Each week for the remainder of the semester, we'll be bringing you two different "Bearcat Q&A" profiles on coaches, athletic administrators and athletic trainers at Saint Vincent to introduce you to the folks behind the scenes. Next up, we check in with football head coach, Aaron Smetanka

IN HIS WORDS
Q: What was your favorite subject in school? Why? 
A: U.S. History was my favorite subject. I loved learning about our countries past.

Q: What was your first job growing up?
A: I worked at Simon's Farm in Allison Park, Pennsylvania. I stocked produce, picked crops, and worked the cash register.

Q: What was your first car?
A: 2004 Silver Chevrolet Cavalier

Q: When did you know you wanted to go into a career in collegiate athletics?
A: When I graduated from Saint Vincent College. I knew I wanted to play at the highest level possible but, I was very realistic in knowing my playing career would end sooner or later. So, I started coaching right after graduating from Saint Vincent College. I realized that coaching allowed me to still love the game, while teaching young men the great life lessons football taught me.

 
Q: What's your all-time favorite movie?
A: Remember the Titans

Q: What's your favorite meal?
A: Chicken Parm

Q: Tell us about your family. 
A: I have been married to my wife, Courtney for six years. We met and started dating in high school. We have an almost two-year-old son named Carter.
 

Q: How do you relax?
A: I go to the park with my wife and son or I watch football.
 
 
Q: What meal/dish/item are you best at cooking? 
A: I honestly do not have a best meal that I cook but if I have to choose, I would say eggs because I eat them every day. My wife does most of the cooking.

Q: What are your favorite artists/songs on your all-time list?
A: I listen to country, the classics, and rap.

Q: Favorite TV show of all-time?
A: Friday Night Lights

Q: What's the best advice you ever received and who did it come from?
A: Hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard from my first college quarterback coach.

Q: What's your favorite season/type of weather? Why? 
A: Fall, around 60 Degrees because that means it's Football Season.

Q: When you go grocery shopping, are you the "Make a List" person or the "Just Wing It" person?
A: Make a List person

Q: Are you a tech savvy person?
A: Somewhat.

Q: Describe your perfect day off. 
A: Sleep in (until around 7 AM), hang out with my wife and son at the park, and have a home cooked dinner with family.

 
Q: What is your biggest fear?
A: Failure

Q: How many and what kind of pets do you have? How long have you had them?
A: We currently do not have any pets.

Q: Cats or dogs?
A: Dogs
 
Q: Who are your heroes? 
A: My Parents

Q: Can you sing or play an instrument?
A: I use to sing in the choir and play the trumpet in middle school. Both did not go well.

Q: What is/would be your go-to karaoke song?
A: Dirt Road Anthem by Jason Aldean or the Fresh Prince Theme Song.

Q: Fly or drive for a long trip?
A: Fly

Q: Where was/is your favorite vacation spot? Why?
A: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I like to spend time relaxing on the beach with family.

 
Q: How long can you go without looking at your phone?
A: During Football practice or during my son's bath time. I am generally always available when needed.

Q: If you could go back in history to attend one event, what would it be and why?
A: I would go back to the 1920's before the American Empire was established to learn how the American Dream was built and what our predecessors thought it should be.

Q: Who would be your 3 dream dinner guests and why?
A: Tim Tebow, I have admired Tim Tebow and the way he carries himself in his every day life and the way he stands firm in his belief in God; My Grandpap, who passed away almost 6 years ago, I miss him and the life lessons he taught me; Dabo Sweeney, because of the way he builds his football culture around faith and his focus on making his players leaders on and off the field.