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Norman Nardini – Pittsburgh Rock Icon

Norman Nardini

You’ve been a stalwart of Pittsburgh’s music scene for over forty years. How did you get started and what advice would you give other local musicians who want to make it as well?

i got started at the age of 14 playin’ frat parties n’ pool parties n’ anywhere folks would let us set up n’ rip……i met a NYC music biz exec in a record store at the age of 18 n’ he helped t’ git me in da biz……….advice t’ young musicians?……BE SOMEBODY

Many see the life of a musician as all bright lights and glamour, but it’s a tough business. What’s been the most difficult aspect of the music business for you and how have you been able to overcome it and stay active for so long?

the most difficult aspect of da music biz is the biz…..and the ability t’ play da biz game n’ hang on to your very soul, all at once……i’ve chosen t’ spent most a’ my time on growin’ my skills n’ not dealin’ wit da biz too much, cause i ain’t cut out t’ play dat…

I know there are hundreds to choose from, but what have been some of the most memorable experiences you’ve had as a musician and what made them so?

i remember openin’ a show for Canned Heat at an empty theatre in McKeesport PA in 1968……..remember playin guitar in Big Mama Thorton’s band, the Hound Dogs for a week at a bar in Boston Mass, ’bout 1972……….remember openin’ da show for Kiss the night they cut Kiss Alive in detroit city in 1975……..remember opening shows for Ted Nugent, Rush, The Pretenders, Robin Trower, Clarence Clemmons, Johnny Winter, Aerosmith at Renzi Park also in McKeesport…….i remember Jon Bon Jovi n’ his boys jumpin’ onstage wit me n’ The Tigers in 1985 at the legendary Decade………i also remember guys like Glenn Pavone, Warren King, Guitar Slim(Gary Scalise), Paul Shook, Jimmy King, Bird Foster, Nason Gieg, n’ Jeff Bobula all are gone but they all left their mark on me……too many memorable experiences t’count and a life time of memorable characters.

Who influenced you most in terms of your approach to music and how have you been able to use that influence to create your own sound as opposed to just “copying” another’s?

early influences…….Gary US Bonds, Smokey Robinson, Phil Spector stuff, Muscleshoals stuff, The Young Rascals…..on and on and on…..the trick to using influences in your own music is to have something t’ say, that’s all your own…….BE SOMEBODY…….Question 5……People would be suprised t’ know that i was born standin’ up n’ talkin’ back……naw, more i think about it, they wouldn’t be suprised at all……..

What would surprise fans/readers most about you?

People would be suprised t’ know that i was born standin’ up n’ talkin’ back……naw, more i think about it, they wouldn’t be suprised at all………

Would you rather play the in a large venue or a smaller one like the Decade (which I loved and saw Alex Chilton at years ago) – and why?

you ain’t played a couple hundred small thankless gigs, don’t bother tryin’ t’ play a big gig………

The Pittsburgh music scene has been growing in prominence but hasn’t launched that huge local artist recently. Is anything missing from the local scene to foster more musical talent?

i don’t beleive that the powers that be in this town of Pittsfield Pennsyltucky have ever asked the question, what needs t’ be done t’ foster local music talent……..we’re a sports town wit a music problem…….

On to sports….are you a sports fan – and if so, what teams to you follow most and just how avid a fan are you?

born n’ raised……. my ole man was at Forbes Field when Maz sent dem Yankees home cryin’ n’ he was at 3 Rivers when Franco caught The Imaculate Reception……i’m a hopeless Buc fan, fer better or worse and of course a huge Stiller nut, i’ve gained an interest in the pens in the last 20 years ((what a guy this Mike lange is, huh?) and was a Mauler season ticket holder….

Have you had any experiences playing for/around some of the area athletes or hanging out with them? If so, what were those experiences and players like?

i hung a’bit wit Bubby Brister in da 90’s, n’ Bubby was people fer sure…….played steel guitar on a Terry Bradshaw record in the 70’s n’ also hung wit Franco a bit, Franco seemed t’ be a most gentle soul……..was hangin’ back stage at a Bon Jovi show n’ Sid The Kid, Brooks Orpik n’ two other Pens came back t’ meet Jon…….i was most impressed wit da Kid….mature way beyond his years……when i was his age i was ’bout half a’ knucklehead, more i think ’bout it, i’m still half a’ knucklehead…….

