Although we’re still at the beginning of the college football season, Indiana University of Pennsylvania has already experienced both highs and lows. After the school’s long-time coach Frank Cignetti Sr. passed away last week, the IUP Crimson Hawks managed to win their first game of the season against the East Stroudsburg Warrior, scoring a final field goal in the fourth quarter, ending the game 38 to 35.
The Crimson Hawks now hope to carry on the memory and legacy of their former Hall of Fame coach throughout the remainder of the season. Before they play again against the Shippensburg Raiders, Stephen Troese Jr. looks at some of the team’s recent highlights and discusses what the 2022 college football season has in store for IUP.
Hall of Fame Coach Frank Cignetti Sr. Passes Away
Just last week, the IUP community was shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of the school’s long-time football coach, Frank Cignetti Sr. Cignetti, who was inducted into the IUP Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013, coached the Crimson Hawks for 20 seasons, leading the team to 14 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championships and 13 NCAA Division II Playoff appearances.
Although he retired from coaching in 2005, Cignetti remained an active and engaged member of the IUP community, serving as a special advisor to the president and attending many Crimson Hawks home games. Cignetti’s passing is a significant loss for the IUP community, and the Crimson Hawks will undoubtedly be playing the remainder of their season in his memory.
IUP Wins First Game of Season Against East Stroudsburg
In their first game of the season, the Crimson Hawks managed to pull off a come-from-behind victory against the East Stroudsburg Warriors, scoring a final field goal in the last few seconds of the fourth quarter to win 38 to 35. The final goal was scored by freshman Nick Andrasi, earning him his first three points of a hopefully long and successful college career.
It was a tough and emotional game for the Crimson Hawks, who were playing just days after the passing of their former coach. But the team was able to channel their grief into motivation, coming out with a win in Cignetti’s honor. The team now hopes to carry its winning spirit into the next few games, establishing a streak and setting the Crimson Hawks on track for another championship.
IUP Will Next Play Against the Shippensburg Raiders
The Crimson Hawks’ next game will be against the Shippensburg Raiders on September 18. The Raiders are currently 1-1, having won their season opener against Seton Hill before losing to West Virginia State. IUP has historically dominated the Raiders with a 23-2 win record against the neighboring Pennsylvania school. The game will be held at IUP’s Miller Stadium, with kickoff set for 1 p.m.
The Takeaway
The IUP Crimson Hawks have already had an eventful start to their college football season, with both highs and lows. But the team is determined to honor their late coach’s legacy and come out with a winning season. The Crimson Hawks’ next game is against the Shippensburg Raiders on September 18, and IUP is confident they can add another win to their record.