Arizona Wildcats: Top 30 athletes in school history
Jul 23, 2014; Hollywood, CA, USA; Pac-12 team helmets are displayed outside the Paramount Theatre during the Pac-12 Media Day at the Studios at Paramount. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Art Luppino played football for the Arizona Wildcats in the 1950’s.
Arthur ‘Art’ Luppino, grew up in La Jolla, California. Also known as the ‘Cactus Comet,’ he played running back for the Arizona Wildcats from 1953-1956. In his 1954 and 1955 seasons with the Wildcats, Luppino led the nation in rushing: 1,359 yards in 1954 and 1,313 yards in 1955. He was the first ever to win back to back rushing titles. Luppino also led the nation in kickoff returns (632 yards) in 1954. Also in 1954, he broke the single-season scoring record at the time with 166 points.
Both Luppino and Kadeem Carey hold the record for rushing for four touchdowns in one game twice in the same season. Carey broke both Luppino’s long-standing record for 21 rushing touchdowns in 1954 and 44 in his career in the 2013/2014 season.
Here is a sample of classic video Anthony Gimino (
) found of Luppino playing against Idaho.
Art Luppino’s jersey was retired in 1999.
After college, Luppino was drafted by the Washington Redskins in 1957 but due to a knee injury, he retired from professional football.
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