Sept. 20, 2006

Editor's Note: This feature ran in the Sept. 23 (Ohio) game program.

by Theo Thompson, MU Media Relations Student Assistant

Standing at 6-5, 305 pounds, Mizzou offensive lineman Louis Pintola can seem pretty menacing. But, when you get up close and personal with Pintola, fans are introduced to a charismatic, amiable, and insightful young man.

With a voice synonymous to that of a seasoned radio personality and a captivating demeanor, Pintola hails from the Golden State (California), and grew up in Los Angeles with two diligent, blue-collar parents.

Pintola's father, Louis, and mother, Anita, tried hard to raise their only son in a neighborhood that had many dark corners. With plenty of trouble to get into, Pintola credits his closest friends for pushing him away from trouble and toward football. To this day, Pintola is still grateful to his friends for having the forethought of shielding him from making the same mistakes they made.

Pintola took the field at Santa Fe High School, playing on both sides of the ball. In addition, Pintola was a member of the track and field team, earning all-conference honors for his work.

Upon graduation, No. 67 began his collegiate football career at Pasadena City College, regarded by many as one of the top junior college programs in the country.

In just his freshman year, Pintola was chosen first-team all-area. As a sophomore, Pintola grew into his position, earning third-team junior college All-American offensive lineman honors and first-team all-conference recognition. Pintola also brought home his team's offensive player of the year award as well as being named offensive lineman of the year.

With proven experience, Pintola was offered opportunities to continue his football career at the Division I level. Oregon, Kansas State, Boise State, Arizona State, UCLA and Washington all came knocking at his door. With an array of opportunities, Pintola decided on Missouri.

During the 2005 season, Pintola, then a junior, saw his first action, playing in six of Missouri's games including three of Missouri's last five games of the regular season. Moving to No. 2 on the depth chart at left tackle, Pintola started his senior campaign challenging for a spot in the starting lineup.

Pintola will gladly point out football's parallels to the demanding academic environment of college, and is eager to discuss how his college experiences have prepared him for life. Football has instilled a sense of responsibility and leadership skills within him.

"I gotta' do it in the classroom before I do it here [football]," said Pintola.

After graduating this December with a degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management, Pintola will accept a position with the Long Beach Fire Department, providing a prime example of such a virtue.

As Pintola prepares for life after Mizzou he expresses concern over leaving those whom he has grown to call family.

A family away from his own is how Pintola describes Mizzou; one of his fondest memories is the close-knit environment among the coaches, players, and staff.

"Everything is a fond memory," Pintola said. "From going to the recreation center, helping the players enhance their game to team outings and barbeques."

A player who enjoys life, Pintola is one who, despite the fast-paced city he was raised in, is the kind of person to take life one day at a time.

"The smiles and the cries are what I'll miss," Pintola said.

One memory that stands out in Pintola's memory is what one of his former offensive line coaches once told him.

"You can go day in and day out. You can lie to everyone, you can tell stories, you can mislead, you can do anything, but at the end of the day the only person that matters is the man in the mirror because that's the man that's judging you."

Pintola has chosen to "live his life through [his parents] eyes"...with honesty, hardwork, and purpose... blessing the ones at Mizzou he calls family.