in Pitt Football 447 Words

Pitt Football to Begin Phased Return to Practice in June 8


Per the Pitt SID

PITTSBURGH—In alignment with the University of Pittsburgh’s overall planning process, the Pitt Athletic Department will welcome football student-athletes back to campus on June 8 for a phased return to voluntary offseason activities, Director of Athletics Heather Lyke announced today.

The Panthers’ offseason model, which concludes with an anticipated August training camp, was formed using guidance from University health experts, as well as local, national and international health agencies.

Upon return, each student-athlete will undergo a period of quarantine, which serves as the initial phase of the Panthers’ offseason model. Those student-athletes who are medically cleared may then participate in the next phase of workout sessions supervised by Pitt’s strength and training staff (limited to a maximum of 10 student-athletes).

Throughout each offseason phase, the following protocols will be implemented and strictly observed:

  • Substantial education for all coaches and student-athletes on Pitt’s safety protocols and their responsibility for maintaining them
  • A testing protocol developed with input from infectious disease experts and other medical professionals
  • Significantly enhanced cleaning protocols for all athletic facilities
  • Mandatory daily screening questionnaire and temperature check for student-athletes and staff
  • Utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure and potential virus spread
  • Social distancing guidelines for meetings and workouts, as well as strategic use of smaller groups for strength and conditioning sessions
  • Contact tracing course completion by all athletics training staff members

“Preparation for the safe return of our student-athletes, beginning with football on June 8, has been a comprehensive team effort,” Lyke said. “Our athletic department has worked diligently with University leadership and medical experts using one guiding principle: the health and well-being of our student-athletes and staff. Our current climate dictates that we stay vigilant and flexible in response to fluid circumstances. However, thanks to the efforts of many outstanding medical professionals, we are confident in our campus return plan.”

“Our football program is incredibly fortunate to have world-class medical experts and resources at our immediate disposal,” Pitt head football coach Pat Narduzzi said. “We are taking their guidance and advice every step of the way for every activity we’ll engage in this offseason and beyond.”

The Pitt football program’s last team workout took place on March 6, which marked the third of its 15 scheduled spring practice sessions. However, the balance of spring football drills were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pitt Athletics will utilize a staggered and phased return to offseason participation for each of its 19 intercollegiate programs. Like football, the other teams will progress through various phases of advancing exposure to training, teammate interaction and sport participation. Return times for the Panthers’ other student-athletes will be announced at a later date.

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312 thoughts on “Pitt Football to Begin Phased Return to Practice in June 8”

  1. if Pitt virologists are confident by August that their vaccine(s) is effective with no adverse effects, I propose that the FB team is vaccinated. The beta group will be all other FB teams

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    1. gc — That’s an interesting article, indicating that coronavirus may really be infecting the blood vessels. Bad news for those of us with plaque problems… This excerpt caught my eye:

      “Damage to endothelial cells causes inflammation in the blood vessels, and that can cause any plaque that’s accumulated to rupture, causing a heart attack. This means anyone who has plaque in their blood vessels that might normally have remained stable or been controlled with medication is suddenly at a much higher risk for a heart attack.”

      Go Pitt.

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  4. Thanks Mike and woohoo for PITT football

    Richman, without football you’ll be busy watching girls in their summer clothes.

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  5. The devil is in the details and the best made plans fail without proper execution and oversight. Seems well thought out and I’m confident pitt will execute but what about the schools they play?

    Tex

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Well if Pitts running backs go with ‘I test positive’ for jersey names, pitt might just have a running game this season.

      Tex

      Liked by 1 person

    1. There still might not be a full season. Outbreaks can and will happen. Some games might be forfeited. The one thing you don’t want to do is ease up too much, too soon or don’t execute the health protocol. Needs to be taken seriously come flu season. I’m confident Pitt will but again, will the other schools.

      Tex

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      1. If allowed, they will be there (see below).

        But knowing the TREPIDATION of college administrators today across ALL subject areas, it remains to be seen.

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      1. Yeah…..then they instruct you to self isolate for 14 days when you get off the plane…..

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    2. With my luck, I’ll get stuck in a middle seat between two large people with sniffles.

      Tex

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        1. I actually see more of them down here than pitt fans. Sad and pathetic.

          I would ask for a seat change if that happened. The Nitter would keep bragging about penn state while the hoopie would be giving me his recipes for road kill.

          Tex

          Liked by 1 person

  10. OK Mike, going to take a chance on this one…… No way is this meant as political but for comic relief during these trying times. One of the goofiest things I’ve ever seen.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’m half tempted to buy it and melt down all the pieces to form a bullet. That I’ll use for ending my life when I see the first sign of the zombie apocalypse. The worlds getting there.

      Tex

      Liked by 1 person

      1. hey with the promo code, buy 3 … you will never ever get a chance like this again

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        1. Seriously what type of person buys crap like this? It’s almost as bad as pitt season tickets.

          🤠

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          1. hey this commercial gave me such a good chuckle my belly is still jiggling. Sounds like an “onion” bit. Pelosi on a donkey? I’ll let it go at that…….

            Hey Tex watch it or you won’t be getting any club seats from me. 🙂

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              1. I’ve never been much of a club or bar guy Tex.. I get myself in enough trouble staying home let alone partying on the road. Never could pull myself away so I decided 45 years ago to give up that lifestyle.

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                2. Eric, I played on Bucky’s (the owner) softball team for a few years. Really cool place in the middle of a quaint town. Worked out well for me because I lived there right up the street.

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  15. AA sucks, should not be filling those middle seats. There are unused planes on the ground. What a disgrace!

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  16. I just landed in Orlando about an hour ago. When I got on the flight they said that southwest requires a mask. When I boarded, they asked me if I needed a mask. I said no and went to find a seat. Right before take-off a different flight attendant asked me if i had a mask and I said that i found one on the floor of the airport bathroom and if he was going to force me to put it on, I would get his name first and then do it. He left. And before you all get on me, I know he was doing what he was supposed to do. I did what was best for me. I am good with any consequence.

    There were about 75 peeps on the plane. No use of middle seats.

    Annie and Kman – i answered Annie’s question to Don’t Tex and Drive and put a link to support the argument for hockey. Now, if Pitt cranks the numbers and says it can’t work, than it seems like they should do so. To not address it however, shows lack of business acumen and hubris. They have the links now. All they need to do is add in the high school players that are not accounted for.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Huff ppg, Mario iceoplex in Wexford, Southpointe in Washington and RMU/UPMC on Neville island? You really think a fifth will fly, I am not even counting high schools with rinks like mt. lebo. Things have changed since the 60 and 70’s. Oversaturations on rinks.

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      1. If Pitt plays hockey, it needs to be on campus preferably at a MPC. Why play any sports off campus like football which was and still is a mistake. With your own rink, you don’t worry about scheduling ice time or travel logistics.

        Thanks Huff for the link. I didnt the question posed other than can hockey make 💰

        I know it can or at least breakeven, and can also be very successful and well attended at Pitt given the regional talent and hockey passion in the burg.

