Moniteau senior James Parenti, seated at left, signs a letter of intent to play football and participate in track and field at Grove City College. His sister, Katelin, is seated at right. Standing, from left, are Moniteau football coach Bob Rottman, Parenti's parents, Mark and Andrea Parenti, and Moniteau tracvk and field coach Ryan Protzman.

CHERRY TWP — James Parenti is looking for more balance.

The Moniteau senior qualified for the New Balance Indoor Nationals in the weight throw earlier this year. Now his goal is to qualify for the New Balance Outdoor Nationals in the discus.

“My original goal this spring was to break the school record in the discus,” Parenti said. “Since I've already done that, I have a new goal.

“Throw the discus 175 feet and qualify for nationals. I think I can get there.”

He threw the discus 61 feet, 9 inches to eclipse the school record in the Warriors' first meet of the season.

And after this spring, Parenti will be heading to Grove City College to compete as a lineman in football and in the shot put, discus, weight and hammer throw in track and field.

“There's no telling how far he can go with his throws,” Moniteau throwing coach Ryan Protzman said. “I wouldn't be surprised if James breaks Grove City records in his first meet there.

“He's going to compete for the (Presidents' Athletic Conference) championship his freshman year. I can see him going to the national championships before he's done. He's that good.”

Parenti also looked at Duquesne and Allegheny College before choosing Grove City. He originally figured on competing solely in track and field in college.

“When I took a game day visit to Grove City, their recruiting coordinator — who is also the offensive line coach — talked to me about doing both sports,” Parenti said. “Once I saw the possibility, I realized I wasn't ready to give up football just yet.”

Parenti was District 9 Lineman of the Year and a first team all-state lineman last fall.

Protzman played football and participated in track and field at Thiel College.

“I know James has what it takes to compete in both sports and cover everything academically,” Protzman said.

Carrying a 3.6 grade point average at Moniteau, Parenti plans to major in political science at Grove City, then go into law school.

He prefers offensive line to defense in football, but said he'll play wherever the coaches want to put him. Grove City loses only one starting offensive lineman from last year's team that played in the program's first-ever bowl game.

Parenti will compete in indoor track during the winter at Grove City as well.

“I know indoor track and field is much more competitive in college than it is in high school and I'm looking forward to that challenge,” he said.

Moniteau football coach Bob Rottman said Parenti is the epitome of a student-athlete.

“He gives 100 percent for his team,” Rottman said. “James is very aggressive on the football field, a great leader. I wish more players would emulate what he does.

“He can definitely handle two sports in college and do well in the classroom. He goes hard at everything he does.”

Parenti said he chose to join the Grove City football team because of the Wolverines' coaching staff.

“Their coaches are extremely passionate about the game and they get to know their players. They care about them,” he said. “They're the same type of coaches we have at Moniteau.”