WACO, Texas (pacathletics.org)--Saint Vincent College head football coach Aaron Smetanka was recently named one of the selections for the AFCA 2021 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute. This year's class was chosen from a field of over 150 high-quality applicants.

The AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute is a prestigious program aimed at identifying and developing premier, future leaders in the football coaching profession. Selected participants are invited to attend the one-day institute that features a curriculum of interactive lectures focused on topics specifically tailored to emphasize leadership in the coaching profession, ethics, influential responsibilities, career progression and family balance. Due to the 2021 Convention being moved to the AFCA Digital library, the 2021 AFCA 35 Under 35 representatives will get to take part in the program at the 2022 AFCA Convention.

Members of the AFCA 2021 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute receive a stipend to assist with expenses incurred while attending the AFCA Convention. They will be published in the bi-monthly AFCA Magazine, AFCA Insider weekly email blast, and/or have their articles and videos added to the AFCA Educational Library. Additionally, participants will be placed on the AFCA Foundation Committee and become a part of a prestigious network of rising coaches in the profession along with many other great benefits.

Smetanka, a 2012 Saint Vincent graduate, was named the head coach of the Bearcats on December 5, 2018. He rewrote the program’s record book during his standout career before going on to play professionally for the Erie Explosion of the Continental Indoor Football League. Before returning to Saint Vincent Smetanka served as head coach at Greensburg Central Catholic High School in 2017 and 2018.