        Tex

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    3. Huff:
      I am all for hockey. I played in prep school and could have played in college at a lower level, but not at BU.
      My point is it is a title 9 killer. It takes a lot of scholarships and is very expensive. I just do not see how it could work money wise.
      Hey join Hockey East and I will go to most games.
      KMAN

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  17. That has been like my 10th flight since covid started. Of those, tonights flight was the most full and my daughter and i flew as passengers number 3 and 4 on another flight. Four passengers on a flight and 5 southwest employees in late March. Felt like we were flying private, except the seats were still too small and the food and drink was poor. Water out of a can is just not right.

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  18. Nardozzi forgot to mention his is on a luxury Lear. An airline overbooking? Perish the thought.

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  20. Ike, time to get your beauty sleep. But I do see some 3:00 am posts on here from time to time…

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  21. why bother mentioning that you won’t wear a mask on a flight?

    good with any consequence?
    lol, there would have been one if someone tried that next to me or son

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Anyone hear the interview on WTAE with Pitt Trustee Jimbo Covert?

    He was asked about a new Pitt Stadium. Said he misses the old Pitt Stadium. Said it will take a lot of people, a lot of work, and a lot of money, but he’s hopeful there will be a new Pitt Stadium on campus.

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Sad part is avg age of a pitt fan is probably 50. The program has done zero to help create ownership and a experience in a few ways.

    Connection to Campus

    Connection to Football Game Day experience.

    I could go on.

    I hire tons of ACC and SEC kids and I bet 90% buy season tickets as soon as they graduate. They take photos on the field. They are proud and donate and continue to support.

    Until we clean up the campus and Oakland and build a stadium and create better logistics. Where there is a will there is a way we will be a commuter school few care about.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Bribe the students. That’s the easiest way to connect them with sports which connects you to the school.

      Every sporting event outside men’s football and basketball that they attend earns them 10 points. Points can be redeemed in increments of 50 and used at the campus bookstore, merchandise or food courts. Or even at certain vendors like Cubans new dirty o.

      Scan the students ID card at the games to keep track. Hopefully they stay for at least half the game.

      I calculated it would cost the university anywhere between $500k and $2m depending on the usage and redemption.

      A great way to expose students to Olympic sports and root on their fellow students in a small setting.

      Tex

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I see a lot of young people at the games. It is just that a low percentage of Pitt students are sports fans.
      This has always been the case. Nerds vs. Jocks. I don’t think of Pitt as a commuter school anymore, but that was a factor for a long time as well.

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      1. Olympic sports are not well attended yet I think those are the most fun given the intimate venues. And Pitt is no longer a commuter school. It hasn’t been that way for some time. But south Oakland is still a slum.

        Tex from north Craig street. You wouldn’t catch me dead living in south Oakland.

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  26. Question on recruiting:

    The fact that Pitt now has (2) RB’s verbally committed for 2021, does that mean the states top ranked recruit, Gateway’s Derek Davis is moving on from Pitt?

    If I’m Duzz, I keep that spot open and I’m privately honest with the three players involved.

    If double D wants to come to Pitt, he should be welcomed with open arms.

    I’m ready for some football.

    H2P!

    EE

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  27. Agree on Davis Rick…Rivals has DD at 60% psuX favorite.
    Ohio State, Clemson and Georgia heavily involved.

    Football cant come soon enough.

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  28. Gateway is a synonym for psu and/or I ain’t going to PITT.

    Fran wakes up the roosters so they can start crowing.

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  29. a few notes on Derrick Davis …

    — originally thought as a top-flight RB when he was a soph at Gateway, most are now recruiting him as an OLB

    — long time Gateway HS school HC Terry Smith has been an assistant at PSU for the past 5 years or so. Per Rivals, Davis has already been to Happy Valley 9 times. On the other hand, note that the two top PA recruits from this past year, Carmody and Fleming, both visited PSU at least 10 times but neither committed there. (the 3rd top Pa recruit is at Pitt — Dayon Hayes)

    — He visited Alabama last summer, and at OSU twice. He’s been to Pitt 3 times (again according to Rivals)

    — the ‘recruiting experts’ give Pitt a slim chance for him as he has been being wooed by all the heavyweights since his soph year.

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  30. But what a coup it would be if Doozy can land him…
    Who is his primary recruiter?
    Anyone know?

    Ike, I already fed the cows too!
    I thought that your post was going to be a song from Atomic Rooster. 😎

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  31. Wearing a mask is a sign of respect to others.

    Terry Smith has had a lock on Gateway for a while.
    Will be interesting if he can close Davis.
    Pitt never had a chance.
    It would take a miracle.

    Liked by 1 person

  33. one more note on Derrick Davis ….. Rivals list him as an OLB and 247 has him as a Safety. Both have him as approx 6′, 195 lbs … which says safety to me.

    IMO, this is the only stab that Pitt may have. Back in 2014, Narduzzi wooed Gateway 4* Safety Montae Nicholson to MSU over Pitt, PSU and a host of others. He is now with the Redskins.

    I still wouldn’t bet on it … but maybe if Ford is an A-A this year, and Pinnock is all ACC. etc … who knows?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. 6’ 195 lbs… never saw him but has potential to add 20-30 lbs… sounds like LB or RB to me… would be nice to land a couple of the remaining “ best” from WPA

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  34. Good point WWB. There are lots of stars on the PITT D this year. They’ll be well represented on the pre/post season AA and ACC teams.

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    1. I was out for a while. If we could add both men and women and join Hockey East it could work.
      It is no use going to a lower d1 conference.
      The good thing with hockey is not many schools play. You can move up quickly.
      KMAN

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      1. Just read the link. Well it says Pitt would go to Hockey East. Hockey east is a top conference.
        KMAN

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    1. yea, great find, anon. Pittsburgh is a bigger hockey town than many people realize, and it continues to grow. Pitt, with its club team certainly has a head start and thus far, the RMU program has been a success after > 10 years..

      A sugar daddy wouldn’t hurt

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  37. I bought a couple of customized PITT hockey sweaters for my son and myself to support the club… get involved.

    Remember Glenn Hyde a PITT D- lineman… he played club hockey for PITT in addition to FB before moving on the the NFL.

    FROZEN 4 to be played in the Burgh this year…. maybe we can get a block of tickets… would love to sit between Annie and Scooter- those 2 have so much passion the ice would melt….

    Ready to see everyone…. there will be a FB season…..

    Liked by 1 person

    2. I was there when Hyde and Co. beat CMU for the Club Championship. I was friends with the goalie, a little guy named Mark. Obviously didn’t know him that well. Hyde played defense and was a monster, very intimidating to the opposition. Hyde was one of few real football players before Majors got there.

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  38. Got to know a nice kid who was working as summer help who was the goalie for the PITT club hockey team. He had to lug his equipment around in the back seat of his car. I respected the young man as he loved what he was doing. The interesting thing BigB is that he actually had a connection with an apparel company and was selling shirts and sweatshirts. Bought a few to support the cause but I don’t think they were PITT paraphernalia? or maybe they were? I forget.

