Red Raiders Who Served
The series continues, focusing on Red Raiders that served in the military. Thank you for your service.
CHARLIE SHIELDS 1945-1949
(From SU Hall of Fame website) Charlie Shields of Mechanicsburg, Class of 1949, was a standout lineman for the Red Raider football team and then enjoyed a long and distinguished career as an educator. The retired superintendent of schools in the Mechanicsburg School District, Shields played for four seasons and lettered in three of those years.
Shields entered Shippensburg University after graduating from Shippensburg High School in 1942. That fall the Red Raiders had a 2-4 overall record.
World War II was raging at the time and Shields entered military service and he served 34 months in the U.S. Army Air Force. He was stationed in North Africa and Italy as a ground crew member.
After the war Shields returned to Shippensburg and he lettered as a center on offense and linebacker on defense for the 1946 team that had a 2-4-2 record. In 1947 the Red Raiders improved to 5-2-1 and Shields was named first team All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.
Shield captured more honors in 1948, his senior season. Shippensburg had a record of 5-3 but nearly knocked off the eventual PSAC champion, Bloomsburg. The Red Raiders only lost 13-7.
Shields was team co-captain and he repeated as an All-PSAC first team player. In addition he earned honorable mention on the Associated Press’ All-Pennsylvania team which included major college football powers. The All-Pennsylvania team only had first team and honorable mention selections. The first team pick that season was future NFL and College Football Hall of Fame member Chuck Bednarik of Penn. Shields is only one of a relative handful of Shippensburg football players who ever received All-Pennsylvania honors through the years.
Following graduation Shields accepted a position as a biology teacher in the Mechanicsburg School District. He taught for five years and then was an assistant high school principal from 1954 to 1957, junior high principal from 1957 to 1960 and then assistant superintendent from 1960 to 1964. For the next 22 years he was the superintendent of schools.
BROWER PERNET 1934-1937
(From SU Hall of Fame website) Brower Pernet, an end, played a key role in Shippensburg’s football resurgence in the mid 1930s. Shippensburg had a losing team in 1932 (3-5) and 1933 (1-6-1), Pernet’s freshman year. In 1934, with key roles filled by many freshman and sophomores, including Pernet, Shippensburg won its first five games before losing two at the end of the season.
In 1935 Pernet, a junior, served as team captain. Shippensburg won the Pennsylvania Conference championship with a 7-1 record. The team had six shutouts and allowed only 19 points.
The following year Pernet was elected captain again. He was the last player to serve as team captain two years in a row until Tim Ebersole and Rich Pryor in 1981 and 1982 and Dave Szlahetka in 1985 and 1986. Only one other player in the modern era (Since 1926, when Shippensburg became a four-year college), Ernest Byers in 1928 and 1929, served as captain two years in a row. In his senior season, Shippensburg was again 7-1, narrowly missing another conference title and an undefeated year. The team set a school record for fewest points allowed with 15 and shutout the opposition six times.
Playing in an age when 60 minute men were the rule rather than the exception, Pernet excelled both offensively and defensively. Defensively his play at end was a crucial part of the Red Raiders vaunted defense. Offensively, the teams emphasis was on the ground but Pernet broke free for two touchdowns in 1936, his senior season.
Pernet went on to have an impressive career in education and military service. Following graduation from Shippensburg, he taught school in Mifflin County from 1937-39 and then returned to his native Montgomery County in 1939 to teach in the Horsham School District until World War II.
Serving in the Army Air Force during World War II, Pernet was stationed in Newfoundland as part of the North Atlantic Wing of the Air Transport Command. He served in the Air Force reserve until 1973 and retired as a lieutenant colonel.
After the war, Pernet returned to teaching in the Colonial School District in Montgomery County and later became principal at the Lafayette Consolidated School and in 1967 was administrative assistant to the superintendent. He retired from the Colonial School District in 1979 and served in the Montgomery County Retired Educators’ Association and the Pennsylvania State Retirees Association.
ELMER MODLA 1948-1951
(From SU Hall of Fame website) Elmer Modla of Wallington, N.J., lettered in football for four years and in wrestling for two.
Modla, Class of 1951, was a standout tackle with the Red Raider football team. In 1950, his senior season, he was co-captain of the team and helped Shippensburg compile a 7-1-1 overall record. Shippensburg was nationally ranked in defense by the NCAA that year, allowing only 98.7 yards per game rushing, 64.7 yards per game passing, and 163.3 yards per game in total defense. Modla was a first team All-PSAC player and he was named to the All-Pennsylvania first team by the International News Service. The year before he was All-PSAC and second team All-Pennsylvania.
Following his graduation from Shippensburg, Modla served in the U.S. Army in Korea during the war from 1951 to 1953. At the conclusion of his military service, Modla entered the educational field. He taught for 38 years, retiring in 1994. He was a teacher for 17 years and a principal for 21 years at the Saddle Brook Franklin Elementary School. He also served as a volunteer football coach for 10 years.
A lifelong resident of Wallington, Modla has been active in civic affairs. He was on the board of education for several years including one year as president o the board. He also served two years on the town’s zoning board and was an active member of the VFW Pavlick-Koster Post 2640 and local chapter of the AARP.
BILL KAVANAUGH 1935 -1938
(From SU Hall of Fame website) Bill Kavanaugh, from Media Pennsylvania, competed in basketball and track, but it was football where he really made his mark. He was quarterback of the 1934-37 teams which compiled a 24-5-2 overall record. The team also won the Pennsylvania Conference championship in 1935 with a 7-1 record and was second in 1936, also with a 7-1 record . His leadership abilities helped bring about this success for the Red Raiders. Those teams shut out the opposition 21 times in four years including a school record six times each in 1935, 1936 and 1937. The 1936 team shutout the opposition five straight games and allowed only 15 points to be scored the entire season.