If you could be the GM or player for any local team, which would it be and what would be the first thing you’d do?

i would not pretend dat i could add much of anything important to da Stillers mind trust………but maybe i could’a saved da Bucs from makin’ so many bad decisions……..Aki who?

Any last thoughts for readers?

i’m still singin’ it, still bringin’ it, still throwin it, still showin’ it…….you can’t lose wit da things i use…..once tried, ain’t never been denied……n’ the ladies?….. well, their delighted……….keep on, keepin’ on…….nn

Anne Madarasz, Pittsburgh Sports Museum

Anne Madarasz, Pittsburgh Sports Museum (July 3 2011):

First, can you give readers a short history of the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum –when it first opened, how fans can visit and how it’s funded?

The Sports Museumopened in November of 2004 as part of a new five story edition that we built to expand the History Center. The Sports Museum is so big, 20,000 square feet on two floors, that we really see it as a “museum within a museum,” but there is no extra charge to visit – you get great sports history and everything else the Museum has to offer.

We built the Sports Museum because we recognized that sports is part of the identity of this region and that this was a great story that our visitors would love to learn about. It has had the added benefit of attracting visitors who might never come to the History Center – what we’ve found is, they visit the Sports Museum, then check out our other exhibits and they’re hooked!

The History Center and Sports Museum are open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are located in the historic Strip District about two blocks from the Convention Center with parking across the street. People should visit our web-site at www.heinzhistorycenter.org or call 412-454-6000 for more information. Members can visit as many times as they like for no charge, so check out a Sports Museum membership as well.

The History Center is funded by donations from public and private sources and through earned income from admissions and events. Exhibits:The Sports Museum has lots of great features – our introductory video is a favorite with visitors. We strive to tell the stories you expect – Super Bowl championships, World Series wins, and Stanley Cup victories, but also to surprise you.

What are some of the most interesting exhibits you have to offer?

A lot of people don’t know that this is a great center for auto racing – we have Chip Ganassi’s winning Indy car from 2000- or that there are more national marbles champions from Allegheny county then anywhere else, or that four Olympic swimmers came from the Carnegie Library in Homestead team –we’ve got their suits, medals, and Olympic diplomas, or that this was a center for world champion boxers in the 1930s and 40s – we have Billy Conn’s light heavyweight belt.

So come expecting to see Franco’s shoes from the Immaculate Reception and Arnold Palmer’s British Open trophy and Mario’s sweater from the Penguins’ first Stanley Cup win, but look for the bocce court and the national champion powerboat, Satchel Paige’s glove, and Coach Pete Antimarino’s letter jacket too.

We’ve also got lots of activities – so throw the footballs and test your vertical leap while you’re here.

What new exhibits are planned within the year?

There is always something new at the History Center and Sports Museum. This past year we did special exhibits on the 1960 Pirates and one on Mario Lemieux for the Winter Classic. We recently added Swin Cash’s Olympic jersey and an exhibit on the roots of mixed martial arts in the region. Coming up look for an exhibit on the Pirates 125th anniversary this year and their roots as the Alleghenys, a
celebration of Pitt’s national championship in football in 1976, material collected from the Civic Arena, and the hanging of the Steel Curtain banner that used to appear at Three Rivers Stadium.

And we’re working closely with the Josh Gibson Foundation in the coming year to recognize the centennial of Josh’s birth. We will bring in a traveling exhibit called “We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball” on July 1, 2012 and unveil a Josh Gibson life like museum figure in the Sports Museum to join our Franco Harris and Bill Mazeroski figures.

We’re always adding and updating the Museum.

How do you choose what to include in the museum among the myriad of artifacts that are available to exhibit?

There are so many great Pittsburgh sports stories – it is hard to choose. Naturally we try and tell the big stories. But we also try and show the incredible breadth of achievement in the region – from women’s football that predates the Passion, to world rowing champions in the 1860s and 70s, to great track and field Olympians. Sometimes we know about these stories, sometimes a call or email starts us on the trail.

