in Pitt Football 650 Words

My Thanks for a Great POV Year!

31 December 2016

Dear Pitt POV Readers and Friends,

As a new year begins I’d like to take a moment and share some of my thoughts with you regarding this website and your involvement in it.  If I may, let me take a minute and list the things that I wrote down as a mission guide for myself before I started this endeavor:

  1. Make it a place where Pitt Fans meet to discuss the Pitt football program and the University itself.
  2. Create an environment where the readers become commenters, the commenters become friends and the friends become family.
  3. Keep it a civil, clean, and well-respected place where everyone is entitled to their opinion, has a platform to share that opinion with others and can expect honest feedback.
  4. Integrate humor and teaching along with honest criticism into the discussion of the subject matter at hand.
  5. As the owner and writer I will keep an open mind to others’ thoughts and criticisms and use them to continually make this site better for everyone who comes to read and comment.

How have I done so far with that? Well, I hope.

My thanks to you all for helping to make this site the resounding success it has been so far.  It has taken off beyond what I envisioned when I started it.  We now have hundreds of thousands of readers, great commenters (you) and are getting more new readers and commenters, members of the “Pitt POV family” as it were, every single day. Growing by leaps and bounds…

I have had the best time imaginable over the last six months sparring with you all, trying to match wits with you –battles which I lost most times – and just waiting to see what you would say in response to an article.  To say I learned a lot from you is an understatement and I truly have to keep sharp to compete with all your fine intellects.

People always are asking me ‘Why do all that work for free?’ and the answer is a resounding “Because it gives people a break from the rest of their lives and because of the friends I have met doing it ”.  That’s what I wanted; someplace that when you come here everything else drops by the wayside if even for a short length of time.

I find that we have created a bit of an oasis in the hurly-burly media world of Twitter, message boards and short two-paragraph articles put out by some as news. This is a place of leisure where I can write a lengthy article (sometimes) and you can take your time reading it, digesting it and sharing your insights about it.

So, it’s a new year, with new adventures and we have a new season of Pitt football to talk about… and I’m glad as hell you are by my side for it.  I sincerely mean that. 

We’ll have a lot of fun and interesting times going forward.  The blog standards are in place with civil give and take being the order of the day and thank you all for adhering to that. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard people say how much they enjoy the tone on The Pitt POV and that it makes it that much easier to read.

Please notice the tag line in the site logo we use above; I say“We’re keeping our eyes on Pitt Football” because I look at us as a community of caring men and women who want the best for Pitt and will work to make that happen.

My full name is Reed Kohberger and my contact info is on the site.  Please use it even if you just want to shoot the breeze, bemoan a loss, celebrate a win or arrange to meet for a beer or three at a game.

Best to all, Reed

HTP!!

 

138 thoughts on “My Thanks for a Great POV Year!”

  1. Reed – Thank You! The site and many readers helped make things a tad easier dealing with the loss of my monther. I consider many of you guys as friends.

    Like

  2. Happy New Year! Here’s my post that you might have missed from the last thread. Great way to usher in the new year. Roll Tide.

    Like

  3. Thanks for all you do Reed! Happy New Year’s to all Pitt Fans everywhere.

    Dr. Tom, thanks for the Cheap Thrill, well maybe not cheap.

    Like

  4. Thanks to all from a long time reader who has recently dipped his toe into participation. I’m fortunate to have found a friendly place full of knowledgeable and passionate fans. Happy 2017! The Pursuit continues!

    Like

  5. Reed.. love you brother for creating this Happy Room where we can get away from the outside world and hang out..and thanks to all of you who post and for readers who don’t post consider joining in… great bunch of folks on here who love our Panthers… Happy New Year and Hail to PITT in 2017

    Like

  6. Likewise Reed, best to you as well. Thank You for the additional oasis to discuss all things Pitt.

    And may we all have a Great 2017 !

    Like

  7. Happy New Year to all—bold prediction our next bowl game will be south of The Mason Dixon Line!! Thanks Reed for the POV and here’s to our next AD James Tressel!! H2P!!