Quarterbacks in the single wing formation had different duties than in offenses used today, but they were still responsible for the signal calling. They also played defense, the trademark of Red Raider teams of that era. Kavanaugh scored seven touchdowns in his career and kicked 21 extra points. He also threw for several touchdowns each season.
Following graduation Kavanaugh entered the teaching profession in the Lewistown area. When World War II broke out, he entered the U.S. Army and saw action in Italy where he was severely wounded. After the war, Kavanaugh went into business in Seaside Heights, New Jersey and while living there he served several terms as town councilman. He then moved to Fort Gordon, Georgia, where he devoted his time to creating and writing lesson plans to teach soldiers the particular skills they need for their military occupation specialties.
ED GERLOCK 1948-1952
(From SU Hall of Fame website) A native of Mt. Union and a resident of Brick Town, N.J., Ed Gerlock lettered four years for the Red Raiders in football.
Gerlock came to Shippensurg in 1948 after a stint in the U.S. Navy. Late in the season he worked his way into the starting lineup and finished the year with two touchdown scored and one touchdown pass. He scored the game winning touchdown Shippensburg’s 7-0 win over Slippery Rock with a one yard plunge.
In 1949, Shippensburg had a record of 1-6-1. The Raiders outscored the opposition while holding all losses to seven points or less. Gerlock, playing tailback, led the team in scoring with four touchdowns rushing, and four touchdown passes. In the season opener against Kutztown he scored the only Raider touchdown of the day. Against Mt. St. Mary’s he helped account for both of Shippensburg’s touchdowns. In the Raiders’ win over Indiana (Pa.), Gerlock started the scoring with a TD pass and later ran 70 yards for a touchdown. In the season finale against Slippery Rock, Gerlock threw a 56 yard touchdown pass.
In his junior year Gerlock started out on fire and was considered by many to be the best runner on the team. He missed the majority of the season due to an injury.
In 1951 Gerlock was switched to fullback where he was not called upon to pass and had to do most of his running up the middle. The Red Raiders went 5-3 for the year and started the school record 20 game win streak with three straight wins at the end of the year. Gerlock led the team in scoring with six touchdowns and was the number two rusher on the team (86 carries for 371 yards). He was elected to the All-PSAC team. In 25 career games, Gerlock scored 14 touchdowns and threw six touchdown passes.
A retired teacher, Gerlock taught history and then was a high school guidance counselor for close to 24 years at Point Pleasant Beach High School in New Jersey.
ANTHONY CHAPPARONE 1950-54
(From SU Hall of Fame website) Anthony Chapparone lettered in three sports at Shippensburg – football, track & field and basketball.
His primary sport was football. He played quarterback for two seasons and has earned much praise from his teammates. In head coach Vinton Rambo’s offense, the quarterback was primarily used as a blocker and did not often throw passes. Chapparone was, however, an integral play-caller and executor of the offense while on the field.
Chapparone was also a regular on defense, playing cornerback. After his early days on the redshirt squad, Chapparone expanded his role and was invited to review game films with the coaching staff each week. He eventually became involved with assisting with the coaches’ game plans and was viewed as an unofficial “coach” both on and off the field.
As a junior in 1951, Chapparone was used occasionally on offense as a play caller, blocking back and passer in addition to being the holder on special teams plays. On defense, Chapparone was a defensive back and formation caller. SU’s defense ranked 23rd that season among small colleges.
In 1952, Chapparone was the starting quarterback of the first undefeated team in SU football’s modern era and just the second undefeated team in school history. SU went 7-0, scored 266 points and allowed just 20 all season long. The Red Raiders ranked among the Small College Top 10 for both offense and defense.
Of the offensive statistics that were submitted to the NCAA that season, Chapparone completed 3-of-6 passes for 51 yards and a touchdown.
Official defensive statistics were not kept in the Rambo era, but in his role from the defensive secondary it was believed that he recorded close to 10 career interceptions and more than 30 pass breakups – leading in the team in the latter category as a senior with 15.
Service After Football
After Shippensburg, Chapparone enrolled in Officer Training School and received a commission as an ensign in the U.S. Navy reserve. He served four years in the Navy before ending his career in the reserves in 1957.
Throughout his various Naval stations, Chapparone remained active in sports with roles as a coach and athletic director. As a player, he earned All-Navy East honors as a defensive back playing at Little Creek Naval Base in Virginia.
Anthony was inducted into the Shippensburg University Hall of Fame in 2013.
CHUCK BURNHEIMER 1950-54
(From SU Hall of Fame website) Chuck Burnheimer Class of 1954, was a standout football player for Shippensburg from 1950 to 1953. He was co-captain of the Red Raiders’ undefeated team his senior year.
Burnheimer was a lineman, playing tackle on both offense and defense. During his four years with the Red Raiders the football team enjoyed some of its most successful seasons. The team was 7-1-1 in 1950, 5-3 in 1951, 7-0 in 1952 and 8-0 in 1953. The 1953 team was the first college football team to ever lead the nation in rushing defense, passing defense and total defense during the same season. That feat was not equaled until 1986 by Oklahoma.
Burnheimer played a key role in what would eventually become a 20 game winning streak, which is the longest in the history of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). That streak began with victories in the final two games of his sophomore year and then continued with 15 more wins during his junior and senior years. The streak did not end until the season after his graduation in 1954.
