Bowling Green State University Athletics
Photo by: Scott W. Grau
BGSU Athletics To Induct Ten Football Players Into Cast Of Honor
September 13, 2019 | General
Bowling Green, Ohio – In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Bowling Green State University football program, the BGSU Athletics Department has announced that it will induct ten former football student-athletes into the Cast of Honor, recognizing these student-athletes by hanging their names and uniform numbers at Doyt L. Perry Stadium.
These ten student-athletes join five other football players who have been inducted into the Cast of Honor previously. The new members are:
The criteria for selecting the 10 student-athletes who would be included in the Cast of Honor is extensive. The nominee must have received his or her undergraduate degree from BGSU or, in the event of early pursuit of a professional career, must have been a student in good academic standing and made significant progress towards a degree. The candidate must have been at least 10 years removed from graduation and be a member of the BGSU Athletics Hall of Fame, and must have exceptional athletic qualifications such as national award recognition, All-American status, and/or conference player of the year status. Finally, personal conduct, character, integrity, and community and University standing were considered.
"Congratulations to these ten outstanding individuals on their induction into our Cast of Honor," Director of Athletics Bob Moosbrugger said. "They are the best of the best -- an elite group representing BGSU at the highest level of achievement both in competition and in life. We are very proud to hang their names and numbers at Doyt L. Perry Stadium so that fans for years to come can be reminded of the tremendous tradition of excellence we have at Bowling Green."
These ten student-athletes join 19 others across BGSU Athletics who have been recognized as members of the Cast of Honor. They include George McPhee, Nelson Emerson, Brian Holzinger, Ken Morrow, Rob Blake and Garry Galley in hockey, Nate Thurmond, Wyndol Gray, Howard Komives, Antonio Daniels, James Darrow and Anthony Stacey in men's basketball, Paul Miles, Erik White, Cris Shale, Dave Preston and Brian Leaver in football, Jackie Motycka in women's basketball and Linda Popovich in volleyball.
BGSU Athletics will recognize the newest members of the Cast of Honor on Oct. 12 when the Falcons host rival Toledo in football. That game will serve as a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Bowling Green football program.
Biographies for each of the 10 newly honored student-athletes are listed below.
Bernie Casey, HB (1958-1960)
One of BGSU's most accomplished and admirable alums, Bernie Casey was a College Division All-American selection in 1959. He was first team All-MAC and second team All-Ohio that same season after being the leading receiver for the 1959 National College Division Champions with an unblemished 9-0 record. Casey followed that up by being a 1960 College All-Star and team captain for a squad that went 8-1. He played in the 1960 East-West Shrine Classic and was selected ninth overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1961 NFL Draft, the highest selection ever by a BGSU football player. Casey went on to play in the Pro Bowl and earn All-Pro status. He was inducted into the BGSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1966 and then again in 2013 when the 1959 national championship team was inducted. Casey was an accomplished actor and painter and passed away in 2017.
Fred Durig, RB (1950-1952)
A first team All-Ohio selection and team MVP in 1951 and 1952, Fred Durig ran for 2,564 yards, the sixth-highest career total in school history. Durig was a 1952 College Division All-American, the first All-American selection in school history, as well as being named first team All-MAC for the 1952 season. He was also twice named first team All-Ohio and team MVP (in both 1951 and 1952). He holds the school record for consecutive 100-yard games with five and ran for 1,444 yards while averaging 6.7 yards per carry in 1951, the second-highest single-season totals in BGSU history. Durig rushed for a career-high 206 yards against Bradley in 1951, the fifth-highest single-game total in program history. He was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 16th round of the 1953 NFL Draft and was inducted into the BGSU Hall of Fame in 1975. Durig was also a standout for the Bowling Green wrestling team. He passed away in 1994.
Josh Harris, QB (2000-2003)
BGSU's team MVP in 2002 and 2003, Josh Harris was captain of a 2003 team that finished 11-3 overall, won the Mid-American Conference West Division, won the Motor City Bowl, finished No. 23 in the final AP poll and was No. 24 in the final BCS rankings (the first time BGSU ended a season in the top 25 in the final BCS rankings). He was a Collegefootballnews.com All-American and second team All-MAC that season, as well as Motor City Bowl MVP, holding school bowl records in completions, passing attempts and total yards (38-of-50 for 454 yards against Northwestern). Harris holds the BGSU record for most single-game touchdowns with six (four passing, one rushing, one receiving), the BGSU single-game record for yards gained (527 total yards against Northern Illinois), and the BGSU single-season record for rushing touchdowns, total touchdowns, points, and total plays (20 rushing TDs, 22 total TDs, 134 points, 709 total plays in 2002). He also holds the career total touchdown and career rushing touchdown records at BGSU with 47 total touchdowns scored and 43 rushing touchdowns. Harris is second in BGSU history with 9,976 career total yards and third in program history with 284 points. He is fourth in BGSU single-season history with 3,813 passing yards and a 65.8 completion percentage, the fifth-leading career passer in school history (7,503 yards), and seventh-leading career rusher in program history (2,473 yards). Harris played in the 2003 Senior Bowl and was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. Harris was inducted into the BGSU Hall of Fame in 2016.
