1983 Waynesburg Yellow Jackets football team

American college football season March 2026 August 2025 1983 Waynesburg Yellow Jackets football Independent 6–3–1 William Tornabene 1st Mike Forbes Ralph Pantalone John F. Wiley Stadium The 1983 Waynesburg Yellow Jackets football team was an American football team that represented the Waynesburg University during the 1983 NAIA Division II football season. In their first year under head coach William Tornabene, the Yellow Jackets compiled a record of 6–3–1 record.Waynesburg's Birkhead Injured in Season Finale (The Pittsburgh Press) November 13, 1983 In 1983, Waynesburg secured the program's 300th victory. The program was also placed on probation by the NAIA for providing improper financial aid to two football players.College Football (The Pittsburgh Press) October 8, 1983 Waynesburg's passing leader in 1983 was quarterback Tim Garry with 1,775 passing yards. 2015 Football Guide (Waynesburg University) Retrieved July 31, 2025 Running back Otto Birkhead led the team with 509 rushing yards, averaging 9.3 yards per carry.Waynesburg's Birkhead Injured in Season Finale (The Pittsburgh Press) November 13, 1983 Otto Birkhead and Matt Toney each led the team with 28 receptions, but Toney led all receivers with 495 receiving yards. Mike Zeglen, the kicker, led the team in scoring with 29 points. Waynesburg's defensive leaders in 1983 were defensive back Steven Burchianti and Linebacker Kevin Jozwiakowski.Waynesburg's Most Valuable Players Chris Bates (Democrat-Messenger). May 4, 1984Waynesburg College MVPs (Observer-Reporter). May 4, 1984Zilli A Versatile Jacket John Barker (Observer Reporter) October 3, 1983 Schedule Eastern September 3 t 1983 Glenville State Pioneers Glenville State John F. Wiley Stadium Waynesburg, PA 7–7 College Football Glenville 7, Waynesburg 7 (The Pittsburgh Press) September 5, 1983 September 10 l 1983 IUP Indians IUP George P. Miller Stadium Indiana, PA 0–21 https://iupathletics.com/sports/football/schedule/1983 1983 Football Schedule www.iupathletics.com 22 June 2025 September 17 w 1983 Fairmont State Falcons Fairmont State John F. Wiley Stadium Waynesburg, PA 14–13 Fourth Quarter Heroics Lift Waynesburg to Victory Over Fairmont Chris Bates (Observer-Reporter). September 18, 1983Waynesburg 14, Fairmont 13 (Pittsburgh Press) September 18, 1983Jackets Renew Rivalry with Victory Tom Corbett (The Yellow Jacket) September 18, 1983 September 24 w 1983 Geneva Golden Tornadoes Geneva Reeves Field Beaver Falls, PA 17–6 College Football Waynesburg 17, Geneva 6 (The Pittsburgh Press) September 25, 1983 October 1 w y 1983 Duquesne Dukes Duquesne South High Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 23–6 Burchianti, Pantalone Jackets-of-the-Week Chris Bates (Democrat Messenger) October 3, 1983Jackets Sting highly Touted Duquesne Tim Corbett (The Yellow Jacket) October 5, 1983Jackets of the Week David Zilli (The Yellow Jacket) September 18, 1983 October 8 w y 1983 Emory and Henry Wasps Emory and Henry John F. Wiley Stadium Waynesburg, PA 24–7 College Football Waynesburg 24, Emory & Henry 7 (The Pittsburgh Press) October 9, 1983 October 15 w 1983 Frostburg State Bobcats Frostburg State Bobcat Stadium Frostburg, MD 24–17 Frostburg Downed by Waynesburg (The Patriot News) October 16, 1983 October 23 l y 1983 Westminster Titans Westminster (PA) New Wilmington, PA 2–20 College Football Westminster 