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Millersville football announces plans for wall of honor, recognizes first class of honorees

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MILLERSVILLE, Pa. - The Millersville University football program has established a new tradition celebrating the history of Millersville football and its legendary players, coaches and contributors. A physical wall of fame will be displayed next to the home locker room at Chryst Field at Biemesderfer Stadium and new honorees will be recognized annually. 

The first class includes all 32 members of the football program previously inducted into the Millersville University Athletics Hall of Fame as well as 11 individuals selected by a committee of alumni. 

"The Millersville University Football Wall of Honor was started to celebrate the individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the rich history of the Marauders football program," said Millersville head football coach J.C. Morgan. "As we move forward as a football family, it is important that we remain close with those who have come before us. The wall of honor is a great way for our program to connect with our past while making sure that are our key contributors are forever remembered."

Nominations for the wall of fame were open to all football alumni. A committee of seven members narrowed the list down to 21 and then voting opened to alumni and supporters who were permitted to vote for five finalists. Once the voting concluded, the committee reviewed the votes and selected honorees based on the top vote recipients.
 
Plans are being made to hold an on-campus ceremony to recognize the first class of honorees in the spring. 

FIRST MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL WALL OF FAME 2021 CLASS
Alumni, Supporter and Committee Selections

Bill Burke, 1988-1992
Burke was a standout tight end for the Millersville Marauders. He finished his career as the all-time leader in receptions and yards. He was a two-time All-PSAC selection and Don Hansen Football Gazette Third Team All-American. Burke was All-ECAC First Team in 1991 and a team captain in 1992. His fourth quarter touchdown catch in the "Fog Bowl" in 1991 has been long revered as one of the greatest plays in Millersville football history.

John Emswiler, 1986-2013
John "Emsy" Emswiler served as an equipment manager for the Millersville Athletic Department for 27 years. He began his career with Millersville in 1986 and worked diligently in this role up until his 2013 retirement. John played a critical role for the Millersville football team as he took special care of every young man to come through the program. He could always be found cheering for the Marauders on the sidelines every Saturday afternoon. John is respected by generations of Millersville football players for his hard work and dedication to the well-being of athletes at Millersville.
 
Jeff Hannis, 1983-1986
Hannis was a fierce pass rusher for the Marauders. His production has placed him in the Millersville record books as he is seventh in career sacks (20) and ninth in single season sacks (11). His work on the field earned him an All-PSAC and All-ECAC honor in 1986, along with being named a Division II/Kodak All-America First Team. Following his playing career, Hannis spent time in the coaching ranks serving as the head coach at Dieruff High School.

Coach Bill Lauris, 1961-1964, 1966-1996
After finishing his career as a student-athlete at Millersville in 1964, Lauris turned to a career in education and coaching. He started as an assistant coach at Millersville in 1966 and was promoted to defensive coordinator under Gen Carpenter in 1973. In his 17 years as a coordinator, Lauris led some of the most productive defensives in Millersville history. He retired from the coaching ranks in 1996 and continued to work at Millersville as an adjunct professor.

John G. Pavlick, 1957-1960
Pavlick was a three-year starter on the offensive line for Millersville. He also started on the defensive line because of NCAA rules on substitutions. John was a leader on the team and nominated as a team captain during his senior year in 1960. Following graduation, he went onto a career in teaching and coaching high school football. John served as the head coach at Upper Dublin High School for 32 years.

Lee Rizzotto, 1997-2000
Lee was a standout linebacker for the Marauders, leading the team in tackles for three consecutive seasons. He was a two-time All-PSAC First Team performer and Academic All-American. Lee was also named All-ECAC First Team and two-time All-Northeast Region. He served as a team captain in 1999, leading the team to the national playoffs. Lee was named team defensive MVP two consecutive seasons. He is also in the Millersville record books as he ranks fifth in career solo tackles and was a Snow Bowl participant.

Robb Riddick, 1977-1980
Riddick was a standout running back for the Marauders from 1977 to 1980.  He was a three-time All-PSAC performer and Kodak All-America First Team selection. He ranks first in Millersville history in career yards per game. Following his career at Millersville, Riddick was drafted in the ninth round by the Buffalo Bills in the 1991 NFL draft. He played in the league for eight seasons earning a starting role for the Bills.

Sean Scott, 1997-2001
Scott was a one of the most productive receivers to put on a Millersville uniform. He holds Millersville records for career receiving yards (3,509), career touchdown receptions (28), and career receptions (254) along with many other single season records. In his first season at Millersville, Sean broke the NCAA record for touchdowns by a freshman with 13. He was recognized for his efforts with four All-PSAC honors. Following his career at Millersville, Scott went on to play professionally with the Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Soul (AFL), and Cleveland Gladiators (AFL).

Ricke Stonewall, 1981-1984
Stonewall was a four-time All-PSAC performer for the Marauders and one of the most decorated running backs in school history. He is the Millersville champion in career rushing yards (4,169), career yards per carry (6.4) and career touchdowns (43). Ricke was also named two-time All-ECAC and two-time All-American honorable mention.

Mark Udovich, 1978-1981
Udovich was a four-year starter on the offensive line for Millersville. Following all four of these seasons, Mark received All-PSAC honors. He was named All-ECAC and in 1981 named a Kodak First Team All-American. Mark was well respected by his teammates and recognized for his leadership skills by being named a team captain in 1980.

Todd Van Horn, 1987-1990
Todd was a four-year starter on the offensive line for the Marauders. He was recognized for his production on the field with three All-PSAC honors. He played a critical role in three PSAC East Championships and served as a team captain in 1990. After his playing career concluded, Todd spent time as an assistant coach at Millersville and Ursinus College.

Honorees from the Millersville University Athletic Hall of Fame
Charles Alexander
Bill Bailes
Karl Bivans Jr.
Michael Burke II
Thomas J. Burns III
Kevin Cannon
Dr. Gene Carpenter
J. Freeland Chryst
Robert Coyne
William Davis
Drew Folmar
Gabriel Geiger Jr. 
Scott Highley
Edward Kraft
Will Lewis
Carmen Lex
Gerald Mack
Scott Martin
Mike McFetridge
Charles Meole
Tim Naylor
J. William Palmer
Michael Panarella
Hubert Peters
John Petrus
Walter Price Jr.
Dion Reed
Roger Smith
Ivan Stehman
Walter Waetjen
Edwin Wiest
Aaron Wyley
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