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  39. I bought a Pitt hockey shirt for Scooter directly from the club team manager…
    It’s a really nice shirt.

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  41. We need PITT football bad and fast….. or we will slip into darkness….

    Oh and one for Fran my Man…

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    1. You mean another 8 win season and chest pumping for beating a lowly Mac team in a crappy bowl? Sorry dad. You had it coming.

      Tex your naughty son

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      1. ^^ LOL. No problem son, you dish it out Tex and you can take it. I follow the same philosophy.

        signed: your naughty second dad.

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  42. former Auburn HC Pat Dye died today. Dye, a Bama alum, was interviewing for the Auburn job in an era when Bear Bryant ruled the SEC, and he was asked “how long will it take you to beat Alabama?” He replied “60 minutes” He was hired

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    1. Pat Tie after he went for the tie in the Sugar Bowl versus Syracuse at the conclusion of the 1987 season. This is why I want just one OT and the tie brought back to college football. I want to see which coaches are gutless. Who wants big money, money for assistants, weight-room upgrades, stadium upgrades and in the end is afraid to lose.

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  44. Clemson leading returning WR Justyn Ross will miss the 2020 season due to a congenital spinal condition. He is flying to Pittsburgh this week to be operated on by noted Univ of Pitt Neurological Surgeon, DR David Okonkwo

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    1. Thanks Fran. Hope we can get together this year my good friend. That goes for all my good POV friends as well.

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  46. college hockey at Pitt, yeah that should draw a huge crowd maybe 200. Dreams of the Ice Final Foiur, Huff my childhood friend you are drinking too much if you think hockey will fly on the college level. As to Pens “consecutive” sellouts, they give away tickets to keep the streak going- that is a FACT.. Where were all you hockey fans when my buddies and I had season tickets for the Pens in the 70’s. It was lonelier than a Pitt FB Home Opener against (pick a MAC 10 team). When Crosby and Malkin retire you shall see.
    HAIL TO PITT

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    1. Girls volleyball drew 2500 for some matches. Men’s collegiate hockey could easily draw 5000. When sid the kid retires, fans can watch an elite college team take on the Nitters and domers. Who wouldn’t pay to see that.

      Tex who will be in attendance.

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  47. Good night, Fran. I also go to bed around 9. The back 60 has dried out & I need to get the soybeans planted. 5 A.M comes early.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. no problem. hopefully you will not … but you soon may be learning why I posted that

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        1. for those that missed it, can you at least post the subject?

          and maybe remove the Anon comment about “America burns…”

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          1. Didn’t see that. Yes will remove. You can find the topic on twitter. I don’t want it discussed in this board

            Liked by 1 person

            1. Sounds reasonable MM, but on this subject, I wonder how much great Pitt memories and memorabilia went up in destruction in Atlanta?

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  49. meanwhile, Donovan McMillon who eliminated Pitt when he narrowed down his list to 10, now has eliminated the Dairy School with his Top 5.

    The 6-foot-2, 193-pound safety announced a top five list of finalists Monday that included Florida, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas Tech and Virginia Tech. He’d eliminated Penn State, Arizona State, Georgia, LSU and Michigan from a list he revealed May 1.
    Rivals.com ranks McMillon as a three-star safety and the 19th-best prospect from Pennsylvania in the 2021 class.

    Quite an attractive list for a 3-star, wouldn’t you say?

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      1. that looks like a 5.5 I’d take any day

        looks fast, anticipates, keeps legs moving and runs through tackling guys

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  50. hey, how about cutting the gratuitous I won’t wear a mask comments too?

    we’d all appreciate everyone following reasonable guidelines to get football back sooner than later

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    1. I would rather have the US Constitution back in force sooner than later thank you.

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  51. At the new rangers baseball park now for sons graduation. Very nice. I think if you saw it, you’d appreciate retractable roofs more. I prefer this new park over pnc. Plenty of natural lighting and wide open concourses surrounding the stadium. Half the people are wearing masks. Seated on second level to the right of home base. Roof is closed though with the ac pumping. Seats are still too small for my butt.

    Tex

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      1. 50k and a billion

        Texans spare no expense. It rivals Jerry’s stadium just a stones throw away.

        Doesn’t have a nice view. That’s where PNC beats it.

        Pitts venue would have a view of the Cathedral. Touchdown Cathy they will call it.

        Tex

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  53. The roof is now opening. Sliding in tracks from outfield to home plate. Pitt really needs something like this. Best of both worlds. Inside ac or heat. Outside fresh air. Although it smells like sanitizer and Clorox everywhere. MLB is using these graduation events to plan for their opening. I don’t see why something like 30 percent capacity and time stamped tickets can’t work. Oh and no piss troughs. Bathrooms are emaculate.

    🤠

    Liked by 1 person

    1. There is no doubt PITT could use a 1.2 billion dollar stadium. I was thinking maybe and possibly PITT isn’t going to do that? I want to buy a two story condo in the Fairmont Hotel downtown Pittsburgh. That ain’t happening either.

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      1. We owned the penthouse and sold it to the Steelers owner / director.

        Give me 100 acre farm.

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  54. RIP to Wes Unseld … the best outlet passer ever. And the best 6’7 center that I ever saw (yes, even better than Dejuan)

    Liked by 1 person

  55. Sections leaving in staggered times. Giving a few minutes for each section. Smart approach.

    Tex

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    1. interesting. UPMC is about to issue guidelines for sporting events which include staggered arrival times. And in what is bound to please a few people here, they are recommending that when players leave the field, they put on masks

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  56. There was about 4000 people or 8 percent capacity. Tough to keep properly social distanced. Some dude who wasn’t aware of his surroundings bumped into me. I’ll let you know how I feel in two weeks.

    Tex
    🤠

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  57. Tex, in a tribute to you and your son, I am wearing my Antone’s t-shirt, and am about to pour me a finger or two of bourbon (doesn’t take much these days to get me to sip)

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  58. If there ever was a time for Pitt to build an MPC, now is it. Cheap loans and infrastructure money and needed jobs

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    1. Agreed. Money is cheap. Federal monies could be available. Infrastructure projects are the best way to fiscally stimulate the economy. Ask any economist or pitt Econ major. 🤠

      Moreover, you can design it in such a way to be virus certified. That’s the new buzz word.

      Seats will need to be larger and less cramped though. My butt will thank the engineer.

      But does Pitt have any visionaries?

      Tex

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  59. Tex – has to strike your post – that was the wwb tweet I edited earlier. Right now too much of a slippery slope towards politics. Thinking on how to address the overall issue. Right now I want to keep it pitt sports

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    1. Ok

      If anyone wants to know, just follow dokish

      I mean I’m not a big fan of Narduzzi but what these ex players said is I think a bit over the top

      Tex

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  60. Just as Nixon had a secret plan to end the Vietnam war, I think Pitt has a secret plan to build an MPC. Obviously, if it involves land acquisition for even a part of the facility grounds, they would keep it secret until the necessary purchases are done. Covert spilled the beans that the BoT is involved in this decision. Pitt will soon be signing contracts for games beyond 2030, and they can’t just leave their home game locations up in the air. Counting on the Steelers to remain faithful once the Rooneys pass is a mistake the Bot would not tolerate.

