Tom Deery

Bio

Tom Deery was a defensive back at Widener four years and was named All-America three years -- 1979, 1980, and 1981. He was in 43 games, including post-season playoffs, and piled up these figures: 126 unassisted tackles, 44 assisted tackles, 32 interceptions. He also returned kicks. In 1981, he made a 100-yard kickoff return against Montclair and a 76-yard punt return against Dayton. In 1979, he made a 74-yard interception return and 59-yard punt return against Albright and a 48-yard punt return against Johns Hopkins. In his career he ran back 45 punts, averaging 11.3 yards, and 21 kickoffs, averaging 23 yards. The Eastern College Athletic Conference named him Player of the Year, 1980 and 1981. The New York Times placed him on its All-East team in 1980 and 1981. Widener's record each of his four seasons was 8-1, 10-1, 11-1, 13-0. This made a total of 42-3. Widener was a semi-finalist in NCAA Division III playoffs in 1979 and 1980 and won Division III in 1981. Widener beat Dayton 17-10 for the championship. Deery was named Most Valuable Player for the game.

Career Highlights

• 1981 All-America (Div. III)
• 1981 All-Conference
• 1981 Conference MVP
• 1980 All-America (Div. III)
• 1980 All-Conference
• 1980 Conference MVP
• 1979 All-America (Div. III)
• 1979 All-Conference