Name: Aidan Palilla

High school: Altoona Area

Hometown: Altoona

Sport: Football

Position: Defensive tackle

College choice: Clarion University

Other colleges considered: Shippensburg, Millersville, Washington & Jefferson, Grove City

Why I picked Clarion: “It has a great education program, and I really liked the area as well as the football program.”

Greatest high school achievement: “Achieving overall Perfect Attendance for my Kindergarten through 12th grade school career and winning the PIAA District 6 Class 6A and District 4-6 Class 6A Regional championships this past fall while playing alongside a great group of players and coaches.”

Coach Vince Nedimyer’s quote: “I have known Aidan for a number of years now, and he has been a leader from the day I met him. He is an outstanding football player and was one of our most improved players this year. More impressively, Aidan is an outstanding student and a leader by example both on and off the football field. Aidan was a key part to our success on the football field and more importantly has been a key leader.”

How I got my start playing football: “I started playing in the Hollidaysburg YMCA flag football league when I was in the first grade and knew I had found my sport.”

Favorite college(s) growing up: Pitt and Penn State

Other interests: Hunting, fishing, lifting weights, hanging out with my family and friends

What getting to play in college means to me: “It is giving me the opportunity to continue playing the game I love while receiving an outstanding education.”

Probable college major: Secondary Education Social Studies

Parents: John and Stacy Palilla