Dayton to induct three into athletic hall of fame

Rolfe played 11 seasons in MLS after starring for Flyers

Credit: Jay Janner

Credit: Jay Janner

Former Major League Soccer player Chris Rolfe will join the University of Dayton Athletic Hall of Fame on Feb. 17 along with track and field athlete Mallory Barnes and football coach Dave Whilding.

The three will be honored at halftime of the men’s basketball game against Fordham at UD Arena.

Rolfe, a Fairmont High School graduate, ranks sixth in Dayton history in goals (31) and first in assists (25) despite missing time with injuries in two of his seasons with the Flyers.

» LOOKING BACK: Rolfe returns to MLS in 2012

Rolfe scored 63 goals in 11 seasons in Major League Soccer. He was the Chicago Fire’s MVP in 2012 and D.C. United’s MVP in 2015. He retired following the 2017 season. Rolfe completed his degree at UD last fall and now lives in Denver, Colo.

Barnes, a graduate of Winton Woods High School who now lives in Huber Heights, placed sixth in the weight throw at the 2010 and 2011 NCAA Indoor Championship meets. She helped lead the indoor team to Atlantic 10 titles in 2010 and 2011 and was a five-time winner of the Most Outstanding Field Performer award at the A-10 championships.

Whilding is the first assistant coach inducted into UD’s Hall of Fame. He spent 35 years with the program (1977-2011

Dave Whilding, a Xenia native who lives in Jamestown, spent 35 seasons as an assistant football coach, the last 29 as offensive coordinator, from 1977 to 2011. Dayton was never shut out during his tenure. Dayton hasn’t been shut out in the last 465 games, the longest ever streak in Division.

About the Author