Coach Corico Wright (defensive pass game coordinator and
cornerbacks coach) led off the meeting speaking about team
discipline and how proud he was of the team in this regard.
Penalties like holding and pass interference calls are effort
penalties and tolerated while penalties such as unsportsmanlike
conduct and mental errors (motion, offsides, etc.) are not. Injuries
can have an effect on discipline as well and Coach Wright
detailed the loss of three of his eight cornerbacks to injury prior to
the start of the season. However, the veterans have stepped up
and the true freshmen have played well.
Women’s Head Basketball Coach, Sarah Jenkins, delighted
those in attendance with her infectious personality and great
sense of humor. Although in better shape than last year (down to
six players at one point), the injury bug has hit the team again this
year. One of last year’s starters, Ella Wanzer, broke her ankle
just prior to the start of the season and Ava Andrews (6-3 forward
who can dunk) is navigating a hip issue. The team also lost its
starting point guard, Kendall Scott, to an ACL tear.
Coach Jenkins told her audience that her team “can’t defend a
parked car” and makes too many mistakes. However, they are
extremely talented and she feels once certain improvements are
made they can compete for a CUSA championship.
Casey Macdonald, the Senior Associate Athletic Director for
Development, spoke to us about the Student Athlete Excellence
Fund which funds athletes through NIL dollars. NIL and revenue
sharing is hitting all sports and in order to attract and retain top
players money is needed through giving to this Fund.
Finally, Fred Rullo, UD Athletics Hall of Fame member and
generous benefactor to the university, told us numerous stories
about his football playing days under The Admiral, Dave Nelson.
From his days growing up in Chester, PA to his recruitment and
playing experience at UD, Fred contrasted the differences
between those days and the current day. Fred’s humorous
anecdotes kept the lunch crowd entertained and we are happy to
have Fred Rullo as a University of Delaware supporter!
NOTE: Annual Awards Banquet on Feb. 6, 2026. Details and register here:
BANQUET RESERVATIONS
We had outstanding guests to hear from on 11/13: OL Coach Chris Rogers, MVP Nate Reed, MBB Coach Martin Ingelsby, and Chris Locke of the Unlocke the Light Foundation.
First was Chris Rogers. As an alumnus of Sam Houston and a former coach there with Ryan Carty, Chris has an emotional bond with the Bearkats. The coach discussed the development of our offensive line since he came to UD. The unit had been much maligned, but with hard work, persistence and recruiting, it is one of the most improved areas of the team. The pass blocking has helped protect QB Nick Minicucci, but there is a strong desire to grow the running attack.
Nate Reed, BHTC Special Teams MVP, received a warm welcome following his performance vs. La Tech. Between Nate’s four field goals, including the 51 yard game winner, along with ANOTHER successful onside kick, Nate received a lot of love from the attendees! Nate told us that when the onside kick was successful, he knew that the following field goal would be a big moment for him and the team. Nate was also named Conference USA Special Teams Player of the week, as well as national recognition as a recipient of the Lou Groza Award for placekickers.
Head Men’s Basketball Coach spoke of the encouraging performance vs. BYU and looked ahead to the 11/18 game vs. St. Peter’s. There is an expectation that some currently injured players will be available for that next contest. In answering a question, Coach Ingelsby also discussed the challenges of recruiting and retaining players in the new era of seven figure NIL agreements.
Last we heard from Chris Locke about the Unlocke the Light Foundation and “Sean’s House” at 137 W. Main Street in Newark. The foundation is providing needed services to those suffering from depression. Chris related the story of his son, Sean, who took his life seven years ago, and the importance of listing to others, and asking questions of those that might be giving a hidden clue as to their depression. More information here: https://www.unlockethelight.com/
Photo of Nate Reed’s game winning 51 yard FG , courtesy of Delawareonline.com
When talking about football the discussion may turn to helmets.
But who would have thought that what goes into this critically
important piece of equipment can be very complex.
Kevin (Radar) McCarthy, Associate Athletic Director for
Equipment Operations, and Alec Schwartz, Head Football
Equipment Manager, gave the club a demonstration of the new
“green dot” helmets. The coaching staff can speak from the
sideline directly to the quarterback and the designated defensive
player through the helmets. The club’s quarterback, Russ Crook,
was given the headset to speak to club members and guests for
many to hear (green dot helmets were distributed to various
tables around the room). It appears that Russ called the correct
play!
All helmets are personalized to fit each player based on a scan of
their heads. The equipment team continually looks at studies that
will guide them to purchase helmets that protect players from
concussions and other injuries. The cost of $800 per helmet
appears to be well worth it.
Those helmets should be strapped on tightly on Saturday against
C-USA opponent Louisiana Tech. After a loss last week against
Liberty, Coach Garrett Smith (Tight Ends and Assistant Special
Teams coach) told the club that corrections have been made and
the team has practiced with greater attention to detail. According
to Coach Smith, it was the best week of practice all year. It will be
a tough game against the Bulldogs whose defense, is at the top of
the league.
Delaware last played LA Tech in the I-AA playoffs in 1983 on
national TV (ABC) on a cold and rainy Saturday beating the
Techsters on their home field 17-0. A member of that team, Joe
Quigg, spoke about that game and his experiences at UD under
Hall of Fame coach Tubby Raymond.
Joe still holds the program record for sacks in a season (16).
Using his best voice impression of Tubby, Joe told us some
memorable and humorous “Tubby stories”. After a loss to West
Chester and prior to the next game versus William and Mary,
Tubby singled out Quigg, then in his second year as a starter, with
the motivational words, “Quigg, when are you going to do
something!”. Those few well-timed words were all the motivation
he needed for the remainder of the season.
Hopefully this year’s Hens are motivated for what looks like a
fantastic Homecoming game!
Go Hens!
Photos: Scott Messina and Mark Werrell
Narrative: Mark Werrell