Alumni Blog
Former Hermits QB breaks NCAA passing record
Posted October 6th, 2021
Memories of Jose Tabora ’16 electrifying Friday nights at LaRosa Field are still fresh in the memory banks of the Hermits faithful. The exceptional play of the dual-threat quarterback was a big part of the program’s success in the mid-2010s and it has most certainly contributed to the foundation of its continued dominance (As this article is being written, the 2021 Hermits are ranked #2 in the state). While many scholar-athletes experience an adjustment period at the next level, Tabora stepped right in throwing for over 1000 yards and 8 touchdowns during his freshman year at Wilkes University. Fast forward to 2021 and the experienced senior’s most recent performance in a 21-14 win over Stevenson University (342 total yards – 222 passing, 3 total TDs) saw him eclipse a school passing record that stood tall for 25-years. With his 6,973 career passing yards in tow, the dynamic quarterback has another school record in sight as he is only 2 touchdowns away from adding Wilkes University’s all-time passing touchdown record to his athletic resume.
Congratulations to Senior QB Jose Tabora (@PAPI___J) on breaking the #WilkesFootball All-Time Passing Yards record previously held by Boo Perry (6940 yards, 1992-1996) in today’s victory! #Uncommon pic.twitter.com/3OtixQUjUF
— Wilkes Football (@WilkesFootball) October 2, 2021
Following Tabora’s record-breaking performance, Wilkes Head Coach, Jonathan Drache spoke highly of his QB1, “I think that he is a better student now. I think that he is doing a lot of good things off the field and he is more of a leader now which is what his next step is gonna be.” His off-the-field performance has been just as impressive as his record-setting play on it. Having already earned a degree in criminology, Tabora is currently on track to add a degree in sociology to his academic resume. Regarding the next steps his coach had referenced, the dual major mentioned several opportunities waiting in the wings: “I have a bunch of different lanes that I can pursue from coaching to pursuing obviously my career in my majors, or even continue my education and get my masters and see where that takes me. Or even playing ball overseas or Canada or whoever wants me honestly. I love playing football.”
Jose’s success in college comes as no surprise as he exhibited the same determination on the field and in the classroom throughout his time at St. Augustine. Even more impressive was his emphasis on building friendships with his Hermit Brothers, many of which he holds dear to this very day. A leader on-and-off-the-field from the Class of 2016, his classmates and the entire Hermit Brotherhood will be rooting for Jose this weekend as he takes the field to break yet another Wilkes Football record. Wilkes (4-0, 3-0 MAC) returns to the gridiron on Saturday when it travels to Albright College for a 12:00 p.m. Middle Atlantic Conference game.
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Jose Tabora’s achievements following his time as a student at St. Augustine are a strong example of life as a Hermit Brother entering a new chapter as an alumnus. The school is blessed to have many alumni who continue to represent the Prep with the same pride and vigor they held as students. Jose joins a list of distinguished Hermits Alumni who have earned distinctions in education, athletics, medicine, business, and a variety of industries and walks of life. Do you know a young man who is ready to become a “Man of Character” and follow in Jose’s footsteps? Help us share the St. Augustine Experience by encouraging prospective students to join us at the 2021 Hermits Open House scheduled for Thursday, November 4, and Friday, November 5. Visit hermits.com/openhouse or email admissions@hermits.com today!
