LANDOVER, Md. – Quentin Pastore, a senior at St. Mary’s College, has been honored with the United East Conference Elite 20 Award in men’s indoor track & field, showcasing his remarkable blend of academic achievement and athletic prowess. The announcement came on Monday, Feb. 26, marking a significant moment at the close of the inaugural United East Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track & Field Championships.
The Elite 20 Award, established in the 2022-23 season, recognizes the student-athlete with the highest grade point average (GPA) among those competing at the highest levels of their sport. For team sports, the award goes to a player from one of the final two teams in the conference championship, while in individual sports, it is awarded to an athlete from a top-two finishing team. Criteria for the award stipulate that recipients must be at least sophomores, both academically and in their competition years, ensuring they have demonstrated sustained excellence over time.
Pastore, hailing from Towson, Md., has distinguished himself not only on the track but also in the classroom. With a cumulative GPA of 3.91 in his rigorous double major of physics and mathematics, his academic dedication is evident. His achievements include two-time recognition as a United East Scholar-Athlete in 2021 and 2022 and selection for the Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference All-Academic Team in 2020. Further demonstrating his commitment to academic and athletic success, Pastore was named the United East Senior Scholar-Athlete in men’s cross country earlier in February.
In addition to his academic accolades, Pastore’s athletic accomplishments are noteworthy. He secured podium finishes at the United East Championships in both the 5000m and the 1-mile runs, placing fifth in each event. His contributions helped St. Mary’s College to secure a commendable second-place finish at the championship meet, amassing 121.5 points.
Pastore’s recognition extends beyond the track and the classroom. In March 2023, he was inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, the national college athlete honor society, a testament to his balance of academic and athletic excellence. He has consistently achieved Dean’s List status every semester, further solidifying his reputation as a student-athlete who excels in every aspect of his collegiate career.
The Elite 20 Award underscores the importance of academic achievements in collegiate athletics, highlighting the integral role that education plays in the development of student-athletes. Quentin Pastore embodies the spirit of this award, serving as a model for students who strive to excel both in their sports and their studies. His recognition is a beacon of inspiration for fellow athletes and students, demonstrating that dedication to academics and athletics can indeed go hand in hand.
