Colgate University Athletics

Ryan Vena is arguably one of the greatest quarterback in Colgate’s history. He finished his career as the Colgate and Patriot League’s alltime leader in total offense with 9,435 yards. He was the first Patriot League quarterback to pass for over 7,000 yards and rush for over 2,000. The holder of 13 Colgate records in total offense and passing, he led Colgate to three straight appearances in the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs, and four straight winning seasons. In his senior year, Vena became first three-time winner of the Patriot League Player of the Year Award. In 1998 he was named second team All-America after leading Colgate to an 8-4 record, while being named a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, given to the outstanding Division I-AA player in the nation. As a freshman, Vena joined Stanford Jennings of Furman and Herschel Walker of Georgia as one of only three players to win league MVP and Rookie of the Year in their first season. He moved into the starting lineup after four games, and led the Raiders to six straight victories for the first winning season since 1990. After graduation, Vena was a standout quarterback in Arena Football. He was named to the Patriot League's 25th anniversary all-century team.