As a high school coach I have had to learn to abide by the 24 hour rule. This means taking a deep breath and making sure I wait to reply to parents emails or confront any issue that might come up during the season. Visceral responses usually are fed with emotions and are not thought through, and this can mean trouble. That's because it leads to impulsive statements and conclusions. This got me to thinking about Pitt basketball in 2014. Not going to lie, Jamie Dixon's timeout at the end of ... Read More
Penguins face tough decisions with NHL trade deadline approaching
With Wednesday's NHL trade deadline quickly approaching, the long discussed and debated topic of what the Penguins will do should finally come to a resolution. Will the Pens make that splash deal for a winger to play with Crosby? Will they improve their bottom six forward situation by adding some grit, size, and toughness to the team? If the rumors are true, the Penguins could do both by acquiring the Vancouver Canucks do it all forward, Ryan Kesler. We know Pens GM Ray Shero has never been ... Read More
From Rochester To Sochi, The Historic Journey Of Lauryn Williams
It's been a remarkable journey from Rochester High School to the Sochi Winter Olympics for Lauryn Williams. She's gone from being one of the most gifted sprinters in the history of Pennsylvania high school track and field, to a decorated career at the University of Miami, and then became a multiple World and Olympic medalist representing the USA in Track. Now, in one of the more remarkable transformations you will ever see from an athlete, Williams is now setting her sights on Olympic gold in ... Read More
Burnett to Philly: Will he be missed?
With the signing of A.J. Burnett by the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday, the seemingly never ending saga of whether or not Burnett would be a Pittsburgh Pirate in 2014 came to a merciful conclusion. A one-year offer worth $16 million predictably changed Burnett's tune in regards to his claims of "Pirates or retirement." With Burnett moving on, its fair to say the Pirates offseason, which began with promise and excitement fans have rarely experienced in over 20 years, has reached a point of ... Read More
Is the fan as much to blame as Marcus Smart?
Its fair to say quite a stir was caused in the sports world after an ugly incident involving Oklahoma State's Marcus Smart and Texas Tech fan Jeff Orr made national news. Countless replays repeatedly showed Smart angrily shoving Orr after entering the crowd hustling to make a play late in the Cowboys' upset loss to the Red Raiders. It was not a pretty scene, and it immediately elicited visceral responses, and in many cases, hasty knee-jerk reactions. Many immediately placed the onus on Smart. ... Read More
National Signing Day: WPIAL recruits
After months of waiting for National Signing day, local WPIAL recruits finally got their opportunity to make their commitments official. Pitt, Penn State and West Virginia all had WPIAL players officially sign. Here's a quick summary of those who did, along with where some of the other top WPIAL players final destinations. For the University of Pittsburgh, seven local players will be Panthers next season. Alex Bookser, Mt Lebanon HS, OL--Ranked among the top offensive line prospects in the ... Read More
Inside look at Cal U football recruit, Luke Hrapchak
When it comes to potential diamonds in the rough, Fairmont (WV) coach J.L. Abbott believes future California University football player, Luke Hrapchak, fit that's mold perfectly. According to Abbott, the standout linebacker, who recently committed to the Vulcans after a final visit to IUP, is a player that a lot of programs will regret not going after. "Luke is a tremendous all-around player who is going to continue to grow physically," Abbott said. "He's already 6'3 and 230 lbs, runs a 4.7 ... Read More
Diallo to Pitt?
As the disappointment still lingers for Pitt fans after a tough home loss to Duke Monday night, there could be some good news coming that could help ease the pain. Among the attendees for the record crowd of 12,994 at the Pete was highly prized 2015 prospect, center Cheick Diallo. Diallo, from Our Savior New American School in Centereach, NY, is considered one of the top big men available in next year's class. Originally from Mali, Diallo is an athletic forward known for his explosiveness, ... Read More
Panther of the Week: Talib Zanna
The University of Pittsburgh Men's Basketball program continued their impressive debut in the ACC with two more wins this past week. A dominant home win on Tuesday against Clemson was followed by a hard earned victory Saturday night at Maryland, leaving the Panthers with a 5-1 conference record, with a pivotal, highly anticipated match up against the 18th ranked Duke Blue Devils coming tonight at the Pete. Though the 20th ranked Panthers have been led by the spectacular play of Lamar Patterson ... Read More
Cowher took the high road with comments about Spygate
Spygate. Few words get a Steeler fan's blood pressure up quicker than uttering the word. We know the details. The New England Patriots ignored a NFL directive not to use video cameras to tape opponents sideline signals, but did so anyway, and were caught in 2007. The response from the league was swift, a league record $500,000 fine was levied against head coach Bill Belicheck, and the Patriots were fined an additional $250,000, along with the loss of a first round pick. Fans around the NFL ... Read More