Upper St. Clair’s Pantelis commits to Johns Hopkins
Born on Halloween, Chris Pantelis noted his birthdays were usually “weird” because he would always get candy while being “shrouded” with presents. It was the best of both worlds, especially when it came to costumes. As in life, the two-sport athlete trick-or-treated as either a football or basketball player.
With his recent commitment to Johns Hopkins University, the Upper St. Clair senior will soon only be outfitted in a football uniform before he eventually dons the white coat of a physician for the rest of his life.
So it is no wonder Pantelis is having the time of his life on the basketball court. He exploded for a career-high 28 points in USC’s recent upset win against top-ranked Allderdice, 58-51. He is averaging 13.9 points per game while leading the Panthers in both steals and assists.
“It’s going to be hard to give up basketball because I have been playing it for so long, especially with all these guys on the team. We’ve been friends forever.”
So Pantelis surmised, “I guess that is part of why I’ve been doing so well and playing so hard. I don’t want it to end.”
Pantelis said his success on the hard courts hasn’t been because of his prowess. He credits his father, Christopher, for getting him hooked on the sport.
“It’s a fun game and I don’t want to let it go,” said the 18-year-old son of Rochelle Pantelis.
Pantelis added that at the onset of the season the Panthers set the standard.
“Our aspiration, our objective, is to play for a WPIAL championship,” he stressed.
Though he noted the loss to Mt. Lebanon, 56-46, on Jan 15 was disappointing, it’s also been a turning point. It’s gotten the Panthers (17-2, 6-2) back on track.
“We are all practicing hard. Fixing things that we have been struggling with,” Pantelis said. “It’s been every single one of us contributing. Guys are all staying after practice and coming in early to work.”
Work defines Pantelis as he approaches every endeavor.
“Since I have met him, Chris has been a hard worker,” USC basketball coach Dan Holzer said. “He’s a role model that works hard and his leadership is exemplary.”
Pantelis certainly was the leader on the gridiron. The 6-1 split end led the Panthers with 41 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns. He gained 1,123 all-purpose yards thanks to his kick-off and punt returns as well as his interceptions and two fumble recoveries on defense.
“Football and basketball are completely different games,” he explained. “Often in football you need to be big and strong to be successful. In basketball you rely on speed and quickness more than strength. With both, I would definitely say that work is required. It’s what you put into it. I find the most successful people are those that work on their game.
“My work ethic is the one trait that I would define myself by,” Pantelis said. “It definitely applies to life, too. Both basketball and football require that of you and builds character as well. I think that is part of the reason why my father brought me into sports. They reinforce that idea.”
“There is a correlation between hard work and success. People who work the hardest will be the most successful. In sports, it’s not just touchdowns or points that matter it’s what I need to do to help my team in any size, shape or form.”
When he matriculates to Johns Hopkins University, Pantelis likely will help the Blue Jays on the offensive side of the football and as a special teams player. The Blue Jays posted a school-record 12 wins (12-2) and reached the NCAA semifinals for the first time. They averaged 45.8 points and 550.3 yards per game. Both of those totals are school single-season records, as were their 39 touchdown passes, 91 overall touchdowns and 641 points scored.
“It’s such a talented program,” Pantelis said, “so right now my goals are to start out small and take it one step at a time but work hard along the way. My speed and quickness need to improve. That’s tougher to do but I hope to make that up with my other abilities, too.”
One of those other abilities is his cerebral aptitude. Pantelis maintains a 4.72 GPA. He is also a National Honor Society student. As a Natural Helper, he was also chosen by his peers to work with counselors to prevent things like bullying in school.
“I felt Johns Hopkins was the best fit for me,” said Pantelis, who drew interest from Case Western, Cal. Tech and some Ivy League institutions. “Academically and athletically, it provides enough of a challenge.”
The challenge for the entire JHU football team is overcoming adversity, for on Jan. 2 the Blue Jays’ head coach Jim Margraff died at age 58. He was the program’s winningest skipper not to mention the 2018 D3football.com National Coach of the Year. His offensive coordinator, Greg Chimera, has been appointed interim head coach.
“Coach Margraff was a great guy. He did a great job and was an intelligent coach. He will be missed but Coach Chimera fits the mold of what Hopkins expects out of its program and players,” Pantelis said.
Expectations are for Pantelis to complete his athletic career in college then pursue his career in medicine.
“Obviously it would be cool to move on to the pro level but most likely that’s not a possibility so the goal is to work on what’s to come.”
Because of his drive, Holzer predicts, that will be greatness.
“Chris has been an exemplary high school student athlete who has been exceptional at time management and exertion. He puts the time in and makes sure it is done right. With his qualities, I can see him being successful in anything he attempts to do.”
Holzer added emphatically, “When he does become a doctor, I would not hesitate to go to him for an injury or an illness. He’s going to be a good one.”
Age: 18
Birthdate: Oct. 31
Parents: Christopher, Rochelle
Siblings: David and Alexandra.
School: Upper St. Clair
Grade: Senior
GPA: 4.72
Sports: Football, basketball
Clubs: National Honor Society, Natural Helpers
College choice: Johns Hopkins
Major: Pre-med
Food: Steak
Beverage: Milkshakes
Restaurant: Outback or Primanti Brothers
Color: Red
Book: The Maze Runner by James Dashner.
Movie: Unbroken
With whom would you like to have dinner? Tom Brady. “People may not like that answer but I really like his story. How he come out of the sixth round in the draft. Nobody really wanted him and he made something special out of himself. Not a lot of people recognize all the hard work he has put into being as great as he is.
Favorite athlete: “Tom Brady is definitely one of them. In basketball I like Lebron (James), Kobe (Bryant) and Michael (Jordan).”
People might be surprised to know this about you? “The one person that I am closest with is my brother. I feel I can share anything with him about myself.”
Biggest life lesson sports has taught you? “We all face failure at some point but if we continue to work past it, then success will definitely come.”
Most memorable sports moment: “Having my brother throw me a 40-yard touchdown pass to beat North Allegheny in the Greater-19 Youth Football League playoffs. And, sinking a half-court shot to tie Canon-McMillan in an eighth-grade travel game in the Metro Championships. We won the game in overtime.”