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  61. Ran across an article as to how Clemson will resume workouts.

    Their players are required to social distance for 7 days at home then 7 more on campus. That’s it. No quarantine, just social distance.

    Thought that was interesting.

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  62. Pitt’s undergrad student population is less than 50% of the Dairy College, and almost 60% of Pitt’s smaller enrollment do not live on campus. Students have no choice but to live on campus at the Dairy since its located in the middle of nowhere.

    Don’t know how you want to define a commuter school, but only 8,000 on campus students, like Pitt has, seems to fall neatly in that definition. An OCS is not in our future, unfortunately.

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    1. How do you define on campus. I would think the vast majority of the 20,000 undergrads live in Oakland or shadyside. And there is grad housing now that never existed in my day.

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  63. Additionally, given the economic catastrophe that this virus has caused to the sports budgets of all colleges it will take decades before universities with low donor participation, like Pitt, to recover back to normal, let alone to take on a multi-hundred-million $$$ capital plan for an OCS.

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  64. off topic but here’s a bombshell for local news ….. Susan Koeppen and Rick Dayton has been let go by KDKA TV. I assume the news audience have maintained or even increased during this time, so probably not a financial thing

    back to Pitt and PSU …. aside from the fact that both are considered two very good (public / semi-public) educational institutions, IMO there is not much to compare

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  65. I think you’ll find sports coming back faster than you think. Pitt needs a plan to deal with the expiration of the Heinz lease. My money is on the Steelers leaving the city and Heinz being imploded. Also a MPC serves many purposes and isn’t just for sports.

    The Pete will be 30 years old by then. Rangers just demolished their renovated 25 year old stadium. Well they left it standing empty for now and moved in across the street

    You get where I’m going with this?

    Tex

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    1. if the guy(DC) with hands in his pockets was the least bit compassionate or concerned with his posture or facial expression this all could/would look quite different,,,,i have a hard time believing there was evil intent to kill, i really do

      HCPN tweeting about this is necessary as most of his kids who I do believe he loves and is committed to are the most affected and damaged by this now and in the future

      not trying to lead this political but glad Pat addressed it publicly as it must be stopped

      Liked by 1 person

  67. you read it here first … the Steelers will not camp in Latrobe this year as the NFL advise all the teams to practice at its home facility

    This may cause of conflict as both teams will be practicing at the SS facility in August. The Steelers often do two-a-days, morning and afternoon. Pitt often practice in the morning and then work out in the afternoon …. and both usually practice every weekday in pre-season

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    1. Steelers haven’t has two a days for about 25 years. They’re lucky if they have one a days anymore. Read the bargaining agreement.

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  68. MM, I think wbb’s post of narduzzi’s statement is what you are talking about. Thanks for letting it be posted. I think the issue has overtaken us and all the major sports. See coach capel’s statement, that of the pitt women’s basketball team, the chancellor’s, that of jim harbaugh (mich coach) and many others. I hope any discussion we have about this on this blog is thoughtful and respectful. Everyone on this blog is very capable of handling it this way even though things can get wild and woolly at times when are dealing with regular football stuff. Thanks for the great job you do in managing this blog. H2P

    Liked by 1 person

  69. Not to be political at all but if you’re like me…………. we have to quit saying that things can’t get any worse. FOOTBALL PLEASE!!

    Liked by 1 person

  70. Would the site of the current Pitt baseball field and adjoining Coste (sp?) Center, be large enough for a 45k MPC with retractable roof for multiple sports including FB, Baseball, soccer, and LAX? In my scenario the students can walk to the games and us old folks can take school buses from our parked cars at the North Shore….don’t forget the Fantas!
    PittPT

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    1. Any sport played on a rectangle works. Mpc’s don’t work for baseball. But the soccer and baseball fields are large enough to support the stadium but then you lose baseball and softball. Best place for it would be it’s old place. Tear down the Pete and build the MPC there. That would be karma.

      Tex

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  72. Coach Lance White and his coaching staff just had an online “Chalk Talk” for season ticket holders. I really enjoyed it. These coaches are awesome.

    Assistant Coach Mitchell talked about how she talks to Day Harris everyday — she stays on her to work on her left hand. Said all you season ticket holders, and all our opponents, know how much Day likes to go right…

    Coach White talked about the incoming players. Said we had to get taller and we’re doing that. Has a 6-2 top-100 forward and a 6-0 guard/wing and a 5-11 guard coming in. Naturally he’s excited about all of them – mentioned the long arms on the guards…

    At the end of the Zoom call, Coach White was saying good-bye to many of the season ticket holders by name… This whole staff is very impressive and easy to root for…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

        1. Hmm, no ike but I may have done an update on my phone…maybe that wiped out the automatic sign in? Thanks.
          PittPT

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  76. I loved Johnny…very sad day indeed.
    I need to find my “hi ho Majors” tape that Myron Cope did to the tune of the Lone Ranger theme song when Majors was hired.
    Really funny stuff from Myron.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fran — I always looked forward to hearing Myron do his “Hi-ho Majors” on the way to work.

      Those radio spots were the inspiration for my screen-name…

      Hail to Pitt.

      Like

  77. “The new Pitt coach cornered Dorsett and teammate Ed Wilamowski at the dining room table in the home of Hopewell High Coach Butch Ross. Over Christmas cookies and cider, Majors, a kind of backwoods Norman Vincent Peale on the recruiting trail, delivered a two-hour sermon that in essence went something like this: “You boys come to Pitt and you’ll have the opportunity to be part of something new. You’ll have a chance to be different, to be unique. You can play early. You can play before your home folks. You can play good ole exciting, wide-open, cow-pasture football. And, I guarantee it, you’ll play with pride and enthusiasm. Yes, sir, you’ll have a calling. You’re not going to learn how to lose. You’re going to learn how to…win!”

    Recalls Ross: “I don’t know what Tony and Ed were thinking but I do know that my wife was ready to sign up with Pitt right on the spot.”

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 3 people

  78. Johnny Majors was absolutely the best thing to happen to Pitt Football since Jock Sutherland.
    Without him Pitt is probably playing in the same league as CMU.

    Even his second stint as coach did nothing to take the luster off what he did for Pitt.

    Liked by 2 people

  79. Damn shame that Pitt won’t be able to properly honor him by naming the stadium after him

    But maybe one day we’ll have the Johnny majors center. The JMC.

    Tex

    Like

  81. Has anyone else taken a complete perrenial bottom feeder and made them a National Champion in Foyr Years?

    Like

  83. I’ll never forget how beleaguered he looked after the 72-0 loss, which was the program’s bottom point since the time he resurrected it in his first stint. He made the point that he thought OSU was not guilty of running up the score which I know for a fact won the respect of OSU fans.

