Four alumni named honorary gridiron captains

3:45 p.m., Oct. 14, 2004--Continuing a tradition now in its eighth year, the University of Delaware has named four former Fightin’ Blue Hens as honorary football captains for 2004. The honor recognizes individuals who have been especially supportive of football and a variety of other athletic programs at UD.

Bill Armstrong, who graduated in 1973 with a degree in agricultural engineering technology, was honored at the Sept. 2 home opener against the University of New Hampshire. While at UD, Armstrong played halfback and was named to the First Team Universal Sports All-American in 1971 and also was the recipient of the 1971 Newark and Wilmington Touchdown Club’s outstanding senior offensive player awards.

Career marks include 1,044 yards rushing in 1971 (11th in the UD record book for 1,000-yard seasons); 70.9 yards per game in a career (seventh); seven 100-yard career games (ninth); and 2,340-career rushing yards (seventh).

Jim Brandimarte, who graduated in 1980 with a degree in social studies and economics, played safety and was a team captain on the 1979 Division II national championship team. Brandimarte, who was honored at the Sept. 11 game against Towson, received the 1979 Baker-Taylor Award and the Unsung Hero Award, both presented by the Newark and Wilmington Touchdown Club.

Mike Purzycki, a 1967 graduate with a degree in history, was honored at the Sept. 18 contest against West Chester University. Purzycki has teamed up with his brother and fellow former Fightin’ Blue Hen, Joseph, to endow a football scholarship that will be named in their honor.

Career highlights include First Team All-Middle Atlantic Conference (1966); 98 career receptions (eighth); fourth in receptions per game per season (4.7, 1966); and fifth in touchdown receptions in a single game, with three against Rutgers in 1964. Purzycki also led the team in receptions in 1965 with 36 for 426 yards, and in 1966, with 42 for 616 yards respectively.

Larry Catuzzi, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physical education (1958) and a master’s in education (1966), will be honored at the Nov. 20 home game against Villanova.

During the 1956 and 1957 seasons, Catuzzi led the Fightin’ Blue Hens in passing, connecting on 50 of 95 passes, good for seven touchdowns and 675 yards; and 25 of 58 passes for five touchdowns and 372 yards respectively. Catuzzi, who also lettered in baseball, holds the record for fifth-best passing performance in a single game, with an 80 percent completion rate against Lehigh in 1956.

Article by Jerry Rhodes

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