INDIANA, Pa. – IUP head football coach Paul Tortorella announced that senior offensive lineman Jeff Arnold is the program's 2019 recipient of the Art Rooney Sr. Leadership Award.
 
"Jeff Arnold is truly the epitome of an 'IUP guy'," said Tortorella. "He's been a great student, a great leader, heavily involved in community service, and a darn good offensive lineman."
 
Now in its third season and named after IUP alumnus and former Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney Sr., the award is given to an IUP football player who has demonstrated leadership of self and others by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.
 
This recognition is awarded by the IUP football coaches and the athletic director to a recipient presenting these qualities and leaving a lasting impression on the program. It is not necessarily awarded on an annual basis thus highlighting the significance of the award's purpose and meaning.
 
Arnold was a four-year starter at center and two-time All-American for the Crimson Hawks. He started 46 games for a team that went 41-8 and earned three berths in the NCAA Division II playoffs. Arnold was a four-time All-Super Region One and All-PSAC West selection as he pivoted one of the best offenses in the nation.
 
He wrapped up his collegiate career in 2019 as one of eight finalists for the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year.
 
The inaugural winner of the award was safety Max Redfield in 2017. Running back Chris Temple was honored last year.
 
About Art Rooney Sr.
Born in Coulterville, Pennsylvania, January 27, 1901, Rooney attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania, then known as Indiana Normal School. He graduated in just two years before attending a final year at Temple University on an athletic scholarship.
 
Following college, Rooney immersed himself into sports, which eventually led to operating semi-pro teams and later purchased an NFL franchise in 1933. This franchise became known as the Pittsburgh Steelers.
 
Rooney built and led an organization in the NFL with the courage to do what was right and with great integrity regardless of the social norms. His genuine care for others is the kind of sportsmanship that is legendary. IUP is pleased to establish this award as a tribute to Art Rooney Sr. and to acknowledge these special qualities shared in an IUP Football team member.
 
"The Chief" was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1964 and was part of the inaugural IUP Athletic Hall of Fame Class in 1996.
 
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