Deptford selects Hall of Fame class

Deptford has selected a group that will make up its first athletic Hall of Fame class. The inaugural class will be inducted April 27 at Auletto Caterers in Deptford.

Dave Rowe, a starter for the 1977 Super Bowl champion Oakland Raiders, will be one of seven athletes to be inducted. A team will also be honored.

John Villecco, class of '69 and a former standout wrestler, will be inducted posthumously. The other inductees are Jack Connelly (class of '64), coach Jimmy Hawkins, Tara (Harris) Marker ('83), Vince Nestore ('81), and Jerry Villecco ('72).

The Deptford boys' spring track teams from 1965 to 1975 will also be inducted.

John Villecco became Deptford's first state wrestling champion in 1969. His brother, Jerry, was a two-time state champion at Deptford.

Connelly, who became the PGA's 32d president in November 2000, earned seven varsity letters at Deptford in football, bowling and baseball.

Nestore was an all-South Jersey soccer player and is the boys' soccer coach at Delsea.

Harris starred in basketball, softball and tennis, and was the first New Jersey girl to play Little League baseball.

Hawkins was a cross-country and track coach. He guided the boys' track team to 112 consecutive wins, a streak that ended in 1976.

Tickets can be purchased by calling athletic director Maureen Bilda at 856-232-2713, Ext. 5101.