Will Moore, @heelwjm17Feb. 8
"Paul Alexander and @angeloarmenti talking...what a great conversation this must be."
EJ Borghetti, @PittBorghetti
Feb. 4
"With 8 Pitt Panthers in Pro HOF, there is now officially a "Cardiac Hill" wing in Canton. #HailtoPitt"
Ryan Babirad, @ryanbabs4
Feb. 4
"A mom just yelled at a wrestler for messing up his hair???"
Tom Nettles, @Tom Nettles
Feb. 3
"Dang another beautiful day...watch out Florida kids I'm practicing everyday now too"
Xavier Severns, @daboihollowman
Feb. 7
"Could really go for a big carmel frappe"
Chivar Brown, @trackstarvar22
Feb. 9
"Came to conclusion the 100 is impossible to break because, it's measured in yards instead of meters @DSpinks23 @browthekid"
Michael LaRocka, @MikeLaRocka
Feb. 3
"Shout out to my brother for hitting the game winning shot and dropping 16. #burnthefortlater"
Jordan Drew, @jayydrew_33
Feb. 9
"Really close to picking up a book and reading. I hate being bored"
David Williams, @dwilliams_5
Feb. 8
"Austin Rivers is too clutch!!!!! He is #NBAREADY"
Doug Wilson, @dougie_fresh055
Feb. 5
"Skip Bayless still thinks Tim Tebow is better than both Mannings"
Nick Riotto, @NRiotto
Feb. 5
"Anyone who thinks one game on a Sunday In February is better than a 7-game series in late October is out of their mind"
Tweet of the Week
Ryan Dupain, @RyanDupain
Feb. 5
"I've done it, Brady can. #SSBeaver #85yardsin1minute #hsfootballmemories"
Thursday, February 9, 2012
The search is on ...
The search for an athletic director at McGuffey High School is down to two finalists, including one person familiar to readers.
Jeremy Smith is one finalist. Smith is working with the Chartiers-Houston boys basketball team as the top assistant for Eugene Briggs. Smith is a former men's basketball assistant at Bethany College and a former football assistant at Waynesburg High School.
The other finalist is Trinity football coach Ed Dalton.
The Trinity Area School Board removed Dalton as athletic director before the 2010-11 school year, and he was replaced by Bobby Jones. Dalton has remained as Hillers' football coach, though the well-documented relationship between the coach and the school board can take a nasty turn at any time.
McGuffey is offering approximately $55,000 for its athletic director position, which would be a significant pay cut for Dalton. The football position at McGuffey, however, remains open, and the possibility of having both positions could be the draw.
* Jefferson-Morgan has yet to fill its football position, and apparently isn't close. The school is keeping the search well-guarded, so much so that athletic director Scot Moore does not know identities of possible candidates.
* According to sources, the Trinity baseball coaching search is down to two candidates - Scott Henson and Nate Voytek.
Henson, a Ringgold grad, coached at Canon-McMillan before being replaced by Steve Bucci after the 2006 season. Voytek was Trinity's pitching coach.
Trinity's next board meeting is Feb. 16.
* Don Williams has coached the Carmichaels boys basketball team for 37 years, including the 2011-12 season. Williams before the start of the start of the 2011 WPIAL Class A playoffs, that he expected his 37th season to be his last.
Now, Williams isn't so sure.
Williams plans on waiting until the WPIAL alignment is released before making up his mind. Carmichaels, which clinched another postseason berth this year, is losing several long-time section rivals. Jefferson-Morgan and West Greene are moving up to Class AA, as is Bentworth.
Where the Mikes are placed could determine if Williams returns for a 38th season.
Jeremy Smith is one finalist. Smith is working with the Chartiers-Houston boys basketball team as the top assistant for Eugene Briggs. Smith is a former men's basketball assistant at Bethany College and a former football assistant at Waynesburg High School.
The other finalist is Trinity football coach Ed Dalton.
The Trinity Area School Board removed Dalton as athletic director before the 2010-11 school year, and he was replaced by Bobby Jones. Dalton has remained as Hillers' football coach, though the well-documented relationship between the coach and the school board can take a nasty turn at any time.
