Robert J. Delbo
- Post by: mcalibrary
- January 12, 2024
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INDUCTEE
Bob Delbo would distinguish himself as one of a long line of “coal region” athletes to excel at the collegiate level. Delbo became the starting middle linebacker for Coach Joe DeMelfi and the Wilkes University Colonels as a sophomore. He and his teammates would help to turn around a Wilkes program that had won only 1 game in 1991 to a powerhouse that would go 24-4-1 over the nest three years. In fact, the 1993 team would post a perfect 10-0 record on the way to the Middle Atlantic Conference Championship, as well as, a spot in the Division III National Championship Playoffs. It was the first perfect season for Wilkes since 1968 and only the 5th team in history to accomplish the fete. The Colonels would eventually lose to Frostburg State by a 25-25 score in overtime. Bob and his MCA teammate Jake Cole would lead the team to a number one rank in Division III takeaways and a second spot in scoring defense.
As a senior, Bob would again lead the team to a terrific 9-2 record and an Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Southeast Championship in a win over Stony Brook by a 28-21 score. He would be named to the MAC 1st team all star team, an ECAC Division II all star, a Freedom League first team player and a second team spot on Don Hansen’s Division II All South Region All-American Squad. During his senior campaign, he led the Colonels with 120 tackles and was named ECAC Defensive Player of the Week for his 19 tackle performance against rival Kings College, as well as, the MAC Defensive Player of the Weeks with his 12 tackle performance against Pioneer Valley. Following the season, he was chosen to play for the Division III All Stars in a game against the Ohio Division III Stars. He received the Dedication and Commitment Award at Wilkes in 1994 and continues to hold the Wilkes Dead Lift record at 600 pounds
Bob began his football career for Coach Jazz Diminick at MCA and was a three-year starter in the offensive line, He added linebacker duties in 1989 and helped that team to a fine 9-3 record with the season ending loss to eventual AAA State Champion Dunmore by a 14-12 score. The other 5 losses during Bob’s junior and senior seasons at MCA were to Berwick – AAA State Champ in 1988, Pottsville, Southern Division Champ in 88 and 89, Bethlehem Catholic – AA State Champion in 1988 and Williamsport. He was named All Anthracite and was given an honorable mention to the 33rd Big 33 classic.
Delbo graduated from Wilkes in 1995 with a B.S. In Political Science/Administration of Justice and is currently employed as an Administrator at Emmanuel Home Personal Care Facility in Northumberland. He is married to the former Kim Bridy and resides in Elysburg along with three children Robert, Gabriel, and Gabriella. Bob has been a volunteer at MCA and has coached C and B midget football team for the Shamokin Little Indians, and at the A level with the Ralpho Raiders. He is currently a volunteer weight coach for the SCA football Tigers.