Jack Hecker, E (1953-1955)
Jack Hecker was a first-team All-MAC selection in 1954 and 1955 and was an honorable mention All-Ohio selection in 1954. In 1955, Hecker was named a College Division All-American and first team All-Ohio, captaining a team that finished 7-1-1. He is one of just 38 players in BGSU history to record over 1,000 receiving yards (1,081) and averaged 20.8 yards per reception, the highest mark in program history. Hecker was the first BGSU player to compete in the Blue-Gray Classic, doing so in 1955. He was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the ninth round of the 1956 NFL Draft. Hecker returned to BGSU as a graduate assistant under Doyt Perry and then worked as a high school coach at Perrysburg and Mentor before moving on to the college ranks. Along with Toledo and Miami (Ohio), Hecker coached for 23 years at Army and retired in 1999 after 42 years on the college football sidelines. He was inducted into the BGSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1964. Hecker also received varsity letters in basketball and track & field at Bowling Green, competing on the 1954 men's basketball team that played in the NIT at Madison Square Garden. He passed away in 2017 and his wife, Linda, '58, will attend the 100th anniversary game in his place.
Kory Lichtensteiger, OL (2003-2007)
Kory Lichtensteiger was a two-time first team All-MAC recipient and a 2007 Rimington Award Trophy finalist, awarded to the best center in college football. Lichtensteiger earned the football team's Future Award following his 2003 redshirt season, which is presented to the rookie who shows outstanding scout team effort. At the conclusion of the Falcons' 2004 campaign, which was capped with a GMAC Bowl victory over Memphis, Lichtensteiger was awarded second-team All-MAC as a guard as well as being recognized as a Freshman All-American by The Football Writers Association of America (FWAA). In 2005, he was again named second-team All-MAC at guard. Lichtensteiger earned first-team All-MAC in both 2006 and 2007 as a center and also appeared in the 2007 GMAC Bowl. He was a two-time Team Most Valuable Player, as well as two-time Academic All-MAC. To conclude his collegiate career, Lichtensteiger was a semifinalist for the Draddy Trophy, which is awarded to the Best College Football player, considering academics, community service, and on-field performance. Lichtensteiger entered the 2008 NFL Draft and was selected No. 108 overall, in the fourth round, by the Denver Broncos -- the highest BGSU draft pick since 1994. Over his eight-year career, he played for the Broncos and Washington Redskins, starting in 75 games at guard and center. In 2012, Lichtensteiger was awarded the Ed Block Courage Award, voted on by teammates and presented to the individual who is a role model of inspiration, sportsmanship and courage. He was inducted into the BGSU Hall of Fame in 2018.
Mark Miller, QB (1974-1977)
Mark Miller was the first BGSU quarterback to earn All-American honors, being named a 1977 Football News All-American. He was team MVP in both 1976 and 1977 and excelled in the classroom as well, earning Academic All-MAC selection as a captain in 1977. A second team All-MAC selection in 1976, Miller averaged 14.7 yards per completion that season, the third-highest single-season total in school history. Miller is responsible for throwing the longest touchdown pass in BGSU history, a 96-yard score to Dave Dudley in 1976. He is one of two BGSU players in school history to lead the team in passing yards in four consecutive seasons. Miller was the recipient of the 1977 NCAA Post Grad Scholarship. He played in the 1977 Canadian-American Bowl and was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 1978 NFL Draft. Miller was inducted into the BGSU Hall of Fame in 1983.
Vince Palko, LB (1991-1994)
The MAC Defensive Player of the Year in 1993 and 1994, Vince Palko was named an Academic All-MAC selection in both of those seasons in addition to his on-field performance. He holds the BGSU record for career tackles with 478 and was the captain of the 1994 team that finished 9-2. Palko started every game as both a freshman and a sophomore as a member of the 1991 and 1992 MAC Championship teams, helping the Falcons to bowl wins in each season. In 1991, he had 98 tackles to finish second on the team, and again was second on the team in 1992 with 119 stops. Palko was inducted into the BGSU Hall of Fame in 2006.