McGuffey is offering approximately $55,000 for its athletic director position, which would be a significant pay cut for Dalton. The football position at McGuffey, however, remains open, and the possibility of having both positions could be the draw.
* Jefferson-Morgan has yet to fill its football position, and apparently isn't close. The school is keeping the search well-guarded, so much so that athletic director Scot Moore does not know identities of possible candidates.
* According to sources, the Trinity baseball coaching search is down to two candidates - Scott Henson and Nate Voytek.
Henson, a Ringgold grad, coached at Canon-McMillan before being replaced by Steve Bucci after the 2006 season. Voytek was Trinity's pitching coach.
Trinity's next board meeting is Feb. 16.
* Don Williams has coached the Carmichaels boys basketball team for 37 years, including the 2011-12 season. Williams before the start of the start of the 2011 WPIAL Class A playoffs, that he expected his 37th season to be his last.
Now, Williams isn't so sure.
Williams plans on waiting until the WPIAL alignment is released before making up his mind. Carmichaels, which clinched another postseason berth this year, is losing several long-time section rivals. Jefferson-Morgan and West Greene are moving up to Class AA, as is Bentworth.
Where the Mikes are placed could determine if Williams returns for a 38th season.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Monessen parents claim Brentwood students taunted with racial slurs
When Monessen High School's boys basketball team is playing well, few teams in the WPIAL are more enjoyable to watch. The Greyhounds blend athleticism, depth and great shooting with team-oriented players molded by veteran coach Joe Salvino.
Monessen ranks as one of Pennsylvania's more tradition-rich athletic programs, and the basketball team ranks among all-time WPIAL leaders in section titles, district titles and state championships.
Last year, Monessen won the WPIAL Class AA title and made it to the PIAA semifinals. This year, behind a balanced blend that includes point guard Jalen Madison, athletic wing Jaisen Irwin, Division I football prospect Chavas Rawlins and tough guy Earl Pinkney, Monessen once again is in the championship conversation.
Monessen, the Observer-Reporter's No. 1 Class AA team, is 20-1 - the lone loss by one point to Imani Christian, a charter school waiting on WPIAL membership. The Greyhounds take on all comers - be it Class AAAA powers or Class AAA traditional powers. And, behind the legendary Salvino, they normally win.
Over the past 43 games, Monessen is 41-2.
Monessen's racial makeup and the program's incredible success playing up in classification (remember the school is small even by Class A standards), sadly make them the occasional target of student sections. Such was the case when Monessen played a Section 3-AA game last Friday at predominantly white Brentwood.
When Monessen called the game results to the Observer-Reporter, I took the call and was told, "They don't like us up there. It was ugly."
Part of the conversation also included hearing how Rawlins, a quarterback being courted by numerous Division I programs, was run into the wall behind the basket by a Brentwood player and allegedly kneed. Rawlins returned to the game, but he mentioned being in pain following the game on his Twitter account.
Then, I read this column in the Valley Independent.
The story is gaining considerable momentum nationally and Monessen, deservedly so, wants answers for what happened. That's why parents of players turned to area television stations.
http://www.wtae.com/high-school-playbook/30401400/detail.html
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/high-schoolers-allegedly-don-banana-suits-shout-racial-slurs-opposing-team-article-1.1019229?localLinksEnabled=false
Monessen ranks as one of Pennsylvania's more tradition-rich athletic programs, and the basketball team ranks among all-time WPIAL leaders in section titles, district titles and state championships.
Last year, Monessen won the WPIAL Class AA title and made it to the PIAA semifinals. This year, behind a balanced blend that includes point guard Jalen Madison, athletic wing Jaisen Irwin, Division I football prospect Chavas Rawlins and tough guy Earl Pinkney, Monessen once again is in the championship conversation.
Monessen, the Observer-Reporter's No. 1 Class AA team, is 20-1 - the lone loss by one point to Imani Christian, a charter school waiting on WPIAL membership. The Greyhounds take on all comers - be it Class AAAA powers or Class AAA traditional powers. And, behind the legendary Salvino, they normally win.
Over the past 43 games, Monessen is 41-2.
