Gannon University Athletics

 
Art Arkelian (Football '51) was an integral part of two of the best football teams in school history. The two-year letterwinner played halfback and special teams for the 1949 and 1950 teams, before the program was discontinued until 1989. The Golden Knights posted an 8-0 record during their first season in 1949, representing the only undefeated season in school history. The squad demolished opponents, out-scoring its opposition 184-20. Arkelian was later named to the Associated Press Little All-America team and the All-Pennsylvania third team for his 1949 exploits.

Gannon followed its first season with a 6-2 record in 1950. In all, the Golden Knights produced a 14-2 record during Arkelian's collegiate playing days. He is one of only four players in the history of the program to return a kickoff for a touchdown. Arkelian is also one of only three players in school history to return two punts for a touchdown in the same season, doing so in 1950. His 81-yard kickoff return against Wilmington (Ohio) in 1950 represents the fourth-longest return in school history. His 63-yard punt return against Hillsdale and 60-yard punt return against Adrian (both coming in 1950) rank fifth and sixth in school history for longest punt returns.