    Like

  9. Reed a sincere thanks for all you do. I feel I have made many friends whom I have not yet met, except of course HUFF whom I found out through posts the other day is a childhood neighbor and friend. I will be heading south next year to my first away game ever – thinking V Tech next year and UNC the year after. Thanks also for putting up with us, especially me when I go on a rant. You da rock.
    John I become more convinced that it will take 10 wins to head south of the Mason Dixon to a bowl, hope I’m wrong.
    Dr. Tom keep up the optimism – I never figured you for a fan of scantily clad ladies, glad you are. Thanks!!
    Hail to Pitt and Happy New Year to all.
    ps did anyone see the closeup of Sarkesian picking his nose and chowing down? Gotta take wins vs Bama anyway you can. Ha ha.

    Like

  11. Why do I get the feeling none of those Crimsonettes have the SAT’s to get into Pitt?
    Solution: time to ask Gallagher for a waiver.
    Bring in some 5-stars while he’s at it.
    While I want the best academically for our student athletes, I realize I am in the minority when I say: I don’t go to no games to watch anybody study.

    Like

  12. To Reed and all POVer’s,
    A heart felt “Blessed New Year” for 2017 to all my Pitt brethren worldwide!
    Reed, thanks for providing a safe harbor to express the joys of victory and the agony of defeat (ala Pinstripe Bowl). Happy New Year!
    Pittman4ever.

    Like

  18. Watching Clemson take the OSU apart…. for a moment that November evening it felt like our PITT Panthers were # 1 in the land……

    Like

  20. Haven’t seen it mentioned anywhere yet this year so I’ll post now before the curtain comes down on 2016

    2016 is the 50th anniversary of Dave Hart’s FIRST 1-9 season.

    Makes 8-4 feel pretty respectable. Things could be – and have been – a lot worse.

    Not a frequent poster but I check in often. I really appreciate all the effort that Reed puts into this and the dialog that follows.

    Happy New Year and Hail to Pitt!

    Like

  23. I love seeing that trash Meyer getting trounced. He loved running up the score against us in the bowl game while at Utah. I’ll never forget him and his QB Alex Smith laughing about it on the sideline. A real piece of trash IMO…

    At least the ACC is beating the Big Joke (except for us of course).

    Clemson should take Watson out soon though.

    Like

  24. Big just like sec
    Have a bunch of shitty teams with high pre season rank
    Play nobody in non conf
    Have fake ranked teams to inflate rankings
    Every year

    Like

  25. LOL wbb….that constant crap last night had me sick. They must have mentioned in literally 20 tomes.

    Meanwhile we were without Whitehead, our NT, QB & Conner and no one said a thing about it.

    Like

  26. Kman…all the ‘experts’ were saying that the Big Joke was the best football conference without question.

    Like

  27. Remember the Pedo’s whole season was predicated on a flukey win over Ohio Fake. And then the bogus rise in the ranking from #22 to #12 based on beating Purdue and some other bigjoke lightweight.

    Like

  28. To be clear
    The fake ranked team in conference play each other even though they suck.
    Teams like Pitt have to go 5 and 0 to even get ranked.
    Then you lose 1 and never see the top 25 again.

    Like

  29. Happy New Year to all. Many thanks to Reed for this forum and his insights. Many thanks to all posters and everyone’s opinions. I wish the new AD could pick a few characters from this site and Blather for fan committees. Or just read these boards. Pitt would have you think that running an athletic department is rocket science. I don’t think anyone posting is a rocket scientist and there are plenty of good ideas that Pitt should at least entertain. God Bless y’all.

    Like

  30. All these ppl love being tagged, they wear them proudly. When I go to a US Open or something I put those tags in my pocket.

    Like

  31. That’s how it works Kman. They want the name teams in these games for the TV ratings. It’s been fixed like that for decades. The same with the BB tournament. That’s why they have pre-season polls.

    Like

  37. Man…..this is helping sooth the wounds seeing Meyer and his fakes getting trounced and shutout. Alabama is sweating right about now…they should have lost last year to Clemson.

    Like

  38. They think they’re winners…and they still love the pedos too. I’d like to see the Steelers take Jarret late in the draft and move Hargraves to DT. Of course senile Rooney hates all things Pitt….especially our players.