Monessen's racial makeup and the program's incredible success playing up in classification (remember the school is small even by Class A standards), sadly make them the occasional target of student sections. Such was the case when Monessen played a Section 3-AA game last Friday at predominantly white Brentwood.
When Monessen called the game results to the Observer-Reporter, I took the call and was told, "They don't like us up there. It was ugly."
Part of the conversation also included hearing how Rawlins, a quarterback being courted by numerous Division I programs, was run into the wall behind the basket by a Brentwood player and allegedly kneed. Rawlins returned to the game, but he mentioned being in pain following the game on his Twitter account.
Then, I read this column in the Valley Independent.
The story is gaining considerable momentum nationally and Monessen, deservedly so, wants answers for what happened. That's why parents of players turned to area television stations.
http://www.wtae.com/high-school-playbook/30401400/detail.html
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/high-schoolers-allegedly-don-banana-suits-shout-racial-slurs-opposing-team-article-1.1019229?localLinksEnabled=false
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Observer-Reporter WPIAL girls basketball rankings
Class AAAA
1. Oakland Catholic 20-0
2. Mt. Lebanon 17-2
3. Gateway 17-2
4. Penn-Trafford 16-4
5. North Allegheny 15-5
Class AAA
1. South Park 17-1
2. Hopewell 17-2
3. Chartiers Valley 17-2
4. Blackhawk 16-3
5. Mt. Pleasant 15-3
Class AA
1. Seton-La Salle 17-0
2. Bishop Canevin 15-3
3. Deer Lakes 14-4
4. Steel Valey 15-4
5. Riverside 15-4
Class A
1. Vincentian Academy 19-0
2. North Catholic 15-4
3. Fort Cherry 17-1
4. Monessen 16-3
5. Chartiers-Houston 16-4
1. Oakland Catholic 20-0
2. Mt. Lebanon 17-2
3. Gateway 17-2
4. Penn-Trafford 16-4
5. North Allegheny 15-5
Class AAA
1. South Park 17-1
2. Hopewell 17-2
3. Chartiers Valley 17-2
4. Blackhawk 16-3
5. Mt. Pleasant 15-3
Class AA
1. Seton-La Salle 17-0
2. Bishop Canevin 15-3
3. Deer Lakes 14-4
4. Steel Valey 15-4
5. Riverside 15-4
Class A
1. Vincentian Academy 19-0
2. North Catholic 15-4
3. Fort Cherry 17-1
4. Monessen 16-3
5. Chartiers-Houston 16-4
Observer-Reporter WPIAL boys basketball rankings
Class AAAA
1. Shaler 19-2
2. Chartiers Valley 17-2
3. Gateway 14-4
4. Woodland Hills 15-4
5. Mt. Lebanon 15-5
Class AAA
1. New Castle 19-0
2. Montour 15-2
3. Hampton 17-3
4. Keystone Oaks 17-2
5. South Fayette 15-4
Class AA
1. Monessen 19-1
2. Beaver Falls 18-2
3. Greensburg Central Catholic 16-4
4. Quaker Valley 17-2
5. Sto-Rox 16-2
Class A
1. Lincoln Park 14-4
2. North Catholic 14-4
3. Vincentian Academy 15-3
4. Serra Catholic 14-5
5. Clairton 14-6
1. Shaler 19-2
2. Chartiers Valley 17-2
3. Gateway 14-4
4. Woodland Hills 15-4
5. Mt. Lebanon 15-5
Class AAA
1. New Castle 19-0
2. Montour 15-2
3. Hampton 17-3
4. Keystone Oaks 17-2
5. South Fayette 15-4
Class AA
1. Monessen 19-1
2. Beaver Falls 18-2
3. Greensburg Central Catholic 16-4
4. Quaker Valley 17-2
5. Sto-Rox 16-2
Class A
1. Lincoln Park 14-4
2. North Catholic 14-4
3. Vincentian Academy 15-3
4. Serra Catholic 14-5
5. Clairton 14-6
Friday, February 3, 2012
Meyer's recruiting practices questioned
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — There must have been a lot of interesting give-and-take when the Big Ten football coaches met at the conference offices on Friday.