Following the 1952 season Burnheimer was named second team All-PSAC. In the 1950s the All-Conference team was not split into Eastern and Western Divisions and players from all 14 teams were considered for the honor. In 1953 he was second team All-Conference again and he was one of only three Shippensburg players to earn All-Pennsylvania honorable mention recognition that year. The All-Pennsylvania team consisted mainly of major college players and it was difficult for players from smaller schools to gain those accolades.
Service After Football
Following graduation Burnheimer was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marines. Following a stint as a rifle and machine gun platoon leader and company executive officer in the First Marine Division in Camp Pendleton, California, Burnheimer began his teaching career with the Cumberland Valley School District in 1956. He accepted a position in the Red Land School District in 1962, which later became the West Shore School District. He retired in 1993 after 37 years as an elementary classroom teacher.
Burnheimer, a native of Altoona, played high school football at Altoona for two years before enrolling at Shippensburg after his graduation. Chuck was inducted into the SU Hall of Fame in 2002.
PAUL KOHLER 1941 - ‘42 & 1947 - ‘49
(From SU Hall of Fame website) Paul “Bud” Koehler lettered in three sports at Shippensburg and was co-captain of the football team his senior year.
Koehler enrolled at Shippensburg in September of 1941. He lettered for the football team as a tackle for the Red Raiders that season. Shippensburg went 6-2 for the year and allowed the opposition to score only 19 points, an average of 2.4 points per game. Shippensburg registered five shutouts.
World War II interrupted Koehler’s academic career at Shippensburg. During the summer of 1942 he joined the Marine Corps. He saw a lot of action in the Pacific with the 22nd Marine Regiment. Following the war he returned to Shippensburg but was unable to participate in sports because he was still recovering from wounds received in combat. He was awarded the Purple Heart and was on 80 percent disability.
Despite the physical problems Koehler went out for athletics his junior and senior years and lettered in football, track and one year in basketball. He again played tackle on the football team and competed in the shot put, discus and javelin in track. The 1947 grid team compiled a 5-2-1 record and Koehler was a starter. The following season he was elected co-captain along with Charlie Shields. The Red Raiders went 5-3 but were nearly undefeated. Two of the losses were by only one touchdown and another by 12 points. Koehler received honorable mention in the balloting for the All-Pennsylvania Conference team. In those years only one team was selected to represent all 14 schools.
Koehler was also active on campus as President of the Future Teachers and Secondary Education Club, Vice President of the Class of 1949, Vice President of Phi Sigma Chi and Vice President of the Varsity Club. He also was a member of the President’s Council for three years and an officer on the Debating Team.
Service After Football
Following graduation Koehler returned to New Jersey to begin a career in education that spanned 40 years. He taught and was assistant football coach at Woodbury High School from 1949 to 1953. He then was head coach at Swedsboro High School from 1954 to 1960. His most recent head coaching position was at St. James High School in Penns Grove from 1983 until 1986. He coached St. James to the Tri-County Conference championship in 1985. He also served as an assistant coach at Pennsville High School. Koehler was recently elected to the New Jersey Interscholastic Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Shippensburg University Hall of Fame in 1989.
Paul passed away on November 4, 2005 at the age of 83.
Other Red Raiders Who Served Their Country
Jerome Andrews - Hall of Fame Link - https://shipraiders.com/honors/hall-of-fame/jerome-andrews/66
Jack Armstrong - Hall of Fame Link - https://shipraiders.com/honors/hall-of-fame/jack-armstrong/73
John Bay - Hall of Fame Link - https://shipraiders.com/honors/hall-of-fame/john-bay/12
Dean Bergstresser - Hall of Fame Link - https://shipraiders.com/honors/hall-of-fame/dean-bergstresser/80
Chuck Burnheimer - Hall of Fame Link - https://shipraiders.com/honors/hall-of-fame/chuck-burnheimer/135
Tony Chapparone - Hall of Fame Link - https://shipraiders.com/honors/hall-of-fame/anthony-chapparone/220
Jack Green - Hall of Fame Link - https://shipraiders.com/honors/hall-of-fame/jack-green/18
Lou Illioff - Hall of Fame Link - https://shipraiders.com/honors/hall-of-fame/lou-ilioff/33
Bill Kavanagh - Hall of Fame Link - https://shipraiders.com/honors/hall-of-fame/bill-kavanaugh/44
Spencer Keyes - Hall of Fame Link - https://shipraiders.com/honors/hall-of-fame/spencer-keyes/21
Paul “Bud “Koehler - Hall of Fame Link - https://shipraiders.com/honors/hall-of-fame/paul-bud-koehler/180
Bill Minnick - Hall of Fame Link - https://shipraiders.com/honors/hall-of-fame/bill-minnick/185
Elmer Modla - Hall of Fame Link - https://shipraiders.com/honors/hall-of-fame/elmer-modla/103
Brower Pernet - Hall of Fame Link - https://shipraiders.com/honors/hall-of-fame/brower-pernet/45
Jack Roddick - Hall of Fame Link - https://shipraiders.com/honors/hall-of-fame/jack-roddick/58
Michael Ryan - Hall of Fame Link - https://shipraiders.com/honors/hall-of-fame/michael-j-ryan/46
Charlie Shields - Hall of Fame Link - https://shipraiders.com/honors/hall-of-fame/charlie-shields/152
Don Stankus - Hall of Fame Link - https://shipraiders.com/honors/hall-of-fame/don-stankus/247
Earl Strohm - Hall of Fame Link - https://shipraiders.com/honors/hall-of-fame/earl-strohm/64
John Sweeney - Hall of Fame Link - https://shipraiders.com/honors/hall-of-fame/john-sweeney/35
Adam Zalonka - Hall of Fame Link - https://shipraiders.com/honors/hall-of-fame/adam-zalonka/57
Mike Erlandson - Hall of Fame Link - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-erlandson-71127798/
RAY ELLIS 1950-1954
At 6’2 205 lbs Ray Ellis was a prototype in football in the 1950s. Gritty and disciplined he played the game with passion and power. Playing for renowned coach Vinton Rambo, Ray was the cornerstone on both offense and defense on Shippensburg’s first undefeated team in 1952. Playing fullback on offense and linebacker on defense the 1952 squad, with a 7-0 record, led all colleges In Pennsylvania in scoring, averaging 38.0 points per game. The team also led all Pennsylvania schools in fewest points allowed, giving up only 2.8 points per game. The Red Raiders ranked fourth in the nation in total defense, giving up only 142.4 yards per game and set a school record for kickoff returns. Of 9 kickoffs, 5 were returned for touchdowns.
