Villanova Univeristy Athletics

Although he played just two seasons in a Villanova uniform, Bill Hatty nevertheless finished his collegiate career as the Wildcats record holder for pass completions with 230. The mark stood for 14 years until being broken, as did his single-season record of 172 completions during the 1973 campaign. Hatty played for Villanova from 1972-73 and is a member of the Class of 1975. He was inducted to the Varsity Club Hall of Fame in 2000.
 
Playing for Wildcats legend Lou Ferry, Hatty shared quarterbacking duties with junior Mike Sunday during the 1972 season. The pair had nearly identical stats for the year and Hatty finished his sophomore collegiate campaign with 700 passing yards and five touchdowns while going 58-of-108 and recording a 110.5 passing efficiency. After the season, Hatty earned the starting quarterback job during spring drills and affirmed his spot during the 1973 preseason workouts.
 
Hatty had a strong year as the starter in 1973 and went 172-of-341 for 1,947 yards and 10 scores. His total yards set a school record which stood until 1986, while his 172 completions were also a record and lasted a year longer. It was during the 1973 season that Hatty had a career day in a 42-14 win over West Chester. He went 26-of-44 on the day for a career-high 355 yards along with three touchdowns.
 
At the end of the 1973 season, Hatty’s career total of 2,647 passing yards was ranked second in school history and his 15 career touchdown passes were third in the Villanova record book. When he was inducted to the Hall of Fame nearly 30 years later, Hatty still remained sixth in school history in passing yards.
 
Hatty was known for his ability read defenses and possessed a strong, accurate throwing arm. He came to Villanova after being the MVP of his high school team at Bishop Neumann where he was a quarterback and is a member of the school’s Hall of Fame. Hatty later had two nephews who also had star turns as standout players for the Pirates.