Homecoming 2016: LHU Football Announces “Gridiron Greats”
LOCK HAVEN – The Lock Haven University football team has announced its 2016 “Gridiron Greats” Class. The six individuals will be honored on Saturday, October 15 at halftime of the Homecoming football game with Millersville.
Alumni will arrive at 11:00 a.m. at the Tomlinson Center to meet and greet with the coaching staff and unveil a plaque.
After the meet and greet and plaque ceremony alumni will head to the tailgate at 12 p.m. The presentation of the Gridiron Greats will take place at halftime of the 2 p.m. game.
The post-game celebration will be hosted at the Sons of Italy (1 N. Henderson St. Lock Haven, Pa. 17745). Alumni will have a chance to meet the staff as well as connect with other alumni and former teammates. Each new member of the Gridiron Greats will have the opportunity to speak at the event as well. The celebration will have heavy appetizers and a cash bar – admission is $20 for the event.
The 2016 Gridiron Greats Class is made up of two coaches and four former players:
Nick Polk (coach)
Coach Polk led LHU from 1996-99. During his time as head coach the Bald Eagles had 10 first-team and 17 second-team All-Conference performers. In Polk’s final season he led LHU to its best season since 1991. Polk was also instrumental in the planning and construction of the Tomlinson Center, LHU’s locker room facility.
Albert Jones (athlete)
Jones was one of the best defensive players The Haven has seen. Jones still holds the record in tackles for a loss (34.0). He is third in yards from tackles for loss (109), eighth in quarterback sacks (10.5) and seventh in yards for sacks (70). After the 1998 Jones was selected to the All-PSAC second-team. Jones is still involved with the program, as the voice of LHU football as the public address announcer on game day. Jones is still extremely active in the Lock Haven community.
Dr. Dave Bower (athlete)
Dr. Bower has been involved with LHU from 1972, his freshmen year of college, to 2016 when he retired as a professor. From his playing days Dr. Bower ranks in the top-10 in passing attempts (576), completions (296), passing yards (2,980), passing TD’s (20) and TD’s responsible for (25). Dr. Bower also served time as an assistant coach for the Bald Eagles for multiple years.
Jimmy Broadway (athlete)
Broadway played for the Bald Eagles from 1991-92, 94-95. He ranks in the top six for all passing records and still holds the record for passing yards per game (199.3). Broadway is fifth in passing attempts (692), pass completions (327), sixth in passing yards (3,986), sixth in passing TD’s (22), second in total career offense (5,015), TD’s responsible for (31) and total offense per game (250.8).
Brad Payne (athlete)
Payne played for LHU from 1991, 93-95. As one of the all-time best defensive players in Bald Eagle history, Payne ranks second in total career tackles (420), second in unassisted tackles (248), second in assisted tackles (172), eighth in tackles for a loss (23.0), Payne was also a two-time second-team All-PSAC.
Bob Weller (coach)
Coach Weller led the Bald Eagles from 1969-75. During his time as the leader of the Bald Eagles, he coached eight first-team All-PSAC players and nine second-team All-PSAC selections. Under Weller’s direction in 1971, the Bald Eagles had its best season since 1964. Weller was also honored for his Lifetime Service to Pennsylvania Football by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Central Pennsylvania Chapter.