20, Waynesburg 2 (The Pittsburgh Press) October 23, 1983https://athletics.westminster.edu/sports/football/schedule/1983 1983 Football Schedule www.athletics.westminster.edu 30 June 2025 October 29 w 1983 Grove City Wolverines Grove City Robert E. Thorn Field Grove City, PA 14–9 College Football Waynesburg 14, Grove City 9 (The Pittsburgh Press) October 30, 1983 November 5 l 1983 Salem Tigers Salem Catalano Stadium Salem, WV 21–6 Salem 21, Waynesburg 6 (The Pittsburgh Press) November 6, 1983Waynesburg's Birkhead Injured in Season Finale (The Pittsburgh Press) November 13, 1983 Game summaries Glenville State Waynesburg Yellow Jackets 1; text-align:center Glenville at Waynesburg - Game Summary Glenville State 0 7 0 0 Waynesburg 0 0 0 7 September 3 Home Eastern yes Q2 Glenville State Jim Bird 7-yard pass from Jeff Metheny (Mark Szklennik kick) Glenville State 7–0 Q3 Waynesburg Interception by Waynesburg defense (first of three by Jeff Metheny) Glenville State 7–0 Q3 Waynesburg Blocked Glenville State field goal attempt Glenville State 7–0 Q4 Waynesburg Interception by Waynesburg defense (second of three by Jeff Metheny) Glenville State 7–0 Q4 10:14 Waynesburg Matt Toney 22-yard pass from Tim Gary (Mike Zeglen kick) Glenville State 7–7 Q4 Waynesburg Interception by Waynesburg defense (third of three by Jeff Metheny) Glenville State 7–7 yes Waynesburg College opened its 1983 football season with a hard-fought 7–7 tie against Glenville State, in a game marked by stout defense and timely plays on both sides.Waynesburg in 7-7 Tie (The Patriot News) September 4, 1983 Glenville State struck first, capitalizing on a second-quarter drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Jeff Metheny to Jim Bird. Mark Szklennik’s extra point gave the Pioneers a 7–0 lead that held until the final quarter. Waynesburg responded in the fourth quarter. With 10:14 remaining, quarterback Tim Garry connected with Matt Toney on a 22-yard touchdown pass, and Mike Zeglen nailed the extra point to even the score. Neither team would find the end zone again as the defenses held firm to preserve the tie. Statistically, Glenville outgained Waynesburg with 306 yards of total offense, including 159 rushing yards on 51 attempts. Running back Byron Brooks led all rushers with 117 yards on 28 carries. Metheny completed 13 of 27 passes for 147 yards but was intercepted three times by a resilient Waynesburg defense, which also blocked a key field goal to help keep the game within reach. Waynesburg totaled 230 offensive yards, with 113 coming on the ground and 117 through the air. Gary finished 17 of 31 passing with one interception. Despite falling behind early, the Yellow Jackets showed resolve and defensive strength in earning the road draw to open their season.College Football Glenville 7, Waynesburg 7 (The Pittsburgh Press) September 5, 1983 left Waynesburg Yellow Jackets Waynesburg Glenville State Pioneers Glenville State Tim Garry 17/31, 117 Yds, TD, INT Matt Toney 22 Yd TD Rec Jeff Metheny 13/27, 147 Yds, TD, 3 INT Byron Brooks 28 Car, 117 Yds Jim Bird 7 Yd TD Rec IUP Waynesburg 0 0 0 0 IUP 0 0 7 14 September 10 1:30 PM Away Eastern yes Q2 IUP Thompson 1 yard rushing touchdown (Domenick extra point) IUP 7–0 Q3 IUP Potter 9 yard touchdown pass to Rich Ingold (Domenick extra point) IUP 14–0 Q3 IUP Thompson 1 yard rushing touchdown (Domenick extra point) IUP 21–0 