The Steelers start training camp today, and I recommend that Big Ben in a good will gesture donate his entire 2010 salary to women’s groups, particularity women who are victims of sexual or physical abuse. With his suspension the NFL will take $1.9m and he’ll make $5.8m the rest of the season. He could easily give up the 5.8m, and ask the league to donate their 1.9m. I estimate Ben made at least $24 million from his rookie contact. He was given a $25m signing bonus on his 2008 contract, which covers 8 years and pays out $102 million. Even if you take 50% for taxes, I believe he has pocketed at least $30m, with $38m still left on his contact after this season. Point being with or without this year’s salary Ben will live in luxury for the rest of his life, he could use this opportunity to help people. The great thing about writing for the Kittanning Paper is I don’t have to worry about repercussions from the Steelers.
Steelers fans are wondering what the 2010 season will hold for the team. The question is did the team do enough this off-season? People consistently break down the off-season dealings of the Penguins and Pirates. NFL has less of a free agent market, but typically the Steelers don’t make major summer news via player transactions. Winning the Super Bowl is always the Steelers’ goal, but going into camp, do you think the squad is strong enough. Certainly if they fail this year, they will have plenty of potential excuses. I know the Steelers were being cautious with the labor negotiations looming. We’ll have to wait until the season starts to see if they missed out on any keys pieces.
The schedule for the Freeport International is out and you can view the schedule at their website: fortheloveofthegame.org. A surprise on the schedule is there is only one day of games being hosted in Ford City. Those games will be Saturday at 11, 2, and 5. The late game features a team from Australia and the early one has a Canadian team. Kittanning Township will host games everyday of the Invitational starting on Tuesday. The Worthington Legion and Kittanning Colt will be playing there each day. Some other big events of the International include the old-timers game on Thursday night at 8:00pm and the home-run derby Friday at 6:00 both at Freeport. The games conclude on Friday Night in Freeport when PA will take on the world.
Family Life
’s acquisition of WTYM radio will have a positive impact on the local community. It’s very unusual for a county like this to have a TV & Radio station. I know the commitment to the local community is there. It’s my understanding that sports will be a piece of the pie, which should provide some more exposure to local sports teams. We’ll hopefully have some basketball games, and I’d like to see a couple volleyball and soccer games this fall. I’m looking forward to having RSW broadcast live on both TV & radio, but I think that is just the beginning of the innovations. Everything is just at the idea stage, but with the right people and sponsors, we should see an increase in sports coverage.
The Riverhounds (3-4-5) are wrapping up a 5-game home stand this week by hosting the Richmond Kickers (6-4-5) on Thursday and the Harrisburg City Islanders (4-6-4) on Saturday. Both matches are slated for a 7:00 p.m. Kick-Off at Chartiers Valley Stadium.
The Riverhounds are coming off a bye week and have a healthy roster for the first time this season. With eight matches remaining and playoffs up for grabs, the results of this weekend’s matches are critical to earn a playoff berth and contend for the USL Championship.
To purchase tickets visit riverhounds.com or call into the Riverhounds office at 412.539.1191
via Pgh Riverhounds Press Release.
We’re still a week away from the All-Star Break, but technically we’re at the true halfway point of the baseball season. The Pirates have played 82 games and at 32-50 they own the worst record in the NL. No surprise there, but the fact that San Diego has the best record in the NL is certainly a surprise. Just about everyone picked them to finish last in the NL West. While their offense is near the bottom, their pitching has been the best in baseball. Only two years ago the Pirates finished four games better, yes better then San Diego. The Padres improved by 12 games last year, and are on pace to improve by 21 this year. It’s all about pitching; you would think the Bucs would have figured that out by now. Also don’t forget RSW is live tonight at 7:30 on FLTV.