New Ohio State coach Urban Meyer faced off with at least a couple of coaches who have been reported saying they question his poaching of recruits who had already committed to other programs.
Meyer’s first recruiting class on Wednesday included eight players who initially had said they were attending another school, including four who originally said they were going to Penn State and one each who had declared they would go to Michigan State and Wisconsin. Two others had verbally committed to Notre Dame.
“We had an opportunity to discuss a number of issues with each other and conference staff, including those that have arisen this week,” Meyer said in a statement issued after the meeting on Friday. “It should be noted that my coaching staff is in full compliance with our recruiting efforts, and no one on this staff did anything illegal or unethical.”
He said his staff would continue to be “relentless.”
Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema and Michigan State’s Mark Dantonio, in particular, have been quoted expressing their displeasure with Ohio State raiding other team’s recruits.
Bielema was upset over losing out on offensive lineman Kyle Dodson, who had said he was coming to Wisconsin, but then ended up signing with the Buckeyes.
“There’s a few things that happened early on I made people be aware of that I didn’t want to see in this league that I had seen take place at other leagues,” Bielema said on Wednesday’s first day for the signing of national letters of intent in football. “Other recruiting tactics, other recruiting practices that are illegal. I was very up front and was very poignant to the fact. I actually reached out to coach Meyer and shared my thoughts and concerns with him and the situation got rectified.”
Bielema did not go into further detail.
The Detroit Free Press reported that Dantonio also said Meyer was not living up to protocol between Big Ten coaches.
The newspaper reports that Dantonio on Wednesday said of Ohio State that, “It’s a new program, a new head coach and a new testing of the waters.”
“It’s a two-way street. It’s always a two-way street. There’s always got to be the other person listening as well. But I do think that when it becomes a matter of twisting somebody — when you’re a 50-year-old man or a 40-year-old man twisting a 17-year-old — that’s when it’s wrong,” he said. “I’m not saying that’s happening in the Big Ten Conference. But I see that happening around the country, when somebody de-commits on the day of signing.
“That’s when you have to wonder about the tactics.”
New Ohio State coach Urban Meyer faced off with at least a couple of coaches who have been reported saying they question his poaching of recruits who had already committed to other programs.
Meyer’s first recruiting class on Wednesday included eight players who initially had said they were attending another school, including four who originally said they were going to Penn State and one each who had declared they would go to Michigan State and Wisconsin. Two others had verbally committed to Notre Dame.
“We had an opportunity to discuss a number of issues with each other and conference staff, including those that have arisen this week,” Meyer said in a statement issued after the meeting on Friday. “It should be noted that my coaching staff is in full compliance with our recruiting efforts, and no one on this staff did anything illegal or unethical.”
He said his staff would continue to be “relentless.”
Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema and Michigan State’s Mark Dantonio, in particular, have been quoted expressing their displeasure with Ohio State raiding other team’s recruits.
Bielema was upset over losing out on offensive lineman Kyle Dodson, who had said he was coming to Wisconsin, but then ended up signing with the Buckeyes.
“There’s a few things that happened early on I made people be aware of that I didn’t want to see in this league that I had seen take place at other leagues,” Bielema said on Wednesday’s first day for the signing of national letters of intent in football. “Other recruiting tactics, other recruiting practices that are illegal. I was very up front and was very poignant to the fact. I actually reached out to coach Meyer and shared my thoughts and concerns with him and the situation got rectified.”
Bielema did not go into further detail.
The Detroit Free Press reported that Dantonio also said Meyer was not living up to protocol between Big Ten coaches.
The newspaper reports that Dantonio on Wednesday said of Ohio State that, “It’s a new program, a new head coach and a new testing of the waters.”
“It’s a two-way street. It’s always a two-way street. There’s always got to be the other person listening as well. But I do think that when it becomes a matter of twisting somebody — when you’re a 50-year-old man or a 40-year-old man twisting a 17-year-old — that’s when it’s wrong,” he said. “I’m not saying that’s happening in the Big Ten Conference. But I see that happening around the country, when somebody de-commits on the day of signing.