yes Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) defeated Waynesburg College 21–0. The game was a defensive stalemate at half with neither team posting any points. In the third quarter, IUP’s offense eventually wore down the Waynesburg defensive line with its consistent rushing attack while Waynesburg's offense was unable to find its footing. In total, Waynesburg’s offense was limited to just 106 total yards on the day and the Yellow Jackets' running backs were held to just 21 rushing yards on twelve attempts. On the other hand, IUP marched down the field in the second half with three scoring drives of 48, 70, and 90 yards. Despite entering the Waynesburg 35-yard line on eight occasions, the Crimson Hawks capitalized for just three touchdowns. IUP Quarterback Jeff Ingold led the aerial attack, completing 19 of 30 passes for 254 yards. On the ground, IUP tailback Seidel powered the run game with 133 yards on 21 carries.IUP Makes Opener a Smashing Success (Indiana Gazette) September 12, 1983 left Waynesburg Yellow Jackets Waynesburg Indiana University of Pennsylvania Crimson Hawks IUP Tim Garry 11/27, 85 Yds, 1 INT Joe Polacek 8 Rush Yds on 6 carries Kent Johnston 3 Rec, 37 Yds Jeff Ingold 19/30, 254 Yds, TD Seidel 133 Rush Yds on 21 carries Rich Ingold 9 Yd TD Rec Fairmont State Fairmont State 0 13 0 0 Waynesburg 0 0 6 8 September 17 Home Eastern yes Q2 Fairmont State Eric Soliday 39-yard field goal Fairmont State 3–0 Q2 Fairmont State Eric Soliday 37-yard field goal Fairmont State 6–0 Q2 Fairmont State Joe Thompson 4-yard pass from Mark Johnson (kick good) Fairmont State 13–0 Q3 Waynesburg Fumble recovery by John Higgins on Fairmont 11-yard line Fairmont State 13–0 Q3 Waynesburg Sherley Hairston 11-yard pass from Tim Garry (kick failed) Fairmont State 13–6 Q3 Waynesburg Blocked 30-yard field goal attempt by Jim Rubino Fairmont State 13–6 Q4 Waynesburg Cline Hunt 11-yard touchdown reception from Tim Garry (Sherley Hairston run for two-point conversion) Waynesburg 14–13 Q4 Waynesburg Forced fumble by Joe Persichetti recovered by Waynesburg defense Waynesburg 14–13 yes In a tightly contested home game, Waynesburg College erased a 13-point halftime deficit to edge Fairmont State 14–13. The Yellow Jackets scored twice in the second half and converted a crucial two-point attempt to seal the comeback win.Waynesburg 14, Fairmont 13 (Pittsburgh Press) September 18, 1983 Fairmont controlled the first half behind quarterback Mark Johnson, who completed 14 of 19 passes for 185 yards, including a four-yard touchdown to Joe Thompson. Kicker Eric Soliday added field goals of 39 and 37 yards in the second quarter to give the Falcons their 13-point advantage at the break.Fourth Quarter Heroics Lift Waynesburg to Victory Over Fairmont Chris Bates (Observer-Reporter). September 18, 1983 Quarterback Tim Garry led the Waynesburg response, throwing for 174 yards on 17 of 27 passing with two touchdowns. Sherley Hairston caught an 11-yard touchdown and later ran in the decisive two-point conversion after Cline Hunt hauled in the game-tying score. Defensively, cornerback Steve Burchianti was named “Jacket of the Week” after recording 13 tackles, including seven solo stops. Joe Persichetti forced a fumble at the Fairmont three-yard line, and John Higgins recovered another at the Falcon 11 to help set up scoring drives. left Fairmont State Falcons Fairmont State Waynesburg Yellow Jackets Waynesburg Mark