John Simonitis

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John has been driven to achieve athletic excellence since he was a young man. He still has his first home run ball dated 1995, the first of many that went soaring out of the Back Mountain Little League Field. On Dallas High School’s Basketball team, he was a four-year letterman, averaging 14 points and 12 rebounds a game at Center position. He was named MVP in both AAU Basketball and the Crossin Christmas Holiday Tournament, along with being selected to the Basketball Dream Team – First Team and First Team – All-Wyoming Valley Conference, two years in a row. However, where he really turned heads was on the football field. It’s truly remarkable that John didn’t start playing football until he was a sophomore in high school. He quickly impressed his coaches and peers with his grit, dedication, and natural skillset as both Defensive Tackle and Offensive Guard. By his second year on the field (junior), he was named All State – Second Team and by his senior year, he was promoted to All State – First Team. A celebratory banner hangs at the entrance of the Dallas High School Football Stadium highlighting this accolade. During his time as a Mountaineer, he led Dallas to a 26-9 record including state playoffs each season and earned three varsity letters. John was also selected for the Wyoming Valley Conference All Decade Team. He was named the 18^th-ranked prospect in Pennsylvania by SuperPrep and listed among the Nation’s Top 100 Offensive Lineman by Student Sports, and the Nation’s Top 75 Offensive Guard Prospects by Rivals.com. John won the “Outstanding Lineman” honor at both West Virginia and Pittsburgh summer football camps before starting his senior year at Dallas.

With numerous scholarship offers as a top football recruit including a 1:1 lunch with Joe Paterno, John selected the University of Pittsburgh. Starting as a redshirt freshman, he was selected on the Big East All Freshman Team, a coveted honor recognizing the best first-year players in the country. He went on to start all four years and served as Team Captain for his last two seasons. One of the most memorable moments in his career was playing in the prestigious BCS Fiesta Bowl in 2005. In 2006, he became the Panther’s Most Battle-Tested Offensive Lineman and by his senior season, he was ranked as one of the top Offensive Guards in the nation by NFL scouts. He was projected to be an early to mid-round NFL draft pick and was close to breaking Tony Dorsett’s record for most starting games when he had an unfortunate career ending injury. He attributes his athletic success to the unwavering support of his father, mother, sister, brother-in-law, and extended family throughout his sports career.

While at the University of Pittsburgh, John earned a BA in Administration of Justice.  He works at Talen Energy and is a licensed Real Estate agent with Lewith & Freeman. Yet with all that he has accomplished, his proudest achievement in life is marrying his wonderful, supportive wife, Kristy, and having their beautiful daughter, Carson. John currently resides in Shavertown, Pennsylvania with his wife, daughter, and two rescue dogs, Maverick and Delaney.