Competing for the Golden Knights from 1971–73, Dave Stoczynski emerged as one of the program's most efficient and productive scorers of his era.
Stoczynski joined the Gannon basketball program as a junior after earning his associate degree from NCC, where he gained national recognition while playing for the "Frontiersmen." Despite entering the program later than many of his peers and overcoming a season hiatus due to a back injury, he continued to improve throughout his two seasons with the Golden Knights. He finished his Gannon career with 853 points and a 16.4 scoring average, numbers that placed him among the program's elite scorers at the time, specifically 13th at the time of his graduation.
At the conclusion of his career, Stoczynski ranked 13th all-time at Gannon in career points and second all-time in scoring average. While the passage of time has since shifted those standings, he remains ranked 43rd all-time in career points and 10th in career scoring average.
Stoczynski's excellence on the court carried him to the professional ranks. He was selected in the seventh round of the 1974 NBA Draft and went on to play two professional seasons in Europe.
Beyond the statistics, Stoczynski was a respected leader within the program. He served as a co-captain alongside Gerald Walker, earning recognition for his genuine, serious, and steady leadership. Those same leadership qualities became hallmarks of his life after basketball, shaping a career dedicated to education, mentorship, and service. Stoczynski went on to teach, coach, officiate, and serve as both an athletic administrator and an elementary and high school principal, impacting countless students and athletes along the way.
Known for bringing his strong Catholic faith and deep love for the game of basketball to Gannon College, Stoczynski's strength, determination, and integrity continued to guide him throughout his personal and professional life. Those values were reflected in his nearly 46-year marriage, his relationship with his accomplished daughter, and his enduring friendships.