“That’s when you have to wonder about the tactics.”
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Twitter Thursday
From signing day to Tim Garry resigning as head football coach at Fort Cherry to the Peters Township boys basketball team likely putting an end to Upper St. Clair's run of 10 consecutive playoffs appearances to more overtime games involving Trinity in Section 5-AAA, it was one bust week.
I'm tired, but you can still follow me on Twitter @TheMikeKovak.
Jason Cass, @WhoisJasonCass
Jan. 27
"I wish there was some kind of exit interview before someone could unfollow you. Just to ask them about their experience with me..."
Alfon Cook, @cooksisland3
Feb. 2
"Report cards today another #4.0"
Tanner Garry, @TannerGarry3
Feb. 1
"Cant believe my dad won't be coaching next year. #letthecriticsbejoyful"
Corey Garry, @coreygarry
Feb. 1
"#FC reportedly has 3 kids attending lifting today the day of Garry's resignation.
#GoodLuckNewGuy #haha"
Ryan Babirad, @Ryanbabs4
Feb. 1
"@RMUHockey I plan on trying to join the team next year! I hope I can make it. I always wanted to play hockey #hopeful"
Mike Bittel, @bittel8
Jan. 31
"Sickest dunk I've ever seen #Clippers #griffin"
Chris Niemiec, @niems23
Jan. 27
"Huge win on the road for the rockets 61-52 over carmichaels, #monkeyoffourback"
Taylor Pasquariello, @TP3rello
Jan. 31
"Trinity tonight. #herewegoagain"
(Trinity won in double OT)
Stephen McCaw, @BucktownHero
Jan. 31
"You know your school is grubby when kids almost fist fight over who the better NASCAR driver is.."
Matt Venanzi, @Matt34Venanzi
Feb. 1
"4 mile celebration run? #soundsgood"
(Venanzi signed with Pitt soccer earlier in the day?
Andrew Erenberg, @andrew_erenberg
Feb. 1
"Officially a Fordham Ram."
Casey Guernsey, @caseguerns
Feb. 2
"When someone doesn't say their favorite movie is mean girls, I assume that whatever movie they said is their second favorite to mean girls"
Co-Tweets of the Week
Graham Lescallette, @BigSauce_85
Jan. 30
"I hate that I'm a guy and yet I'm still obligated to follow @BigButtProblems #Ihaveaghettobooty"
Corey Garry, @coreygarry
Jan. 29
"So privileged I'm a low tier athlete so my tweets won't get me in trouble with the big college coaches :)"
I'm tired, but you can still follow me on Twitter @TheMikeKovak.
Jason Cass, @WhoisJasonCass
Jan. 27
"I wish there was some kind of exit interview before someone could unfollow you. Just to ask them about their experience with me..."
Alfon Cook, @cooksisland3
Feb. 2
"Report cards today another #4.0"
Tanner Garry, @TannerGarry3
Feb. 1
"Cant believe my dad won't be coaching next year. #letthecriticsbejoyful"
Corey Garry, @coreygarry
Feb. 1
"#FC reportedly has 3 kids attending lifting today the day of Garry's resignation.
#GoodLuckNewGuy #haha"
Ryan Babirad, @Ryanbabs4
Feb. 1
"@RMUHockey I plan on trying to join the team next year! I hope I can make it. I always wanted to play hockey #hopeful"
Mike Bittel, @bittel8
Jan. 31
"Sickest dunk I've ever seen #Clippers #griffin"
Chris Niemiec, @niems23
Jan. 27
"Huge win on the road for the rockets 61-52 over carmichaels, #monkeyoffourback"
Taylor Pasquariello, @TP3rello
Jan. 31
"Trinity tonight. #herewegoagain"
(Trinity won in double OT)
Stephen McCaw, @BucktownHero
Jan. 31
"You know your school is grubby when kids almost fist fight over who the better NASCAR driver is.."
Matt Venanzi, @Matt34Venanzi
Feb. 1
"4 mile celebration run? #soundsgood"
(Venanzi signed with Pitt soccer earlier in the day?
Andrew Erenberg, @andrew_erenberg
Feb. 1
"Officially a Fordham Ram."
