When listing the great quarterbacks in WPI history, one name is
continually brought to the forefront: Greg Whitney.
You'll see why in a moment. His list of accomplishments is
almost staggering. He was quarterback at WPI during a golden era,
the late '80s, and his 1989 season was truly legendary.
Just listen to what this star quarterback accomplished for then
head coaches Bob Weiss and Jack Siedlecki following the 1989
season. Greg held WPI records for career passing yards with 3,109,
career touchdown passes with 24, career pass completions with 242,
single-season passing yards with 1,693 in 1989, single-season TD
passes with 15 in 1989, single-season pass completions with 121 in
1989, and single-game pass completions with 34 versus Coast Guard
in 1988.
On September 23, 1989 in a game with Coast Guard, Whitney
completed a 98-yard touchdown pass to Evan Elkington, to this day
the longest such pass and reception in WPI history, and then an
NCAA record. Greg still holds another record. Those 34 pass
completions, then an ECAC record, are still number one in WPI
history.
Today, Whitney's 1989 season ranks seventh in total offence
(1,648 yards) and eighth in passing yards (1,693). He is WPI's
fourth all-time leading passer with those previously-mentioned
3,109 yards. He is also fourth in career completions with 242, and
sixth in career attempts with 426.
But for all of Greg's remarkable achievements on the field, he
was better known for the type of person he was off the field.
Exemplary. A model citizen. A co-captain. Let it be known that
never was a bad word said about Greg Whitney.
Greg Whitney passed away on May 19, 1994. But his legend lives
on-not only tonight in these halls, but now for all future
generations. It is indeed a special privilege to induct him,
posthumously, into the WPI Athletic Hall of Fame.
