Like many student-athletes, Luke Ravenstahl, the co-captain and all-conference placekicker for the Washington and Jefferson College Presidents for the past three seasons, was considered a leader. An honors student in business administration who broke the school record in 2001 for consecutive extra points with 43, Ravenstahl was expected to go on and do great things in the world.

What makes him unique is just how quickly he's shown his leadership. Ravenstahl, 23, graduated in December and by April he was running for a seat on the Pittsburgh City Council, in addition to his full-time job working as an account manager at a shipping firm.

Ravenstahl was facing some long odds, since his opponent in the Democratic primary was the incumbent, Barbara Burns, who had been on the city council since 2000 and who also served for 10 years on the Pittsburgh Public Schools Board. She also serves on the board of the city-county Sports and Exhibition Authority.

His opponent's credentials didn't seem to deter Ravenstahl, though. He actively sought and received the Democratic party endorsement for the seat.

"I had a good feeling going into the endorsement," he said. "It's a sign there has to be some change."

Ravenstahl isn't a complete stranger to politics. He's been a Democratic committeeman in the city's 26th Ward since he was 19. His grandfather, Robert Ravenstahl Sr., was formerly a state representative, and his father Robert Jr. is a district magistrate.

Ravenstahl won the Democratic primary for District 1 May 20, and he will have no Republican opponent in November. Though he still lives with his parents, he's going to play an important role in city government. The city council controls the purse strings in Pittsburgh, which is facing a $60 million budget shortfall.

Teammates weren't surprised Ravenstahl went up against long odds and won.

"The best way to describe Luke is he is a stand-up guy," said long-snapper Mark McKillop. "He is a hard worker, who is completely honest in everything he does. On the field, he is as much of a competitor as anyone I have ever played with, and I think that will only help him in his future in government. He will do what he needs to do to serve his community well."

As a candidate, Ravenstahl took positions on several issues, opposing the closure of neighborhood fire stations and favoring a raise to the $10 tax on city workers to boost the city budget. He's also concerned about crime and drug use in public schools.

Those who know Ravenstahl best for his work at Washington and Jefferson aren't surprised that he's already sought another way to make a difference.

"He brought a sense of volunteerism to the campus community and valued citizenship. It is no surprise to me that he has chosen to give back to his own community through public service."

Head coach Mike Sirianni agreed. "Luke was a tremendous asset to our football program for the past three years. He was always someone we could count on when we needed a big kick or a big play on special teams. As one of our senior captains, Luke was a vocal leader, who showed in just one year why he is going to be a great leader in government one day. I wouldn't count out Luke in anything he does, and I know he will become a solid leader in the future."

Four months after graduation and Ravenstahl is on the city council of a city with a population of nearly half a million people. Four years from now, who knows where he'll be?