The following season, Ray was elected co-captain, and the all-conference fullback led tho Red Raiders to their second consecutive undefeated season. Shippensburg compiled an 8-0 record in 1953 and led all colleges In Pennsylvania in scoring again, averaging 37.4 points per game. The defense allowed only 4.4 points per game to rank second in the state. The 1953 Red Raiders were tho only team In the history of college football to lead the nation in total defense, rushing defense and pass defense in the same season. The Raiders gave up only 1.68 yards per play and a total of 81.9 yards per game (53.6 rushing and 28.3 passing). He 1953 team ended up ranked 8th in the nation. After his senior season, Ray signed a contract with the Baltimore Colts.
Ray Ellis did more than just play football at Shippensburg. He was president of the Student Council , served as an Assistant Dean of Men, was President of the Men’s Athletic Association, was a member of Phi Sigma Chi fraternity and was listed in Who's Who In American Universities and Colleges. He also was on the track team as a high hurdler.
“Ray was responsible for most of the tackles on our #1 nationally ranked defense. He was an outstanding blocker and did all of our punting. He broke several long touchdown runs from the fullback position from the single wing formation.”
Coach Vinton Rambo
Service After Football
Charles “Chuck” Burnheimer #74 and Ray Ellis #83, 1954
Before Ray ever stepped foot on the Shippensburg campus, he enlisted in the Navy and served 18 months before enrolling at Shippensburg Sate College. Upon graduating from SSC in 1957 he obtained a commission as an ensign In the Naval Reserve and on June 30, 1959 he went on active duty as a 1st Lieutenant, Junior grade, serving in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and at Taiwan. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant, Senior Grade while In the Mediterranean. In 1965 the Navy needed officers who were experienced in handling small boats in Vietnam. In June of that year, Ray volunteered for service in Vietnam and he was assigned to advise the 27th River Assault Group, based at My Tho in the Mekong Delta. He was killed in action September 30, 1965, while involved In heavy fighting along a river in the Delta. He was survived by his wife and daughter. Ray Ellis was awarded a Silver Star posthumously for valor.
In 1972 Dr. John Hubley announced the creation of the Ray Ellis Fighting Heart Award at Shippensburg State College. The four areas of consideration for recipients were:
Overall contribution to the team
Character -- possessing distinguishing quaI!ties which are praiseworthy
Citizenship - the quality of the Individual's response to membership In the community
Academic Achievements.
In a strange twist, after all of Ray’s achievements and the creation of an award in his name, Ray Ellis has never been inducted into the Shippensburg Athletic Hall of Fame.
Coach Mark Maciejewski presents the Ray Ellis Fighting Heart Award to Brandon Robinson.
Frank Van Buren 1984-1987
Frank Van Buren was a record setting running back for the Red Raiders from 1984 to 1987. He was selected as a team captain in 1987. A combination of slasher and power, Frank set numerous records in his years at Ship. He led the Red Raiders in scoring in 1985 and 1986 with 54 points and 38 points respectively. In 1986 he set the record for All Purpose Yards in a game against California (PA) with 228 APY. In 1985 he led the team in All Purpose Yards for the season with 1,275 and had 3,243 Career All Purpose Yards. Frank rushed for 741 yards in 1985 and 501 yards in 1986 to lead the team. For his career Frank rushed for over 1,700 yards.
Frank didn’t just carry the rock, he could catch it as well. In1986 he had 184 yards receiving against California and for the season he totaled 31 receptions for 385 yards and 3 TD’s. He led all receivers with 10 receptions against Bloomsburg in 1986.
Frank was selected First Team All PSAC in 1985 and 1986. In addition to All PSAC honors, Frank was recognized by the University with the Ray Ellis Award, given to an athlete based on contribution to the team, character, attitude and academic achievement.
“Frank Van Buren was not only an outstanding player, but also a great leader and teammate. I will always be grateful that I had a chance to meet him and coach him. He was an unselfish player. He was always willing to put the team first. Although he was nearing rushing records during his time on the team, he was always sacrificing his success for the overall success of his teammates. As a player his blend of power, agility and speed was outstanding, but his toughness was at the top of his list of qualities. A player who exemplifies courage and humility, he was among the best of a long line of outstanding Red Raiders.”
Coach Joe Bottiglieri
Service After Football
Frank began his military career in the ROTC while he attended Shippensburg. Frank was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the National Guard/Reserve, and then decided to become a Chief Warrant Officer on active duty in the US Army. Frank served six years in the U.S. Army as a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot, completing nation-building, drug interdiction, air cavalry, and MEDEVAC missions across Central America, Germany, and the Middle East. These experiences are chronicled in his book, Life Lessons from The Cockpit, available on Amazon.
A strong veterans advocate, Frank serves on the Board of Directors for Veterans Bridge Home and is an active supporter of veteran transition initiatives. He also serves on the advisory boards of Shippensburg University’s College of Business.
