Edward M. Pastilong

Ed Pastilong was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1996 and was named the college’s Outstanding Alumnus in 1998.

A native of Moundsville, W.Va., Pastilong earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from WVU in 1966, followed by a master’s degree from the University. He was a quarterback for the Mountaineers from 1963–65, completing 37 passes for 728 yards and six touchdowns despite playing with a shoulder injury.

Pastilong began his coaching career at Scott High School in Madison, West Virginia, and later led Salem College to more victories than any other WVIAC team during his tenure from 1969–75. He also served as Salem’s dean of health and physical education before returning to WVU in 1976 as a football recruiting coordinator. Over the next three decades, he rose through the ranks from scholarship officer, assistant athletic director for facilities, associate athletic director before becoming WVU’s director of athletics in 1989.

He led the athletic department through an era of unprecedented growth until his retirement in 2010, including the University’s first move into a major athletic conference with Big East membership, more than $65 million in capital improvements, and a budget increase from $20 million to more than $50 million. Pastilong oversaw the construction or renovation of nearly every major athletic facility, including suites at Mountaineer Field, the Caperton Indoor Practice Facility, Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium, Cary Gym, and the WVU Coliseum.

A strong advocate for the student-athlete experience, Pastilong initiated the Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll and launched the Athletic Scholarship Endowment Fund. 

He also played a key role in the establishment of the WVU Sports Hall of Fame and other student-athlete recognition initiatives.

Pastilong retired in 2010 but continued to serve the University as athletic director emeritus for two additional years. He was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.