We just brought in a wonderful collection related to the inventor of heavy hands – Leo Schwartz, who grew up and lived in Pittsburgh. It will give us the chance to add to our story of Sports and the Body and changing training methods.

I serve on the WPIAL Hall of Fame committee, so I often try and reach out to those athletes for new material for the museum. We hope to be adding Clinton Davis’ track shoes and Brandon Short’s high school jersey soon.

Do you display all the artifacts in your possession or are some artifacts held back (and if so, for what reasons and can fans see these)?

Every Museum has more objects and collections then what you see on display. There are several reasons we don’t put everything out – one is just for the long term preservation of the objects. Light can damage paper and clothing over time and fade it – so we try and rotate those materials so they last.

Also, we want you to come back – if everything we had was on display, we’d never have new stories to tell to bring you back. Finally, we have a huge non-circulating Library and Archives, that you can use and visit, on our 6th Floor.

We’ve built up a big collection of programs, tickets, photographs, high school yearbooks etc. that are used by the media and researchers, as well as the public. It’s a great resource on the history of sport, but most of it is not on display. Yet it’s all accessible to anyone who wants to use it. We share objects in storage with family members and researchers all the time, we just need a little notice to make them available.

How and where do you acquire these artifacts?

We’ve built great partnerships that have helped us acquire these materials.

Before we opened the Sports Museum we put together our Champions Committee, chaired by Franco Harris and co-chaired by Bill Mazeroski, Arnold Palmer, Suzie McConnell Serio, and Chip Ganassi. With more than 70 athletes, media members, and team representatives, the Committee became a key ingredient in getting the word out about the Sports Museum and bringing in materials.

They continue to meet with us and give us leads and ideas. In addition, we have great relationships with the professional sports teams and the athletic departments at the universities, as well as the WPIAL – they are all advocates for and supporters of what we do.

The curators and archivists here work with me to follow the news, reach out to people and generate new ideas and leads on materials. And the public continues to call and email us and offer objects and ideas. Unfortunately, we rarely have a budget to buy collections and a lot of this sports material has become very valuable and collectible.

We’ve been lucky that some of the athletes, teams, major collectors, and families have been so generous in providing the treasures we have.

Any interesting stories on how some of these artifacts have been discovered?

Sometimes it’s asking the right question at the right time, sometimes it’s a chance meeting that leads to great material.

I knew that one of the stories we’d want to tell in the Museum was the story of the great winning tradition of Westinghouse football under Coach Pete Dimperio. I called his daughter Peg, who used to volunteer for us, and she invited me out to meet with her and her brother Pete, Jr. They had all kinds of wonderful stuff to share. We got to talking about my vision for the Museum and I started telling them how I wanted to do a wall of high school letter jackets as part of the display. Peg got up and opened the hall closet door, there was her dad’s letter jacket in a dry cleaning bag – it had probably been there for 40 years. Now it’s in the Museum.

I started asking other people for their jackets – including Jim Kelly. I knew his high school jersey was at the Hall of Fame in Canton, but hoped to get his jacket. Turns out, it was stolen years ago and he didn’t have it. But while I was on the phone talking to him about it, I remembered a great photo of Kelly as a kid, shaking Bradshaw’s hand after he won the national punt, pass, and kick competition. I asked if he still had the trophy from that. He laughed and said no way. A few weeks later my phone rings, its Jim Kelly’s assistant telling me he went looking for the trophy and found it.

Also, now in the Museum. As for chance meetings – I was working a Saturday the year after the Museum opened and bumped into a guy in the Museum who was interested in a picture we had of an early pro football team. Turns out his grandfather was in the picture. I offered to get him a copy and we got to talking. The gentleman, Gregg Ficery, turned out to be a huge baseball card collector. I introduced him to our baseball curator Craig Britcher and they really hit it off. Gregg has become one of our most dedicated and generous donors, constantly looking for rare pieces to add to our collection.

Have any Pittsburgh athletes come through the exhibit –what are their reactions when they see the collections?

Because of the Champions Committee we have a lot of athletes in the exhibits at events, doing programs for us, bringing their family and friends.