Casey Guernsey, @caseguerns
Feb. 2
"When someone doesn't say their favorite movie is mean girls, I assume that whatever movie they said is their second favorite to mean girls"
Co-Tweets of the Week
Graham Lescallette, @BigSauce_85
Jan. 30
"I hate that I'm a guy and yet I'm still obligated to follow @BigButtProblems #Ihaveaghettobooty"
Corey Garry, @coreygarry
Jan. 29
"So privileged I'm a low tier athlete so my tweets won't get me in trouble with the big college coaches :)"
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
National Signing Day
Division I college football coaches across the country are waiting by fax machines to receive binding National Letters of Intent from high school seniors. For many who follow high school and college sports, National Signing Day is one of the biggest days of the year.
For instance, Pitt fans claimed a minor victory in landing Sto-Rox linebacker Deasyean Rippy sent a letter to Panthers coaches instead of West Virginia this morning. And they rejoiced yet again when heralded quarterback recruit Chad Voytik sent his letter via fax and Hopewell standout and PIAA career rushing leader Rushel Shell did the same.
The local scene isn't being followed nationally this year because the senior football class lacked major football recruits, but that doesn't mean schools aren't busy sending out faxes. The Varsity Letters will provide occasional updates today.
One of the first to sign today was Fort Cherry senior Jessie Merckle, who is headed to Wake Forest for track. Merckle is a two-time WPIAL Class AA javelin champion and was one of the country's top high school performers in the event the past year.
* Wash High graduate Zach Barnes has signed to play football at Alderson-Broaddus (W.Va.).
Barnes, a 2011 graduate, originally planned to join the football team at West Liberty State last fall but opted to attend community college for a year. Alderson-Broaddus, which is starting a football program this year, offered Barnes a full scholarship.
The school will compete at the Division II level as part of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
* Beth-Center senior Sal Faieta signed to play football at Slippery Rock.
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* Three female athletes from Canon-McMillan today signed, two with Division I teams.
Ashley Hull, the goalie for the Big Macs' soccer team, signed with Miami (Ohio), a member of the Mid-American Conference. Hull is a four-year letterwinner and she kicked for the football team too.
Mira Carrozza will join the South Florida track team. Carrozza, like Merckle, throws the javelin,
Becca Veres, one of Hull's teammates on the girls soccer team, has signed with Slippery Rock.
* Washington senior Joe Phillips signed with The Citadel, which competes at the FCS level (formerly I-AA). Phillips chose The Citadel over Army and was recruited to play both sides of the football.
* Peters Township running back Andrew Erenberg signed to play at Fordham. Erenberg was an all-state player as a senior.
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* Clayton Evans, who opened a lot of holes for Erenberg during the regular season, signed with Division II Notre Dame (Ohio) College.
* Peters Township midfielder Matt Venanzi signed with Pitt. Venanzi is a two-time all-state selection and a rare four-year letterwinner for PT boys soccer. His father Mark also played at Pitt.
* Ringgold's Alfon Cook signed with Slippery Rock. Cook was an all-conference selection at cornerback and wide receiver and one of the area's premier kick returners.
* A pair of Peters Township softball players - Tara Konopko and Morgan Matetic - signed with Division I programs. Konopka, a pitcher, is headed to Drexel. Matetic, a shortstop, signed with George Washington.
* Peters Township golfer Jeremy Merich signed with St. Francis (Pa.) as the Indians golf program added to its long list of D1 golfers.
* Trinity's Hunter Bigler, one of four left-handed pitchers on the Hillers' roster, signed with IUP. Bigler had received Division I interest.
* Mike Bittel owns one of the few no-hitters thrown in the history of Peters Township American Legion baseball. He accomplished that last June against Elizabeth Forward. A closer on the high school team in 2011, Bittel signed with Seton Hill.
* Courtney Schratz, a member of the Peters Township field hockey team, signed with Robert Morris. Katie Danning, part of PT's girls lacrosse team, signed with Lafayette.
* Charleroi's Mike Kope signed with Slippery Rock to play football. Kope was one of two Cougars to make the All-Interstate Conference team.
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