    Like

  46. TX_Panther I agree with your recent post and I wish everyone a Happy New Year too! I’ve watched a lot of football and these announcers do get on my nerves. I know I’m not on TV, but they make mistakes and twists things to make certain teams look better. Earlier tonight somebody said that Boulware wasn’t recruited very heavily; so I checked ESPN’s free site and he was their 2nd highest recruit in 2013. Attaching the link: http://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/school/_/id/228/class/2013

    Like

  49. ~ Gary in Clarion. These announcers like their news brethren aren’t concerned with facts, they have their agendas to push.

    Like

  51. Happy New Year to All. This is my 54th year of addiction to all things Pitt. I started as a Boy Scout usher in section 23 when I was 12 years old.

    Thank you Reed and all of you friends on this site. You have made the low moments a bit higher and the high moments higher. Remember the one thing as we say goodbye to 2016

    WE BEAT PENN STATE!!!!!

    Like

  52. I know gc….like I said above:

    “Meanwhile we were without Whitehead, our NT, QB & Conner and no one said a thing about it.”

    Without Whitehead & Jarret they were able to run the ball. Even with all our mistakes and the biased refs we would have won with those gus playing.

    Like

  56. We beat Pedo State on the Field and on the Court. Hopefully the Creepy Valley 3 get put on Trial and convicted in 2017 !

    Happy New Year Y’all !

    Like

  64. But Barne’s 6th wife wants Tim Beck. I cant believe that Barnes and his wives are allowed to stay on until February. Isnt that what Gallagher said? Maybe Barnes is hanging around in hopes of finding wife #8 before he leaves town.

    Like

  67. Happy New Year to all!

    Thanks Reed for a great site!

    Was at the Pinstripe Bowl and coming down from the disappointment. Overall a good year. Blessed to watch James Conner this year and experience the big win in Clemson.

    Looking forward to a great 2017.

    H2P

    Like

  68. Good post here on page @:

    “Looks like the ACC is probably the overall best conference this year. They have quality coaches and quality qb’s right now. 8-3 in bowls so far as well. Bowls don’t mean everything but they do matter. Also, 9-4 this season against SEC (which is a conference many say is the deepest year after year). Wins against OSU, Michigan, Penn State, Auburn, Florida, Arkansas, Georgia, etc.

    etc. includes Vanderbilt and Kentucky”

    Like

  72. ACC rated best conference and that was before the bowl games. Bama defense is really good and expect them to hold Clemsons offense down. But Clemson will give the Tide some issues on defense as well. OSU was not very good on the OL and the QB just can’t throw well enough. Once again across the board the Big Ten is vastly over rated.

    Like

  74. OK then. I’ll take a wild guess and say that many of you may have watched or heard the beat down by Clemson of the Ohio fakers. osu never belonged in the playoffs. They didn’t even make their own conference championship……………………..but that’s not why I’m calling.

    Now imagine that PITT did not have Clemson on their schedule this year. Lets just say they played and beat BC by the same score instead.

    Now imagine watching the Clemson game tonight for real.

    Would any of you have ever thought in a million years that PITT could have beat this amazing ACC champion on their home field this year? ..and playing again for the National Championship? ………and be honest.

    All the negative comments bothered me to no end the past couple of days. The “I’m done with this team” or “I’m done donating to athletics” . This just does not compute in my mind. After-all, 8 wins with the possibility of 9 wins were at the top of most of the posters here’s wish list. What’s happened here?

    How soon we forget. It’s sad but some remind me of the short memories from central Pa. 2 years of a chance to win 9 games in a season and people are talking about it’s the end of the world as if PITT wasn’t at the edge of it 3 short years ago. Get a grip fellows, we are better than that…..ike

    H2P

    Like

  77. Hey everybody, just want to wish you and your loved ones a healthy, happy and prosperous 2017! A special shout out to RKB. He always treated me well growing up and never excluded me from competing, although a few years older. Always had great respect for him and his family. So glad to re-connect after 40 years! Can’t wait to see you at a game!