The Ford City boy’s basketball program has the most storied history of any local program. Back when the factories were humming Ford City was a basketball power, and there was a lot of pressure on the coach. It’s not like the old days, but there will be a lot of eyes on where new head coach Rob Greenleaf takes the team. Ford City looks set to pour millions into their basketball facilities, so they’re definitely going to want a winning team. We typically don’t see a person from outside the area, like Greenleaf, brought in for a coaching position, which adds some intrigue. The section lost Burrell and added Shady Side. With 4 of 7 section teams making the playoffs you don’t have to be good to get in. The question is what are the real expectations?
I can’t believe there isn’t a new stadium in the plans for expanding Elderton High School. It actually looks like they’re going to build a new gym on the site of the current fields. I know they don’t have a football team, but soccer is big in Elderton. With all the savings from opening a new school and the competitive bidding environment this looks like a missed opportunity. I know Elderton only has a population of around 350, but it’s a regional school and the surrounding townships have a few thousand too. What about all the alumni that have moved away, they’ll want to come back for games. Plus it could be a neutral site for the KTG vs. FC game. I’m thinking at least a 7,000 seater. Rendell likes funding stadiums, so if we hurry with the design plans, we can probably get a few million out of the new PA budget.
Edinboro, PA-Traveling north of Pittsburgh for their match against Maryland, the Riverhounds (3-3-5) finished two goals in the first half to break the stalemate previously held with the Monarchs (3-4-5). The two Clubs were featured in the PA West Youth Tournament held at Edinboro University as the “night cap” match in Sox Harrison Stadium where 869 spectators enjoyed the professional atmosphere.
The Riverhounds came out with an attacking mindset, focusing on using the outside channels and serving dangerous balls into the penalty area. In the 25th minute, the Monarchs conceded a corner to the Hounds and Tommy Gray’s back post service for Nate Salsi resulted in a penalty kick. The challenge from Monarch’s defender, Gareth Evans was careless as his elbow flew into Salsi’s head. Riverhounds rookie, Alex Weekes stepped up to the stripe and converted the penalty with confidence.
Three minutes later Weekes played a cross to the back post for an on running Travis MacKenzie. The service was behind the Monarch’s defense, but MacKenzie’s header went inches wide of the goal.
Outside back, Sterling Flunder left his mark on the match in the 32nd minute when his individual effort found the back of the net. Flunder, overlapping Matt Tuttle down the left flank, was played a long penetrating pass from Louie Rolko. Flunder’s first touch brought him inside of the closing defender and provided enough space to prepare his body for a strike from 30 yards out. His right footed blast slid passed the diving Monarch’s goal keeper, Brian Levey at the near post and put the Hounds up two.
The remainder of the match the Riverhounds continued to attack as they received six corners in the second half, but could not score a third goal and distance themselves from the most dangerous score in soccer, 2-0.
The Riverhounds defense was solid throughout the match, only allowing one shot on goal. Goal keeper, Hunter Gilstap picked up his 4th shutout in league play and 5th on the season. The Hounds back four composed of Jason Kutney, Niko Katic, Louie Rolko and Sterling Flunder stifled the Monarchs attack and controlled the tempo of the match by confidently intercepting passes and locking down the opposition.
The Riverhounds look to continue their 5-game unbeaten streak this Friday against the Charlotte Eagles (4-5-3). The match will be held at Chartiers Valley Stadium, with Kick-Off set for 7:00 pm.
via Pgh Riverhounds Press Release.
Colby Owen was named the new soccer coach at Kittanning. Here are a couple of friendly suggestions.
1. Have the kids watch soccer – Top leagues play for 9 months a year, with a DVR’s it wouldn’t be hard to get together to see how the best play.
2. Work with the youth programs – Easy to say, but hard to execute, at least get them all playing / understanding the same system.
3. Start a Spring Soccer Combine – knock off the NFL, a 40, 1 mile, bench, & vert jump. Seriously, great PR and could motive the kids to work out more.
4. A field (unfortunately KHS can’t host showcase night games) – A new field at the old Bauer Block or widening the Football field, while realistically possible is probably politically impossible. Put & keep the pressure on for a long term home.
I would also suggest a 4-2-3-1 system, but he’s the coach and can do what he wants.
