Villanova Univeristy Athletics

A versatile athlete who played halfback and quarterback during his career, Joe Belasco had the second-most passing touchdowns in school history at the time of his graduation. He played on the varsity squad for the football team from 1968-70 and graduated from Villanova in 1971 as an accounting major. He was inducted to the Varsity Club Hall of Fame in 2006.
 
Belasco was the Wildcats leading passer in 1969 when he shared quarterbacking duties with Drew Gordon. By his senior year in 1970, Daryl Woodring was establishing himself as the starter under center and Belasco emerged as Villanova’s top running back. He amassed 1,095 all-purpose yards in three seasons and was ranked seventh in the Wildcats record book with 1,550 yards of total offense when he graduated.
 
During the 1969 season, Belasco was 51-of-107 through the air for 748 yards with 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Villanova went 6-3 on the year and posted notable road wins over Delaware, Boston College and Xavier. Belasco’s versatility was on display that year, as he rushed for 113 yards and two touchdowns while also returning four kickoffs for 100 yards and an average of 25.0 yards per return. His 861 yards of total offense in 1969 were his single season best.
 
Belasco played for successful Wildcats teams that went 21-9 (.700) during his three varsity seasons. That included a 9-2 mark his senior year in Lou Ferry’s first season as head coach. Villanova opened the year with a 21-3 road win at Maryland and later tallied significant road victories over Delaware, Buffalo, Navy and Temple. Belasco led the team with 587 rushing yards and six touchdowns for the 1970 season, including a pair of 100-yard games. He rushed 31 times for a career-high 158 yards in a 37-16 win at Santa Clara to go along with 144 rushing yards on 28 carries in the Buffalo win.
 
By the time his career ended Belasco’s collegiate totals included 776 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, 774 passing yards with 14 touchdowns, 10 receptions for 188 yards and six kickoff returns for 131 yards. The native of Jersey City, N.J. had also been a successful and skilled punter during his high school playing days.