Wallenpaupack Area gridiron standout Chris Quigley Headed to West Chester

HAWLEY — Since his freshman year, Chris Quigley has been a steady contributor to athletics at Wallenpaupack Area.

The Buckhorn senior has racked up time with track and field, basketball, and football.

This coming fall, he’ll continue his academic and football career at West Chester University.

He's Now Ram Tough

When it comes to NCAA Division II football in the Keystone State, West Chester is a solid bet.

The Golden Rams are tied with Bloomsburg for the most Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference titles.

They and the Huskies each have 16 gridiron championships to their names. WCU was a finalist in the PSAC Championship game in 2017, losing to Indiana University of Pennsylvania 24-7.

However, they then came back in 2018 to claim the title with a 33-10 victory over Slippery Rock.

Although the Rams have yet to appear in the finals since then, the team remains strong. They carved out a 9-3 overall tally in 2019, missed all of 2020 due to the pandemic, and then returned last season to a 6-5 record.

“West Chester has a strong football tradition, and the coaching staff was very welcoming,” Chis said.

“I’ll be playing defensive back and there’s a good chance I’ll see action sooner than later.”

Toughness and Versatility

Quigley has filled many roles for the Buckhorns. He played in seven games as a sophomore, five during the abbreviated junior year, and eleven as a senior.

This past fall, he led the team with three interceptions, earning a total of 20 yards on returns in the process. Quigley also paced the squad with six passes defended. He had 42 total tackles with 31 being solo efforts.

Offensively, Quigley contributed three career receptions good for a total of 33 yards. He also has some passing stats to add: One attempt and one completion for 25 yards as a sophomore and another one-for-one tally as a senior for 47 yards.

“Chris really improved last season,” said Paupack Head Coach Dr. Mark Watson. “We asked kids to step up and he was one that did. He’s a good player and a good leader and a good student.”

In other endeavors, Chris has competed in the 400M and high jump with the varsity track team for three seasons and has played basketball for three years as well.

Quigley is a member of the National Honor Society. He's participated in Future Business Leaders of America, has been a member of the Athletic Council, and belongs to Queen of Peace Church.

Additionally, Chris earned an appointment to the All-Academic football team as well.

An Exciting New Chapter

Chris will be seeking a dual major in Health and Physical Education with the goal of one day becoming a teacher.

“West Chester isn’t a small school, but it’s not too big and I like the location and campus,” Chris stated. “I’m proud of myself and what I’ve accomplished and happy with my decision to go there.

“I think it will be a great fit for me both academically and for football and am looking forward to what is ahead.”