Apollo-Ridge graduate Tre Tipton made the most of his 7 seasons at Pitt

When one of his players is honored by an outside group or a scholarship is given to a deserving walk-on, Pat Narduzzi likes to inject drama into his team meetings.

But when he gathered the Pitt team around him Wednesday to announce the most recent piece of good news, his words gave him away.

“When he said ‘Been here for a while,’ I kind of knew who he was talking about,” senior wide receiver Tre Tipton said.

No one’s been with Pitt longer than Tipton, who was a freshman in 2015 and has grown into an inspiration for teammates, young and old.

Could not have done this without all the people in my life. I am so grateful for the PITT FAMILY. I would not be here without my father, my mother, and my tribe. Thank you @disney for giving me this incredible award. And to everyone who sees this. ????
WRITE YOUR OWN HISTORY pic.twitter.com/MWZKcfv8kr

— Tre Tipton (@Tipton_05) November 24, 2021

As a mental health advocate who’s survived difficult times, Tipton was named winner of the 2021 Disney Spirit Award, an annual honor bestowed upon the player deemed to be the most inspiring figure in college football.

When he was a young player, Tipton created LOVE (Living Out Victoriously Everyday), an on-campus group that tends to the mental and emotional needs of Pitt student-athletes. Its creation and good works seem to help him as much as it does those who come in contact with him.

“The world doesn’t stop because you’re in pain,” he said. “I had to find a way to battle back, get on my feet and be able to do the things I needed to do.”

When he left Apollo-Ridge, he was considered one of the state’s top recruits at wide receiver. Injuries held him back, but football has been replaced as his No. 1 priority by a willingness — and what appears to be a personal need — to help others.

Asked Wednesday when he first realized he was making a difference, he had a quick answer.

“When I was able to create the LOVE program and (realize) I was making a true change and making an impact,” he said. “That feeling was more special to me than playing ball. More special to me than picking up a football and running around the field.

“In that moment, you give somebody an opportunity they may or may not have had. Those moments are big to me. They are a lot bigger than catching a touchdown, a lot bigger than having your name in lights for something that is a sport. You give others a chance.

“The opportunity to inspire people is what I live for. Losing my mum this year (Kim Tipton died in June) allows me to know I’m still doing the right thing in the world. Make her proud and make my family proud is my biggest goal. To inspire others to inspire others is one of my bigger goals, as well.”

Amidst a busy schedule, Tipton has remained a contributing member of the team. He doesn’t get many touches among a younger group of wide receivers (four receptions, 27 yards), but his athleticism has made him an effective gunner on the punt team.

Tipton said winning the ACC Coastal only cleared the way for the team’s bigger goal.

“It felt great, but the job’s not done,” he said. “I didn’t come here just to win a Coastal. I didn’t do all the things we do in practice just to win the Coastal.

“We have aspirations to do other things.”

There is a 5 ½-year difference in age between the 25-year-old Tipton and Biletnikoff finalist Jordan Addison. But the two wide receivers help each other.

Asked what Tipton brings to the team, Addison said, “Wisdom.”

“He teaches the younger guys. He teaches the older guys, too. He motivates me (after) all the things he has been through and keeps going. It shows me how to face adversity. He inspires everybody on this team.”

“Kid’s humble,” Tipton said of Addison. “Not only is he humble, he’s a hard worker. You tell him to do something once and he understands it and he’s going to get it done. The best talent I’ve been around.

“He’s definitely going to be remembered here for a very long time. Along with Kenny Pickett. I said that back in 2019, a couple of guys who are going to remembered here forever.

“I just want to say I called it.”