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Delaware State celebrates 1985 MEAC champs

Football players, coaches, cheerleaders reminisce on Homecoming weekend
The 1985 Delaware State University football team poses for a picture at the 40th anniversary event. Shown in back are (l-r) Mark Ware, Darren Felton, Roger Johnson, Marcelus Edwards, Sam Williams, David Crocker, Mike Cherry, Jack Downs, Desmond Wynn, Franz Kappel and John Coveleski. In third row are Pat Casey, Gerald Cordova, Elridge Comer, PJ Lee, Everett Morgan, Willie Sheppard, James Thorton, Mat Horace, Ron Allen and Greg Mclaurin. In second row are Ralph Kemmerlin, John Ridgeway, Dr. Tony Allen, Dr. Marvin Bright, Cordie Greenlea, Gene Lake, Arlington Morgan, Dave Dolch and Robert Presbury. In front are Chad Robinson, Greg Scudder, John Barber, Reggie Barnes, Curtis Trott, Dwayne Henry, Robert Maull, former coach Joe Purzycki, head coach Bill Collick, Tim Gray and Mark Sills. Sitting are former DSU President Wilma Mishoe and 60-year equipment manager Arthur Wright. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
October 14, 2025

On the eve of Delaware State University’s Homecoming, the university celebrated the 1985 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion football team at the school’s Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center.

The team went undefeated in the MEAC (4-0) and garnered the first championship in the university’s history, going 9-2 overall.

Coach Bill Collick went on to win four additional MEAC titles in 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1991.

Collick was assisted by Greg McLaurin, John Coveleski, Don Golacinski, Dave Dolch, Robert Maull, Chester Harris and James Holt. Arthur Wright was the equipment manager, and the trainer was Ken Marshall. 

Wright was honored for serving DSU for 60 years. He joined the staff in 1961 as curator of athletics equipment and retired in 2004. He returned in 2006 until his retirement. 

The 1985 team was inducted into the DSU Hall of Fame in 2015. 

 

Former players Cordie Greenlea, left, and Tim Gray have a lighthearted moment at the event.
Head coach Bill Collick gets a picture with former DSU President Wilma Mishoe.
DSU President Tony Allen, left, reminisces with assistant coach Ronnie Allen.
Former DSU radio color analyst Dennis Jones acts as master of ceremonies at the event.
DSU President Tony Allen praises the players and staff of the 1985 team.
Members of the 1985 coaching staff on hand are (l-r) Robert Maull, Dave Dolch, Bill Collick, Greg Mclaurln, Franz Kappel, Ronnie Allen and John Coveleski.
Arthur Wright, the team’s equipment manager, is honored for serving DSU for 60 years. He is shown with his wife Nina.
DSU assistant coach John Coveleski, right, recognizes his player John Barber.
Head coach Bill Collick praises his players and staff during his reflection.
Dr. Marvin Bright, left, poses with Walt Samuels at the event.
Player Matthew Horace thanks Bill Collick for all he did for him when he played for the Hornets.
Former player Willie Sheppard has a chat with head coach Bill Collick’s wife Nancy.
Representing the 1985 cheerleaders are (l-r) Janice Davis-Norman, Dwana B. Street-Bias, Kimberly Brice-Mahoney and Teresa Lucas.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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