FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Gregory Spicka, Director of Athletic Communications
(610) 500-3632; gdspicka@widener.edu
CHESTER, Pa. - Widener University is excited to announce that eight exemplary former-student athletes and one new special award will comprise the 2026 Class for the Widener Athletics Hall of Fame.
The 2026 Widener Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at the Springfield Country Club on Friday, October 9. More information regarding ticket pricing and a registration link will be released in the near future.
The eight inductee bios and one new special award can be found below in alphabetical order by last name.
Tony Brown
Tony Brown ('00) established himself as one of the top sprinters in Widener and NCAA Division III history. He captured the 1999 NCAA Championship in the outdoor 200-meter dash and finished third in the same event at the 1998 NCAA Championships.
A multiple-time All-American, Brown earned honors in both outdoor and indoor track and field, including All-America recognition in 2000 indoors. He was also a key contributor to a sixth-place 4x400-meter relay team at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
Brown dominated at the conference level, earning Most Outstanding Performer honors at the 2000 MAC Outdoor Championships while winning both the 100- and 200-meter dashes and contributing to a championship relay team.
He left Widener holding multiple school and MAC records, including the conference mark in the 200-meter dash, and ranked first in school history in several sprint events at the time of his graduation.
Joseph "Joe" Carter
Joseph "Joe" Carter ('64) was one of the most versatile and accomplished student-athletes of the PMC era. A 12-time letterwinner across four sports—football, wrestling, track and field, and baseball—Carter's impact was felt across the entire athletic department.
On the football field, Carter was a four-time All-MAC selection and earned All-ECAC honors in 1962. He served as co-captain in 1964 and named the PMC Outstanding Player that same year. His standout performance in the 1964 Boardwalk Bowl, where he amassed 329 all-purpose yards, earned him MVP honors.
Following his collegiate career, Carter continued his involvement in football as an assistant coach at PMC and played at the semi-professional level. His legacy as one of the most dynamic athletes in school history continues to endure.
Kate Dellinger
Kate Dellinger ('13) was one of the most decorated student-athletes in Widener women's basketball history. A two-time All-American in 2012 and 2013, she consistently performed at an elite level while excelling academically.
Dellinger earned CoSIDA Academic All-America Second Team honors twice and named the 2011-12 MAC Commonwealth Player of the Year. She was also a three-time All-MAC First Team selection, highlighting her sustained excellence throughout her career. Dellinger recorded 1,255 career points, 208 steals, and 759 rebounds.
Her combination of athletic achievement and academic distinction places her among Widener's all-time greats.
Lou DeRogatis
Lou DeRogatis ('83) was one of the premier scorers in Widener men's basketball history. He ranks fifth all-time with 1,693 career points and established himself as a dominant offensive presence, particularly in his final two seasons. As a senior, DeRogatis averaged 20.5 points per game while shooting an impressive 62.4 percent from the field. Across his junior and senior campaigns, he averaged 19.5 points per game with a 60.5 field goal percentage.
A model of consistency, DeRogatis appeared in 107 of a possible 110 games during his career. He played a pivotal role in Widener capturing back-to-back MAC South Division Championships in his junior and senior seasons, as the team compiled a 44-14 record and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 both years. Over his four-year career, Widener posted a 74-36 record.
DeRogatis remains among the program's all-time leaders, ranking in the top five in 10 different statistical categories, cementing his legacy as one of the most accomplished players in program history.
Dave Duffy
Dave Duffy ('89) was a dominant force on the defensive line for Widener football and one of the most decorated players of his era. A two-time ECAC All-South First Team selection and a 1988 All-MAC First Team honoree, Duffy capped his career with a remarkable senior season.
In 1988, he earned multiple national accolades, including AFCA First Team All-America and AP Third Team All-America honors. He was also MAC Player of the Year and was a finalist for the AFCA Division III "Coaches Choice" Player of the Year award.
Duffy's excellence extended beyond Widener, earning recognition from the Maxwell Football Club and the Philadelphia Eagles Alumni Association. He went on to represent Team USA and competed in multiple all-star games, solidifying his reputation as one of Widener's all-time great defensive players.
Laura Harris
Laura Harris ('14) was one of the most accomplished swimmers in Widener history. A three-time MAC Swimmer of the Year (2011, 2013, 2014), Harris dominated in the pool throughout her career.
She earned All-America honors multiple times and named Middle Atlantic Conference Rookie of the Year in 2011, immediately establishing herself as a standout competitor. Harris currently holds eight school records (seven individual and one relay), highlighting her exceptional talent and consistency across multiple events.
Her career remains one of the most decorated in Widener women's swimming history.
Phil Martelli
Phil Martelli ('76) made a lasting impact on Widener men's basketball as one of the program's top playmakers. Upon graduation, he held the school record for career assists with 421 and shared the single season assists mark with 151, set in 1975.
Martelli helped guide Widener to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Sweet 16 in 1976. Following his playing career, he remained closely tied to the program, serving as an assistant coach and contributing to the 1977-78 team that reached the NCAA Final Four and set a school record for wins.
His leadership both on and off the court helped lay the foundation for one of the most successful eras in Widener men's basketball history.
Erica Szpynda
Erica Szpynda ('14) was a standout performer in Widener women's track and field, excelling in the shot put. An All-American in her event, Szpynda combined athletic excellence with academic achievement, earning a Capital One CoSIDA Academic All-District honor.
Her accomplishments extended beyond competition, as she was named the Philly-SIDA Performer of the Year and recognized as Widener's Woman of the Year in 2014.
Szpynda's well-rounded success highlights her as one of the premier student-athletes of her time.
The Peter J. Rohana Award for Service to Widener Athletics
Peter J. Rohana '66 was a distinguished alumnus, accomplished attorney, and one of the most influential supporters of Widener University Athletics. As the founder and lead attorney of Rohana Law in Media, Pennsylvania, he earned widespread respect throughout the legal community over a career spanning several decades.
During his time at Pennsylvania Military College, Rohana was a member of the football team and served as team captain, demonstrating the leadership and dedication that would define his lifelong commitment to Widener.
His impact on Widener Athletics extended far beyond his playing days. A dedicated and generous supporter, Rohana was a member of the President's Council and the Trustees' Loyalty Society, and served as the primary donor for the Widener Athletics Hall of Fame. He also held key leadership roles, including serving as president of the Captain's Table— a precursor to the Blue & Gold Club— and later as president of the Blue & Gold Club.
From 2014 to 2021, Rohana served as chair of the Widener Athletics Hall of Fame Committee, helping to guide and strengthen one of the department's most cherished traditions. Widely regarded as a driving force and alumni leader, his legacy is defined by an unwavering commitment to enhancing the student-athlete experience and strengthening the Widener community.
