IUP athletics architect Frank Signetti dies at 84 | Sports

An IUP graduate, Signetti returned to his alma mater in 1982 as Director of Athletics and became Head Football Coach in 1986. Signetti began building the IUP into football’s national contender while gaining a foothold in his NCAA Division II in other sports. He compiled his 182-50-1 record through 2005 and led the IUP to his NCAA playoffs 13 times, and the 1990 and 1993 National Championship games where he made two appearances. I was allowed to.

In a statement, IUP President Dr. Michael Driscoll said: He has always strived to support the university in any way he can and has been an excellent ambassador for the IUP and its student-athletes. The number of people he influenced is too numerous to count, but those who have played for him, coached with him, worked with him are easily recognizable. “

Signetti began his coaching career after playing football and basketball for the IUP in the late 1950s, reaching Division I ranks. He was head coach of the West in 1976 at Virginia, but in three of his seasons he posted a record of 17 wins and 27 losses.

This brought Cignetti back to the IUP.

Todd Garzarelli, director of athletics at the IUP, said Cignetti’s impact on the program is “profound.”

“He has a goal of making IUP Athletics one of the best in the country, providing student-athletes with a first-class experience and helping them prepare for life after sport,” he said. rice field. “The tributes we have given him thus far, even those that have come after his time at the IUP was over, are nothing compared to the impact he has had on all IUP student-athletes.”