EF grad learns from elders
Colin Pastor is a sophomore starter at midfield for the Saint Vincent Bearcats, and he is one of the leaders for the young team which is littered with underclassmen starters.
Pastor appeared in 18 games a year ago, started four of them and was a member of the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference Fall Academic Honor Roll.
A finance major, the son of Greg and Lori Pastor has played soccer since he was five and had quite the learning experience. The old adage says that young people should listen to their elders as experience is often the best teacher.
Pastor, however, has combined listening to his elders and playing with them because he is a member of the Mon Valley United Soccer Club, which has players as old as in their 60s.
鈥淭he opportunity to play with (elders) is truly something special,鈥� Pastor said. 鈥淚t allows me to see and learn from various lessons.
鈥淒espite the vast age difference, it is a learning experience.鈥�
Pastor experienced a different type of learning went on a mission trip this past summer.
鈥淚 traveled to the small island nation of Taiwan for a month-long study abroad program at Fu Jen Catholic University,鈥� he said. 鈥淎t this esteemed institution, I took part in an intensive Mandarin language program while I further learned about the culture and the history of Southwest Asia.鈥�
Whether playing soccer with those with more years of soccer experience than years Pastor has been alive or experiencing different cultures, Pastor is a quick study. His 3.7 GPA is evidence of that, and so is his leadership skills at Saint Vincent.
Holt鈥檚 key play for SRU
Slippery Rock sophomore Dalton Holt, a Ringgold graduate, helped the team defeat No. 14 Indiana (Pa.) Saturday, 30-27.
The sophomore had six solo tackles, eight total, and forced a fumble on a key IUP drive.
Local officials in college action
Beth-Center grad Marc Packrall made his collegiate football officiating debut on Sept. 1 when he was the field judge of the Rochester at Case Western game.
鈥淚 was excited to finally have the opportunity to officiate college football,鈥� said Packrall, who is in his 12th year as a high school official. 鈥淚 could only think, just don鈥檛 mess up too bad!
鈥淚 have gotten trained by some of the best officials in Division I football and Gene Steratore is my boss.鈥�
A pair of Belle Vernon grads, Shane Snyder and Conor Shutterly, are also getting collegiate action. Snyder will be on the Butler-Valparaiso game, while Shutterly will be at Case Western game.
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