Jerry Whelchel (2005) - Hall of Fame - University of Massachusetts Athletics

Jerry Whelchel

Induction:
2005
Class:
1964

Jerry Whelchel was the quarterback and team captain of one of UMass' most successful teams, the 1964 squad that played in the Tangerine Bowl in Orlando, Florida. The team went 8-2, including a perfect 5-0 in winning the Yankee Conference. Whelchel was named UMass' MVP in the Tangerine Bowl.

He was all-Yankee Conference in 1963 and 1964 and won the Bulger Lowe Award as New England's top player in 1964. In his UMass career, he accounted for 30 touchdowns, rushing for 13 and throwing for 17 more.

In addition to playing quarterback, Whelchel was also the kicker making 30 of 45 extra points and made both his field goal attempts, scoring 228 points.

The team's record with Whelchel at starting quarterback 22-5-1 overall and 14-1 in the Yankee Conference. Two of those years, UMass won the Yankee Conference.

After his UMass career, Whelchel was selected in the ninth round of the American Football League draft by the San Diego Chargers in 1965.

He was inducted into the UMass Athletics Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2005.