Senior Troy Parton took a number of visits to Kutztown University nearly a year ago when looking at schools to continue his football career.

But he wasn't sure if the Golden Bears were going to offer the chance to play at the college level. So he focused his attention elsewhere for the time being.

That all changed in February when the Golden Bears revisited Parton. He decided to join Kutztown to continue playing football, while also beginning the next part of his life in a major he highly sought, sports and leisure management.

"I kind of ruled it out because I wasn't really getting looked at as football-related," Parton said. "I was looking at Lebanon Valley for all of September until late January. Then Kutztown came in. The coach contacted me. I went up there for a visit, and I decided to go there."

Parton was an all-around player for the Falcons this past season. He did everything from throwing, running and catching the ball on offense, to playing safety on defense and returning in the kicking game when that presented an opportunity.

In becoming a Colonial League Honorable Mention All-Star, Parton recorded 19 catches for 200 yards this season on offense. On defense, he totaled 85 tackles and 10 sacks for the Falcons.

"I was a running back in the offseason," Parton said. "Our quarterback got hurt and he couldn't play the whole season, so then they moved me to quarterback. And then halfway through the season I went back to wide receiver."

A number of other schools had interest in Parton, including East Stroudsburg University, Lebanon Valley College and Moravian College.

But once the Golden Bears came back around, Parton knew he wanted to join Kutztown's staff.

"The major was more suited than the other majors that I was looking at the other schools," Parton said. "I like the location; it's not too close, but it's not too far away. I felt comfortable there. I really liked the facilities, the dorms and everything."