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Saint Vincent's Aaron Smetanka named to AFCA 35-under-35 coaching institute | TribLIVE.com
District College

Saint Vincent's Aaron Smetanka named to AFCA 35-under-35 coaching institute

Bill Beckner
Bill Beckner
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Saint Vincent athletics
Aaron Smetanka is the head coach of the Saint Vincent football team.

Aaron Smetanka could be on his way to climbing the coaching ranks in college football.

For now, the third-year Saint Vincent coach just hopes to see a season in 2021.

The coronavirus wiped out the 2020 season in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference and left teams anxious and longing for a return to the field.

But the pause in action will allow Smetanka and his peers a chance to reflect on a prestigious honor.

Smetanka has been named to the American Football Coaches Association’s 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute. The program aims to identify and develop future leaders in the coaching position and invites those selected to attend a one-day event that addresses key areas in that development.

The 2021 convention was moved to a virtual format, but this year’s coaches can attend the 2020 event.

Applicants had to be born on or after Jan. 1, 1986 to be eligible and must serve as a high school head coach, two-year college assistant or head coach, or NCAA/NAIA assistant or head coach.

College coaches must work full time.

Applicants view the process like a job interview. They must submit a resume, essay and instructional video.

Smetanka, a former SVC quarterback, took over at his alma mater in 2018.

He was a star quarterback at North Catholic and SVC before playing arena league football and leading the Erie Explosion to two league titles.

He coached quarterbacks at Peters Township in 2012 before serving as an assistant at SVC. After a stint at Chartiers Valley, he served as head coach at Greensburg Central Catholic for two seasons.

Also making the AFCA list was Robert Morris third-year assistant head coach and defensive coordinator Dave Plungas, and Penn State offensive line coach Phil Trautwein.

View the full list here.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

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Categories: District College | Sports
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