A couple of my favorite stories – on opening night Ernie Holmes came to the event. He had given us his helmet for the exhibit, I took him to see it that night. He was clearly touched to see it in the case with objects from his Steel Curtain teammates – Joe Greene, Dwight White, and L.C. Greenwood. Ernie was working then as an assistant pastor at a church in Texas. He told me his next sermon would include thanks for the “lady who keeps memories alive.”

One of the most touching things anyone has ever said to me. One Friday we were very busy – one of the news channels was taping an interview in the gallery with Franco Harris and the public was watching. I was downstairs looking to greet Coach Johnny Majors who had brought some friends in to see the exhibit. A woman visitor came around the corner from seeing the Franco filming and almost walked into Coach Majors and his group. She turned to me and asked, “Is it always like this?” I could only laugh! You never know who you’ll see on the elevator or using our SmartSteps (a new health and history exhibit in the stair well that we just opened), Charlie Batch came to cut the ribbon!

How are you using technology to add to the experience of the exhibits/museum?

We have some great touch screen exhibits in the Museum – you can search out events that happened at Three Rivers, check out Hall of Famers, take a virtual tour of Greenlee Field, used by the Pittsburgh Crawfords in the 1930s. These are fun ways to share lots of information and add to the experience.

Can people volunteer to work at the museum – if so, how and in what capacities?

We have hundreds of volunteers who work as docents, help in the Library, work with collections, help at events – do all kinds of things. Visit the Volunteer link on our web-site to find out more.

Any Last Thoughts for Readers?

The Sports Museum is really designed with the family in mind. We have more than 70 hands on activities integrated into the space with the exhibits. Plus we often feature special programs or events – like the Stanley Cup last year.

If someone in your family isn’t a huge sports fan (I’ve heard those people exist in Pittsburgh) the History Center has so much more to offer – from Heinz 57 to the Story of Innovation to ethnic history and more. Plus a café, a great Museum Shop, and we’re right here in the Strip District.

We look forward to seeing you!

Paul Martino

Paul Martino, Anchor/Report, KDKA News:

Does it get difficult at times distinguishing what’s newsworthy versus gossip when dealing with sports figures? How do you make that distinction?

We do not report gossip!

We hear all kinds of wild stories about Pittsburgh sports figures. Former quarterback Kordell Stewart was the victim of an outrageous rumor campaign that we never reported. You don’t report that stuff unless you have some factual basis. Is there a police report? Is someone with credibility speaking on the record?

That makes it news. But if it’s just an unproven rumor….ITS NOT NEWS.

Continue reading “Paul Martino”

George Perles, Steelers Coach, 1972-1981

In a way you could say that I am still working for and with young people. Currently I am the CEO of the Little Caesars Bowl, a football bowl game played in Detroit which I was instrumental in starting in 1997. I also founded a charity golf outing for Special Olympics in 1987. During its 24 years the golf outing has raised over one million three hundred thousand dollars for Special Olympics in this area of Michigan. As a Trustee of MSU I am interested in many aspects of the students educational experience.

I was elected to the MSU board of Trustees thru a state wide election.

I became a coach because of my lifelong interest in sports. I enjoyed most preparing for, coaching and winning the four super bowls.

I enjoyed both positions for different reasons. Professional football because of the outstanding opportunity to work with some of the finest, most talented players and coaches in the country. I enjoyed College coaching partly because of the opportunity to help young men develop into responsible adults.

Today I am proud of developing the “Steel Curtain”. In addition helping to mentor young men into successful life styles.

Chuck Noll saw me as a teacher and that was important to him. I saw him as a determined man and an outstanding leader.

Originally I was the defensive line coach, was promoted to defensive coordinator and eventually to Assistant Head Coach.

Steve Furness, Gary Dun and John Banazack did not get as much notoriety as they deserved. The reason was because they were members of an exceptional team blessed with some of the greatest players in football history.

My biggest memories are coaching the four Superbowls and having the opportunity to work for Chuck Noll and the Rooney family.

Favorite players include Joe Greene, L. C. Greenwood, and the rest of the defensive team. They were dedicated to the team, the game, each other and had a burning desire to win.

