KUTZTOWN, Pa. -- As a leader on the offensive line for Kutztown University football, Justin Tindull (Seven Valleys, Pa./Dallastown) knows about keeping things together and working as a unit. Over the course of his four-year career, Tindull exhibited the ability to balance success on the field and in his academic pursuits. Friday, he was announced as the athletic department's 2019-20 Male Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
 
A two-time All-PSAC First Team and Don Hansen Football Gazette All-Super Region 1 Third Team selection, Tindull started every game for the Maroon and Gold over the last three seasons. Kutztown went 35-11 over his four years with the program, the winningest four-year stretch for any class in program history. Off the field, the Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania, native has produced a 3.01 GPA while working towards his degree in biology with a concentration in allied health.
 
"Justin transformed into one of the most athletic offensive lineman we've had at Kutztown," said head coach Jim Clements. "He was a rock for us at left tackle protecting Collin DiGalbo's (Secane, Pa./Monsignor Bonner) blindside the last three years. Justin had huge shoes to fill in taking over for NFL draft pick Jordan Morgan, who was arguably the best OL in program history, and with his combination of athleticism and intelligence, he's done a fantastic job."
 
The intellectual traits offensive linemen must possess often go unnoticed from those watching in the stands or on television. They must fully grasp their assignments on every play, as well as those of their fellow linemen. Lack of understanding is a fast track to poor execution. Tindull and his crew up front were responsible for knowing where run plays were going, where passes were being thrown and snap counts.
 
Fortunately for Kutztown, it has been blessed with smart and cohesive units over the last handful of seasons.
 
This past season, Tindull was part of an offense that ranked among the top 10 in KU history in many statistical categories. The Golden Bears set a new program record with 33 rushing touchdowns, while gaining 5,837 yards of total offense to rank second all-time. The 2019 team's 3,544 passing yards ranked third, 2,293 rushing yards fourth, 462 points scored fourth and 449.0 yards of offense per game fifth. The Golden Bears averaged 35.5 points per game and claimed their second PSAC East title in the last four seasons. Kutztown also received a berth to the NCAA playoffs, winning its second-ever game in the postseason, 33-31, in an opening round game against Tiffin at Andre Reed Stadium.
 
Tindull played in 44 career games for KU and started 38. His 35 straight starts from the 2017 season opener onward were second most among active Golden Bears at the conclusion of the 2019 season.
 
In March, Tindull was among six regional collegiate football players honored at the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Lehigh Valley Chapter Scholar-Athlete banquet. The Dallastown High School graduate is an EMT in Kutztown and volunteers with the "Get in the Game" Bone Marrow Drive, Kutztown Optimist Club Fools Run, Special Olympics and Clean-Up Kutztown. He previously served as a member of KU's student-athlete advisory committee (SAAC).

Tindull is the sixth Golden Bear football student-athlete to receive KU Male Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year recognition since the award was first given following the 2004-05 academic year. Previous football recipients are Michael Baldwin (2005-06), Tom Cressman (2007-08), Jared Haas (2010-11), Josh Smith (2011-12) and Chad Barton (2015-16).
 

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KUTZTOWN ATHLETICS MALE SENIOR SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS
Year	Winner	Sport(s)
2005	Greg Fulkerson	Swimming
2006	Michael Baldwin	Football
2007	Jeff Craig	Baseball
2008	Tom Cressman	Football
2009	Scott Thomas	Swimming
2010	Ben Loht	Track & Field
2011	Jared Haas	Football
2012	Josh Smith	Football
2013	Kori Meshaw	Track & Field
2014	Rushi Amin	Tennis
2015	Brandon Martinez	Baseball
2016	Chad Barton	Football
2017	Ryan Connolly	Basketball
2018	Gabriel Nogara Souza	Tennis
2019	Caleb Baukman	Track & Field
2020	Justin Tindull (Seven Valleys, Pa./Dallastown)	Football