Today, Frank is the Managing Director and Founder of Van Buren Advisory LLC (VBA), based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He established VBA in October 2024 after a disInguished 26-year career at Wells Fargo, where he held leadership roles across Investment Banking, Sales & Trading, and Talent Development within Corporate & Investment Banking. Frank recently returned to Shippensburg to give the commencement speech to the 88 Winter Graduating Class.
Bill Cockley 1949-1953
Excerpts From The SU Hall of Fame Profile
"The “Golden Age” of Shippensburg football had many memorable seasons under legendary coach Vinton Rambo. Rambo’s teams featured some great players and talented lineman. William “Bill” Cockley was one of the greatest lineman to ever suit up at Ship under coach Rambo. He was a co-captain of Shippensburg’s undefeated 1952 football team.
There are not many statistics from the early years of the Red Raiders but we do know that Bill was a two-way player, a superb blocker at guard as well as an strong defensive player. Shippensburg finished the 1952 season a perfect 7-0. Led by Bill on defense, the Raiders limited their opposition to a mere 2.9 points per game and was ranked fifth in the nation in total defense. On offense that season, Bill spearheaded a dominant offensive line for an offense that averaged better than 5 yards per play and produced an impressive 38 points per game.
After the season, Bill was named to the All-Pennsylvania conference team and was selected to play in the annual Blue-Gray game. He was the only Shippensburg player ever selected to compete in a major post-season all-star game which at the time featured players from Division I. In that game, Bill was coached by then Penn State head coach Rip Engle. Bill was also a four year letter winner in baseball. Bill was inducted in the the very first Shippensburg Hall of Fame class in 1986.
“Bill has an impressive history here at Ship. He is the kind of player that young players today need to know about, to see the dedication and commitment to playing the game they love. Bill will always be a Red Raider to me and I was proud to honor him at our 2022 Spring Game and Alumni Reunion.”
Coach Mark Maciejewski
Service After Football
After graduating from Shippensburg in 1953, Bill left for the service the following September. Bill served in the US Army and was deployed to post-war Korea where he served in the Military Police responsible for the security of the newly formed demilitarized zone (DMZ). He spent his time in the Army on the border between North & South Korea at Panmonjom, a village just north of the border between North Korea and South Korea, where the 1953 Armistice Agreement that ended the war was signed. The Agreement established a 4-kilometer-wide demilitarized zone along the armistice line, effectively dividing Korea into two separate countries. It was a volatile area and although most troops and all heavy weapons were to be removed from the area, it has been heavily armed by both sides since the end of the fighting. Bill returned home in 1955 but returned later to speak with officers in charge of the DMZ.
Soon afterward Bill married the love of his life, Bonita M. (Madden) Cockley. Bill and Bonny were both teachers and administrators in the Chambersburg School District. Bill was famously known as the construction principal, overseeing the rebuilding efforts of two burned down elementary schools, Andrew Buchanan and Thaddeus Stevens.
In 2022 RR4L created the Bill Cockley Raider Impact Award recognizing Red Raider Alumni who were leaders on the field and off and had an impact in their communty. Bill was the inaugural recipient of the award. Sadly, shortly after Bill received his award from RR4L he passed away. The award was presented in 2023 to Ed Hammers and Lou Orndorf, both running backs for the Red Raiders in the late 1960s. Bill’s wife Bonny and his family attended the ceremony. Bill Cockley a truly great Red Raider!
Coach Mac presents Bill Cockley with the inaugural Bill Cockley Red Raider Impact Award in 2022.
Ed Brown 1979-1983
From SU Hall of Fame Profile -Ed Brown of Pottstown, Pa., Class of 1982, was one of the most elite defensive linemen in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) during the early 1980s, earning places on the First Team All-Conference roster during his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. He earned a second-team All-PSAC nomination during his freshman season in 1979. Brown also earned All-American Honorable Mention honors in 1981.
Brown was an integral member of the Red Raider football team from 1979-1982, co-captaining Shippensburg during his junior and senior seasons in addition to functioning as a key defensive leader during the undefeated regular season of 1981. His dominant play set several school records at Shippensburg. Brown recorded 10 sacks in the 1981 season. Brown set a record for yards lost on sacks in a season, with a net loss of 77 yards over his seven sacks from his final season in 1982.
Brown was the career leader in sacks for Shippensburg, reaching the opposing quarterback a record 24 times from 1979-1982. He is also fourth on the all-time tackles for loss list, tied with Mike Swope and Chris Heilman with 42. Ed was inducted into the SU Hall of Fame in 2005.
“Ed Brown was a terror to offenses during his time as a defensive end at Ship. He was excellent at rushing the passer and shutting down the run. He combined size and power with speed that made opponents game plan to neutralize him, but they couldn’t. His physicality helped set the tone for our entire defense. Ed continues to be a loyal teammate and quality person and is now a lifetime friend.”
Coach Tony Winter
Service After Football
After finishing his career at Shippensburg, Brown began serving in active duty as a Security Reconnaisance Specialist for the United States Air Force from 1984 to 1993. While in the Air Force, he obtained a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Troy State University in 1988, completing his entire post-graduate education while on active duty. Ed served at SAC/ Strategic Air Command and TAC -Tactical Air Command bases and commands involving nuclear weapons and highly sensitive military assets and installations. As a BISS operator , Ed performed a variety of duties including access, control , command and response deployment over the highly secure nuclear weapons storage area and over 2000 security forces and law Enforcement troops. Ed was also a Specialist in ABDG- Air Base Ground Defense world wide.
