IUP Athletic Hall of Fame
The IUP football team rode the nation’s stingiest defense to a 12-2 record and the NCAA playoffs in 2012, thanks in no small part to free safety Johnny Franco.
A defense anchored by Franco permitted opponents only 12.5 points and 257.9 total yards per game, tops among all NCAA Division II schools. Coach Curt Cignetti’s Crimson Hawks captured PSAC West and PSAC championships and posted two victories in the NCAA playoffs, one a 17-14 thriller at third-ranked New Haven.
Franco became a mainstay in the secondary after transferring from the United States Military Academy. He finished his career with 161 tackles, 18½ tackles for loss and 15 interceptions, which ranks him eighth on the all-time IUP list. Franco’s 183 return yards on those picks is the seventh-best total in school history.
Franco made a big splash during his first year at IUP when he intercepted two passes against Mercyhurst, returning one 30 yards for a touchdown.
His name appeared on various All-America rosters following a standout senior season in 2012. Franco was a second-team selection at free safety on the Associated Press All-America team, a second-team College Sports Information Directors of America, Daktronics and D2 Conference Commissioners Association pick and a third-team selection on the Don Hansen Football Gazette All-America squad. He was also acknowledged for his classroom work, cited as a Capital One and a CoSIDA Academic All-American.
Franco was a first-team All-PSAC first-team selection in 2011 and 2012 and earned Don Hansen, CoSIDA, Daktronics and CCA all-region honors.
He was later named to IUP’s 2010-19 All=Decade team.
Franco graduated from IUP in 2013 with a BS degree in nutrition, with a pre-medical concentration. He served as an assistant coach at his alma mater from 2014 to 2018, working with the defensive backs. Those teams, coached by Cignetti and Paul Tortorella, compiled a 46-14 record, captured a PSAC title and won five NCAA playoff games.
Franco works as a medical sales consultant with Stryker in Altoona. He and his wife, Miranda, an IUP grad, reside in Hollidaysburg with their son, Johnny V, 1.
Personal Reflection
Being inducted into the IUP Athletics Hall of Fame is an incredible honor. To be recognized alongside so many outstanding athletes and coaches who have represented IUP is both humbling and deeply meaningful.
When I look back on my football career, I don’t think first about the games, statistics or accolades. I think about my teammates. Football is the ultimate team sport, and no individual achievement happens without the sacrifice and commitment of the people around you. Some of my greatest memories weren’t made on Saturdays. They were built during offseason workouts, long practices, road trips, countless moments in the locker room and especially when celebrating wins at The Coney. Those friendships are among the greatest gifts I took from IUP.
I want to thank coach Lou Tepper for giving me the opportunity to become a Crimson Hawk. After transferring from West Point, he believed in me and gave me the chance to continue pursuing my dream of playing college football. I will always be grateful for the opportunity he gave me.
I’m equally grateful to coach Curt Cignetti for challenging us to pursue excellence every day, and to my defensive coordinator, coach Paul Tortorella, whose standards of accountability, preparation and toughness continue to influence me long after my playing days.
A special thank you goes to Scott Weigner, who invested in me not only as an athlete but as a leader and a man. His mentorship strengthened my faith in God and continues to guide me in my family, career and everyday life.
To my dad—my first coach—thank you for pushing me harder than anyone ever has. You taught me to “play every play like it’s the last play for the state championship,” a mindset that became the foundation of how I approached football and life. As an IUP football alumnus, you instilled Crimson Hawk pride in me from the day I transferred. Before I even understood the rivalries, I already knew we had to beat Cal and Slippery Rock. Sharing this Hall of Fame honor with you makes this so much more meaningful.
Most importantly, I want to thank my family. Thank you for every sacrifice, every mile traveled and every word of encouragement. Your unwavering support made this journey possible.
Football gave me far more than wins and losses. It taught me discipline, perseverance, humility and resilience while introducing me to lifelong friends and mentors. IUP will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am forever proud to call myself a Crimson Hawk.
