The Pitt-Johnstown men's soccer team will honor late Mountain Cat soccer player Samuel Benshoff prior to its final pre-season game, Monday evening in his hometown of Waynesboro, Pa..  Benshoff passed away on January 10 as a result of injuries sustained in a weekend car accident near Waynesboro.  The Mountain Cats will play against Penn State–Mont Alto at Waynesboro High School in a 7:30 PM contest.     DIRECTIONS TO WAYNESBORO HIGH SCHOOL

Prior to the start of the match, both teams, as well as members from the Waynesboro community and Samuel's parents, will take part in a remembrance ceremony.  Several of Benshoff's former high school teammates are soccer student-athletes at Penn State-Mont Alto.

A talented and exceptionally motivated student athlete, Samuel was renowned for his diligent work ethic, tremendous energy, generosity of spirit, and constant pursuit of excellence. Much admired and beloved by all who knew him here at Pitt-Johnstown, Samuel definitely made a great and lasting impact on his classmates, fellow teammates, and so many other members of our community.
 
Samuel, who played soccer at Waynesboro High School but was homeschooled, was also a member of our soccer team who played in 15 games and made 12 starts as a defender for the Mountain Cats in 2021.  Benshoff finished his first season at Pitt-Johnstown with one goal and one assist, both against Penn State-New Kensington on September 7.
 
According to Head Coach Eric Kinsey, the game made perfect sense.  "After Samuel's tragic passing, we came up with the idea to play a memorial game so I reached out to Tim Carey at Mont Alto about the possibility and he was on board right from the start.  We wanted to give his family a 'home game' and it all worked out perfectly.  For our guys to have the chance to play on his high school field, against his former high school teammates, and in front of his family and friends, I think, is the perfect way to honor his memory.  I want to thank Coach Carey, the Mont Alto athletic administration, and everyone at Waynesboro High School who has helped to make this happen."