Johnson 14/19, 185 Yds, TD – – Joe Thompson 4 Yd TD Rec Tim Garry 17/27, 174 Yds, 2 TD Sherley Hairston 2 Pt Conv, key rushes Cline Hunt 11 Yd TD Rec Team Player Stat line Waynesburg Steve Burchianti 13 TKL (7 solo) Waynesburg Joe Persichetti FF Waynesburg John Higgins FR Fairmont State Jim Rubino Blocked FG Duquesne Waynesburg Yellow Jackets at Duquesne Dukes – Game Summary Waynesburg 7 10 0 6 Duquesne 0 0 6 0 October 3 South High Stadium, Duquesne, PA Eastern yes Q1 Waynesburg Jeff Standish fumble recovery in endzone Waynesburg 7–0 Q1 Waynesburg Steve Burchianti interception Waynesburg 7–0 Q2 Waynesburg Matt Toney 46-yard touchdown reception from Tim Garry (kick good) Waynesburg 14–0 Q2 Waynesburg Mike Zeglen 31-yard field goal Waynesburg 17–0 Q3 Waynesburg Bob Abbiatici interception Waynesburg 17–0 Q3 Duquesne Jim Radermacher 79-yard touchdown reception from Scott Henson (kick failed) Waynesburg 17–6 Q4 Waynesburg David Zilli 52-yard touchdown reception from Tim Garry (kick good) Waynesburg 23–6 Q4 Waynesburg Steve Burchianti second interception Waynesburg 23–6 Q4 Waynesburg Joe Persichetti forced fumble recovered by Pete Butler Waynesburg 23–6 yes Waynesburg College posted a convincing 23–6 win over Duquesne University on October 3 at South High Stadium, powered by an efficient aerial attack and a defense that forced seven turnovers. Quarterback Tim Garry led the Yellow Jackets with 280 passing yards and two long touchdown passes, one a 46-yard strike to Matt Toney and the other a 52-yard pass to David Zilli; the latter being his first of the year after starting the season at fullback. Toney finished with five catches for 110 yards, while running back Sherley Hairston added 95 yards on the ground. However, it was team captain offensive lineman Ralph Pantalone that earned Offensive Jacket of the Week honors for leading the rushing attack with his blocking hitting on 87% of his assignments. Mike Zeglen chipped in with field goals of 31 and 32 yards, and Jeff Standish recovered a fumble in the endzone for another score.Jackets Sting highly Touted Duquesne Tim Corbett (The Yellow Jacket) October 5, 1983 On the defensive side, Waynesburg clamped down hard on the Duquesne offense, limiting the Dukes to just 9 completions in 28 attempts. Defensive back Steve Burchianti led the charge with two interceptions, a fumble recovery, two pass deflections (including one that lead to an interception), and six tackles, which earned him Defensive Jacket of the Week honors. Coach Tornabene said Steven "almost came away with a third... but a receiver stripped the ball from him" and "he looked like he had a safety on that one play [Dukes' tailback was tackled for a loss on the 1 yard line]." These actions earned him another Jacket of the Week honors. Bob Abbiatici and Craig Harris also recorded interceptions, while Joe Persichetti forced a fumble and Jeff Standish added a recovery to stifle the Dukes' opening drive. Despite the loss, Duquesne’s Pedro Bowman managed 110 rushing yards, and Scott Henson connected with Jim Radermacher for a 79-yard touchdown. The extra point attempt failed, and a 33-yard field goal attempt by Jim Parey was also missed.Burchianti, Pantalone Jackets-of-the-Week Chris Bates (Democrat Messenger) October 3, 1983 left Duquesne Dukes Duquesne Waynesburg Yellow Jackets Waynesburg Scott Henson 9/28, 176 Yds, TD Pedro Bowman 110 Rush Yds Jim Radermacher 