David Murphy '61

Our second Athletic Hall of Fame honoree is Dave Murphy, who was a member of the first graduating class of Bishop McDevitt High School in 1961. Dave originally attended Cardinal Dougherty until McDevitt was officially opening during his sophomore year and then he transferred to Royal Avenue and became a Lancer for Life. In addition to being a member of the first class to graduate McDevitt, Dave is also the first three sport varsity letterman in school history earning his varsity letters in football, basketball, and track & field. At Cardinal Dougherty, he was a member of the varsity baseball team as a freshman; however, Bishop McDevitt did not have a baseball team until 1972, so Dave gave Track & Field a try. 

The transition from baseball to track and field easily worked out as Dave excelled and earned multiple All-Catholic honors. He achieved a remarkable time of 10.0 seconds in the 100-yard dash, which remained a school record for more than 15 years.  Dave was a part of the Suburban Catholic League Champion team in 1961, which was one of the first sports championships in  school history, where he came in 1st place in the 220 at the track championship held in Reading. 

Dave was also a star half-back for the football team when it played in the Suburban Catholic League and was also a member of the first basketball team in school history in 1960. 

At his graduation in 1961, Dave was awarded the Gold Medal for Athletics for all Bishop McDevitt student-athletes. For his efforts and accomplishments, Dave has also been inducted in both the Bishop McDevitt Football and Track & Field Hall of Fames.

Following his graduation from McDevitt, Dave attended La Salle University and then worked in the insurance industry where he served as a Vice President for State Farm where he worked for over 35 years. He is the proud father of two beautiful and dedicated daughters, who are both teachers, and the proud grandfather of two grandchildren. Dave also gave back to his alma mater by serving as an assistant track coach under the legendary Jim Gibbons from 1967 through 1969 and, along with Phil Keeley, Dave was instrumental in starting and supporting the Bishop McDevitt Track and Field Alumni association.

Please join me in honoring and welcoming DAVE MURPHY, Bishop McDevitt Class of 1961, to the Bishop McDevitt High School Athletic Hall of Fame.