Pictured above: Haley Alioto, Chris Rogers, Jerry Oravitz
“We took it on the chin”, said Blue Hen offensive line coach Chris Rogers about our final trip to Richmond. The hope is that this will humble the team as they direct their efforts to Albany. Delaware is every opponent’s Super Bowl this year stated Rogers as he related the comments of a Richmond defensive lineman, “We did it!” celebrating the victory over the FBS-bound Hens.
Coach Rogers thanked the club for their support as he said that not every school has a support group like the Touchdown Club. His players feel the support and they work hard every day to accomplish not only their team and individual goals but also strive to win for the fans. Three starting seniors could have entered the portal but remained to play with their brothers for one last year. Rogers stated that the offensive line will make a big deal about Villanova week. Last year it was, “this is just another game”, but they have decided to make it more about the rivals from the Main Line.
Haley Alioto, the Assistant Director for Football Operations and On Campus Recruiting, told the lunch attendees that her team does everything football except the X’s and O’s. From hotel accommodations to transportation and from non-football student-athlete issues to hosting families of recruits, the Football Operations team proactively ensures that problems are
minimized. This includes going to an away game site the day before the game to inspect the hotels and working with
Admissions and Compliance before a recruit and his family are invited for an official visit.
Haley is a graduate of the University of Delaware with a degree in Sports Management and Event Planning. She was a
synchronized skater during her four years in Newark. She currently is working toward an MBA.
We also heard from Zhaibri Jeffries, Associate Director for Development. “Z” is a graduate of Temple University and has extensive experience in management and development, most recently at Ohio State University. He is working hard to move forward on funding for our pending facilities project. “Z” is a good guy to get to know.
Pictured Above: Club Member and 1974 Lineman, Bill Records
At our meeting on October 17th, we heard from Defensive Coordinator, Manny Rojas, along with Defensive MVP from the Maine game, Ty Davis and Special Teams MVP, Josh Cupitt. Offensive MVP, Marcus Yarns, could not join us.
A highlight of the meeting was hearing from our own, Bill Records. Bill Records was a lineman on the 1974 National Finalist Blue Hen squad. That 1974 team compiled a remarkable 12-2 season which included memorable wins over McNeese State (in a classic 4th qtr. comeback), as well as Youngstown St. and UNLV in the playoffs. There was also a narrow, contested loss to Temple at the Vet and a thorough destruction of Villanova.
Bill recounted the numerous team records and player achievements. The records of the late, great running back, Nate Beasley were especially noted.
Join us this Friday, October 25th, as we hear from Offensive Line Coach, Chris Rogers. Our special guests are Haley Alioto and Michael Armstrong, who will give us a “behind the scenes” look from the football office. Haley and Michael will share with us the extensive efforts that they make in recruitment, organization and preparation that goes on all year round. They do so much that is unheralded by the average fan, but is so essential to our success.
Photos by Mark Campbell
Photo Above: Ty Davis & Teammates Celebrate His TD INT
The Club met prior to the Maine game, and heard from Assistant Coach Quarterbacks, Sean Goldrich and two of our MVPs for the Monmouth game, Jack Hall from the Defense, and Nate Reed for Special Teams. Marcus Yarns, our Offense MVP had class and could not attend.
Coach Goldrich related his experience playing at UNH under his coach, Ryan Carty. His time at UNH vs. Maine was always a fierce rivalry.
Jack Hall, from Richmond, VA gave a spirited response to the upcoming game versus the Richmond Spiders.
Nate Reed referred to his transfer from East Stroudsburg University, and his strong leg in sending kickoffs to the endzone was noted.
The next day, UD pulled away from Maine in the second half, winning 44-21. Next up is Richmond. Seats on the BHTC day trip to Richmond remain available for purchase on this website. 
Photos by: Mark Campbell
Above: Max Patterson catches a TD pass that was improperly ruled incomplete.
Prior to the “barn burner” at Monmouth University, the BHTC honored MVPs from the Sacred Heart game: Anwar O’neal, KT Seay, and Jake Thaw. Our guest speakers were:
– Coach Terence Archer. Coach Archer shared with us his four years at Monmouth as a linebacker, and his six years as an assistant coach, and his appreciation for his mentor and head coach at Monmouth, Kevin Callahan.
– Our group heard from JP Gulli of the 302 Collective. JP and his partner, Chris Dohl are working hard to grow UD’s NIL collective. This is an important initiative, as we move to FBS football next year, and membership in Conference USA.
– On Friday, October 11th, we will welcome: Coach Sean Goldrich, AND Andy Hall, QB from the 2003 IAA National Championship team and Inductee into the UD Athletics Hall of Fame.
Here are some photos of the meeting and an example of the numerous Blue Hen tailgates in Central New Jersey:
Photos by Mark Campbell