79 Yd TD Rec Tim Garry 280 Yds, 2 TD Sherley Hairston 95 Rush Yds Matt Toney 5 Rec, 110 Yds, TD Team Player Stat line Waynesburg Steve Burchianti 2 INT, FR, 2 PD, 6 TKL Waynesburg Bob Abbiatici INT Waynesburg Craig Harris INT Waynesburg Joe Persichetti FF Waynesburg Jeff Standish FR, TD Emory and Henry Emory and Henry 0 0 0 7 Waynesburg 7 14 3 0 October 8 Waynesburg, PA Eastern yes Q2 Fairmont State Eric Soliday 39-yard field goal Fairmont State 3–0 Q2 Fairmont State Eric Soliday 37-yard field goal Fairmont State 6–0 Q2 Fairmont State Joe Thompson 4-yard pass from Mark Johnson (kick good) Fairmont State 13–0 Q3 Waynesburg Sherley Hairston 11-yard pass from Tim Garry (kick failed) Fairmont State 13–6 Q4 Waynesburg Cline Hunt touchdown reception from Tim Garry (Sherley Hairston run for two-point conversion) Waynesburg 14–13 yes Waynesburg celebrated its homecoming game with a 24–7 victory over Emory and Henry. Tailback Otto Birkhead amassed 112 yards on 11 carries. His performance, which included a 37-yard touchdown run, earned him "Jacket of the Week" honors, highlighting a strong offensive showing that also featured a four-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tim Garry to tight end David Tucci and a one-yard touchdown run by fullback Pete Long. The Yellow Jacket defense was stout, holding Emory and Henry to just one score in the fourth quarter against the second-team defense, with safety Craig Harris contributing eight tackles, a fumble recovery, and an interception. College Football Waynesburg 24, Emory & Henry 7 (The Pittsburgh Press) October 9, 1983 left Emory and Henry Wasps Emory and Henry Waynesburg Yellow Jackets Waynesburg – – Otto Birkhead 112 Rush Yds, 37 Yd TD Run – – Tim Garry (includes 4-yd TD pass to David Tucci) Pete Long 1 Yd TD Run David Tucci 4 Yd TD Rec Team Player Stat line Waynesburg Craig Harris 8 TKL, FR, INT Frostburg State Waynesburg 7 3 7 7 Frostburg 0 0 3 14 October 15 Bobcat Stadium, Frostburg, MD Eastern yes Q1 Waynesburg Pete Long ran for a 1 yard score (Zeglen extra point) Waynesburg 7–0 Q2 Waynesburg Zeglen 39 yard Field Goal Waynesburg 10–0 Q3 Waynesburg Birkhead 72 yard pass from Garry (Zeglen extra point) Waynesburg 17–0 Q3 Frostburg Lippold 34 yard Field Goal Waynesburg 17–3 Q4 Frostburg Mohler 22 yard pass to Theis for a touchdown (Lippold extra point) Frostburg 17–10 Q4 Frostburg Persichetti 48 yard interception return for a touchdown (Zeglen extra point) Frostburg 24–10 Q4 Frostburg Mohler 66 yard pass to Walker for a touchdown (Lippold extra point) Frostburg 24–17 yes Waynesburg College secured a 24-17 victory over Frostburg in a non-conference college football game. Offensive contributions for Waynesburg included a 72-yard touchdown pass from Tim Garry to Otto Birkhead, and Garry completed 15 passes in total. Frostburg's scoring took place primarily in the fourth quarter and included 66 yard deep pass from Quarterback Mohler to receiver Tony Walker and another 22 yard pass to Theis. The game came down to the final play. Frostburg's game tying rushing touchdown was called back due to a penalty and the Waynesburg defense rallied to make a goal line stand to secure Yellow Jacket's fifth win of the season. Westminster Waynesburg 0 2 0 0 Westminster 0 6 7 7 October 23 Eastern yes Q2 Westminster Rich Edder ran for a 3 yard score (Fleischman missed the extra point) Westminster 6–0 Q2 Waynesburg Waynesburg