One of the greatest players in Marauder basketball history,
Roger Raspen is one of only three cagers who has had his jersey number (No. 30) officially retired by the University.
A forward, Raspen was a three-time NAIA All-American (Third Team in 1965-66, and honorable mention in 1964-65 and 1966-67) and earned All-PSAC First Team status twice in his three-season varsity career wearing the Black and Gold.
A prodigious scorer known for his accurate jump shot plus consistency, Raspen still holds the Marauder career marks for scoring average (24.5 ppg, free throws made (447), and free throw attempts (690). He is second all-time at the ‘Ville in scoring (1,839 points), rebounds (1,254), and rebound average (16.7 caroms per game).
In 1965-66, Raspen pulled down 486 rebounds to set a PSAC and club record that still stands. He also tallied a whopping 710 points in his senior year of 1966-67--the second-highest season point total in team annals.
He scored a career-best 56 points in a single game versus Kutztown (137-87 MSC win) on February 11, 1967, in which he sank a club record 22 baskets. And, he also established Millersville single game marks for free throws made (20) and attempted (23) versus Bloomsburg in an 86-70 Marauder victory on February 13, 1965.
Raspen helped lead the 1966-67 Marauder cagers, coached by Dr. Richard C. DeHart, to the program’s first 20-victory season (21-6 record), and an NAIA District 19 championship.
During his three-year career, Millersville posted a record of 48 wins and 27 defeats.
This past February, Raspen was named by the fans to the Top 30 All-Time Player listing at the 100th Anniversary of Millersville Men’s Basketball celebration.
In addition, Raspen earned two varsity letters in soccer and one in baseball as a Millersville student-athlete.
A 1967 graduate with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education (comprehensive social studies concentration), Roger has gone on to excel in his field in the Philadelphia School District, with 25 years at Ferguson Elementary and the past eight at Decatur Elementary.
For 31 of his 33 professional years, Raspen has served as an elementary physical education teacher. He has twice been named as the Northeast District Teacher of the Year (1994 and 1999), and served as a Special Olympics events coordinator for horseback riding, bicycling, and downhill skiing from 1981 to 1986. As an instructor, he has developed extensive intramural programs in basketball, roller skating, gymnastics, bicycling, and adventure gym.
An avid outdoors enthusiast, Roger has commuted to work each working day for the past 30 years via bicycle, and he has biked across the U.S. twice. He has also traveled extensively in Europe and Australia. Wind surfing, water skiing, and rock climbing are also among his pursuits.
In addition to his Millersville degree, Raspen graduated cum laude with a master of science degree in instructional media from West Chester University in 1993.
Roger and his wife, Gale, reside in Trevose, Pa.