    But of course he will be remembered the most for 73 thru 76 …. which BTW, made a big Pitt fan out of me and a few of my friends. (BTW, he finished runner-up in the Heisman in the late 50s)

    Like

  84. When Johnny Majors was hired by Pitt, he said “I don’t know if we’ll be any good, but we’ll play with pride and enthusiasm.”

    We would hear him say “pride and enthusiasm” many times in the lead-up to that first season…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  85. The man deserves at least a statue at Heinz. They can move it in 10 years back to campus when they move into the new MPC. If the city or Rooney’s don’t like it, they can go to Hell. I’d have that statue facing Oakland with his back turned to Heinz. Johnny, longing for a return to campus…where he belongs.

    Tex

    Liked by 4 people

  86. we’ve talked about how he brought in a class of 85 in his first year, but I just read a story in the Trib that states that he was one of a 127 freshmen recruits at Tennessee in the early 50s ….. 127!

    Like

  87. So Angie and me were walking towards Heinz Field in the Gold lot-1 after visiting the POV tailgate and all our friends when we met up with a sharp dressed older fellow. (yes older the me) A small man but very regal looking. It was none other than Johnny Majors. It was piping hot that day but Johnny still had on a snappy blazer. We walked and talked until we got to another ongoing tailgate where we parted ways. It was an honor for me to have had this experience for one reason…. He told me it was an honor to meet me.

    Liked by 3 people

  89. Had a refreshment with him before the Fiesta Bowl (vs Utah) at the “World’s Largest Tailgate Party” as it was promoted. A gentleman and great ambassador for the program.

    Liked by 4 people

  90. Baketball could of played at Consol and we should have a on campus stadium. Until that we are bush league. Watch thjis summer the Panthers will do training camp at the baseball field or at Baldwin. That is what happens when you choose to be cheap and suck the teet of the Steelers. 4-5B in Cash. We could build that stadium easily for 450 – 550M

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Civic arena did and pitt always played the big games there anyway like gtown, cuse, Arizona, etc

        Easy bus ride from Oakland.

        Like

  91. Yes JoeL, there are lots of adjectives that could be used to describe Johnny. One that comes to my mind is stoic. The entire time we walked together he kept on walking while talking towards Heinz Field. You know, like Johnny comes marching home again. (no song)

    Like

  92. A retractable roof football only stadium for around $500M with 45k capacity. But if you want configurable seating, hydraulic playing field, refrigeration for that ice rink and virus certified, add another $200M.

    The question becomes can Pitt raise half of that price tag over let’s say a 5 year fundraising campaign via private and public donations. A feasibility study would determine that.

    I’d demo the Pete. That’s your location. The footprint is perfect for that smaller stadium. And the Pete like most modern sports venues are only built to last 25-30 years anyway per HOK architects. You run into major renovations and needed upgrades at a certain point. Plus higher maintenance costs. Hence it’s cheaper to build new.

    Students can walk to games. Old folks can tailgate at the various lots in Oakland or on the Cathedral lawn or in schenley plaza. Shuttles could be used to transport fans from remote parking sites like hot metal bridge. I’d demo fitz for a parking garage to add to the parking availability.

    Pitt should honor Jonny’s legacy with a MPC campaign. You know Johnny supported playing games on campus.

    Since covert is a member of the BoT, he should proclaim a Jonny majors day and should also recommend that feasibility study. All great venues are named after great people. Our stadium is named after a bland ketchup bottle.

    Tex

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Looks like about 500 fans saw his last game. Probably was no more than 25k for that game against Rutgers back in 1996. Using today’s calculation for attendance, pitt would have announced 40k.

      Tex

      Like

    2. My son and I were in Pitt Stadium for Johnny Major’s final game. It was an incredibly gray day in Oakland.

      We were happy to see Johnny go out with a victory.

      Hail to Pitt.

      Like

  95. 21,700 per Wikipedia.

    Pitt was destroyed the prior week by Notre Dame. Lost by 50 some points.

    Program was at the lowest point imaginable.

    Tex

    Like

  96. Johnny Majors has passed away at age age 85.

    Rest in peace, coach. And thanks for an unforgettable college football experience. 😪

    Liked by 1 person

  98. i find it hard to believe that today’s sports venues are built for such a short expected life span

    except for the fact that it seems everything is made to have a shorter duration and/or be disposable for the business model profitability

    Like

    1. They are. I’m told this by the people who design and build them. They have every incentive to build them for this long. Technology changes rapidly. Tough to retrofit older stadiums. Tough to implement new lighting and acoustics. More costly to maintain. More difficult to go green or virus free. More difficult to reconfigure. Changing viewing tastes and preferences.

      It’s not like the stadium will fall apart. It will show its age. It will have costly repair and maintenance. But it will be extremely challenging if not cost prohibitive to undergo major renovations and upgrades.

      You are best off building new with limited constraints s and a fresh start.

      Tex

      Like

        1. That’s how it’s done today. You don’t need to like it. The Steelers will be asking and getting a new stadium in less than ten years. It will either be on the Heinz site or out in cranberry. Heinz will have outlived it’s life. That’s why the lease is what it is.

          The Pete will be ready to be torn down by then as well. Perfect timing to build that MPC.

          Tex

          Like

        2. maintain likely comparable, maybe some lower
          acoustics? easy to modify some things with technology in systems and otherwise acoustics don’t change much
          lighting? not much changes there either but again switch out the bulbs 🙂
          fan comforts? ok, if that includes the right amount of corporate seating/suites which college football has but not like pro

          a salesperson for stadium construction would say i’m totally wrong
          maybe Oriole Park at Camden Yards should be blown up and redone soon,,,it is 28 years old

          Like

          1. Not a sales person, an engineer and architect would tell you that. Older stadiums are challenging to retrofit. Becomes cost prohibitive. You have to work with what you got. Those are limitations and constraints. Far easier to build what you want from scratch by starting new and fresh. Seating is nearly impossible to reconfigure. Plumbing and electrical is very costly to reroute. The design of stadiums is important to combat disease and to allow how fans want to view and participate in the game. Technology will be far different 20 years from now. Even today fans want to walk around a stadium, not be held hostage to a cramped seat and want real time stats and the ability to engage. The viewing experience needs to be better than tv. You don’t need to believe me. Do some research and talk to those who build. The trend is towards smaller venues that are configurable, multi purpose and high tech from led to virtual reality to WiFi to whatever the new tech will be.

            And Camden should be blown up. You seen the Rangers new ballpark. That’s the future. But Texans often see it before others.

            Tex and proud

            Like

  99. Remember complit, John Mack, and I were the original OCSers. Everyone else came after us and is a poor imitation.

    🤠

    Like

  100. Johnny Majors: Living to be 85 years old, with a national championship ring, finishing second in the Heisman voting and partying like every day was his last day.. Where do I sign up?

