LATHAM, N.Y. – Quentin Pastore of Towson, Maryland, has been named the 2023 United East Conference Men’s Cross Country Senior Scholar-Athlete, a prestigious recognition announced by the conference on Wednesday, February 7. This accolade honors a graduating senior student-athlete who has demonstrated outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, and community service. The selection process, conducted by a dedicated voting group, takes into consideration the nominees’ cumulative grade point average (GPA), alongside their contributions to sports and community involvement.
The criteria for the award are stringent, requiring nominees to be in their senior or graduate student year with at least a second year of competition at their current institution. A nominee must also be a key contributor to their team’s success, possess a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, and show evidence of leadership and community service.
Pastore, a senior at St. Mary’s College, has exemplified the ideal balance between academic excellence and athletic prowess. As a double major in physics and mathematics, he boasts an impressive GPA of 3.907. His academic achievements include being a two-time United East Scholar-Athlete in 2021 and 2022, making the Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference All-Academic Team in 2020, and being inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, the national college athlete honor society, in March 2023. Furthermore, Pastore has consistently earned a spot on the Dean’s List every semester.
On the athletic front, Pastore concluded his Seahawk career with notable distinctions, including two-time Second Team All-United East honors. He placed 10th at the United East Men’s Cross Country Championships this year with a time of 30:27.2, improving from his 13th-place finish the previous year. His record 8K time came at the 2023 NCAA Division III Men’s Cross Country Mid-Atlantic Region Championships, where he clocked in at 28:07.7.
Pastore’s commitment to community service is evident through his volunteer work at the Elks Lodge, reflecting his dedication to giving back to the community.
Reava Potter, the third-year head coach at St. Mary’s College, praised Pastore’s contributions both on and off the field. “I am proud of how Quentin has represented our institution and program both academically and athletically. He exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete and what it means to give back to his community,” Potter said.
St. Mary’s College has seen a significant presence in the United East Senior Scholar-Athlete awards, with five Seahawks receiving the honor since its inception for the 2022-23 academic year. Alongside Pastore, recipients include Liam deLone-Bellsey (2022, men’s soccer), Hannah Gorel (2023, women’s tennis), Lily Davison (2023, women’s lacrosse), and Stacie Lally (2023, women’s cross country).
Pastore’s selection as the 2023 United East Conference Men’s Cross Country Senior Scholar-Athlete underscores his remarkable achievements as a student, athlete, and community member, setting a high standard for future nominees.