scores a safety Waynesburg 2–6 Q3 Westminster Darwin Short scored a 1-yard run(Fleischman kick) Westminster 13–2 Q4 Westminster Touchdown (Fleischman kick) Westminster 20–2 yes The game was a defensive battle and remained close until the close of the 3rd quarter in spite of quarterback Tim Garry hitting on 42% of his passing attempts and throwing four interceptions. Westminster finally scored two touchdowns in the fourth to secure the win. The victory raised Westminster to No.2 in the NAIA Division II and kept Waynesburg at No. 20 in the NAIA Division II.College Football Westminster 20, Waynesburg 2 (The Pittsburgh Press) October 23, 1983 Salem Waynesburg 0 0 0 6 Salem 0 0 7 14 November 5, 1983 Salem, West Virginia Eastern yes Q3 Salem Joe Montouth 5-yard run (kick good) Salem 7–0 Q4 Salem Joe Montouth 3-yard run (kick good) Salem 14–0 Q4 Waynesburg Zeglen Field Goal Salem 14–3 Q4 Waynesburg Zeglen Field Goal Salem 14–6 Q4 Salem Joe Montouth 1-yard run (kick good) Salem 21–6 yes Waynesburg’s season came to a frustrating close as they fell to Salem, 21–6, in the final game of the year. Salem’s Joe Montouth proved to be the difference-maker, carrying the ball 28 times for 147 yards and scoring all three of his team’s touchdowns.Salem 21, Waynesburg 6 (The Pittsburgh Press) November 6, 1983 Waynesburg leaned heavily on the passing game, attempting 51 passes, but managed to complete only 18 for 210 yards. The offense was severely weakened due to runningback, Otto Birkhead, suffering a separated shoulder and fullback Pete Long's suspension. Mike Zeglen was awarded Jacket of the Week honors for posting the team's only scores. Despite the loss, the Yellow Jackets capped a strong campaign with a 6-3-1 overall record. left Waynesburg Yellow Jackets Waynesburg Salem Tigers Salem Tim Garry 18/51, 210 Yds Joe Montouth 28 Car, 147 Yds, 3 TD Roster 1983 Waynesburg Football f 12 Tim Garry QB 11 SR Casey Cavanaugh QB Kent Marisa QB John Theofiledes QB Don Barnhart QB Scot Lee QB 33 SR Otto Birkhead RB 22 SO Sherley Hairston RB 38 Cline Hunt FB 34 Rich Dalton FB 87 Matt Toney WR Ted Rodavich WR Mark Hess WR 89 David Zilli WR 62 Tom Corbett LG 67 Phil Magdic RG 61 SR Ralph Pantalone (C) OG 76 Joe Miller LT 68 Dave Plunt RT 58 Scott Schifko C 48 Freemont Catlin DE 93 SR Jeff Standish DT Scott Schifko DT 81 John Higgins NG 85 Vince Frank DT 80 SR Kevin Jozwiakowski LB 24 Pete Butler LB Bob Doody LB Lou Joseph LB Dan Cougar LB 47 FR Mike Bishop LB 36 SR Steve Burchianti DB 25 Richie Barnes DB Jim Rubino DB 23 Craig Harris DB 42 Jay Jones DB Mike Zeglen K Ted Rodavich K Tim Garry P * William Tornabene Depth chart Single Set Back 4-3 Yes No Yes Tim Garry Casey Cavanaugh John Theofiledes Otto Birkhead Sherley Hairston Calvin Camp Rich Dalton David Zilli Rich Dalton Matt Toney Ted Rodavich Joe Persichetti Mark Hess David Zilli Sean Brown Cline Hunt Dave Tucci Joe Miller Tom Corbett Scott Schifko Phil Magdic Ralph Pantalone Dave Plunt Bob Doody Lou Joseph Dan Cougar Kevin Jozwiakowski Pete Butler Mike Bishop Jay Jones Craig Harris Bob Abbaticci Steven Burchianti Rich Barnes Pete Butler Craig Harris Scott Schifko Vince Frank John Higgins Jeff Standish Freemont Catlin Mike Zeglen Ted Rodavich Tim Garry Sherley Hairston Matt Toney Phil Magdic Kent Marisa Pro-style 4–3 100 90 No References Waynesburg Category:Waynesburg Yellow Jackets football seasons Waynesburg Yellow Jackets football