    Reed, thank you for all you do. We don’t always agree, but it is always respectful, I think. I have been a follower from the beginning here and at the blather for over 5 years. This is a place I come two “where everybody knows your name”. Please don’t take this next statement as political. It is not. I was an everyday listener to espn radio because it provided a needed escape from daily work pressures. About 5 or so months ago, I was driving home from work one evening when espn announced that the next hour would be dedicated to black lives matter. At that point, I turned off espn and haven’t turned it on since. I am not perfect in many things and behaviors. The pointy is that sports and this blog are an escape for many and I appreciate all of you for putting up with my opinions. I enjoy being a MMQB, every day! Thank you all.

    Like

  78. Posted this in previous blog too…but IMHO it bears repeating:

    Scott Barnes: “Leaving Pitt for Oregon State ‘a no-brainer’ ”

    Un F’ing Believable.

    He should be frog marched off Pitt Camouys IMMEDIATELY!!!

    (And will also restate that despite everything we STILL almost won Wednesday.)

    Thanks for the forum Reed – Happy New Year to all who are here!

    13-2 in 2017.

    H2P

    Like

  79. Tommy I had occasion to speak with Scott Barnes twice this season and it was a ridiculous experience. I walked away feeling like he was the most arrogant person I’ve met in years and for no apparent reason.

    I didn’t think he did a good job at Pitt; I think he blew that press conference completely but showed his true colors at the same time.

    Like

  80. Clemson: Dabo Swinney will receive a $400,000 bonus for reaching the national title game, per USA Today, and he’ll get another $100,000 for a top-5 finish (already accomplished).

    Ohio State: Asked if he’ll be back next season, Ohio State co-offensive coordinator / quarterbacks coach Tim Beck told reporters, “I don’t know. That’s Coach Meyer’s decision. I worked really hard and feel good about it.”

    Pittsburgh: Tim Beck is a leading candidate for Pitt’s vacant OC position, per sources on POV prior to the Pinstripe “Bowel” movement.

    Baltimore Ravens: The Baltimore Sun reports offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg is unlikely to return next season. John Harbaugh has had five offensive coordinators in the last five years.

    Like

  81. Baylor: Sources tell FootballScoop that Matt Rhule is hiring Temple offensive line coach George DeLeone and also that San Francisco 49ers tight ends coach Jeff Nixon is joining the staff as co-offensive coordinator. Prior to joining the Niners, Nixon coached the running backs with the Miami Dolphins for nine seasons.

    San Francisco 49ers: According to Adam Schefter, the Niners are expected “to make sweeping changes, dismissing head coach Chip Kelly and GM Trent Baalke.”

    Yesterday, someone (maybe UPitt) mentioned Chip Kelly would be the next Pitt OC. I took that as a joke…now that would be a “slash” hire – no way that happens. He’ll end up at Alabama with Charlie Weiss as a consultant or tOSU replacing Tim Beck, who called a bad game last night and who has been mentioned to be a candidate for Pitt’s next OC.

    Like

  82. Pulled this from Tim Beck’s Wikipedia file –

    Tim Beck (born March 14, 1966) is an American football coach and former player. He is the former co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

    Fired already?

    Like

  83. Way to go Ike! my sentiments exactly! Being a loyal sports fan has pretty much nothing to do with W-L records IMO. I’m a Pitt fan because I grew up in Beaver Valley, graduated from Pitt and witnessed the “Major Change in Pitt Football” in person. There’s history and memories and friends and special moments both good and bad that bond the fan and the institution together over a lifetime.

    Take a look at the Chicago Cubs fan base. That’s sure not based on winning but this season, the journey finally resulted in the Pennant! It was magical for all Cubbie fans everywhere.

    Pitt has been an elite winning program in the past and very well will be again in the future at some point, but more importantly it will always be my University, it’s part of me, my experiences over the many years have helped make me the person that I am today. That’s what being a fan means to me.

    May 2017 be kind and generous to the University of Pittsburgh. Hail to Pitt!

    Like

  84. Ike – as Dr. Tom recently stated – SOP is more the Pitt fans than the improving football program. Granted, the team was a little over confident when it came to playing the 6-6 Wildcats, but how many people truly believed this would be an 8 win season given the schedule. After the Clemson win, the Duke game should have been close to a sell out – but no…too cold and wet! – the fans are fickled!

