UpDate - Vol. 12, No. 18, Page 15
February 4, 1993
Two from University honored at state sportswriters banquet

     Two University standouts were honored last month at the annual
Delaware Sportswriters and Broadcasters Association (DSBA) banquet.
     University of Delaware quarterback Bill Vergantino was honored as the
1992 Delaware Athlete of the Year, and the late David M. Nelson, former
dean, athletic director and head football coach of the College of Physical
Education, Athletics and Recreation was given the Herm Reitzes Award
posthumously.
     Vergantino set 24 University records as a four-year starter for the
Blue Hens, including most career yards passing (6,487), most career yards
rushing by a quarterback (2,564), most career total offense yards (9,051),
most career rushing touchdowns (38) and most career touchdown passes (47).
Vergantino earned first team All-Yankee Conference honors in 1991 and
second team honors in 1992.
     Named for the late DSBA co-founder and broadcaster, the Reitzes award
is given each year to a person who has made outstanding contributions to
sports in the state. The award was accepted by Mr. Nelson's wife, Shirley.
     Mr. Nelson, a graduate of the University of Michigan, came to Delaware
as head football coach and athletic director in 1951 and was instrumental
in forming the College of Physical Education, Athletics and Recreation in
1980. Serving as both NCAA Rules Committee secretary/ editor from 1962 and
as first Yankee Conference commissioner from 1990 until his death, he was
inducted into the State of Delaware Hall of Fame in 1978 and the College
Football Hall of Fame in 1987.