Lycoming College

One of many from a long line of Lycoming football defensive stars that helped transform it into a national powerhouse, Wade Ritter '84 was a key cog in one of the most dominating defensive units in the program's history.
 
A four-year starter at defensive tackle, Ritter was a First Team All-MAC and All-ECAC selection in 1983 when he helped pace the unit, which was the stingiest in Division III, allowing just 154.5 yards per game and pitched five shutouts. During that season, the team captain posted 80 tackles, 14 sacks and recovered three fumbles. He also blocked one kick.
 
The year before that, "Big Daddy," standing at 6-3 and 250 pounds throughout his career, was a part of the program's second MAC title while, from his spot on the defensive line where he notched 59 tackles and 10 sacks to go with four fumble recoveries, he helped the Warriors lead Division III in rushing defense (34.2).
 
Although the NCAA did not officially keep defensive stats until 2004, the Lock Haven, Pa., native's unofficial stats still make the eyes pop 40 years laters. He was credited with 255 career tackles (seventh in school history) and 25 sacks (seventh in school history) and he holds the school record with 11 fumbles recovered.
 
Ritter's Warrior teams went  29-9-2 (.732) in his career, winning the MAC title in 1982 and finishing as the conference runner-up twice.
 
After graduating Lycoming in 1984, Ritter coached football for the next seven years, working as an assistant at Lock Haven University (1985), West Deptford High School (1986), East Stroudsburg University (1987-88), the University of Kentucky (1989-91) and Cumberland College (1992). He went on to work as a salesman in the construction and mining machinery industry for more than 30 years. He has been with partner, Karen Gnazzo, for 24 years, and he enjoys motorcycles and trap shooting.
 
Nominated by: Mark Sitler '86 – teammate