Emilio Paglia has some interesting souvenirs at his home from around the time he earned top marks in construction technology as a student at St. Joan of Arc High School in Maple, Ont.

And so it made perfect sense to him, after graduation, that he pursued that interest and talent to the next level - the construction engineering technology program at George Brown College.

The 20-year old also knows something about baseball, a game he has played since those early years when his parents signed him up for T-Ball at age five. Paglia, entering his third and final year at George Brown, is doing very well at the academic level.

Next up, he's hoping to do his share by helping the Huskies construct a playoff team for the second year in a row - and inching closer to a championship in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association is also on his list.

While Paglia may be the first to admit he's not Major League Baseball material, and his dream of attending a U.S. school on a scholarship didn't come about, he's certainly done well playing for the Vaughan Vikings, a triple-A team in the Toronto Baseball Association.

A few years ago, as a pitcher, he tossed a no-hitter mowing down batters in nine innings and throwing just 76 pitches. And while he played shortstop for George Brown last year, because the Huskies needed a solid player at the key spot, he did well despite playing with a nasty hamstring injury.

"It would be nice to pitch again," said the right-handed throwing Paglia, whose repertoire from the mound includes a fast pitch, slider and curve. "I'm the kind of player who'll help the team wherever the coach thinks it is needed."

Determined to succeed, known for his hard working philosophy and staying focused, Paglia knows that his competitive days are numbered. His big win will come in a fulltime job as a project manager or superintendent with a construction company.

"That's the plan right now and I'd prefer high-rise and commercial rather than residential," said Paglia, whose summer involves baseball and a part time job with a construction company. "I'm healthy, eager to play for George Brown but approaching this as an opportunity to earn a spot and hot have one handed to me."

Last year, Paglia had 11 walks to lead the Huskies and also was tops in runs scored with 10.

George Brown opens the 2014 season hosting Humber College in a Saturday afternoon doubleheader on Sept. 6 at Wishing Well Park. The OCAA championship is Oct. 17-18 in Oshawa, Ont.

Source: George Brown College