    Like

  101. Was Johnny a scotch or bourbon man? Seriously the man was known to drink. But what was his beverage of choice. Mine is bourbon with a splash of vinegar. Many on here just prefer the straight Koolaid. To each his own.

    Tex

    Like

  102. Darn good coaching tree of his. That’s the mark of a great coach. All those guys learned something from him.

    Tex

    Liked by 1 person

  104. The US Steel Tower was completed in 1971, one year after 3 Rivers. The PPG Plaza was completed in 1981 … almost 40 years ago … and doesn’t look it. Cameron Indoor Stadium opened in 1940 and while it looks it and I’m sure Duke is able to build a more modern facility. it’s not.

    Dodger Stadium opened in 1962. Do you see where I’m going with this?

    The Pete opened 18 years ago but doesn’t look a day over 5 or 6.

    Liked by 1 person

    2. You can’t live in the past. You build for the future. Tech changes how the game is played and viewed. Fans don’t want to sit in seats anymore. That’s so old school. And in the age of covid you don’t want cramped seating where you are stagnant for hours.

      Tex

      Like

      3. Well that was unnecessary- and I could say the same thing about men- except they DO look their age, and the plumbing doesn’t work… Goes both ways Tex….

        Liked by 3 people

  106. I attended that last game at ND in Johnny’s final year. It was a shellacking to say the least. The bleachers were covered with ice and I froze my butt off just to see Pitt get killed. I seem to recall that ND ran 3 punts back for touchdowns and Pitt looked like they were standing in cement. There was just no speed on that Pitt team.

    Afterwards, Johnny had to make an appearance under the press tent, and I wanted to listen but got sick to my stomach at the “we just didn’t get it done today” talk. That was sort of a theme for Johnny’s entire second stint. I knew he was a drinker, but never understood why he fielded such poor teams during these years. Was his recruiting that bad? He should have been able to coach from his bar seat…

    Like

    1. There was nothing Majors could have done in that second stint. The university had let football rot and didn’t care, hence all those drubbings that decade. The chancellor certainly didn’t care about football and the AD was awful who did nothing to help improve the program. No one worth a damn wanted the job, which is why it was so easy for Majors to come back. When Majors came back he said none of the facilities had been upgraded since he left in 1976. Sounds familiar as Capel was shocked at how outdated The Pete was when he took over. Same old clueless Pitt, no vision to ever improve things.

      Just terrible times during Majors II and all of Pitt’s dark years in its past have been 100 percent on the administration not caring about football and not knowing what football brings to a university. I mean, everyone knows Saturday is the best day of the week. So why not be relative on that day on the football field.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Majors was set up to fail. Nobody wanted the job. Pitt paid peanuts. Facilities were wasting away. Pitt didn’t care. Johnny always cared. And Pitt wonders to this day why some fans don’t care.

        Tex

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  107. J Majors, another coach that left PITT when he shouldn’t have. It will all be in my book that I never write. I’ll say this though… he put together a coaching staff of all coaching staffs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Like I’ve said, a coach is judged not just by wins but his coaching tree. Majors is very impressive.

      Tex

      Like

  108. Stadiums of the future are built for the 20-30 year old fan in mind. Not the 60-70 year old. And the younger generation doesn’t want to be constrained by seating. They also want high tech interaction. Those are facts. Talk with any millennial or gen Z. They think assigned seating is stupid and tailgating is for old people.

    Tex who agrees with the whipper snappers.

    Like

    1. They also want free tickets from gramma, dad or uncle so that means they won’t be going to many games.

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      1. And they want free alcoholic spritzers. I drink good micro beers and Texas bourbon. They never ask for those things.

        Tex

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  109. on the stadium replacement I think COVID has gotten to Tex,,,it’s affected him differently in a loss of sense rather than the more common loss of sense of smell

    of course stadium construction guy says what you are saying
    of course retrofitting plumbing is expensive and almost never needs to be done in that short time unless it was done poorly the first time around
    obviously technology might need upgrade but i bet that has little to do with construction or reconstruction
    seating for COVID? after a year or so, that’s obsolete, you can’t build for every potential disaster

    c’mon Tex, get back to your usual high quality rant,,,, get past your temporary COVID crazy

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You can’t build for every disaster but you can plan for it. Scenarios and contingencies. Plans for plans. But Pitt may not be thinking this way. It’s obvious most fans don’t.

      Tex

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Paraphrasing, just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean there isn’t someone out to get you.

        ike>> Prepare for the worst and hope for the best and never stand down from anything….

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  110. Tex, do you remember festival seating? Most definitely a young mans game. Barbaric to say the least. As far as tailgating goes…….. I just might attend the Notre Dame game this year just to tailgate with you and all my POV friends and not even go to the game?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Most young fans these days want to walk around and mingle. Few if any watch the game. The new venues all have high end bars. That’s why the Texas stadiums have wide open concourses, bars, and standing only areas. And cramped seating will be an issue with covid like viruses. You’ll see a trend towards more luxurious movie theatre type seating.

      The best viewing experience is found indoors on TV. New stadium designs are accounting for a new generation of preferences and trying to at least match TV and home comforts.

      The things that TV can’t replicate today are all the sight angles from inside the stadium, all the sounds, any smell, and of course fan interactions and spontaneity.

      But you don’t have to believe me. Look me up in 20 years. I’ll gladly accept your apologies.

      Tex who’s been to the future and back

      Like

  111. Went to see Boston at the Civic Arena probably around 1978 when Festival seating was still a thing. When they opened the doors to go in, the crowd pushed forward and my feet left the ground for about 10 yards. I could see how the trampling disaster at The Who concert in Cincinnati could happen. Was very scary. I’m glad Festival seating is a thing of past.
    PittPT

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    1. Mark, I was at that show. Was also at the Doobie Brothers show 6 months earlier where Boston was to appear as the opening act but their truck broke down in Ohio. Both were festival seating and I was on the floor.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Joe, I remember it was a great show and I believe they opened the roof during the show. I remember Sammy Hagar was the opener and he was getting harassed because everyone was pumped for Boston!

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  113. Wasn’t there so I plead not guilty of knocking you over Mark. Other concerts hmm? It was a dam free for all. Anyone go to the Waterford concert in WVU? Now that was crazy.

    Liked by 1 person

  114. Welcome back from the future Tex…sounds like I already have that in my man cave and a large enough driveway to tailgate if I wish.
    Best of both worlds…

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I hope they don’t ban tailgating at games this Fall. I know they don’t want people to congregate and want everyone to disperse quickly. That’s what is recommended. Just don’t see how it will be enforced. Police aren’t going to want to take on this role for fear of catching the virus.

      But again based on my graduation experience where multiple thousands gathered, I see no reason why fans can’t attend games. But there should be some max capacity like 30 percent. This won’t hurt Pitt so much but it will economically impact larger schools like the Nitters. I’m fine by that.