    Like

  85. @Erie, posted my number on the previous threat regarding assisting with the spring game golf outing. 724-309-4343.
    Reed, meeting you at the Navy game last year changed my mind about posting and not just being a reader. Cant wait to meet more POVers at the golf outing(s) and under the new tailgate flag.
    Thanks to all for making this a very entertaining site for a lifetime Pitt fan. Not much love in the local media around the Burgh. Thats most disturbing and as Emel pointed out has been going on for too fucking long. H2P.

    Like

  86. Spending 50% of my time in FL, POV keeps me connected with Pitt. The research that goes into the articles here is amazing. I am an old timer and as a young boy R ember going to games watching the likes of Joe Walton, so I have seen it all,
    The evolution is pretty dramatic. The roster used to be populated with players using their scholarships to become Dentists, Doctors and Lawyers and they were quite competitive on the field. Seems the current goals revolve around the NFL, and getting out of school in three years if possible, and maybe some day getting a degree,or not. With the mega dollars floating around I certainly don’t blame the players. What I miss is the competitive part.
    If the goal is to win more, let’s get serious, and get the bodies in place to make that happen. The starting point is now with the decision on a new AD. Open up the check book and bring in a person who knows how to win and let them do their job. The alumni will do their part if the product is there.
    (One last flash back–there used to be pride in playing a tough schedule-more people show up,for decent competition. Fball and Bball)

    Like

  87. Lastrow – thanks for volunteering to assist with the Spring POV golf outing. 16 golfers so far, including guests.

    Like

  89. Hope all of you Pitt fans have a happy and healthy 2017. Reed thank you for all your time and effort and thank you to all the contributors to the POV I enjoy reading this on a daily basis. I was at the three seasons of 1-9 Dave Hart coaching years. I enjoy coming to all the games now.better because we are competative and can win every game but most important is we still have high academic standards and win the right way. I was happy to see the ” best conference in America ” according to Franklin get beaten by the ACC. It is a good year already and after psu gets trounced by USC tomorrow we all rest better. The 50/50 passes will be naught tomorrow and remember Pitt beat PSU and Clemson so I ring on thr cake with the whiners tomorrow. H2P Have a great New Year. Peace to all of you looking forward to seeing year 51 of Pitt games health willing Go Pitt

    Like

  90. Not Marty Morningwig…a real jagoff who is pass happy and will be unemployed around 4pm today.
    One thing required for the POV golf tourney. Required attendance by EMel and Mr Positive himself, UPittbaseball!

    Happy New Year all!

    PS …hire Tressell!!

    Like

  91. OSU QB cannot throw the ball and that is why OSU lost to PSU and badly to Clem. As far as Clemson, maybe we beat the NC this season.

    Like

  92. Dan72 – UPittbaseball has already committed and is bringing guests to the Spring POV golf outing.

    No word from Emel yet, but I was hoping to have a Pitt celebrity figure in attendance, other than Reed.

    Emel – you interested?

    Like

  93. Erie – I can try to get Archie Miller to play. Not a Pitt guy but great baskerball mind and friend with our crew.

    I may have another foursome as well.

    Like

  94. UPitt – I was hoping to get Ole Stallings to be my caddie, so Archie may turn you down – lol.

    On a more serious note:

    San Francisco 49ers: Jason La Canfora of Football Scoop notes that the Niners will consider the following people for their GM position: Louis Riddick (ESPN NFL Front Office Insider and has extensive experience in NFL personnel and scouting with the Eagles/Redskins and a Pitt alumni), Scott Pioli (Falcons assistant GM), and George Paton (Vikings assistant GM). La Canfora adds that the Niners are high on Patriots OC Josh McDaniels and Dolphins DC Vance Joseph for the head coaching job.

    Clemson: With their win last night over Ohio State in the College Football Playoff, Dabo Swinney has secured $1.3 million in on-field bonuses this season, which is more than what 50 FBS head coaches make annually.

    Purdue: Sources tell us that former UConn defensive coordinator Anthony Poindexter is joining the Purdue staff.

    Like

  95. Erie, If you contact Karl,the GM, at Quicksilver tell him you are Randy’s friend. I will contact him tomorrow and if he’s in will let him know you may be calling. It really is a good and challenging course. Had the Pittsburgh PGA senior tourney there for years and annually had the US Open qualifier. Oh, and Upitt, I’ll read the greens for you and I promise I’ll do better for you than your FB picks for me, lol.

