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Pedro Arruza Induction Video
Pedro Arruza was a two-time All-American running back for the Wheaton football team from 1992-95. Arruza still holds the school record for career rushing yards (3,179) and rushing yards in a single game (313) to go along with 38 career touchdowns. He also excelled in the classroom, earning Academic All-American three times.
Arruza is being inducted into the Hall of Honor along with teammates Jeff Brown and Mark Loeffler. The trio was part of the 1995 squad that reached the NCAA Playoffs for the first time in school history.
Looking back at his college days, Arruza said his experiences at Wheaton made him a better husband and father. The person who had the most effect on him was Coach Mike Swider. Arruza saw him as more than just a coach, but also as a mentor, role model, motivator and friend.
“I chose Wheaton over several Ivy and Patriot League schools because of Mike Swider,” Arruza said. “I was most drawn to the fact that he was a devoted follower of Christ and yet the ultimate competitor. At Wheaton, it was drilled into me that you compete in everything you do, not just football.”
Swider said Arruza is still on the weight room record board as the per-pound strongest player on the team. “He was arguably one of the most physical football players we ever had,” Swider said. “He was a leader who just impassioned our team. Pedro willed his enthusiasm and intensity onto everyone else. You could just feel it oozing out of him.”
Arruza is currently the head football coach for Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Va. Pedro and his wife Kara have three children – Owen, Ella and Will.
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