The fourth annual RMU Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner is set for Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, at the Sheraton Pittsburgh Airport. The Voice of the Colonials and a 2012 inductee into the RMU Athletic Hall of Fame Chris Shovlin, will serve as emcee to induct six individuals who make up the 26th annual class.
 
In a special series leading up to the RMU Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner, veteran Pittsburgh sportswriter Joe Bendel takes a closer look at each of the inductees. Today's feature is former wide receiver Tyjuan Massey. For more information on how you can take part in the RMU Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner, please visit this link.
 
Moon Township, Pa. – In the fall of 2003, Linda Hagley watched her son, Tyjuan Massey, play football for the first and only time.
 
Not knowing what to expect after the 975-mile drive from Orlando to Robert Morris University, Hagley witnessed a show-stopping performance that she would never forget.
 
Displaying his great speed (4.35 in the 40) and football acumen, Massey returned a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown against Stony Brook. The electric jaunt was a school record at the time.
 
When he turned an eye toward mom and sister, Kenyatta, after the score, Massey saw bedlam in the bleachers.
 
"They were more excited than me," said Massey, who is back in Orlando these days teaching physical education at South Seminole Middle School. "My mom never saw any of my games in Pop Warner or in high school. Maybe she realized, 'My son is pretty good.' I'm not sure why she didn't come to games, if it was because of work or other reasons. I'm glad she got to see that game, and I'm glad I was able to return a kickoff for a touchdown for her."
 
Robert Morris fans witnessed Massey's brilliance for three glorious seasons from 2003-05. This came after they were forced to wait two years for him.
 
Massey missed his freshman season in accordance with Proposition 48 and the next season with a medical redshirt.
 
From there, he hit the ground running.
 
And catching.
 
And scoring.
 
Considered by many to be the most exciting player in program history, Massey owns RMU career records in receiving yards (2,119) and touchdown receptions (21). He also ranks third all-time in receptions (112) and all-purpose yards (3,748).
 
Like all great artists, he saved his best for last.
 
As a senior in 2005, he set single-season records in receiving yards (899), touchdown receptions (10), average yards per catch (23.1) and 100-yard games (4).
 
Those totals include 272 yards versus Sacred Heart, 141 at Central Connecticut, 131 against Stony Brook and 113 versus Butler.
 
Massey will be recognized for his inimitable skills at the Sheraton Pittsburgh Airport Friday when he is inducted into the RMU Athletic Hall of Fame.
 
"Words can not explain how I felt when I found out," said Massey, the father of two sons, ages 12 and 7, and a 1-year-old daughter. "The first person I called was my sister. Then my mom. I even called my dad. We don't have the best relationship in the world, but it's getting better as I grow older. They all celebrated for me.
 
"The thing is, I never played football for awards or anything like that. I just love the game, so the Hall of Fame is icing on the cake for me."
 
The Hall of Fame appeared to be out of Massey's reach early in his RMU career. Not only was he struggling academically, but he also suffered a season-ending ankle injury prior to his first year of eligibility.
 
That meant he would be away from the game he loved for two full years.
 
"That's a long, long time," Massey said.
 
An internal conflict ensued.
 
Massey had to ask himself: Was it time to leave school and return to Orlando? Or was this an opportunity to prove to himself that he could overcome all obstacles?
 
The latter won out, thanks to unforgettable words offered up by then-coach Joe Walton.
 
"He said, 'When it's your turn to get out on the field, we know you'll make an impact, we know it,'" Massey said. "Just that statement alone meant so much. He believed in me. He had faith in me. My son (Tyjuan Jr.) plays football and he's pretty good. Well, I tell him that, sometimes, you have to wait your turn. Coach Walton shared those words with me and they brought me success. Now, I'm passing the along to my son."
 
Massey was more than a feel-good story at Robert Morris. He was a feel-great story.

He overcame his early academic challenges and earned a degree in communications. He credits Tracy Frazier, Associate Director, Center for Student Success at RMU, for guiding him in the right direction. 
 
"She really changed my mindset about school, and how important that part of the experience is," Massey said. "I give her thanks and praise, because she pushed me a lot."
 
While tending to his academics, Massey continued to run roughshod over RMU opponents.
 
He averaged 15.7 yards per catch as a redshirt sophomore, 17.7 as a junior and 23.1 as a senior. He also hauled in deep balls covering 93, 79 and 71 yards.
 
In Massey's final home game, he made a distinct final impression. He amassed 272 receiving yards and four touchdowns against Stony Brook. He also scored on a reverse during that magical afternoon.

"I should have had over 300 yards in that game, but I dropped a pass when I was wide open," Massey said, laughing. "It was sad to know that I'd never play at Robert Morris anymore, but I was happy, at the same time, for all I experienced."
 
Massey tried out for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League after graduation, but acknowledged that he struggled during his workouts. He also believes there was a carryover effect when he participated in RMU's Pro Day a weeks later.
 
"I think I lost a little bit of confidence after what happened in Montreal," he said. "That was tough after the career that I had."
 
With his playing days behind him, Massey aspires to be a high school football coach in the near future. He currently serves as the volleyball and track and field coach at Seminole Middle School.
 
One day, he might even coach son Tyjuan Jr., who often looks like dad when he has a football in his hands.
 
"I had some great coaches at Robert Morris, and I'd like to pass along what they've taught me," he said. "I'm really hoping to see Coach Walton when I come for the Hall of Fame ceremony. I love the guy to death. He taught me everything. I know it's true that you have to have talent as a player, but it's the coaches who take you to that next level."
 
Massey found that level from 2003-05.

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