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Killinger Football Foundation

COVER SHOT FOR KILLINGER WEB PAGE DETAILING THE MISSION OF THE KILLINGER FOUNDATION AND FOUNDATIONS 100K CONTRIBUTION TO FOOTBALL SCHOLARSHIP IN FY 2026
CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE TO MAKE YOUR GIFT

OUR MISSION

SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT

Help provide financial aid opportunities for WCU Football student-athletes.

ALUMNI CONNECTION

Bring former players, coaches, families, and
friends together through annual events.

PROGRAM TRADITION

Preserve the legacy of WCU Football through
the Killinger Hall of Fame.

GET INVOLVED

Volunteer, support, or become a board member- make it an impact, make it a win!

 

MAKE A GIFT
VIEW HALL OF FAME
WCU FOOTBALL HOME
CONTACT US
KILLINGER MESSAGE TEST COVER
WCU CHEERLEADING TEAM LEADING WCU FOOTBALL TEAM ONTO THE FIELD AT JOHN A. FARRELL STADIUM FOR HOME OPENER VS SETON HILL
"Our goal is simple: increase our scholarship commitment every year so Golden Rams can focus on being the best versions of themselves on and off the field."

Mike Hudson '86, Killinger Foundation President
MAKE A GIFT!

1979

Founded by Walter Buechele, Jim Holt, Bill Iacone, Joe Iacone, Emil Messikomer Jr., and John Slawek to support the future success of WCU Football.

30+ Years

Volunteer-led fundraising has helped provide scholarship aid for student-athletes in the WCU Football program.

TODAY

The volunteer board connects former players, coaches, alumni, families, and friends through giving, events, and Hall of Fame tradition.

John Furlow
ABOUT Dr. W. Glenn Killinger-legacy, sportsmanship, enthusiasm, and friendship.
2025 Football Hall of Fame Class
FALL 2025 KILLINGER HALL OF FAME CLASS

Ellis, a dominant defensive end for the Golden Rams, built a legacy defined by relentless play, leadership, and record-setting performance. A three-year starter, he was a cornerstone of West Chester’s defense throughout his career and capped his collegiate tenure with a remarkable senior season that earned him All-PSAC honors and Co-Defensive MVP recognition.

Among his many achievements, Ellis holds the West Chester University records for career sacks and tackles for loss in a single season, marks that continue to stand as a testament to his impact on the field. His combination of strength, speed, and instincts made him one of the most feared defenders in program history.

Ellis’ induction also reflects a remarkable football family tradition at West Chester. He was one of three Ellis brothers to play for the Golden Rams, alongside his older brothers Dan Ellis, a defensive back, and Joe Ellis, a defensive end. Joe Ellis (Class of 1986) was previously inducted into the Killinger Hall of Fame, further cementing the Ellis family’s legacy within the program.

Beyond the gridiron, Ellis graduated from West Chester University with a degree in Public Administration and Health. He has built a successful career in the restaurant industry, holding executive-level positions in operations throughout his professional journey. He currently works for Tiff’s Treats in Austin, Texas, where he continues to demonstrate the leadership and commitment that defined his playing days.

A standout linebacker, Grundy distinguished himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in program history. Serving as team captain during his final playing season in 1979, he led by example through both his performance and leadership.

Grundy’s 1979 season stands among the finest ever recorded by a West Chester defender. He earned four ECAC Player of the Week honors along with one Maxwell Player of the Week recognition and was named West Chester University Player of the Year.

To this day, Grundy holds the school record for most solo tackles in a single season with 96 and ranks sixth all-time in total tackles in a season. Notably, his achievements came during a period when West Chester was not competing within the PSAC, making his performance even more impressive.

In addition to football, Grundy was a multi-sport athlete, competing for West Chester’s baseball and lacrosse teams. He graduated in 1981 with a degree in Accounting.

Following his collegiate career, Grundy built a distinguished career in education and coaching. He retired as the Dean of Students for the Christina School District in Delaware and enjoyed a long tenure as a coach, including 27 years as a football coach at Newark High School, 18 years as an assistant baseball coach, and 13 years as head football coach at Christiana High School.

A four-year starter, Mike Labor was a consistent leader on defense and entered his senior season as a Preseason All-American. In 2014, he served as team captain and earned All-PSAC honors, anchoring the defense with leadership and production.

Labor ranks among West Chester’s all-time leaders in career tackles, solo tackles, assisted tackles, and tackles for loss, solidifying his place among the program’s most accomplished defenders.

Beyond the field, Labor graduated with a degree in Finance, using both his academic background and the leadership skills developed through football to build a successful career in the financial industry. He began with SEI and currently works for Morgan Stanley.

Lowe, a dynamic wide receiver, was a four-year starter and one of the most productive playmakers of his era. A two-time All-PSAC selection, he consistently demonstrated reliability, playmaking ability, and a relentless competitive spirit throughout his career.

His impact remains etched in the West Chester record books, where he ranks among the program’s best in multiple categories, including #3 in receptions in a game, 10 in receptions in a season, and seventh in career receptions. In addition to his receiving accomplishments, Lowe was a dangerous special teams contributor, ranking #5 in punt returns in a season and #4 in career punt returns.

