Senior Day - Josh Pestka
Among many things, the COVID-19 pandemic prematurely ended the athletic careers of the majority of the St. Ambrose spring sport seniors.
Through no fault of their own, these seniors had their final seasons, and collegiate careers, shortened. Yet this does not diminish in any way their contributions to St. Ambrose University and the Athletic Department.
Some of these seniors were on the verge of postseason play, with sights set on competing for National Titles. Others were just getting their final seasons started. And still others never had a chance to compete this spring.
While COVID-19 brought a close to the SAU athletic careers of these seniors, it also robbed the St. Ambrose Athletic Department the opportunity to thank them for their contributions on the playing field, in the classroom and in the community.
Over the next several weeks, we will share stories on each of these seniors. In a way, this will be the Senior Day we were never able to give them.
These are our Seniors of 2020.
| Hometown: Eldridge, Iowa | High School: North Scott |
| Parents: Jason Pestka and Julie DePouw | Major: Sport Management |
| In his words: "Go Bees! #CantControlThat" |
Get to know Josh Pestka:
Pictured below: Josh and his parents
How did you first get involved in track & field?
"In middle school I had to choose between football or cross country. I did not know what cross country was but I knew I liked to run so I chose cross country and that was the first time I participated in track & field as well."
Why did you choose St. Ambrose?
"I was in the midst of transferring to a new school, a close friend of mine, Rane Nichols, recommended SAU and got in contact with Coach Dan Tomlin and after the one meeting we had I was sold on coming to SAU. With the new facility that was being built when I transferred in Fall of 2017. Had a very good first impression with Coach Tomlin and heard a lot of good things about the faculty, professors, and academic programs."
What is your favorite memory you'll take from St. Ambrose?
"There have been too many memories I have made here, coming to SAU will be hands down the best decision I made. To the friendships I have created, finishing runner-up at Indoor Track & Field Nationals 2019, to finding a career path I enjoy and want to be a part of."
What are your future plans?
"Looking to get into facility management and looking to be a cross country and/or track & field coach!"
Can you tell me something unusual about yourself?
"I am partially colorblind."
Can you tell me about the seniors on the track & field team?
"Being a transfer I was not able to have the full four-year experience with them but during my years at SAU allowed me to get the full experience with my fellow seniors."
Do you have a favorite childhood memory?
"I lived on a farm growing up and had countless memories driving the ATV in the woods and getting lost a lot."