Pace Claims Prestigious "Charger Award"
Regarded as the most prestigious achievement at Chantilly, the
Photo By: Marc Gold / Gameday Magazine | VIEW GALLERY
Pace, shown here against Annandale, is regarded as being "always happy, upbeat and treats everyone like they are special."
Photo By: Barry deNicola / Gameday Magazine | VIEW GALLERY
Against Westfield and in the playoffs, Pace accumulated an astonishing 827 yards, but his exploits off the field are dually noted, specifically his 4.0 GPA and role as class vice president.
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The accolades keep coming in for star Chantilly running back Torrian Pace. True, the football season is over, but Pace added yet another piece of hardware to his growing trophy collection when he was given the prestigious "Charger Award" during commencement this past weekend.
The award, regarded as the most prominent at Chantilly, is awarded to the student who best embodies the class as a student, citizen and role model and the person who stands out the most over their years at Chantilly. Voted upon by the students, Pace won in a landslide.
"I didn't expect to get [the Charger Award]. I had no clue it was coming," said Pace. "I kind of said in my mind, 'you kidding me? I don't deserve this. There are a lot of other people who deserve it more than me.'"
But one look at Pace's accolades, and it's tough to imagine anyone else that is more qualified. In addition to rushing for over 5,000 career yards during his time at Chantilly and garnering All-Met, All-State and AAA Gameday Player of the Year honors, Pace does much more off the gridiron. Elected as his class' vice-president, Pace maintains a 4.0 GPA while also serving as a leading member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
Ken Kincaid, both a teacher and coach at Chantilly, couldn't say enough about Pace during his time with FCA.
"He embodies the essence of the word leader," said Kincaid. "He is constantly extending himself and reaching out to others, especially younger kids who aren't even necessarily athletes."
Outside of teachers and coaches, there's even better praise from his fellow peers. When being presented his award, numerous testaments about Pace's character from students were read off, some of which said, "he always has a smile on his face and is always positive."
Others stated, "He's always happy, upbeat and treats everyone like they are special," and "he encourages people by what he says and how he acts. He has a positive impact
on everyone."
The remarks about Pace's character were in no short order, and it's something Pace takes in stride.
"That's what I want to do. I want to encourage people and not put them down," said Pace. "I have to just smile about that."
And for the star running back, it's all about the smile, which has become famous around the halls of Chantilly.
"I try to smile as much as I can. It's good for you. You don't want to walk around with a frown on your face and act like nothing there's nothing good in life," said Pace.
And life right now for Pace is very good. From off-field to on-field activities, Pace has seemingly had no problem succeeding in both as he is now reaping in several very prestigious awards, most recently the Charger Award. For Pace though, it's all part of him trying to be the most well-rounded person he can.
"It's good to spread your wings and try different things," said Pace. "There are kids who are good at academics and kids who are good in sports and then some who are good in just art. It's good to do a little bit of everything and see what fits you. You shouldn't just do academics, you should go out and play a sport and get involved in an activity so you're well-rounded."
A Youngstown State commit, Pace will live out the next four years playing running back for the I-AA football powerhouse that has claimed multiple national championships in the 1990's. For now though, Pace is enjoying his latest piece of impressive hardware.
"[The Charger Award] was an award for a person and it really meant a lot because it came from my classmates," said Pace.