      There should be staggered entry and exit times. Not sure about temp checks since people can be asymptomatic. Not sure about masks since only 30 percent effective generally and can provide false sense of security. I think it will be up to everyone to keep your distance and wash your hands and don’t attend if you have some underlying condition.

      The stadium should sanitize and clean things. But what more can be done. Fans probably need to sign some waiver so the stadium authority or university can’t be sued.

      Fall will bring a resurgence of the virus but I think sports will be back and will stay back if people take it seriously and practice some common sense.

      Tex who eats an apple a day to keep the virus away.

      Like

    2. I’ll introduce you to my brothers son Bryce at a game this Fall. He’ll be a Pitt frosh and continuing the family tree for Pitt. My limb is likely severed since the son is Texas and daughter is probably Texas as well in two years. My niece is northeastern. Other nephew is James Madison this year. Not sure who in the pipeline will pick Pitt. Maybe the younger niece you met this past Fall. She’d be a nice Pitt lass.

      Tex whose pitt limb might be cut but whose roots are deep

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  115. Mark. Waterford racetrack concert had over 100,00 people and it was blazing hot. I think it was Humble Pie as headliners. People with their shoes on were actually swimming in the water buffalo’s that people were drinking from the other side. I’m not the choir boy you people think I am.. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  119. Tex, looking forward to meeting you and more of your family…those that I met are very nice people.

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    1. My uncle Dave, brother bob and sis Lisa are all pitt grads. The nephews you saw and met were my sisters children. Bryce is bobs and I’ll hopefully introduce you to him. He’ll be a frosh. Uncle Dave is my insider. He’s honors college higher up. He’s also everyone’s uncle when I went to school and still is. He is truly my uncle from my mothers side.

      Tex

      Like

  120. Read what Wanny and Hillgrove had to say about Johnny.

    I will never forget watching the workout he put the existing players through at Fitzgerald Field House in 1972.
    Definitely was a Major change. I wonder how many guys quit the first day? It was brutal.

    Like

  121. per Jackie Sherill on Paul Finebaum show yesterday. In ’73. Pitt went to pre-season camp at Johnstown with 5 busloads of players, and returned a few weeks later with 3 busloads

    Liked by 2 people

  122. thats why he recruited 85 his 1st year- he knew what the retention rate would be. But those left were the cream of the crop – and wanted it badly. It’s no wonder the Pre-Majors teams were so bad!

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    1. “Those that practice will play and those that play will be champions.” Johnny Majors, Pitt football coach

      Like

    1. I remember that 7-7 tie if for nothing else, it made the Pittsburgh media take notice that this was a different team than what Pitt fans had seen over the previous few rears. I don’t remember the reaction after the Baylor loss but do recall that by mid-season, a new era of FB was developing.

      I see the attendance didn’t improve that much that season but that would come beginning the next 2 years.

      Like

  124. MM, thanks for compiling all that info on Johnny Majors…. I wonder if the Vol fans hold him in the same esteem as PITT fans who lived through his magic……

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    1. I was wondering the same thing Bernie? I always felt that he was betrayed by Phil Fulmer.

      Like

    2. I’m pretty sure he is. He was a Tennessee native who was a star there (2nd in Heisman and his number is retired), and won 3 SEC titles as coach. I believe he is in the CFB HOF as a player. Of course, I assume that they were thinking he could bring home a national title there so was some disappointment.

      Ironically, his successor, Phil Fullmer, would win a national title in his 6th season, and even more ironical, the year after Peyton Manning graduated. UT has a pretty good FB history but has dipped a bit in recent times.

      But overall, I would think Major ranks very highly in Knoxville

      Like

      1. My brother, ChrisL has lived in Knoxville (he calls it Knox Vegas) for 15 yrs+. Used to run into Johnny Majors around town and always had really great chats about Pitt. Johnny is highly revered and most people there understand he was underminded by Fulmer and a few bigheaded boosters.

        Will be great to have a POV tailgate there next year on 9/11/21. Already have 6 committed from my Mt Lebo buddies. Will be 20yrs since the attacks which will probably be a big part of the day, but have to imagine the Vols will make a special note of the shared legacy.

        Liked by 1 person

  125. PITT dominated in college football from 76/81, what a sight to see. Dam shame the youngsters didn’t get to see it. A couple hiccups in there or PITT would have won 3 or 4 more National Championships. Again…… if there were playoffs back then they would have.

    J Majors was a very good man.

    Like

    1. But that’s with social distancing remember. And the last time I traveled on PA roads, might have been the last. Given the drivers, terrain, weather and poorly maintained roads.

      When fall comes back, the virus will as well

      Opening here in Texas has led to more hospitalizations.

      But I can see fans at events. Just need to practice common sense. Packing 100k in a stadium is sheer stupidity come Fall.

      Tex

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      2. Pitt is at 50 percent capacity anyway so social distancing shouldn’t be an issue.

        And their loss of attendance due to health protocols around max capacity might only be 5-10,000 fans per game. Roughly a $500k hit in revenues per game. But a school like penn state stands to lose 70,000 in attendance and at least $4million dollars lost each game.

        I’m glad Pitt isn’t Penn State.

        Tex

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    2. This is encouraging – especially that UPMC could operate these senior care centers with no Covid19 cases. However, I still don’t expect games as usual this September.

      These protest marches are reminding me of parades which inflamed the 1918 pandemic…

      Go Pitt.

      Like

  127. Pitt was a 24.5 dog between the hedges and the tie was a stunning upset.

    Thanks Coach Majors for the first 4 of the best Pitt years in my life. You didn’t sleep with a cheerleader or cheerleader coach, you didn’t lose a gambling fortune to local bookies (Sherrill) and you left Football much better than you inherited it!! Thank you and RIP!

    Liked by 2 people

  128. certainly hope jackagain is right …. but both Ok State and Alabama each has at least 5 players who have now tested positive in the past few days. If this becomes a trend ……

    Like

    1. Southern boys will never pass up a pool party with booze and girls. Well, no guy would. At least they aren’t catching a venereal disease. That stays with you for life.

      🤠

      Liked by 1 person

  129. Traveled to UPJ for Pitt practice with Scooter many times…one year long bathroom lines forced our hand to walk across a small field to a wooded area. As we near the destination a solitary figure emerges from the woods wearing a large brim straw hat with script Pitt logo.
    It’s our hero Head Coach Johnny Majors. Coach approaches us and says “fellas, it’s a fine fine day for football”

    Liked by 3 people

  133. Do Popes shit in the woods, do bears wear funny hats? Thanks for the laugh Ike.
    Approved an arrest of 6 young white males from s hills, target practicing in woods near hospital in harrison.at 4 am. Antifa, They admitted being protestors. That’s right “Peaceful protestors” abiding by law and social distancing. Pens player got covid, just a fact of life for now but everyone will panic. Imagine if we treated the regular flu this way. That said, give me my bandana, hand sanitizer and stay the heck away from me.
    Thanks again Johnny. My dad and I were never so thrilled with a tie as that first game. Instant optimism. RIP JOHNNY. HAIL TO PITT.

