Reggie Wells, who starred at offensive left tackle on the gridiron at Clarion University from 1999 - 2002, will be honored at halftime of the men’s basketball game on February 18^th against Slippery Rock. Tickets for the game are still available and will be sold at the door.

Wells will have his football game jersey and number (56) retired at halftime of the game. Reggie will be on hand for the presentation along with the Wells family including his parents Diane and Reggie Wells and his brother Ryan (a member of the Clarion basketball team), Clarion Athletic Director Robert Carlson and head football coach Malen Luke.

Wells is currently a member of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and played in all 16 regular season games during his "Rookie" season in 2003. He also started and played the entire game in the Cardinals season finale at left offensive tackle, which was won by the Cardinals on the final play over the Minnesota Vikings 18-17.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for all of us to showcase and thank Reggie, who certainly was one of the best football players ever here at Clarion University," said Clarion athletic director Bob Carlson.

"We’re proud of Reggie Wells and his accomplishments, but we’re also proud of Reggie the person and we look forward to honoring him on Wednesday," said Clarion head football coach Malen Luke. "He always represents Clarion in a first class manner and is proud to be a Clarion University product. He’s a hard worker and a great person who has a very strong family behind him. We thank him for all he’s done, his continual support and we all wish him the best in his future."

Wells, a 6'3 ½", 310-pound left offensive tackle from Library, Pa. and South Park High School, was drafted in the 6^th round of the 2003 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals and was the 177^th overall pick.

In four years at Clarion university he left an indelible mark on the football program. He was a 2002 AP First Team "Little All-America" selection, a first team AFCA (American Football Coaches Association) All-America, a second team Football Gazette and D-II Football.com All-America selection, a first team PSAC and first team CoSida/Daktronics All-Region selection. Wells also played in the Whataburger Cactus Bowl on

January 10^th, 2003 in Kingsville, Texas

Wells did not yield a sack in his final three seasons at Clarion.

In 2002 Wells helped lead Clarion University’s running game to the #1 ranking in the PSAC (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) and #6 in NCAA Division II with a 273 yard average per game. The Golden Eagles were 7-4 overall including a loss to Div.I-AA powerhouse Youngstown State.

Clarion rushed for a single game record 519 yards against Glenville State in 2002 in a 59-38 win, and a second best 468 yards against Lock Haven in a 34-31 victory.

Wells was a first team PSAC-West, first team East Region and HM Football Gazette All-American selection in 2001 and helped lead Clarion to a 7-4 overall record and a 5-1 mark in the PSAC-West as Clarion claimed the PSAC-West title in 2000. He was injured against Kutztown in 2000 and suffered at ACL tear in his left knee missing the team’s final six games. He made a full recovery and started his final 22 games of his career. Reggie broke into the starting lineup as a true freshman in 1999 and started the final five games.

CLARION NOTES: Reggie is the son of Diane and Reggie Wells... Both parents attended Clarion ... Reggie’s father (also Reggie Wells), was a basketball All-American at Clarion and was inducted into the Clarion University Sports Hall of Fame in 1990... Mr. Wells scored 2,011 points and collected 1,120 rebounds in his career from 1975-79... He also played professionally in Europe & South America... They also have a son Ryan who is also having great success on the Clarion men’s basketball team... Wells is the first Clarion player drafted by an NFL team since former Baltimore Colts All-Pro guard Alex Sandusky was drafted by the Colts in the 16^th round of the 1954 draft... The last Clarion football player in a pro camp was Jon Haslett, a defensive end, and brother of New Orleans Saints head coach Jim Haslett... Jon was a free agent with the Buffalo Bills in 1985.