WEST CHESTER, PA – The Killinger Foundation Football Hall of Fame will induct five new members into its hallowed halls Saturday evening. The group will also be recognized at halftime of West Chester's football game against Kutztown at 12 p.m.
The group consists of two All-Americans, the school's all-time leading rusher, a Gene Upshaw finalist, and a major contributor to the Killinger Foundation.
Ryan Devlin ('08),
Lonnie Duckett ('73),
Emil H. Messikomer III,
Al-Hajj Shabazz ('14) and
Rondell White ('13) will all be introduced to the crowd at halftime as the newest members of the hall of fame.
Devlin was a three-time All-PSAC East performer on the offensive line for the Golden Rams from 2004 to 2007. He earned first team all-conference honors in 2006 and was second team All-PSAC East in both 2005 and 2007. In 2007, he was an All-Northeast Region second team selection and a nominee for the Gene Upshaw Award, which is given out to the top offensive or defensive lineman in Division II.
Duckett was a two-time all-conference selection at defensive back for the Golden Rams from 1969 to 1972. In both 1971 and 1972, he was named first-team All-PSAC East. He earned third-team honors as an Associated Press All-State selection in 1972 and an All-ECAC pick as well.
Messikomer has spent the last 35 years selflessly serving on the Killinger Board, donating his time, money, and expertise to enrich the lives of the WCU Football student athletes. He continues to be a vital member of the board and a fountain of historical information. He spent most of his adult life as a commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, and after 30 years of service, he retired in 1998. During his service to our country, he received the National Defense and Armed Forces Reserve Medal; the Selective Marine Corps Reserve Medal with two Bronze Stars, and the Navy Marine Corps Accommodation Medal.
Shabazz was an All-American at defensive back for the Golden Rams from 2011 to 2014. He was team captain his senior season while also earning first-team All-America honors from both D2Football.com and the
Don Hansen Football Gazette. He was also a three-time All-PSAC East selection during his collegiate career. After college, he spent parts of four seasons with five NFL teams, appearing in a playoff game with the Pittsburgh Steelers and forcing a fumble on special teams against the Miami Dolphins in that contest.
White is still the school's all-time leading rusher with 4,336 career yards. He holds 14 school records and his 406 carries in 2013 is still the NCAA Division II single-season mark. His 7,668 career all-purpose yards from 2010 to 2013 is also a school record. He set the school record for rushing yards in a single season at 1,989 and rushing touchdowns with 21 in 2013. He was a Consensus All-American in 2013 for his exploits on the field.
These five members will be honored at a banquet on Saturday evening at the WCU Foundation and will be enshrined in the WCU Athletics Hall of Fame as well.