Beyond the field, Lowe graduated in 2000 with a degree in Accounting and went on to build a distinguished career in real estate accounting, working with some of the industry’s leading organizations. Today, he serves as a Senior Property Accountant with PRG Real Estate in Philadelphia, where he continues to demonstrate the professionalism and work ethic that defined his playing career.

O’Neil, a dominant presence on the offensive line, was a four-year starter and one of the most accomplished linemen in program history. A three-time All-PSAC and three-time All-ECAC selection, he consistently anchored the Golden Rams’ offense with toughness, intelligence, and reliability. He also earned Preseason All-American honors prior to both the 2006 and 2007 seasons, recognizing his status among the nation’s elite.

During O’Neil’s career, West Chester enjoyed sustained success, advancing to the NCAA Division II Playoffs in all four of his seasons, a testament to the strength and consistency of the teams he helped lead.

Off the field, O’Neil excelled academically and as a campus leader. He graduated in 2007 with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Philosophy. He served as President of the Phi Sigma Alpha Fraternity and was a recipient of the prestigious Swope Scholarship, awarded to the university’s highest-achieving students.

Following his time at West Chester, O’Neil built a successful professional career in law. He is currently an attorney and founder of his own law firm in Media, Pennsylvania, where he specializes in criminal defense. In addition, he remains active in athletics, officiating men’s basketball at the NCAA Division II and III levels.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE KILLINGER FOOTBALL FOUNDATION CLASS OF 2026!

  • Steven Grundy '79
  • Michael Labor '14
  • William Lowe '99
  • Pat Ellis '88
  • Kevin O'Neill '07

Join us on Friday, September 11 for our Banquet at the Desmond Hotel in Malvern and on Saturday, September 12 at our home opener vs IUP beginning at 6 p.m. to help us honor the class of 2026!

FULL LIST OF MEMBERS
SUBMIT A NOMINATION (under construction)
MAKE A GIFT

HOMECOMING SOCIAL

 

Saturday, September 26, 2026

12 P.M.

HALL OF FAME BANQUET

 

Friday, September 11, 2026

The Desmond-Malvern

WCU FOOTBALL GAMEDAY EXPERIENCE

QB CLASSIC 

INFORMATION

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ELEVATE YOUR GAMEDAY EXPERIENCE AT TOUCHDOWN TERRACE!

 

Making a gift of $1,000 or more within the Fiscal Year (July 1-June 30) plays a vital role in advancing student success and earns your spot in the 1871 Society. As a member, you'll receive exclusive invitations and insider communications from the WCU Foundations, plus access to unforgettable game-day experiences like Touchdown Terrace access at select home football games. Gear up for game time and celebrate your Ram Pride alongside fellow supporters with VIP access to sideline performances by the WCU Cheerleaders, the powerful sounds of the Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band, and the electric entrance of our football team.  And don't forget the food, beverages, and beer...all while getting to watch the game at on-field level. 

SHOT FROM BEHIND TOUCHDOWN TERRACE ON HILL BEHIND NORTH ENDZONE LOOKING AT FULL FARRELL STADIUM AND TOUCHDOWN TERRACE
THE INCOMPARABLE GOLDEN RAM MARCHING BAND PERFORMS AT TOUCHDOWN TERRACE DURING PREGAME FESTIVITIES IN FALL 2025 SEASON

GET INVOLVED

Mike Hudson '86

President

John Mohollen '91

Vice President

Justin Bathurst '14

Communications Director

Connor Walsh '19

Treasurer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • Bill Blystone '78
  • Sargent Major Emil H. Messikomer III
  • James Greger '72
  • Jason Muchler '01
  • Jimmy Small '84
  • Joe C. Walsh '86
  • Mike Willard '03
  • Rick Daniels '75
  • Shawn Krautzel '14
  • Tom "Ace: Burnley '98
  • Brendan Ruskowski '22
  • Frank Tranzilli '19
  • Trey Farmer '13
  • WCU Director of Athletics Terry Beattie

 

THANK YOU TO OUR HALL OF FAME SPONSORS

 Diamond Sponsors
Stand Financial Services, Inc.  

Diablo Tools

Platinum Sponsors
Dennis Ianovale '75

Hill Cadillac

John ‘91 & Theresa ’90 Mohollen
 
Gold Sponsors
Green Lawn Fertilizing/Green Pest Solutions

HBOA, LLC

Smurfit Westrock

Spectrum Strength Training

BMW/MINI of West Chester

Remax Preferred-Shawn Krautzel

PRG Real Estate

WCU Athletics
 

Purple Sponsors

Ashmead Insurance Associates

Bill Blystone '78

Green Arrow Financial Advisors

MRB2 Graphic Services

Launchpad Wealth

Barnaby's of West Chester

Levante Brewing

Liones Pizza Restaurant and bar

Kappa Alpha Psi-Kappa Gamma Chapter

Action Potential Phsyical Therapy

In Memory of Chic Chiccino, Jack Byrne, & Dick Yoder

Mark & Julie Drochek '86

Richard '75 & Maria Daniels

Louie's Voice

Bill Dunleavy '95

In Memory of Emil H. Messikomer Jr.

Mike Willard & John Flannigan, Class of '03

The Rife Group at Compass

Petroski Physio

Supercritical Fluid Technologies Inc./G-Flash, LLC