Phil Villapiano, LB (1968-1970)
Phil Villapiano, playing from 1968 to 1970, was a team captain on the 1970 team. That season, he was named BGSU MVP, MAC Defensive Player of the Year, and first team All-MAC. He was also selected to be a College All-Star and played in the Blue-Gray Classic and the Senior Bowl. Villapiano was inducted into the BGSU Hall of Fame in 1976 and the MAC Hall of Fame in 1992. Drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 1971 NFL Draft, Villapiano collected several awards professionally. Named to the Pro Bowl four times, Villapiano was the 1971 AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year and an All-Pro selection in both 1975 and 1976. He was selected as a 2019 Senior Class candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Mike Weger, DB (1964-1966)
Mike Weger was a third team AP All-American in 1965, the first major college All-American in program history. A first team All-MAC performer in both 1965 and 1966, Weger was named team MVP in each of those campaigns. Weger played on the 1964 and 1965 MAC Championship teams and was captain of the 1966 team that finished 6-3. He played in the 1966 Senior Bowl and 1966 Blue-Gray Classic before being selected by the Detroit Lions in the ninth round of the 1967 NFL Draft. He played safety for the Lions form 1967-75 and then with the Houston Oilers from 1976-77. He was twice named honorable mention All-Pro and finished his career with 17 interceptions, six fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns. He played a small part as himself in the 1968 film Paper Lion, singing Ay Ziggy Zoomba in the film. Weger was inducted into the BGSU Hall of Fame in 1972.
Bob Zimpfer, T (1957-1959)
Bob Zimpfer was a 1959 College Division All-American and captain of the team that finished 9-0 and were voted the National College Division Champions. The Falcons won the MAC title that season and it was the second consecutive year in which Zimpfer was named first team All-MAC and first team All-Ohio. He played in the 1959 All-American Bowl and the 1959 North-South Game before being selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 1960 NFL Draft. He was inducted into the BGSU Hall of Fame in 1974 and then again in 2013 as part of the 1959 national championship team. Zimpfer passed away in 2000 and his wife, Joy, will be attending the 100th anniversary game in his place.
These ten student-athletes join five other football players who have been inducted into the Cast of Honor previously. The new members are:
- Bernie Casey '61, '66
- Fred Durig '53
- Josh Harris '04
- Jack Hecker '56, '58
- Kory Lichtensteiger '07
- Mark Miller '79
- Vince Palko '95
- Phil Villapiano '71
- Mike Weger '67
- Bob Zimpfer '60
The criteria for selecting the 10 student-athletes who would be included in the Cast of Honor is extensive. The nominee must have received his or her undergraduate degree from BGSU or, in the event of early pursuit of a professional career, must have been a student in good academic standing and made significant progress towards a degree. The candidate must have been at least 10 years removed from graduation and be a member of the BGSU Athletics Hall of Fame, and must have exceptional athletic qualifications such as national award recognition, All-American status, and/or conference player of the year status. Finally, personal conduct, character, integrity, and community and University standing were considered.
"Congratulations to these ten outstanding individuals on their induction into our Cast of Honor," Director of Athletics Bob Moosbrugger said. "They are the best of the best -- an elite group representing BGSU at the highest level of achievement both in competition and in life. We are very proud to hang their names and numbers at Doyt L. Perry Stadium so that fans for years to come can be reminded of the tremendous tradition of excellence we have at Bowling Green."
These ten student-athletes join 19 others across BGSU Athletics who have been recognized as members of the Cast of Honor. They include George McPhee, Nelson Emerson, Brian Holzinger, Ken Morrow, Rob Blake and Garry Galley in hockey, Nate Thurmond, Wyndol Gray, Howard Komives, Antonio Daniels, James Darrow and Anthony Stacey in men's basketball, Paul Miles, Erik White, Cris Shale, Dave Preston and Brian Leaver in football, Jackie Motycka in women's basketball and Linda Popovich in volleyball.
BGSU Athletics will recognize the newest members of the Cast of Honor on Oct. 12 when the Falcons host rival Toledo in football. That game will serve as a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Bowling Green football program.
Biographies for each of the 10 newly honored student-athletes are listed below.
