California University of Pennsylvania Athletics

Dave Robey joined the Vulcan football team as a walk-on and finished as one of the school’s most celebrated defensive lineman ever.

Robey turned down a partial scholarship offer to attend Marshall University and worked for a year in a warehouse on a tractor-trailer yard before continuing his education. He was a three-year starter at both the end and tackle positions and played two years each for John Katusa and Elmo Natali. A talented athlete, who bench pressed well over 400 pounds and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.9 seconds, Robey also played at tight end and offensive tackle as a freshman.

Despite the harsh reality that the Vulcans won only three football games from 1974 through 1976, Robey’s physically imposing and dominant presence on the Cal defensive interior hardly went unnoticed. He was a two-time all-conference and all-NAIA District -18 selection. In 1975, Robey was nominated and honored in that year’s edition of “Best College Football Players in America.” He received a letter of notification and an official certificate from William Hill, executive director of Best Athletes in America, which was the governing body of this prestigious award. Robey’s outstanding ability, dedication, leadership, and determination to excel paved the way to this honor.

During his final two years, he made 115 and 129 tackles respectively with 74 of those stops being solo tackles. He concluded his career with a brilliant performance against Edinboro, making 18 tackles with two pass break-ups and fumble recovery.

Involved in many activities during his collegiate career, Dave was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and won the heavyweight wrestling tournament at the 1977 Greek Week competition. He was the President of the TKE’s for two years. Robey earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial arts from Cal U in 1977 and his master’s degree in guidance counseling in 1980.

“I had a great time playing at Cal and going to school there,” said Robey. “I’m 46 years old now and I am not one to sit in a bar or somewhere and dwell on the past because that does not help you succeed. What I remember or care about are the friendships and relationships from football. I loved playing football and I loved my teammates. I still associate and keep in touch with several teammates.”

Robey signed free-agent contracts and competed in the NFL training camps with both the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Colts. He also played with the Pittsburgh Colts semi-pro team and the Saskatchewan Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League.

“I got to start a preseason game with the Colts against the Washington Redskins which was pretty cool,” Robey said. “Canadian football was a blast. It was a quicker or faster game which I was better suited for and it was fun to play.”

He is originally from Johnstown, PA, and a graduate of Johnstown Area Vocational-Technical School. The summer after his senior year, Robey was the only player from Johnstown Vo-Tech selected to represent the South squad at the second annual Ken Lantzy all-star football game that was sponsored by the Cambria Area Football Coaches Association.

Robey now resides in Morristown, Colorado, with his wife Kristy. For the past 16 years, Robey has worked First Data Corporation, where he is the director of financial services, Though he will not dwell on the past, Robey believes football has helped him make his mark in the business world.

“Football has absolutely helped me in my professional life,” said Robey. “Football helps you develop team work, determination, and the ability to win or come back from adversity.”

Along with his family, two people that Robey credited for their positive influences on him during his undergraduate days were Phil Hayes, retired dean of student life, and Dr. Richard Birch, retired industrial arts professor and assistant dean of men.

“Both of those guys were very supportive and always around for me” Robey said. “My wife and I went on a fishing trip not that long ago with Dean Hayes and he calls occasionally. Dr. Birch still sends me a Christmas card every year.”

Robey and his wife’s last visit to Cal U was in late October of 1999 when the couple came back for Homecoming and a thrilling 40-35 Vulcan win over divisional rival Edinboro. He is glad to be returning to his alma mater as a Hall of Fame inductee.

“It’s a great honor, a wonderful honor,” Robey said. “I’m looking forward to coming back.”

Dave Robey was a member of the Vulcan football team from 1973-77. Dave was a tremendous defensive player and was honored by the conference on a number of occasions for his outstanding play.