Dayton Flyers

Oct. 22, 2005

Robert Dence, the backup quarterback and special team standout for the University of Dayton, was named the winner of the 50th presentation of the Lt. Andy Zulli Memorial Trophy at halftime of Saturday's Dayton-Valparaiso football game.

The award goes to the Flyer senior who best exemplifies the qualities of Zulli, a former UD football player who was killed in a military vehicle accident while serving in the Army in Germany. Zulli was not a star football player at Dayton, but his qualities of sportsmanship, scholarship and leadership were so exceptional that this award was created in his memory shortly after his death.

Dence, a 6-0, 188 lb. senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering from Huron, Ohio is a 2001 graduate of Huron High School. He won nine letters in football, basketball and baseball and was Northwest Ohio Offensive Player of the Year after his senior football season.

One of the best athletes on the team, Dence has been one of the top Flyers in kick coverage tackles the last two seasons. He also serves as UD's holder for PAT's and field goals. In his role as Dayton's backup quarterback, he has completed eight of ten passes (.800) for 104 yards. He also has 128 yards rushing on 16 carries (8.0 yards per carry).

The late Vic Cassano, Sr. began the award in 1956. His family has continued the support of the award, and also makes a contribution to the Harry C. Baujan Scholarship Fund at UD in memory of Andy Zulli.

A special guest was also on hand for the presentation. Andrew Zulli, whose father greatly admired his cousin, Lt. Andy Zulli, represented the Zulli family at today's game. Mr. Zulli was invited into the locker room by Flyer coach Mike Kelly and addressed the team following the win.