(Courtesy of UP Media Relations)
By Steven Langston, Guest Commentary -- langston12@up.edu
Many students like to claim they are the biggest Pilot fan because they hang out with athletes or coaches, attend as many games as their schedule allows, or wear a kilt or paint as they yell throughout games. The biggest Pilot fan did know the players and coaches, but was not rowdy, opting to sit on the sideline wearing a brown suit and a bow tie. Mauro Potestio was the epitome of "Pilots Til I Die!"
Associating him solely with his 898 consecutive men's basketball home games attended diminishes his impact on Pilot Athletics. Mr. Potestio served his time as a student fan and continued to serve the basketball team as the official scorer for 26 seasons.
His time-managing statistics made him a logical candidate to serve for eight years as the Sports Information Director, possibly the most difficult and underappreciated position in the Athletic Department.
Mr. Potestio spent his "retirement" (1988 until Saturday) enjoying soccer matches, and serving as a coach for the golf teams. Mr. Potestio was so devoted to Pilot Athletics he considered attending games an investment more than a hobby.
Follow Mr. Potestio's example and make an investment in the university, not just Pilot Athletics by attending women's basketball games, baseball games, tennis matches in the Louisiana-Pacific Center, located behind Shiley, Founder's Day presentations, the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen's Manquistion and ASUP Senate meetings.
These students balance the tasks of studying and serving the community and will gladly accept your support.
Steven Langston is a junior sociology major. He can be contacted at langston12@up.edu
