INDIANA, Pa. – One hundred seasons of tradition. More than 600 victories. Championships, postseason runs and generations of Crimson Hawks who have helped build IUP football into one of the most storied programs in NCAA Division II.
Now, IUP football is calling on its family to help lay the foundation for the next 100 years.
IUP's football record book dates back to 1927, making the 2026 campaign the unofficial 100th season of Crimson Hawk football. To commemorate the milestone, head coach Paul Tortorella and the program have launched an initiative to raise more than $100,000 to support the current and future needs of IUP football.
Over nearly a century, IUP has accumulated 619 victories, 23 PSAC West titles, five PSAC championships, 21 NCAA playoff appearances and two national championship game appearances.
The program's tradition has been built by generations of players and coaches, including College Football Hall of Fame coach Frank Cignetti Sr., who led IUP from 1986-2005 and helped establish the Crimson Hawks as a national contender.
Twelve head coaches have led IUP during the program's recorded history, including Tortorella, who is in his ninth season at the helm in 2026.
Tortorella recently became just the third head coach in program history to reach 70 victories at IUP. His nine-year tenure also ranks among the longest in program history.
As IUP celebrates a century of football, the program is looking toward what comes next.
The $100,000 initiative will directly support the needs of IUP football and provide resources to help the Crimson Hawks continue competing at a championship level.
For former players, alumni, fans, families and supporters of the Crimson & Gray, the initiative provides an opportunity to leave their mark on the program's next century.
One hundred seasons have built the tradition.
Now, it is time to build the foundation for the next 100.
We're ALL IN. Are you?
Donate to the 100 For 100 Initiative.
Any questions please reach out to Assistant Head Coach Declan Peer at sdyz@iup.edu.
