Ben Chiarizio is a player who wears his leadership traits on his sleeve.
His Franklin Regional football teammates can lean on him for guidance on how to play the game the right way.
The Pittsburgh Steelers used to feel the same way about Jerome Bettis. They followed his lead, now Chiarizio is following “The Bus.”
Chiarizio, a senior lineman, was named the Week 2 winner of Jerome Bettis Leadership Award, Steelers Youth Football announced.
Each winner receives a $1,000 donation for their school’s football program.
“It means a lot to me to know that people view me as a leader and a respected peer, on and off the field,” Chiarizio said. “It represents all the hard work and extra hours I have put into my craft of being a young man and football player.
“I can’t thank my parents enough for the influence they have had on me.”
Chiarizio (6-2, 260), who has a college offer to play at Division III Wooster, is the second Westmoreland County player to win the award this year. He joins Connor Wilson, a senior at Greensburg Salem, who was the Week 1 recipient.
Chiarizio is proud of what the award represents to him and the Panthers.
“It does carry a special meaning for me,” he said. “It tells me I am viewed as a influential person and leader in my community.”