Dalton Wickel is waiting to be on the big stage at Widener University.

At Whitehall, Wickel was a two-way starter his senior season, and he played a key role in Whitehall’s district championship in 2023.

“My football journey started my senior year when I finally started and I played both ways,” noted Wickel. I had a great season despite having an injury halfway through the season. I came back and finished the season. We won districts and made it to the first round of states.”

Now, Wickel appears ready to help Widener take the next step.

The former Zephyrs’ standout is looking forward to his second season at the Philadelphia suburban university.

Last year, the 5-10, 220-pound Wickel became a starter late in the season for the Pride, and he finished the campaign with 414 yards rushing on 105 carries for a 3.90 average per carry from his fullback position. Wickel had a season-high 82 yards rushing against Lebanon Valley on Nov. 2.

He also caught six passes for 48 yards and earned Middle Atlantic Conference honorable mention honors.

And it didn’t take Wickel long to realize he found a new home.

“After my final season at Whitehall, I got enough film to look at colleges for football,” recalled Wickel. “Widener was one of my top choices and the second I got there, I knew it was the place for me.”

His season further cemented his new surroundings. Before training camp began, Wickel spent the summer lifeguarding and working for a landscaping company.

“I had a great season,” beamed Wickel. “I started a few games during the season and earned honorable mention fullback as a freshman. Earning that really capped off my first year.”

It was a game against Albright in the third week of last season where Wickel knew he would raise his game.

“I felt comfortable during camp, and I was finally understanding the plays,” said Wickel. “In the Albright game, I just felt like everything was clicking, and I knew what I was doing.”

Yet, Wickel quickly realized he had to adapt to a new level of football. Still, Wickel is anxious about his second season that will begin at home against Geneva Sept. 6. The Pride finished with an overall 5-5 record.

“The biggest adjustment is the pace of the play,” said Wickel. “The game is much faster in college than in high school.

“But I’m really excited for my next season.”