SLIPPERY ROCK — Vito Pilosi had a very specific list of requirements when it came to a college.

And the senior quarterback, linebacker and wrestler at Slippery Rock High was having a difficult time finding a school that met them.

“It was very slow at first, but it picked up a couple of weeks before signing season,” Pilosi said of the recruiting process. “It was tough for me, but I had to tell a lot of schools, 'Sorry, you don't have my major.' I didn't want them to waste their time on me when they could be looking at someone else.”

Pilosi's major is a very specific one: environmental engineering. Only a smattering of Division III schools offer it and Pilosi had his heart set on playing football at the next level as well.

Then Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre came to Pilosi's attention.

They had his major and a NCAA Division III football team.

Pilosi visited and was hooked.

Just nine days later he committed to Wilkes.

“They really care their about academics there and that was my No. 1 priority,” Pilosi said.

As a bonus, Pilosi's grandparents live just 20 minutes from campus.

All the boxes were checked.

Pilosi said Wilkes sees him as a safety.

As a linebacker for the Rockets, Pilosi was second on the team with 80 tackles and also had a quarterback sack and an interception.

Pilosi also made a huge impact on offense as the starting quarterback for two-plus seasons.

Pilosi threw for 945 yards and nine touchdowns and also rushed for 745 yards and four scores for the Rockets as a senior.

In Slippery Rock's option offense, Pilosi sometimes took a beating.

“It took a toll on my body,” Pilosi said. “I remember the Hickory game. I took some shots and everything hurt. My stomach hurt so bad.”

Pilosi, though, showed his durability by never missing a game because of injury.

That may be the wrestler in him.

“I've always thought to be a good football player you have to be a great wrestler,” Pilosi said. “There's so much you can get from wrestling. It loosens up your hips and gives you flexibility and toughness.”

Pilosi, though, said he isn't sad about giving up the quarterback position at the next level.

He's looking forward to playing on just one side of the ball.

“I can just hit people and not worry about anything else,” Pilosi said, chuckling.

Slippery Rock coach Larry Wendereusz watched Pilosi's development up close.

Pilosi was thrust into the starting quarterback role as a sophomore and matured over the years on and off the field.

Pilosi is one of the top wrestlers in District 10 at 182 pounds with a 26-4 record and will compete in the Section 2 tournament as a No. 2 seed Friday and Saturday at Sharon High School.

“No doubt his work ethic in the offseason is helping him right now on the wrestling mat,” Wendereusz said. “Wilkes is a getting a hard worker and a tremendous football player and person.”