    Like

  97. Joe – LOL I’ve been bad lately. Sticking to Natural Gas stocks!

    Upitt can Drive and Putt but using Irons 7-6-5 are a real issue.

    Like

  99. Tommymac
    The only way Pitt is 13-2 is to have one loss going into the NC game and loosing. I do not like that scenario at all! I could tolerate 14-1 with a loss during the regular season but if we ever get to the playoff I want it all. The opportunities to win it all are much much to rare!

    Liked by 1 person

  100. Erie – Stalling works at the Bon-Ton at Century III on Saturdays. So he is out.

    I invited Herman’s Head but it was to big for the Cart.

    I will redeem myself tomorrow. Take PSU +6.5 Sadly, I think they are for real.

    Like

  102. ike and Doc I hear what you two are saying. First there are problems with the defense which are undeniable – the solution players or scheme is yet to play out. I would not pay too much attention to post crushing. Pitt FB did great things in beating Peds and Clemson but came up short where we shouldnt have. This is what offseason is for – calming down and reflecting. Now a shot of that laughing gas Doc. 🙂

    Like

  103. Nemicolin is really,really nice. They are opening a new 18 this spring. That would be a great alternative, but maybe a little far. But with casino and Joe Hardys decadence, that might work. Hey, that’s who we should get as Pitts Daddywarbucks, if his kid doesn’t have control, Joe loves to spend cash. Joe Hardy field at 84 Lumber stadium in Oakland. Get on it Upitt!!

    Like

  104. Here’s a thought – we go Schenley Park with bulldozers as golf carts, dig it up and start an OCS..Okay just brainstorming. 🙂

    Like

  105. OK, couple thoughts since I just put my pork in the oven….and no Upitt, it’s not what you think. I really meant my pork roast and sauerkraut.

    My above thoughts concerning the semi meltdown over a bowl loss to NW. I do get it to a degree and PITT missed opportunities all year long and that was frustrating. I am not denying that. It’s terms like, always, never, constantly, SOP, everything, nothing, impossible and on and on. When I really don’t think they are the correct description of this past PITT football season. That’s why I brought up the scenario of PITT never playing Clemson this year. I would include myself in the thinking that PITT could have never hung with Clemson at their place let alone win. But they did. PITT did beat psu this past year. One loss does not tear down these accomplishments. Same old PITT would have never been able to do the things that this years team has. I do get it, this season could have been so much more but it was still more than anyone one of us expected before the first game.

    rkb, that’s you big idea? and I had such high hopes from you.

    A few years ago I would have loved to join you fellows on the links. I’ve put away the clubs for good I fear. My body is just too dam broken down for any more comebacks. If I can talk one of my boys to drive me down I just might make an unannounced appearance. yes that is more of a threat then a promise.

    Reed, this forum you have brought to us all is really something special. No blowing smoke about it. I’m impressed. Very interested to hear and see what of any changes that may be in store for us all. btw I miss those podcasts…

    Like

  106. Just throwing this out for something to possibly discuss.
    Question: If so many POVers want Jim Tressel for our AD, why wouldn’t they also want Dave Wannstaint????
    Wanny IS a “Pitt man” (isn’t this our #1 criteria?)
    Whanny was a winner, was he not? Who would be more appreciative and loyal to Pitt????
    Just say’n and just ask’n. Is wanting Wanny as logical as wanting Tressel as our AD? Why or why not?

    Like

  107. Like some others who comment on (or just read) this blog, this is huge part of how I stay connected to the Pitt family–University, friends, fans, fellow alumni. When Chas was unresponsive at the Blather for so long, I was a bit in panic mode because Cardiac Hill just doesn’t cut it, in my opinion. The group of people that comment on the Blather, and now POV, are like no others and I was sad at the prospect of losing contact with this family. Thank you Reed for starting this web site this year. It has been a huge success by all accounts and I hope you are able to continue this for many years to come. Happy New Year POVers!

    Hail to the Pitt Family!