After serving in the Air Force, Ed continues to serve his community . In his hometown of Pottstown, Ed spent a great deal of time volunteering and mentoring the local youth and working with local youth that were close to serving jail time. Ed is the owner, co-creator and vice president of Unlimited Staffing Solutions, Inc., a company that specializes in Behavioral Healthcare staffing and services for children, adolescents and adults that suffer from Mental Health problems or other disabilities. The company is located in Glenside, Pa. Thank you for your service Ed!!
SEAN SADOSKI 2010-2014
A four year lettermen at linebacker and defensive end, Sean was a tough and gritty player. As a senior he recorded 24 solo tackles and 22 assisted tackles after switching from LB to DE. He also recorded 11 tackles for loss, 5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. Sean had his first career interception in a 60-16 victory of Millersville his final season. Sean missed the first four games of his junior season due to injury before returning to play in the final seven games…totaled 20 tackles, with 10 solo and four for loss…recorded a season-high six tackles at Cheyney…made two tackles for loss vs. Seton Hill…recorded at least a half-TFL in each of the final three games of the season.
As a sophomore Sean took to the field for all 13 games as a steady linebacker for the Red Raiders…made his first career start in the PSAC championship game at IUP and earned another start in the NCAA playoffs at Winston-Salem State…tied for 10th on the team with a career high 40 tackles…notched a sack for a loss of six yards versus Millersville…recorded additional tackles for loss versus Millersville and Winston-Salem State…forced and recovered a fumble in the NCAA playoffs versus Winston-Salem State…had at least one tackle in 12 of 13 games, including a career-high eight against Millersville and LIU Post…had five tackles in the NCAA playoffs versus Winston-Salem State and against Cheyney.
“Sean Sadosky was a throwback football player. Tough as nails and willing to run through a brick wall. He loved the physical part of the game and never shied away from contact. When we needed him to move from LB to DE his senior season he didn’t hesitate. A true team player. A Red Raider thru and thru.”
Coach Mike Burket
Service After Football
After graduating college, Sean enlisted into the Army as an Airborne Ranger. After completing Basic Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga, Sean went to Ranger Assessment Selection Program (RASP) and was selected to be in the 75th Ranger Regiment.
Sean deployed 4 times with 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. The last Deployment he was an Alpha Team Leader.
During Sean’s years of service to his country he was deployed in 2018 & 2019 in Afghanistan, 2020 in Iraq and 2021 back in Afghanistan.
After Sean’s final deployment he was promoted and selected to be a Cadre for RASP 1 / Phase 1 to help assess and select candidates into the 75th Ranger Regiment. Sean served in the Army from March 2016 to November 2023 as a part of the 75th Ranger Regiment his entire career, reaching the rank of SSG (E6).
Sean continues to protect and serve, currently a Pennsylvania State Trooper at Troop M Bethlehem Barracks.
He met his wife Olivia while at Shippensburg and has two children Beau and Ava. Thank you for your service Sean!
TOM HENN 1973-1977
Tom Henn was one of Ship’s best offensive linemen in school history. Henn started on the varsity in 1974 and helped Shippensburg enjoy a 7-4 record - the first winning season in six years for the Raiders. Henn was named first team All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and was on the Associated Press’ third team All-Pennsylvania. The All-Pennsylvania team included players from Penn State and Pitt. Although only 5-10, 190 pounds, he was one of the hardest hitting blockers in the conference. In 1975, Henn was named second team All-Conference. Shippensburg was nationally ranked early in the season and finished 6-5.
Shippensburg won the conference championship in 1976. Prior to the season, Henn and fellow co-captain Tony Winter helped keep the team organized and in training during a change of head coaches in early spring. The team finished the year with an 8-2-1 record, and Henn was first team All-Conference again. For three straight seasons he consistently graded out higher than any other Raider offensive lineman.
“My buddy Tom Henn and I were co-captains on Ship’s 1976 Championship Team. I have great memories of the two of us warming-up together on the sideline before every game. Tom’s military background shined through on the gridiron. He was a tactical offensive guard who was scrappy, tenacious, and never stopped blocking someone until the whistle was blown. Tom was a quiet leader who let his actions on the field set the bar for his fellow teammates. Tom was respected and admired by those who were fortunate to know him.”
Coach Tony Winter (LB/Captain 1976 Championship Team)
Service BEFORE Football
Before enrolling in Shippensburg State College in 1973, Tom Henn served two tours of duty in Vietnam. Tom was a helicopter mechanic and served on a ground crew at Sanford Field located within the Long Binh Army Base complex in Vietnam with the 1st Aviation Brigade. Long Binh and the city of Bien Hoa were about 30 kilometers (18 miles) northeast of Saigon.
After graduation, Tom was a counselor and wilderness instructor with adjudicated youth from the state of Pennsylvania at the Appalachian School of Experience in Carlisle from 1979 to 1982 and at Tressler Wilderness Program, Camp Hill, during the summers of 1983 through 1985. These programs, an alternative to incarceration for teenagers aged 13-18, entailed a 26-day wilderness course which taught self-reliance, socialization skills, and self-esteem. Students learned an array of skills such as rock climbing, backpacking, white water canoeing, and communication skills. Instructors did follow up visits to the youths’ placements in order to assist in matters of education, employment, and family. Tom then became a teacher in the Chambersburg school district and was a Trojan assistant football coach. Tom had a positive impact on thousands of students throughout his 30+ year career as an educator.
Tom passed away April of 2017 when he was 65 years old.