    Like

  134. Interested in the Sherrill gambling story. Did Sherrill get the boot for betting on games? Did they keep it quiet?

    Like

  135. The real reason Tex AM got Sherrill had nothing to do with their up front offer. 4 other schools were after him including Pitt. Several made better offers. Sherrill owed local bookies big $$! Maybe $20 grand ….a huge amount at the time. They were threatening him w bodily harm and had pics of him with other women than his wife or current flames. Pitt knew and wanted him gone ASAP. Tex AM did their homework and met with and paid off every bookie he owed..”in person. I ran with an Italian crowd from Wilkensburg/E Liberty and know he paid our guy first. Sherrill is lucky he’s not dead. Several families were considering a hit on him just for spite. He got out just in time and was told if he ever showed his face in the Burgh again, he was toast.

    Like

  136. Wow, thanks for the background on Sherrill, Dan. So sad that the coach with such success at Pitt, and better record than even Majors, had to be run out of town.

    Liked by 1 person

  137. Sounds like a Scorsese movie…
    I heard Jackie was working undercover for the Feds to help take down illegal gambling in East Liberty. 😎

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The story I heard about Jackie’s departure is this: Posvar fires Cas Myslinski, the AD who had hired Johnny and the Jackie, and Buzz Riddle who recruited and coached Billy Knight. Don’t know why Pos wanted Cas out, but Jackie wanted the AD job in conjunction with retaining Head Football role. Jackie wanted to meet with Pos to discuss and Pos refused to meet. And the rest is history as they say. In addition Jackie was also serving as a double “OO” in Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

      And yes the Madisonville Buccee’s is awesome.

      Like

  138. I heard that great playground basketball legend eugene “nick the blade” gesuale had Jackie on his radar.

    Like

    1. Once got a letter from the F.B.I. saying I was no longer under surveillance and phone tapping had been discontinued in the investigation of the where a bouts of one Eugene “nick the blade” Gesuale. Freaked me out. An ex family member had been friends with him. Many of those guys back then would stay in Jamaica at an out of the way resort.

      Liked by 1 person

  139. I’m assuming that Narduzzi is neither a gambler or womanizer. So I guess we’re stuck with him?

    Tex

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  140. Pitts best coaches have been gambling womanizers. Why is that. My thoughts. Gamblers take risks. In football you need to take calculated risks. Like going for it on fourth and one instead of kicking a field goal…and missing.

    Guys that like woman besides from being straight are comfortable in social settings. Can charm the socks off you. This is important when it comes to recruiting. Selling your program and convincing momma that pitt is it.

    Makes sense to me

    Tex who is neither a gambler or womanizer but like Johnny, loves a good bourbon.

    Like

    1. Good thing you qualified with “Pitt’s best” bc I think it’s safe to say that Nick Saban is probably not a gambler or a womanizer. Dabo definitely is not. Of course these guys have not been Pitt football coaches…

      Like

  141. A suggestion occurred to me – kind of out of nowhere. But I do worry about the older coaches – especially the health and safety of Coach Bates.

    So, my suggestion is that the older coaches all go up in booths. And to make this work smoothly and without the need for the crazy gang of signalers from the sidelines, they put communications in the helmets of the QB and the leader of the defense, so the DC and OC can communicate directly…

    And yes, I realize there is the Coach Whip strange-play-calling angle… 😊

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  142. Comes down to players and the school taking things seriously and full execution of health protocols.

    The virus will be back in Fall. We can’t be caught with our guard down.

    Tex
    Does anyone know when the schedule comes out? I want to buy my plane tickets for the domers.

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    1. ^^ Tex, game is scheduled for Saturday Oct 17th. Steelers play the next day so expect an early game. I suppose this may be subject to change? So no, I don’t have an answer to your question…. 🙂

      Like

    2. They did a nice job with that. Well done.
      If Tre Tipton was reading from a script like the rest f them, he did it very well. That young man has a future in media should he choose to pursue it. But before that, I hope to see a few game-winning catches from him.

      Like

  144. It think perhaps we should add boozers to the list of gamblers and womanizers. Sad but true that such vices are so highly correlated to the ability to recruit successfully. Should bag man money laundering be added to the list?

    BTW ike, are you saying that you were related by a former marriage to one Eugene “nick the blade” Gesuale?

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    1. Something like that VoR. No relation and never met him. He did call the house a time or two.

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  146. Does anyone know why they called him Nick the Blade? He put razor blades between his fingers while out and about.

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    1. I couldn’t muster up a roll of quarters back then….

      Yeah get ready if this new verbal isn’t a 6*….

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  148. Another PAT SIGNAL posted this afternoon. Time for the “bulls and bears” on Narduzzi’s recruits to come out from hiding after the name is announced.

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  150. I do believe waiting for the “Billow” buddy to commit was the reason behind Narduzzi not accepting the commitment last week for another player.

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  152. Well he was offered by buffalo, my other alma mater. So solid Mac type recruit.

    Tex who knows buffalo cops

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  153. Gesuale loved playing basketball. He frequented many courts in the city of Pittsburgh. If he missed a shot, he would call a foul. If you argued with his call, he would pull a knife out on you. I saw this happen many times on the old Highland Park basketball courts. The blade lived across the street in the Highland House, which was a first class residence at that time. (Just as a side note, this is where Tiger Paul had his paper route. I could also tell many true tales about him, but most of you won’t like the truth). Saw Geno pull a knife on Gary Burley, and Burley smartly walked away. The blade liked to make a name for himself by attacking names. Heard he suckered Don Drysdale at a Pgh night spot.

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  154. My ex wife’s uncle owned a remote resort in Jamaica, that’s where many of the guys on the run hung out.

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    1. He’s a great pick up for a Mac school. But isn’t pitt an ACC school? At least no offers from Elon.

      Tex who’s barbecuing right now

      Pork butt, whole chicken and venison sausage. Hickory and apple smoked.

      Again, I think what pitt and Narduzzi did with black lives matters was very well done. It’s a big thing with young kids. My daughter is protesting today. I’m glad coach finally said something. The locker room is stronger as a result. Remember that love is stronger than hate.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Have you been to Buc-ee’s outside of Madisonville on I-45 and had some jerky from there? Amazing place. Texas-sized convenience store.

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  157. Never been there. It’s near college station. Enemy territory now. Looking forward to knowing Austin better and Hill country.

    Tex

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  158. Pitt/Narduzzi faring much better than Mike Norvell at FSU in sending the right message, as Norvell was called out by his players for basically lying about meeting with his players regarding the George Floyd/Minneapolis situation and its aftermath.
    PittPT

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  159. I’m interested in your take michael on the Narduzzi message and pitt video clip

    Tex

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    1. It will be part of a bigger social issue piece that’s in the works but overall I think it’s very good. He was slow out of the gate…for whatever reason. Maybe wanted Reynolds to air his dirty laundry first or maybe not wanting to overshadow capel ot who knows, but he’s really done a nice job messaging the cause and setting the stage for the team to champion it

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