Emily Orsini, Sports Editor–

The Varsity D Association Hall of Fame inducted 10 former members of the athletics program for the 2025 year, where they were recognized during a ceremonial dinner as well as the Big Red football team’s first home game of the season on Oct. 4. 

Established in 1974, the Varsity D Association Hall of Fame celebrates Denison alumni who have demonstrated exceptional athletic achievement and made lasting contributions to the university community. Prior to this year’s induction class, 279 athletics alumni have received this award, ranging from different undergraduate academic disciplines and sports. 

From record-breaking performances to lifelong dedication to Big Red athletics, this year’s inductees embody the spirit of Denison competition and community. The 2025 class includes: Brittany Benson Romano ‘13, Dudley Brown Jr. ‘74, Peter Burling, Tiffany Davis-Hale ‘14, Dennis Fryzel ‘64, Bryce Peterson ‘07, Brian Regan ‘04, Peter Shorten ‘10, Alyssa Swanson ‘13, and Rachel Thomas Garling ‘07. 

Brittany Benson Romano ‘13:

While at Denison, Brittany Benson Romano was a psychology major and a goal keeper for the field hockey team. After graduating in 2013, Benson Romano was the field hockey program’s all time leader in shutouts, saves, and save percentages. Benson Romano still holds the title for most career saves with 446. She was also named the Defensive Player of the Year in 2011— the season where she helped lead the Big Red to an 18-2 record and to the second round of the Division III NCAA tournament. 

Benson Romano is a teacher and the head coach of the varsity field hockey team at New Trier High School in Illinois. 

Dudley Brown Jr. ‘74:

Dudley Brown attended Denison from 1970-74, where he was an economics major as well as four year starter on the men’s basketball team. He was named MVP in back to back seasons (1971-72, 1972-73), and is listed as the 10th all-time leading scorer during an era where there was no three-point shot. 

Brown, now retired, worked a long career in finance. He now spends his time working on his golf game.

Peter Burling:

Peter Burling was the head coach of both the men’s and women’s tennis teams during his tenure, where he led the teams to a combined 20 NCAA tournaments (12 for the women’s team, eight for the men’s team). Burling coached the men’s team from 1992-2020, and women’s team in 1992 and 2000-2017. Burling was recognized as the ITA Coach of the Year two years in a row with the women’s team (2004 and 2005).

After his retirement, Burling still engages with tennis— he teaches lessons on occasion as well as helps to run Nike Tennis Camps. He is also very involved in music, where he performs in Columbus at least twice a week. 

Tiffany Davis-Hale ‘14:

Tiffany Davis-Hale was a member of the varsity track and field team as well as the Agape Christian Fellowship, Breakaway Service Trip, DU Lead, Garden of Hope, and the Salvation Army. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in neuroscience and psychology, which she now uses as the Director of Alumni Engagement & Programs at Per Scholas. 

While competing for the track and field team, Davis-Hale was a six-time NCAC Sprints/Hurdlers Athlete of the Year and a thirteen-time conference champion for both indoor and outdoor track. She currently holds the Mitchell Fieldhouse 200m dash record with a time of 25.14 as well as Denison’s 200m dash indoor track record with a time of 24.61. 

Dennis Fryzel ‘64:

Dennis Fryzel participated on the football team from 1960-1963 under legendary coach Keith Piper. He was a speech communication major, and found a passion for coaching while at Denison. 

After graduation, Fryzel went on to coach at six programs, both at the collegiate and professional level, including the University of Tampa, Syracuse University, the Air Force Academy, Ohio State University, University of Alabama, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Fryzel passed away in 2009 after a nine month battle with cancer. 

Bryce Peterson ‘07:

Bryce Peterson was an economics major, and works in the finance department at Lowe’s Home Improvement. 

On the swim and dive team, Peterson was a three-time NCAA champion in the 800 free relay (2006, 2007) and 400 free relay (2007). He was a 26-time All-American, and is tied for second in program history. He was just two shy of the maximum 28 or a four-year career. 

Brian Regan ‘04:

Brian Regan was a middle infielder on the baseball team, where he recorded a career batting average of .371 and is tied for second in career home runs with 21. One of the most notable moments from Regan’s career wasn’t a crazy walk-off in the bottom of the ninth during conference play, but was his proposal to his girlfriend after the class of 2004’s Senior Day.

Regan and his wife celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary 11 days after being inducted into the hall of fame. Regan studied economics and has been working in supply chain management at Procter & Gamble for over 20 years. 

Peter Shorten ‘10:

While representing Denison on the soccer field, Peter Shorten was a four year starter and a two time captain of the men’s soccer team. He finished his four years with 18 goals and 10 assists, and was named to the NSCAA All-Region First Team. He completed a double major in history and chemistry, with aspirations of working in the medical field. 

Shorten now lives in Colorado, where he works as an orthopedic surgeon. 

Alyssa Swanson ‘13:

Alyssa Swanson was a history and chemistry double major at Denison, and now works as an Account Director at Octagon, an agency in sports, culture and entertainment. Swanson was also involved in the Denison Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Phi Alpha Theta History Honors Society and Kappa Alpha Theta.