Drew Astorino is used to being in the sports pages of the local newspaper, but why stop there? Astorino didn’t.

In the most this week’s Sports Illustrated, the General McLane senior was listed among SI’s “Faces in the Crowd” column. The Lancer standout was nominated through TAKKLE.com, a sort-of MySpace for athletes.

“I have absolutely no clue (how the nomination process) works,” said Astorino. “It is weird, because there were other athletes with more votes than me. I’m sure, in the end, Sports Illustrated has the final say on who gets in.”

The process is actually pretty easy.

“Athletes upload stats, photos, videos, information about themselves and their teams” said TAKKLE spokesman Jeff Rutherford. “Then TAKKLE users can nominate and vote for their favorite athlete. The editors at Sports Illustrated then look at the numbers and make the final selection.

“Each week there is always a TAKKLE video face in the crowd, but some weeks (the magazine) selects a second face in the crowd, like Drew is in this edition (of SI).”

Astorino was not entirely surprised about the selection. His father, Gary, received a call in advance to inform him that Drew was nominated and a photo was needed. But Drew didn’t know for sure until a few days ago when he saw he was picked on the Web site.

Given Astorino’s accomplishment’s it looks like an easy pick.

Astorino began the school year playing quarterback for the Lancers football team. He led the squad to an 8-2 regular season record and all the way to the PIAA Class AAA state championship game. With the PIAA title hanging in the balance, Astorino ran for a huge fourth-quarter TD that carried GM to a 28-23 win over Pottsville.

A few days later he was suiting up as a guard for the basketball team. Again, he helped lead the Lancers to a stellar regular season with a 20-4 record, and again the unit found itself playing for a state title. This time Astorino hit a jumper in the lane with two seconds left to clinch a 57-55 win over Greencastle-Antrim. It is the first time in Pennsylvania history that a school won both a football and a basketball state title in the same academic school year.

“I think (anyone of my teammates) could have easily been chosen,” said the Penn State recruit. “Or even the whole team. I would nominate all of them, no doubt about it.”

For now, the Edinboro area will have to be satisfied with Astorino’s appearance in the national publication. As for Drew himself, he is still a little overwhelmed.

“I think it is a really cool thing,” said Astorino. “It is great to be a part of a publication like Sports Illustrated. It is a real honor.

“I haven’t picked up a copy yet, but I am sure my mom will for me.”