorraine Nelson

Dwayne Patteron

Acison Parisi

Tom Parisi

George Pohorilenko

Greg Pohorilenko

Marker Porter

Mike and Corey Porter

Lynn & Jim Psik

Cathy Quatrune

Marlene and Jon Ranck

Marty Regan

Mike Reitz

Donna Riehs

Nick & Kristin Riker

Kevin & Sean Roemhild

Craig Roman

Beth Roth

Jack & Betty Rubio

Mark Russo

Bernie & Mike Ryan

Angela Schwartz

Dot Saggese

Kaitlyn Saggese

Marie Saggese

Tony Saggese

Uhda Saggese

Alicia Santos

Darlene & Ray Scanlon

Cathy & George Schadler

Deb Scharinger

Tyler Schumann

Merion Scott

Rosemary Schranghamer

Yvonne Shenuski

Ashley Simmons

Jeaniene Simmons

Jeffrey L. Simmons, Sr.

Jim Simmons

Robin Rimback-Simmons

Dorothy Skulskie

Jeff Sommerfield

Malinda South

Courtney & Charlie Stem

Eric Stevenson

Andi Talone

Drew Talone

Trish Talone

Will Talone

John Thomas

Demetrius Thomas

Tnoma T’ Kline

Otis Trench

Brian Trunell

Chris Trunell

Emma Trunell

Robyn Trunell

Tiffany Trunell

Anita Vereb

Chris and Carole Vereb

Jon Vereb

Nate Vereb

Richard and Laura Vereb

Sharon and Dan Vereb

Jeanne Wahill

Denny Walls

Greg Wiley

Terell Wong

Andrea & Joe Zach

Ann and Troy Zeuke

Damon, Damion, & Zakai