JOE GIACOBELLO 1938-1941
Following his graduation from Mt. Union High School in 1938, Joe received a football scholarship to play at Catholic University in Washington. Back in the 1930s Catholic University was a strong team and three years before, defeated the University of Mississippi in the Orange Bowl. Joe got injured during his freshman year and then he transferred to Shippensburg University (then known as Shippensburg State Teachers College).
Joe was a standout football and basketball player at Shippensburg. In football he played linebacker on defense and fullback on offense and was one of the team’s best players as he helped the Red Raiders compile 6-2 record in 1941, his junior year. A late season loss to Millersville cost Shippensburg the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championship. That season he scored three touchdowns on offense and on defense he helped Shippensburg shutout five opponents. Joe also served as Vice President of the college’s Men’s Athletic Association.
Born June 30th 1919, Joe passed in 2019 at the age of 100.
Service After Football
Joseph Giacobello was one of the most highly decorated soldiers in Central Pennsylania. A life-long resident of Mt. Union, he served gallantly in World War II. He earned the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Purple Hearts, and the Combat Infantry Badge while fighting with the 35th Infantry Division in Europe.
After completing his junior year, Joe was drafted into the Army on June 17, 1942 and assigned to the infantry. He did his basic training at Camp Pickett, Virginia and later went to Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, Georgia.
Joe went overseas with the 35th Infantry Division. He was with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment. The 35th Infantry Division arrived in Normandy July 5, 1944 and went into action on July 11, fighting in the hedgerows north of St. Lo. On July 13 Lieutenant Giacobello earned his first Silver Star and Purple Heart. During an attack Company F was held up by enemy machine guns firing from a group of houses. Lieutenant Giacobello volunteered to lead a patrol to outflank enemy positions. Though wounded he led his patrol to capture his platoon objective and from there placed fire on enemy positions that permitted the rest of the company to advance.
Joe was promoted from 2nd Lieutenant to 1st Lieutenant on September 5, 1944. Then on September 11 Joe earned another Silver Star when his regiment attempted to cross the Moselle River near Creyechamps. With 15 other men of his company, Lieutenant Giacobello was given the mission to establish a foothold on the east bank of the river. He led an assault squad across a dam to the east side of the river in the face of particularly heavy concentrations of enemy fire. His troops took cover behind a retaining wall of the dam, but Lieutenant Giacobello, with utter disregard for personal safety, leaped over the wall and onto the hostile shore. He was separated from other troops for a period of twelve hours, during which time he maneuvered along the enemy shore line and infiltrated enemy positions, securing valuable information. When his squad finally succeeded in rejoining him, Lieutenant Giacobello established communications with the battalion command post and directed movement of supporting troops to his area, thereby securing the bridgehead the following day.
For outstanding duty in the action against the enemy in Saarguemines, Company F received Battle Honors. It was one of only three infantry companies in the 35th Division to be awarded Battle Honors during the course of the war.
On December 12, the 137th Infantry was the first regiment of the Division to enter Germany. Later in the month the 35th Division moved to Arlon, Belgium and took part in the Battle of the Bulge, helping to relieve Bastogne. The Division moved to the Netherlands in February. On February 13 Joe was granted a furlough and sent back to the United States where his assignment was to prepare for the invasion of Japan. However, the war ended before he was ever deployed to the Pacific.
When the war ended Joe was discharged. Joe was inducted into the Shippensburg University ROTC Hall of Fame at its annual dinner at the U.S. Army War College in 2017. On September 10, 2018 Joe was inducted into the 35th Infantry Division Hall of Fame.
JOE BROWN 1978-1982
Joe Brown #70 was a stand out defensive tackle on one of the greatest teams in the history of Shippensburg football. The 1981 Red Raiders ended up 12-1 with their only loss coming in the NCAA Semi-Finals against North Dakota State.
A three year lettermen at Shippensburg, Joe anchored a dominant defense in 1981 that gave up an average of only 13 points per game and had shutouts against Edinboro and Clarion as well as holding IUP to only 3 points. The defense gave up only 13 points over a four game stretch. Ship defeated Millersville in the PSAC Championship game and defeated Virginia Union in the NCAA quarter finals.
The 1981 team earned a PSAC West title, a PSAC Championship, selected as the Division II ECAC Team of the Year and won the Lambert Cup. That defensive unit recorded 41 quarterback sacks in ’81, a school record at the time.
“The ‘81 Championship team had a defensive line second to none in the PSAC. In Pittsburgh they had Mean Joe Green but in Ship we had You’re Going Down Joe Brown. Joe, a fortress on the D-line, often got double teamed but relentlessly pursued the football. Joe Brown was always someone you could count on both on and off the field and the same holds true today! “
Coach T Winter
“I learned that fierceness is not necessarily a matter of physical size, but rather a mental/psychological attitude. I give a lot of credit to Coach Vito Ragazzo and Coach Bob Rollins who taught me how to tap into that fire in my heart. “
Joe Brown
Service After Football
In 1982 COL Joe Brown graduated with a BA in Computer Science and was commissioned as a 2LT in the U.S. Army Signal Corps through the Shippensburg University ROTC program. His military career spanned 28 years including assignments overseas and on the Joint Staff. He commanded research and development organizations to deliver National Missile Defense and Global Command Control System-Joint capabilities for the Combatant Commands and the National Command Authority. He also served as a Professor of Acquisition Management and Systems Engineering at the Defense Acquisition University.
After his active duty service, he continued to support the Defense Industry as a corporate executive consulting on the development of several high level IT and Cybersecurity programs supporting the military until retiring in 2020.
Joe continues to volunteer in his local community and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. mentoring and coaching young people pursuing higher level education and the finer aspects of career development.
Joe was inducted into the Shippensburg University ROTC Hall of Fame and is a recipient of the Jesse Heiges Distinguished Alumni Award.
