The Pitt Panthers basketball team opened the 2013-14 season in typical fashion- with a route of a smaller school. Thanks to an early 15-0 run that gave the Panthers a 19-2 lead just a few minutes into the game, the Panthers cruise to an 88-55 victory at the Petersen Events Center. Pitt got whatever they wanted at the rim early on, sharing the ball, playing typical unselfish Panthers basketball, converted layup after layup en route to building a 40-13 halftime lead. “It starts with Lamar ... Read More
Bullying in sports is taught at an early age
In a workplace or environment where it's encouraged to intimidate and dominate your competition both physically and mentally, bullying is taught in sports from day one. Recreational leagues are a common place for bullying your competition, to weaken their confidence and to gain the upper hand on your opponent. When I became a writer for Pittsburgh Sporting News, my fellow colleagues were quick to point out that thick skin was highly recommended in this position. This statement couldn't be ... Read More
Cotchery quietly having stellar season
We are in the midst of a rare and miserable NFL football season in which the Pittsburgh Steelers (2-6) are not exactly among the league's elite. After an 0-4 start and two consecutive devastating losses at Oakland and New England, they are buried in the AFC North, and unofficially out of the playoff discussion just midway through the season. There is a crop of core players and youthfulness at most positions who are either continuing to try to improve for the future or who may be fighting for ... Read More
Football injuries: Are high risks worth it?
Today's world of football brings more and more issues on concussions and other head injuries. Is it worth it? Tony Dorsett, one of the greatest Pittsburgh Panthers to play the game, was featured in an ESPN special Thursday about his recent diagnosis with signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a brain injury that is associated with depression and dementia. On the special, Dorsett admitted to having thoughts of suicide and having family issues because of the condition. Research has ... Read More
PSAC West Basketball 2013 Preview
The PSAC has been one of the top basketball conferences in the ranks of Division II. This season looks to be no different. Here's a brief look into how the teams stack up this season. Preseason Poll 1. IUP (7) 2. Gannon (1) 3. Slippery Rock (1) 4. California 5. Pitt-Johnstown 6. Mercyhurst 7. Seton Hill 8. Edinboro 9. Clarion Preseason All-PSAC West Team Adam Blazek Gannon Erie/Cathedral Prep Bryan Theriot Edinboro Middleburg Heights, Ohio/Midpark Mathis ... Read More
PSAC West Week 10 News and Notes
The PSAC West season is wrapping up soon and the playoff picture is taking shape. Let's take a look forward. 2013 Football Standings SCHOOL CONF CPCT. OVERALL PCT. STREAK WEST Slippery ... Read More
Former Pirates skipper takes managerial job in Seattle
The Seattle Mariners were looking for a new face to guide their young, rebuilding team. In a MLB offseason that has already four franchises hire new managers, the Mariners chose to hire a man with over 780 games under his belt as the skipper of teams in the midst of a “rebuilding” mode. The Washington Nationals replaced the retiring Davey Johnson with former All-Star third baseman Matt Williams, the Cincinnati Reds went with an in-house option by promoting pitching coach Bryan Price, and the ... Read More
Pittsburgh Sporting News midseason Steelers awards
It's officially the halfway point in the Pittsburgh Steelers season. Sitting at 2-6, it hasn't gone the way most people thought or wanted it to go. At the eight-game mark, you know who you are, and so do the fans. Some of the staff members at Pittsburgh Sporting News — Michael Waterloo, Brian Gossett, Jon Pennline, Matt Shetler, Matt Welch, Andrew Barlow, Dom Errico and Drew Brown — give their Most Valuable Player, Least Valuable Players, Surprising Players, Disappointing Player, Play of the ... Read More
WPIAL Round-2 Playoff Preview
Single-A #1 Sto-Rox vs #9 Apollo-Ridge (at Deer Lakes) Winner: Sto Rox #12 Fort Cherry vs #4 Clairton (at Elizabeth Forward) Winner: Clairton #7 Avonworth vs #2 Cardinals Wuerl North Catholic (at Hampton) Winner: Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic #3 Monessen vs #6 Neshannock (at Chartiers Houston) Winner: Neshannock Game of the Week: Avonworth vs Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic This Single-A showdown features the first and second best teams out of the Eastern Conference ... Read More
Rag Dolls: Rangers crush Penguins, 5-1
Despite coming into the game with a four game winning streak and facing a team that has struggled for most of the season, the Pittsburgh Penguins looked more like a team going northbound on a southbound highway. The Penguins dominated much of the first period, leading in shots 10-2 and scoring chances 7-1, at one point. But the Rangers scored twice within 1:05 and never looked back. Henrik Lundqvist was stellar, particularly in the first. Lundqvist stonewalled Sidney Crosby in the opening ... Read More