Villanova Univeristy Athletics

A local product from Upper Darby, Pa. and one of Andy Talley’s first recruits when he arrived on campus in 1984 to rebuild the Villanova program after a four-year hiatus, Dave Pacitti became a four-year starter on the Wildcats offensive line. He was considered a coach on the field for his experience and knowledge of the game. Pacitti played on each of the first four Villanova teams at the FCS level from 1985-88 and he graduated from the University in 1989. He was inducted to the Varsity Club Hall of Fame in 2006.
 
The impact that Pacitti made on the Wildcats program has been long-lasting beyond his playing career, which in and of itself was outstanding on all fronts. Pacitti was a four-year starter at right tackle for a high-performing offensive line. In his four years on the team, he was part of Villanova growing from a Division I-AA independent with a limited five-game schedule in 1985 to a full 11-game schedule as a member of the Yankee Conference in 1988. The Wildcats came roaring back after four years without a program and the team was 24-10-1 (.700) in Pacitti’s four seasons.
 
Villanova’s offensive line was a strong point from the start and the Wildcats averaged 181.0 rushing yards per game in 1985 while giving up just 14 sacks and finishing the year with a plus-five turnover margin. Pacitti started all five games in 1985 and Villanova went 5-0 to pave the way for an even better season the next year.
 
In 1986, the Wildcats compiled an 8-1 record while averaging 217.1 rushing yards and a total of 445.6 yards per game. Villanova increased its total offense by nearly 90 yards per game from 1985 and once again featured a plus-five turnover margin. Pacitti started all seven of the games he appeared in while missing two contests due to injuries.
 
Villanova faced stronger competition in 1987 and went 6-4 while playing five of its soon-to-be Yankee Conference opponents. The season ended with a home game against Holy Cross which was the first night game in 35 years to be played under the Villanova Stadium lights. Pacitti started seven games during the season and was part of an offensive line that enabled the Wildcats to finish with a positive turnover margin for the third straight season. Villanova averaged 393.0 yards of offense and gave up only 20 sacks in 10 games.
 
As a senior in 1988, Pacitti helped the Wildcats go 5-5-1 overall and finish with a 4-4 record in their first year as a member of the Yankee Conference. Villanova had 380.4 yards of total offense per contest on the year while two of the team’s skill players – tight end Jim Cashman and running back Peter Lombardi – were named to the All-Yankee Conference teams following the season.
 
Pacitti signed a free agent contract with the Miami Dolphins after graduation and has since had a successful business career which began as a sales representative in the Molecular Imaging business of Siemens Healthineers. After holding numerous vice president roles at Abbott Vascular, he returned to Siemens in 2015 as the President of Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. and the head of the Americas for Siemens Healthineers based in Malvern, Pa.
 
The beginning of Pacitti’s collegiate career saw him attend Duke before transferring to Villanova prior to the 1985 season. His experience as a Wildcats student-athlete had a profound impact on every aspect of his life, keeping him connected with the University and with teammates who became lifelong friends.
 
Pacitti co-founded the Villanova Football Club which helps to ensure the ongoing success of the Villanova Football program by providing important financial support for key initiatives and enrichment opportunities for student-athletes. One of those opportunities is the annual Villanova Football Networking Night, an annual event that Pacitti helped create which gathers Villanova Football alumni from various industries to get to know current team members and their aspirations, discuss career opportunities and provide mentoring. Pacitti says the Villanova network played a critical role in his professional success and he takes pride in helping Villanova graduates get started in his industry.
 
In 2021, the Villanova University Alumni Association selected Pacitti as that year’s winner of its Loyalty Award. It is the oldest alumni honor conferred by the University and is presented annually to alumni who have rendered distinguished service to the University. Recipients for the Loyalty Award are selected by a vote of previous award winners. Pacitti received his award on October 23, 2021 during Villanova’s Homecoming Weekend.