Imagine being hired to handle the special-teams duties on a new
football staff and when you show up there is only one kicker on
the team. That’s what Coach Art Link related to the club about his
arrival at Delaware. The starting kicker had transferred to
Cincinnati and the starting punter was in the transfer portal.
Fortunately, Coach Link got to work and brought in a transfer
punter and two freshmen place kickers. The special teams room
got a little bigger! Coach link told us about his special-teams
experience learning from both Ron Zook and Urban Meyer at the
University of Florida, as a graduate assistant, to his experience at
Division III Christopher Newport where he was the head coach
with responsibilities for special teams.

The second speaker was Blue Hen legendary linebacker Ralph
D’Angelo
. Ralph entertained us with his Tubby stories including
the time Tubby was painting Ralph’s senior portrait. Apparently,
an assistant coach and the long time Delaware head coach had a
lengthy discussion about the color of Ralph’s eyes. According to
Ralph’s wife (who was also in attendance at the lunch) the color
match was perfect. Ralph also let us know who was the craziest
player on the team during his time – Kenny Bailey. Kenny would
regularly challenge his team mates to push up contests after
practice. It seems that very few, including Ralph, desired to
participate after a grueling practice!

The Offense that Coach Carty told us about, was on full display vs. Rhode Island in a game that was already decided before halftime.
Be sure to attend our meeting this Friday. We hope to again have the BHTC MVP’s of the game in attendance.

Offense – Nolan Henderson #2 QB
Defense – Drew Nickles #51 LB
Special Teams- Liam Trainer #11 LB

Our speakers this week are:
Coach Art Link, Special Teams and Safeties
Ralph D’Angelo, Passionate Blue Hen alumnus and record setting linebacker.

Doors open at 11:00, food served at 11:15, program at noon. Members $25, Guests $30

Please pre-register at: https://securepayment.link/bluehentdclub/weekly-luncheon-reservation/

Check out the report of last week’s meeting in the prior blog post. GO HENS!

Defensive Coordinator Manny Rojas gave us information on the
upcoming game with Rhode Island detailing some players for
whom to watch on the Rhody offense. Fielding questions, he
explained the 3-3-5, particularly the use of three down linemen
rather than four. Specifically, he asked the audience if we noticed
the many times he rushed 5 players. Perhaps as Rojas’ defense
remains effective, he won’t have to answer questions about the
use of four down linemen!

G.J. Crescione, a member of the 2003 National Championship
team, told of his journey as walk-on to partial scholarship recipient
back to walk-on before receiving a full scholarship in his final year
of eligibility. His experience in being chosen for and then acting in
the film “Invincible”, the story of Vince Papale and the Eagles,
was fascinating. As we viewed the video of G.J. hitting film star
Mark Wahlberg on the sideline, the “budding actor” let us know
that the hit was a mistake and he thought he would be in trouble
with the producers (he wasn’t).


BHTC MVP’s for the Delaware State game:

Offense MVP – Marcus Yarns #21 – Running Back

Defensive MVP – Kedrick Whitehead #1 – Defensive Back

Special Teams MVP – Trey Austin #28 – Defensive Back

Next Club Lunch – Thursday September 15th in the Bob Carpenter Club. Lunch at 11:15, Program at Noon.

Defensive Coordinator, Manny Rojas and from the 2003 National Championship team, G.J. Crescione.

Please register and pay in advance: www.bluehentdclub.com

Report on our 9/9 meeting to follow!

Defensive line coach Sam Daniels regaled attendees with his coaching career
journey from an NAIA school to the University of Delaware. Coach Daniels served
as coach of the defensive tackles at Richmond prior to taking the job with the Blue
Hens. He gave us some insight into the rugged Blue Hen defense touching on
some player profiles and his interaction with Manny Rojas, the Hens defensive
coordinator.

Frank Burton provided very inspiring words regarding the Delaware/ Delaware
State rivalry. A man who certainly wears two hats (or at the luncheon two sets of
gear!), Mr. Burton played for DSU in the 1980’s including time with Coach Joe
Purzycki (a Blue Hen alum and a former DSU head coach). His son Frank
completed his eligibility in 2021 after a solid career with the Hens and another
son, Riah, is currently in the cornerback rotation for Delaware this season. The
importance of Delaware playing their in-state FCS rival was clearly delineated.


The first BHTC lunch meeting of the year was a success with both Ryan Carty and Chrissi Rawak giving us an update on the team, and future facilities enhancements. Coach Carty was optimistic in his outlook, and A.D. Rawak dropped some hints about the behind the scenes fundraising and plans.

On Saturday, the BHTC sent two buses to Annapolis, and there was a very happy ride home. The Hens got the win, and at the same time discovered what needs more work. A perfect result!

The Club MVP’s were: Nolan Henderson, Offense; Johnny Buchanan, Defense; Ben Dinkel, Special Teams.

Our next meeting: Friday, 9/9, lunch at 11:15, program at noon. $25 for members, $30 for guests. PLEASE reserve and pay in advance.
DL Coach Sam Daniels and Player parent, DSU alum Frank Burton II will be speaking to us. We hope to have an MVP or two attend as well.

Just a reminder, we have our first meeting on 9/1 in the Bob Carpenter Club. We will hear from AD Chrissi Rawak and Head Coach Ryan Carty, This is a members only event. Doors open at 11:00, food is served at 11:15, program at noon.
Please register in advance, to save time at the door.

Also there is room on bus #2 to Navy on 9/3. $55 for members, $65 for non-members.
Register at: www.bluehentdclub.com

Go Hens!


3/29/2022

After a one year delay due to COVID disruptions, the Club was able to hold the Senior Aards Banquet this year. Pictured here, are the Taylor Memorial Award winners. Standing with Strength & Conditioning Coach, Chris Stewart, are Frank Burton III, DL, Dejoun Lee, RB, and Coach Andrew Pierce. Presenting the award is Chip Taylor.

The Club membership was pleased to have new Head Coach, Ryan Carty, and his entire staff in attendance.

Our other award winners can be found in the “About” tab HERE.

If you have questions or suggestions, please use the “Contact” tab HERE.

And of course, to renew your 2022 dues, become a new member, or sign up for bus trips, please use our online payments page under “Join the Club” HERE. Thank you!