GLASSBORO– Rowan University quarterback Frank Wilczynski was honored by the Adam Taliaferro Foundation as one of its Players of the Year at a luncheon on April 13. The event was held at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Adam Taliaferro, a former Eastern Regional High School football standout, who suffered a career-ending spinal injury while making a tackle for Penn State University in 2000, was the guest speaker. Other speakers included Carol Scott, former Philadelphia Eagle Mike Mamula, Comcast’s Gregg Murphy, and Rowan associate head coach and offensive coordinator Tom Doddy.
The foundation honored 13 schools and 25 athletes. Over $17,000 was raised in the player-of-the-year contest, which will be given to the Adam Taliaferro Foundation. The foundation collects money to assist injured athletes and to educate athletes and coaches on ways to prevent spinal injuries. The organization takes part in many spinal projects, including an annual education forum which is attended by nearly 100 trainers and health care professionals.
A captain, Wilczynski led Rowan with 1,456 yards passing and 11 touchdowns with 117 completions in 207 attempts. He was also the Profs’ top rusher with 793 yards and 15 touchdowns on 91 carries. Wilczynski holds the school records for career rushing yards by a quarterback (1,596 yards on 207 rushes), longest gain by a quarterback in a game (68 yards vs. Western Connecticut State, October 10, 2009) and most rushing touchdowns in a season (15 in 2009).
In the New Jersey Athletic Conference, he was first in scoring (10.0), second in rushing (88.1) and total offense (249.9), fifth in pass efficiency (128.3), sixth in passing (161.8) and ninth in all-purpose yards (88.1). Wilczynski ranked 13th in the NCAA in scoring (10.0), 55th in total offense (249.89), 67th in rushing (88.11) and 84th in pass efficiency (128.31). He was a NJAC All-Conference first team selection. He earned D3football.com All-East Region third team honors and was chosen to the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Team.