    Like

  108. Thank you Reed for creating the Pitt POV. I enjoy reading and learning about Pitt from everyone. I was watching the Michigan game this weekend and I noticed they were using the newspaper headline about the polio vaccine. I was born in 1951 in western PA and I remember the March of Dimes cards we filled out for grade school. I always thought the vaccine was developed at Pitt. So I just checked Wikipedia and learned some things about polio.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonas_Salk

    On April 12, 1955, Dr. Thomas Francis, Jr., of the University of Michigan, the monitor of the test results, “declared the vaccine to be safe and effective.” The announcement was made at the University of Michigan, exactly 10 years to the day after the death of President Roosevelt.

    By 1947, Salk decided to find an institution where he could direct his own laboratory. After three institutions turned him down, he received from William McEllroy, the dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, an offer which included a promise that he would run his own lab. He accepted, and in the fall of that year, left Michigan and relocated to Pennsylvania. The promise, though, was not quite what he expected. After Salk arrived at Pittsburgh, “he discovered that he had been relegated to cramped, unequipped quarters in the basement of the old Municipal Hospital,” writes Bookchin. As time went on, however, Salk began securing grants from the Mellon family and was able to build a working virology laboratory, where he continued his research on flu vaccines.[15]

    He was later approached by the director of research at the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis and asked whether he would like to participate in the foundation’s polio project which had earlier been established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, at the time thought to be a victim of polio himself. Salk quickly accepted the offer, saying he “would be happy to work on this important project.”[15]

    Once again, Happy New Year!

    Everybody should be thankful for the medical, vision, and dental care we have received in our lives. I didn’t know Salk had worked at Michigan prior to working at Pitt. Any readers older than me may remember friends afflicted with polio.

    Like

  109. Wanny burnt bridges when he told his recruits not to go to Pitt.

    Tressel is also a University President with lots of contacts, much more skilled administratively.

    Like

  110. Ike, sorry to hear about your golf game, I am having back surgery in February, hoping to play by summer.

    Tentatively interested in the POV Invitational.

    Like

  111. In addition to Tressel actually having administrativery experience , he won in the college game at a much higher level than Wanny. No comparison …

    Like

  112. In addition to Tressel actually having administrative experience , he won in the college game at a much higher level than Wanny. No comparison …

    Like

  114. Butler ranked #13 in Hoops. The money we spend. The arena we built, etc is an embarrassment. Gallagher????? Stallings will
    Not get you there. You already effed up the AD search. Plus not doubling Canadas money before schools came calling. Be Proactive!!!!

    Like

  116. Upiit, maybe pointing fingers at the wrong people here? This crap with both programs are on the shoulders of the previous administration. Stalling’s needs a chance and Dixon really needed to be be gone a few years ago. Things were bass ackwards with Nordenberg.

    gc, good luck with the back surgery, that can be tricky. As far my golf game goes?? No big loss at all. I just loved to be outdoors in the mornings listening to the birds and viewing the scenery.

    Like

  117. Canada and lack of increasing his salary and extending him is on Barnes. Oh he was busy interviewing on our dime.

    Dixon should of been shown the door. No doubt or take less money. So……. I’m okay with that but to replace him with a bum is rediculous. It is like selling a BMW with low miles and reliable for a Yugo with 310k miles and rusty with a flat tire.

    Like

  119. Western Kentucky: Sources tell FootballScoop Mount Union offensive coordinator Geoff Dartt will join Mike Sanford’s staff, coaching the offensive line. In Dartt’s five seasons at The Mount, the Purple Raiders won the D-III National Championship 17 times (well, not really; but doesn’t it feel that way). Prior to returning to his alma mater as a coach, Dartt coached offensive line, tackles & tight ends for four seasons at Wheaton College.

    Mount Union: Now on the clock for an offensive coordinator, as is Pitt.

    Like

  121. Hey EE, love the updates. You’re on the beam fellow.

    Marty is a great hire……………………..25 years ago. I think he would give Pat Narduzzi a spanking for last seasons defense.

    Like

  122. Pulled this from seccountry.com –

    The ACC has been the clear winner among all conferences thus far with eight victories in 11 tries, but the SEC can tie that wins mark provided Florida, Auburn and Alabama take care of business in the league’s remaining games.

    Meanwhile, the Big Ten has had an awful showing to this point, with only Northwestern and Minnesota securing wins. However, the conference has two of its 10-win teams playing on Jan. 2 (Penn State and Wisconsin) along with an Iowa team that finished its year on a three-game winning streak.

