2009-10 Wall of Fame Class

2009-10 Walsh University Wall of Fame Class

Walsh University will induct four new members into its Athletic Wall of Fame. The Wall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony will be held on Friday, October 2nd and Saturday, October 3rd. The dinner will be held on Friday in the Barrette Business and Community Center, beginning with a reception at 6:30 pm, followed by dinner at 7:15 pm, with the induction ceremonies to follow. Cost of the dinner is $20.00. Please R.S.V.P. by calling 330-490-7117. The 2009-10 class will also be presented on Saturday, at halftime of the homecoming football game against Olivet Nazarene University, with kick-off set for 12 pm.

Anthony (Tony) Cordillo lettered four years (1968-1971) for the men's golf team for Brother James Lacasse. Cordillo, a veterans committee selection to the 2009 Wall of Fame Class, was instrumental in Walsh's growth in the early years of athletics. Tony averaged 81.7 as a freshman, but his senior season proved to be his finest, when he earned All-District 22 honors on Walsh's 16-1 team and averaged 74.0 for the year. Walsh's 1971 record was the finest of any intercollegiate golf program in Ohio. Tony is a CPA, and lives in North Canton with his wife, Joan. They have two daughters.

Jennifer Pafford-Njoroge (1996-1999) lettered four years as the starting setter for the Cavs' Volleyball Team. Jen's stellar career began with the being named to the Mid-Ohio Conference All-Freshman Team and being selected honorable mention All-MOC. For the next three seasons, Jen was the premier setter in the American Mideast Conference earning first-team accolades each season. In her sophomore year, she was selected second-team Great Lakes Region and was named first-team NAIA Region IX. Jen still holds school marks for career assists (7087), and is first and second for assists in a single season (2079, 1973). She is third all-time in assists per game (11.60), career aces (253) and is fifth in career digs (1736). During Jen's career, the Cavs won three straight conference championships, winning 135 matches, against only 47 losses. Jen is currently teaching at Canton Timken High School and resides in Dover with her husband Jorge.

Ron Winphrie (1997-2000) lettered four years on the gridiron as a standout wide receiver and return specialist. Winphrie earned first-team All-Mid-States Football Association as a junior and senior. He was NAIA Honorable Mention All-American as a junior and was a second-team Hansen Gazette All-American his senior year. The flashy Winphrie averaged 24.8 yards per kick return as a sophomore, 30.8 as a junior and 30.4 with two touchdowns his senior year. He also led the Cavs in punt returns his final three years, with a best average of 11.5 as a junior. He is second in career kick return yardage (2022) and third career punt return yardage (380). Also a game-breaker at receiver, Ron is second in career receptions (104), career receiving yardage (1759) and receiving touchdowns (14). He led the Cavs in receptions as a sophomore (30), junior (24) and senior (40). His 40 catches are third all-time for a single season. Ron resides in Youngstown, Ohio and works for the Municipal Courts.

Darci Violand-Thompson (1997-2000) lettered four times on the tennis courts for the Cavs. Darci, a member of four consecutive conference championship teams, shined at first singles and first doubles. One of the most successful players in the history of the storied program, Violand was named first-team all-conference in singles and doubles all four years. Her singles record stands at 64-15 (18-4, 16-2, 13-7, 17-2) and her doubles record at 48-21 (13-6, 17-2, 14-6, 14-7). Also an outstanding student, Darci earned NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors three times (1998, 1999, 2000). Darci and her husband Tim reside in Barnesville, Ohio, with their three children. The Thompson's are franchise owners of Wendy's Restaurants in Ohio and West Virginia.