Bernie Casey, HB (1958-1960)
One of BGSU's most accomplished and admirable alums, Bernie Casey was a College Division All-American selection in 1959. He was first team All-MAC and second team All-Ohio that same season after being the leading receiver for the 1959 National College Division Champions with an unblemished 9-0 record. Casey followed that up by being a 1960 College All-Star and team captain for a squad that went 8-1. He played in the 1960 East-West Shrine Classic and was selected ninth overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1961 NFL Draft, the highest selection ever by a BGSU football player. Casey went on to play in the Pro Bowl and earn All-Pro status. He was inducted into the BGSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1966 and then again in 2013 when the 1959 national championship team was inducted. Casey was an accomplished actor and painter and passed away in 2017.
Fred Durig, RB (1950-1952)
A first team All-Ohio selection and team MVP in 1951 and 1952, Fred Durig ran for 2,564 yards, the sixth-highest career total in school history. Durig was a 1952 College Division All-American, the first All-American selection in school history, as well as being named first team All-MAC for the 1952 season. He was also twice named first team All-Ohio and team MVP (in both 1951 and 1952). He holds the school record for consecutive 100-yard games with five and ran for 1,444 yards while averaging 6.7 yards per carry in 1951, the second-highest single-season totals in BGSU history. Durig rushed for a career-high 206 yards against Bradley in 1951, the fifth-highest single-game total in program history. He was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 16th round of the 1953 NFL Draft and was inducted into the BGSU Hall of Fame in 1975. Durig was also a standout for the Bowling Green wrestling team. He passed away in 1994.
Josh Harris, QB (2000-2003)
BGSU's team MVP in 2002 and 2003, Josh Harris was captain of a 2003 team that finished 11-3 overall, won the Mid-American Conference West Division, won the Motor City Bowl, finished No. 23 in the final AP poll and was No. 24 in the final BCS rankings (the first time BGSU ended a season in the top 25 in the final BCS rankings). He was a Collegefootballnews.com All-American and second team All-MAC that season, as well as Motor City Bowl MVP, holding school bowl records in completions, passing attempts and total yards (38-of-50 for 454 yards against Northwestern). Harris holds the BGSU record for most single-game touchdowns with six (four passing, one rushing, one receiving), the BGSU single-game record for yards gained (527 total yards against Northern Illinois), and the BGSU single-season record for rushing touchdowns, total touchdowns, points, and total plays (20 rushing TDs, 22 total TDs, 134 points, 709 total plays in 2002). He also holds the career total touchdown and career rushing touchdown records at BGSU with 47 total touchdowns scored and 43 rushing touchdowns. Harris is second in BGSU history with 9,976 career total yards and third in program history with 284 points. He is fourth in BGSU single-season history with 3,813 passing yards and a 65.8 completion percentage, the fifth-leading career passer in school history (7,503 yards), and seventh-leading career rusher in program history (2,473 yards). Harris played in the 2003 Senior Bowl and was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. Harris was inducted into the BGSU Hall of Fame in 2016.
Jack Hecker, E (1953-1955)
Jack Hecker was a first-team All-MAC selection in 1954 and 1955 and was an honorable mention All-Ohio selection in 1954. In 1955, Hecker was named a College Division All-American and first team All-Ohio, captaining a team that finished 7-1-1. He is one of just 38 players in BGSU history to record over 1,000 receiving yards (1,081) and averaged 20.8 yards per reception, the highest mark in program history. Hecker was the first BGSU player to compete in the Blue-Gray Classic, doing so in 1955. He was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the ninth round of the 1956 NFL Draft. Hecker returned to BGSU as a graduate assistant under Doyt Perry and then worked as a high school coach at Perrysburg and Mentor before moving on to the college ranks. Along with Toledo and Miami (Ohio), Hecker coached for 23 years at Army and retired in 1999 after 42 years on the college football sidelines. He was inducted into the BGSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1964. Hecker also received varsity letters in basketball and track & field at Bowling Green, competing on the 1954 men's basketball team that played in the NIT at Madison Square Garden. He passed away in 2017 and his wife, Linda, '58, will attend the 100th anniversary game in his place.
