Colgate University Athletics

Richard Lalla lettered four years in football for the Red Raiders from 1951-54. In his first season he played a minimal role on the 1951 team until mid-season when he took over the first-string quarterback position over two experienced seniors. He completed 43 of 95 passes for 641 yards and eight touchdowns. In 1952 Lalla saw action in three games due to a cartilage injury in his right knee. Working out of the deep-back spot in a "diamond" formation, he completed 24 of 57 passes for 370 yards and three touchdowns. He opened the 1953 season at the quarterback slot in the split-T. Due to his versatility he also played defensive right halfback. For the season, he completed 55 of 115 passes for 789 yards and 10 touchdowns. Lalla was named first team all-East by the Associated Press in 1953. Elected captain of the 1954 squad, Lalla suffered a preseason muscle injury that caused him to see limited time throughout his senior season. He holds the record for highest percentage of passes for touchdowns in a career for a minimum 300 attempts. Lalla also lettered one year in basketball.