    The sad trombone award goes to the MAC, which will finish winless in this bowl season unless Western Michigan can upset the Badgers in the Cotton Bowl. Wisconsin is currently an 8.5-point favorite.

    Like

  123. Marty, unfortunately, has Alzheimer’s.

    And as for Wanny, I agree: he torched a big bridge when he called recruits, imploring to bail.

    Like

  126. I vote Charlotte! Emel Invitational. POV’ert Invitational. What bathrooms can we use though??

    I can get Kerry Earnhardt to play!

    Like

  128. Georgia State Panthers: GSU will turn to Shawn Elliott, the offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator at South Carolina the past seven seasons.

    Pittsburgh: The Pitt Panthers are still searching for Matt Canada’s replacement for the offensive coordinators position.

    Like

  130. I would hope that either Pitt has identified their OC and will announce this week , or is interviewing a short list this week with an announcement next week. We need a splash not a dud. Hopefully someone successful who Narduzzi has worked with before. That formula worked well with Canada!

    Like

  131. Wanny burned his bridges; Marino would stand a better chance but according to Reed Piit wants some kind of advanced degree – like Barnes.. The more of I think of it Tressel would not be so bad. On the other hand the same guy, Juhle, screwed the pooch the last time. Pick somebody from East of the Mississippi.

    Like

  132. Joe Hardy can’t help because his 84 lumber is now 42 lumber after divorce.

    Skunk Hair Sideline n nat at Herman Munster Field.

    To answer above, I would go Tressel over Wanny as AD although both would be outstanding figureheads. Tresses would win Administratively. Dare to dream fellas.

    @upitt – last year, I was the sole proponent of extending Narduzzi after week 6 and I was crushed on here. I am glad you have come around to my way of thinking. With Canada, he should have been extended after week 7 or 8 when it became clear he was gifted for our team. It’s all about making big deals at the right time. My motto has always been “anticipate and know your time, place and circumstance before others who want to beat you, figure the same thing out”

    Like

  133. How do you hire a HC from right down the road (Youngstown) and then hire an AD from the Pacific Northwest?
    Makes no sense.

    Like

  134. Think we’re setting ourselves up to be severely disappointed if we think Pitt is going to choose someone as large as life as Dave Wannstedt or Jim Tressel. Pitt just doesn’t do things like that.

    They are much more likely to pick someone, we’re going to say “WHO”…and have to do a Google search on,

    I mean that is our M.O. I would love for them to prove me wrong ! VeV

    Like

  135. UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
    UM, in partnership with Miami native Marcus Lemonis — the star of the CNBC show “The Profit’’ — announced the “Match Marcus” fundraising campaign “for student-athlete excellence” on Wednesday before the bowl game. Lemonis said he will match half of every donation up to $1 million, and that his “goal is to raise $3 million “for UM Athletics to invest in every area of the student-athlete experience.” Lemonis presented UM athletic director Blake James a check for $250,000 to initiate the giving at a Hurricane Club pregame celebration for the Russell Athletic Bowl. Lemonis is chairman and CEO of Camping World. -Susan Miller Degnan, Miami Herald.

    Like

  136. I spent 8 years learning while at Goldman Sachs. You don’t settle or freeze when an opportunity for greatness presents itself. You go all in after weighing risk strategically.

    One of the things that should give us an edge in our program is that we have had years and years of silence in athletics which has given us an opportunity to understand and enjoy the simplicity of our program and build with grit and determination, programs that will rise higher than anyone could ever imagine.

    I have been on here and the blather for six years. Now is the time to invest in our future and go all in with athletics. People are learning about Pitt because we beat number 2 and maybe number one. Clemson arrived on the scene in 2009. They too, were dormant for years. Commit to Pitt, Chancellor. The big fish are ready to work to prominence. Go get em.

    The top four got more national exposure in the last two weeks than Pitt or any other university received in the last two years combined, academically. Time, place and circumstance Mr. Gallagher.

    Like

  137. I do not care if the new AD has a PHD in FB and BB as long as he/she cares for our school and athletes.

    Like

Comments are closed.