Thiel College Athletics

Ron Leuschen, #33, will go down as one of the greatest running backs to don a Tomcat football uniform. With Leuschen in the backfield, Thiel never finished below the .500 mark in the conference. Two of his four years, the Tomcats challenged for the championship due to his efforts and threats to go all the way any time he touched the ball.
 
As a freshman, Leuschen quickly made his mark. Leuschen scored a PAC second-best touchdown record, including four against Case Western Reserve University. He rushed for 427 yards (4.4/carry) while returning five punts for 103 yards (20.6/return), including an 80-yard scoring scamper against Bethany. He was selected to the All-PAC Second Team.

His sophomore season was his most decorated. He rushed for 947 yards (4.9/carry) and had 11 rushing touchdowns. He rushed for 100 yards or more five consecutive times, including a career-high of 199 yards against Washington & Jefferson. He was the leading rusher and second leading scorer in the PAC during this season and received Player of the Week honors twice. He was also selected to the All-PAC First Team, All-District First Team and was awarded the league MVP. The season was highlighted when he was named an Associated Press Small College All-American Honorable Mention.

As a junior, Leuschen suffered a broken leg two minutes into the fifth game of the season. He was averaging 135 yards/game. During his senior year, he played fullback. He led the league in rushing yards with 668 yards on 168 attempts (95.4 yards/game). He was again selected to the All-PAC First Team and All-District First Team.

At the time of his induction, he ranked first in rushing touchdowns (31), first in points scored (208) and second in rushing (2,519 yards). His combined yardage totaled 3,035.