Carmen Della Vecchia, your accomplishments on the football field
were extraordinary. While earning four varsity letters, you
established yourself as one of the premier linemen in New England
in the 1960's.
With the success of the team always on your mind, you never gave
up. In the four years on the football team, you played in a
starting position each year and did not miss one game.
Spectators, the media, teammates and opponents alike respected
your talent and excellent play. In 1966, for example, after a game
against the Coast Guard Academy, your outstanding play earned you a
certificate on the weekly Associated Press All-New England team.
After the season, you received honorable mentions on both the
All-New England and All-American teams.
These honors were tributes to those Saturday afternoons when
your relentless desire and enormous effort played a major role in
controlling the line of scrimmage.
You were looked upon as a leader by your teammates, who elected
you defensive captain in 1965 and co-captain in 1966.
Your athletic talent was not limited to the gridiron. You
distinguished yourself as a member of the wrestling team in the
winter of 1967 and, for three years, as a competitor in track and
field, where your strength made you a standout in the shot put
event.
As an undergraduate you demonstrated a commitment to student
affairs. You were a member of Phi Kappa Theta, the Newman Club, the
Varsity Club, and the staff for "Tech News, " and a charter member
of Alpha Phi Omega.
Carmen Della Vecchia, it is with tremendous pride and honor that
tonight we induct you into the WPI Athletic Hall of Fame.
