The Tribune-Democrat
JOHNSTOWN —
Johnstown High School football player Kashmir Pretlor committed to California (Pa.) University on Thursday and is projected as a defensive back on a Vulcans squad that has advanced to three consecutive NCAA Division II national semifinal games.
“I liked the campus. I felt at home,” said Pretlor, a National Honor Society student with a 3.7 grade point average. He will major in sports management.
“The program is really good,” Pretlor said.
“They’ve been to the Division II semifinals three years in a row. The coaches are dedicated to the program. There are a lot of good players and competition for positions and playing time.”
Despite having his playing time limited by an ankle injury, Pretlor still rushed for 316 yards on 53 carries and scored four touchdowns. He made 34 tackles on defense. Pretlor was a three-year starter under former Trojans coach Kevin Marabito. He was part of this past season’s District 6 Class AAA championship team and a 6-AAA runner-up two years ago. His combined totals the past two seasons include 440 rushing yards and 44 tackles.
Pretlor was named a western Pennsylvania scholar athlete.
He joins a California program that has local talent in Bishop McCort graduate Marc Domonkos, Conemaugh Valley grad Robert Gunby and Richland graduate Tim Ripple.
The Vulcans anticipate adding former Pitt coach Walt Harris to the coaching staff according to the Cal Web site. California, which has reached the national semifinals in four of the past five years, also will appear on regional cable television next season.
“It’s just a good program to be a part of,” said Pretlor, the son of Herman Gunby and Krystal Pretlor of Johnstown.
