FOOTBALL

MIDDLEBURY, Vt. - Norwich University senior Brendan Recchia was inducted into the Vermont chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame at the organization's annual banquet Sunday evening.

The banquet, which was held at Chip Kenyon '85 Arena on the campus of Middlebury College, honored several high school seniors as well as Recchia and Middlebury College senior Nathan Clancy. 

Recchia was a star both on and off the field during his four-year career at Norwich. On the field, the Pleasant Valley, N.Y., native was a two-sport standout, excelling in football and baseball. 

A four-year contributor on the NU football squad, Recchia held down a starting spot in the Cadets' defensive backfield the past two seasons. Last fall, as one of the team's four captains, Recchia produced his finest season statistically with 58 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and one interception. He finished his gridiron career with 128 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, five interceptions and four pass break ups.

During his two-year stint on the NU baseball team, Recchia was a .338 career hitter with five doubles, four triples, 31 runs scored, 18 runs batted in and eight stolen bases.

In addition to being a leader on the field, Recchia has also established himself as a leader in the Norwich Corps of Cadets. He is currently the Master of Fitness, and is charge of the PT program for the entire Corps. As a member of the 3rd Battalion Staff, Recchia led 12 sophomores in summer training. Recchia is scheduled to be commissioned on Saturday, May 10.

Union-32 standout offensive lineman Phillip Hall, who will be attending Norwich next season, was among the high school student-athletes honored.

Several members of the Norwich University football coaching staff were on hand at the banquet, including head coach Shawn McIntyre, associate head coach/defensive backs coach Leo Fanning, defensive coordinator Mark Murnyack and linebackers coach John Rhoades. Former Norwich head coach Barry Mynter was also at the event.