West Liberty University Athletics

    A four-year starter and NAIA All-Academic Team selection, John Paesano was an impact performer in every sense of the word from his linebacker position with the West Liberty football team from 1982-85.
    Paesano was voted Most Valuable Freshman in his first season on campus after arriving from nearby Brooke High School and earned All-WVIAC honors as a junior in 1984, setting the stage for a record-setting senior season. Paesano was a first-team All-WVIAC pick and 2-time WVIAC Defensive Player of the Week in his final year, setting school records for solo tackles (81), fumble recoveries (7) and defensive efficiency (24.6).
    In addition to his NAIA All-Academic Team selection, Paesano was voted "Mr. West Liberty" for 1986 and was also honored by the Upper Ohio Valley Dapper Dan Club.
    After graduating from West Liberty, Paesano went on to earn a master's degree in Sports Administration from West Virginia University and followed that up with an MBA from Stanford in 1994.