Kory Lichtensteiger, OL (2003-2007)
Kory Lichtensteiger was a two-time first team All-MAC recipient and a 2007 Rimington Award Trophy finalist, awarded to the best center in college football. Lichtensteiger earned the football team's Future Award following his 2003 redshirt season, which is presented to the rookie who shows outstanding scout team effort. At the conclusion of the Falcons' 2004 campaign, which was capped with a GMAC Bowl victory over Memphis, Lichtensteiger was awarded second-team All-MAC as a guard as well as being recognized as a Freshman All-American by The Football Writers Association of America (FWAA). In 2005, he was again named second-team All-MAC at guard. Lichtensteiger earned first-team All-MAC in both 2006 and 2007 as a center and also appeared in the 2007 GMAC Bowl. He was a two-time Team Most Valuable Player, as well as two-time Academic All-MAC. To conclude his collegiate career, Lichtensteiger was a semifinalist for the Draddy Trophy, which is awarded to the Best College Football player, considering academics, community service, and on-field performance. Lichtensteiger entered the 2008 NFL Draft and was selected No. 108 overall, in the fourth round, by the Denver Broncos -- the highest BGSU draft pick since 1994. Over his eight-year career, he played for the Broncos and Washington Redskins, starting in 75 games at guard and center. In 2012, Lichtensteiger was awarded the Ed Block Courage Award, voted on by teammates and presented to the individual who is a role model of inspiration, sportsmanship and courage. He was inducted into the BGSU Hall of Fame in 2018.
Mark Miller, QB (1974-1977)
Mark Miller was the first BGSU quarterback to earn All-American honors, being named a 1977 Football News All-American. He was team MVP in both 1976 and 1977 and excelled in the classroom as well, earning Academic All-MAC selection as a captain in 1977. A second team All-MAC selection in 1976, Miller averaged 14.7 yards per completion that season, the third-highest single-season total in school history. Miller is responsible for throwing the longest touchdown pass in BGSU history, a 96-yard score to Dave Dudley in 1976. He is one of two BGSU players in school history to lead the team in passing yards in four consecutive seasons. Miller was the recipient of the 1977 NCAA Post Grad Scholarship. He played in the 1977 Canadian-American Bowl and was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 1978 NFL Draft. Miller was inducted into the BGSU Hall of Fame in 1983.
Vince Palko, LB (1991-1994)
The MAC Defensive Player of the Year in 1993 and 1994, Vince Palko was named an Academic All-MAC selection in both of those seasons in addition to his on-field performance. He holds the BGSU record for career tackles with 478 and was the captain of the 1994 team that finished 9-2. Palko started every game as both a freshman and a sophomore as a member of the 1991 and 1992 MAC Championship teams, helping the Falcons to bowl wins in each season. In 1991, he had 98 tackles to finish second on the team, and again was second on the team in 1992 with 119 stops. Palko was inducted into the BGSU Hall of Fame in 2006.
Phil Villapiano, LB (1968-1970)
Phil Villapiano, playing from 1968 to 1970, was a team captain on the 1970 team. That season, he was named BGSU MVP, MAC Defensive Player of the Year, and first team All-MAC. He was also selected to be a College All-Star and played in the Blue-Gray Classic and the Senior Bowl. Villapiano was inducted into the BGSU Hall of Fame in 1976 and the MAC Hall of Fame in 1992. Drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 1971 NFL Draft, Villapiano collected several awards professionally. Named to the Pro Bowl four times, Villapiano was the 1971 AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year and an All-Pro selection in both 1975 and 1976. He was selected as a 2019 Senior Class candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Mike Weger, DB (1964-1966)
Mike Weger was a third team AP All-American in 1965, the first major college All-American in program history. A first team All-MAC performer in both 1965 and 1966, Weger was named team MVP in each of those campaigns. Weger played on the 1964 and 1965 MAC Championship teams and was captain of the 1966 team that finished 6-3. He played in the 1966 Senior Bowl and 1966 Blue-Gray Classic before being selected by the Detroit Lions in the ninth round of the 1967 NFL Draft. He played safety for the Lions form 1967-75 and then with the Houston Oilers from 1976-77. He was twice named honorable mention All-Pro and finished his career with 17 interceptions, six fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns. He played a small part as himself in the 1968 film Paper Lion, singing Ay Ziggy Zoomba in the film. Weger was inducted into the BGSU Hall of Fame in 1972.
Bob Zimpfer, T (1957-1959)
Bob Zimpfer was a 1959 College Division All-American and captain of the team that finished 9-0 and were voted the National College Division Champions. The Falcons won the MAC title that season and it was the second consecutive year in which Zimpfer was named first team All-MAC and first team All-Ohio. He played in the 1959 All-American Bowl and the 1959 North-South Game before being selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 1960 NFL Draft. He was inducted into the BGSU Hall of Fame in 1974 and then again in 2013 as part of the 1959 national championship team. Zimpfer passed away in 2000 and his wife, Joy, will be attending the 100th anniversary game in his place.
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