Joe earned a MS in Telecommunications Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, and an MS in Cybersecurity from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
His awards and decorations include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medals 3 Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Joint Service Badge.
Joe Married his high school sweetheart Jacki Rodgers, and they have four grown children and seven grandchildren.
“I attribute my success as a leader in the military to the fundamental lessons that I learned playing Red Raider football. I always coached my troops on the importance of teamwork, dedication, resilience and determination.”
Joe Brown
BRIAN BOOKER 1998-2001
Brian Booker was a member of the Raider football team from 1998-2001. A 3 year letter winner, Brian made an early impact on the team playing both tight end and split end as a sophomore. In his junior season he earned the role of starter at tight end and contributed 6 receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown.
In Brian’s senior season he was second on the team in receptions with 19 for 300 yards in 10 games. Brian’s senior season saw him earn honors as a First Team All PSAC tight end and First Team All ECAC.
“Football is the greatest Team Sport and character builder. Playing on a team with 89 other friends who become brothers!! What can beat that. Football and Military Service had very similar impacts on my life and that’s why I loved both”.
Brian Booker - 2001
Service After Football
United States Navy, Surface Warfare Officer 2002-2008.
Upon Graduation from Shippensburg University, Brian Booker Attended Officer Candidate School in Pensacola Florida. After completion of the 13 week bootcamp, Brian Booker was Commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy. Through the next 6 1/2 years, Brian served onboard USS Chafee, Destroyer Squadron 28, and Fleet Composite Squadron 6 in participation of Iraqi Freedom, Afghanistan Campaign, and Global War On terrorism. He reached the rank of O-3, Lieutenant, in the United States Navy. He was honorably discharged in December 2008 and resides in Collegeville, PA with his wife and four children.
Fred “Snake” Glasgow
Fred Glasgow from New Enterprise, PA set numerous Red Raider rushing and scoring records while lettering three years in football. Before his arrival in Shippensburg Fred was an All-State player at Northern Bedford High School. He set state records for most yards in a career and most in one game. His best were 414 yards in one game against Shade Central, 2,065 yards and 29 touchdowns in 1973 and 4,615 yards for his career.
In 1976 he led the Red Raiders in rushing with 220 carries for 990 yards and 10 touchdowns. Shippensburg won the Pennsylvania Conference Western Division title that year. In 1977, though injured, he led the team in rushing with 771 yards on 201 carries. He scored 12 touchdowns to lead the team again. Fred suffered more injuries in 1978 but still led the team in rushing with 164 carries for 521 yards and eight touchdowns. In the final game of the season against California (Pa) he rushed for a career high 163 yards. Shippensburg was co-champion of the western division in 1978.
Fred set the school career rushing record with 2,282 yard and the career scoring record with 30 touchdowns and four extra points. His average of 76.1 yards per game was also a career rushing record. Fred was a co-captain in 1978, his senior year, and during his career earned All-Pennsylvania Conference first team honors and received honorable mention in the voting for All-American by the Associated Press in 1976 and 1977. He was inducted into the Shippensburg University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1989.
“Being at Ship gave me the opportunity to be around, what turns out to be lifelong friends who played the sport for the love of football vice what monetary reward they would receive.” Fred Glasgow ‘78
Service After Football
Fred “Snake” Glasgow joined the Navy In 1980 and went through Navy Aviation officer’s candidate school and later in his career attended the Navy fighter weapons school (popularly known as top gun). He appeared in the original film “Top Gun”. During his time with the Navy Fred logged over 3000 hours of flight time and 500 carrier landings (traps) as well as 25 combat flights and over 100 combat hours in the F-14 Tomcat.
Fred’s F-14 squadron positions while in the Navy include; Maintenance Officer, Operations Officer and Assistant Officer in Charge. Fred spent most of his Navy career at Naval Air Station Miramar (San Diego, CA). He was also stationed at Naval Air Station Pensacola (Pensacola, FL), Naval Air Weapons Center Point Mugu (Oxnard, CA) and on the Commander Sixth Fleet staff in Gaeta, Italy. Fred retired a Lieutenant Commander (O-4) in 1997.
“As with football, Naval Aviation life was all about being a good team mate because there, we were all trusting each other with our lives.” Fred Glasgow
Axel “Ax” Feltenberger ‘72
Born and raised in Huntingdon, Pa., Ax attended Ship from 1968 to 1972 where he was a two year letter winner and starting defensive end his senior year. Ax stood 5’8” and weighed in at 175lbs. His junior year was cut short when he was injured midway through the season. The media guide called Ax “a fine athlete and a great tackler”. He was coached by Dave Dolbin and assistant coahes Jim Pribula, Bob Rollins, Don Miller and Steve Ecker. The Raiders struggled for victories in those years going 5-3 in 1968, 1-7 in 1969, 3-5 in 1970 and 2-6 in 1971. But Ax has fond memories of his playing days at Ship.
“I loved and miss my football playing days at Shippensburg. I learned perseverance and commitment as well as leadership and tenacity which served me well in later years.” Axel Feltenberger
Service After Football
Ax was commissioned a Marine Corps officer after graduation in August ’72 and went through Navy flight training. After earning his Naval Aviator wings in June ’74 he spent the next decades flying tactical jet aircraft over much of the world with billets of increasing responsibility. From August ’91 through August’93 Ax was privileged to be the Commanding Officer of VMA-131, an A-4 Skyhawk squadron. He was promoted to Colonel and retired in August ’95. In October ’15 he retired from his second career as a pilot for Delta Airlines. Ax married his Shippensburg college sweetheart, Pam Remaley. They will celebrate 52 years of marriage in October’24.
