Villanova Univeristy Athletics

A native of Syracuse, N.Y. who was the first among several of his Villanova teammates to come to the Main Line from Christian Brothers Academy, Michael DeLucia was a three-year starter for the Wildcats who played on both the offensive line and at linebacker. He played for Villanova from 1956-58 and graduated from the University in 1959. DeLucia was inducted to the Varsity Club Hall of Fame in 2006.
 
Entering his senior year in 1958, it was noted that DeLucia had developed into the team’s best inside linebacker in several years. He led twice led the Wildcats in interceptions despite playing much of his junior season in 1957 with a painful pinched nerve. DeLucia earned All-East recognition following the 1957 campaign and was selected to play in the Senior Bowl a year later.
 
The final season of DeLucia’s collegiate career was Villanova’s best in his three seasons on the roster. DeLucia was a tri-captain of the 1958 squad and helped lead the Wildcats to a 6-4 record which included strong road wins over Boston College and Dayton in addition to notable home victories over Detroit, Wake Forest and Richmond. His individual career stats from 1956-58 included five interceptions and a 30-yard fumble return for a touchdown in a 1956 win over Citadel.
 
DeLucia began his collegiate career at Fordham but transferred to Villanova after the Rams dropped their football program following his 1955 freshman season. He had previously been a seven-time scholastic letterwinner in football and baseball at Christian Brothers Academy where he earned Upper All-State and All-City football accolades.