National Football Foundation

In a region with a love of the game surpassed by none, there is none better to lead the Central Pennsylvania Chapter than football-lifer Frank Rocco. A man who has spent his entire adult life in the game, Rocco possesses the passion and experience that has allowed the NFF Central Pennsylvania Chapter to continuously expand its impact.
 
In 1997, Rocco played an instrumental role in founding the chapter, which covers 44 high schools and seven colleges. In the 13 years since, the chapter has awarded $129,000 to 450 student-athletes. Led by eight previous presidents, the chapter has developed key relationships with all of the pivotal constituencies in the region, including players, parents, coaches, athletic directors and sponsors.
 
"I was able to play high school football, college football and have coached at both levels," said Rocco. "Every coach and teacher of football will talk about team work, hard work, loyalty, mutual respect and sacrifice in order to be successful and as lessons to be learned. To me, the key ingredient is commitment. Commitment is what makes life worthwhile. Without commitment you are just going through the motions.
 
"I always preached to my players that football is not the most important thing in your life, your family, your faith and your studies all come first. However, while you are playing football you must be totally committed, heart, mind and spirit."
 
A native of Ellwood City, Pa., Rocco has spent over 50 years in amateur football. Rocco played at Ellwood City High School from 1952-56 and at Juanita College in Huntingdon, Pa., from 1956-60. Immediately after playing in college, Rocco moved into the coaching ranks. He coached in various duties at six high schools across the state from 1960-82. In 1982, Rocco made his college coaching debut at Penn State. He served as an assistant for his first three years in State College, and in 1986 he became the Director of Football Operations, where he stayed until 2000. Rocco then headed south to take the same position at Liberty University in Virginia from 2000-03, leaving the state for the first and only time in his illustrious career.
 
Rocco and his wife of 52 years, Ann, reside in State College. The couple has three sons, who are all football coaches, and one daughter, whose husband is the strength and conditioning coach at Penn State.