Left the team to become the head Coach of the USFL Philadelphia Stars franchise.

Currently, teams are trying to finesse or fool the opposition instead of concentrating on physical strength. ability and execution.

Former players who have become coaches are expressing a tribute to the Steelers coaching staff.

Thanks for the interest,

George Perles

Coaching some of the most talented players in football history, guiding hundreds of young men, playing in and winning some of the biggest bowl games in the sport has been my privledge. I have lived a dream life.

Continue reading “George Perles, Steelers Coach, 1972-1981”

Tarra Layne

Tarra Layne (October 11, 2011):

First, can you tell readers how you got started in the music industry and how you’d describe your music?

I’ve been singing since as long as I can remember. When I was little, I never missed a Grammy Awards show EVER. I’d always be singing in the bathroom mirror or to my stuffed animal audience, haha.

I had been in choir growing up and in a competitive choir program in high school. I went to Capital University in Columbus, Ohio for public relations and music industry. My father, who was a crazy-good guitarist from the NYC area, passed away the summer I graduated, in 2008. It just snapped and realized that I need to pursue my first and only love so, I moved to Nashville, TN. I returned to Pittsburgh in 2010 to get some things moving, and I ain’t stopping!

Nothing’s gonna nail my feet to the ground! If Miranda Lambert, Led Zeppelin, and Motown had a baby, my CD would pop out.

How did you settle into this style of music for yourself – what made it “right” for you?

I’m really not sure. My father was really into eccentric rock ‘n roll and I was exposed to a lot of different music growing up. My love was R&B for most of my life. I just LOVE soul and blues music and really don’t know where that spawned from because my mother and stepfather aren’t avid music listeners. I just always enjoyed Brandy and Monica and Gospel music – and was always told that “I got that soul!” haha. So, combining my love for rock ‘n roll, country music, and Motown, I got this funky twang that my vocal coach calls “Funktry”. It’s definitely different so it works for me!

What local musicians/artists have you looked up to –and have any helped you over the years in any way?

Living in Nashville, there is an artist, and friend named Karen Waldrup that really inspired me to push forward with my music. She just appeared on Bravo’s Platinum Hit. She’s still one of my greatest inspirations and will be opening for me at my CD release party, November 20th.

Locally, damn. I really look up to Kellee Maize. I consider myself a loyal fan definitely. She has this unique sound and style and has an amazing marketing mind.

Fistfight in the Parking Lot also. It’s a hard-rock group and the lead singer, Abby, is a DJ on The X. She‘s just hardcore and a chick; I love it!

How has the city been as a venue for your music? There seem to be a number of local talented artists yet there’s not been that one big breakout act yet –is there something more the city can do to “get the word out”?

I think Pittsbrugh is great venue for my music. Not many people know but there is a pretty big blues and jazz scene here. I love rockin’ the stage and I think this city needs “groovy” rock ‘n roll .. especially from a chick.

I help out ThePittsburghScene.com with his endeavors and he has really brought the local music scene together. He sells Support Pittsburgh Music T-shirts and strives to bring out the cities talent.

I think the best thing to do to get the word out is really play locally, support local artists, go see shows, join street teams, help fund a music project, even if it’s a couple bucks. Many bands just don’t have the funds to get on the road or receive the promotion they deserve.

You’ve sung the anthem at a number of sporting events –how was it performing in front of a large local audience in that kind of venue?

I absolutely LOVE performing the anthem. It sounds cliché but, it really is an honor singing the tradition. And of course, when the whole stadium stands, takes their hats off, anticipating your first note, it’s an amazing feeling. It only makes me more excited for future performances.

Are you a sports fan – if so, what teams/athletes do you follow?

I’m from Pittsburgh, so I have to be a sports fan! I enjoy Pitt Basketball and the Penguins. And of course, there’s nothing better in the summer than grabbing a dog and brewski at a Pirates game.

Any of the athletes ever approach you for advice or just to compliment you on your work?

I was recently in a singing competition at the Consol Energy Center and Jerome Bettis was there. Does that count? haha. I try to go down the line and hi-five the dugout or the side-line. They usually compliment.

IM STILL TRYING TO SING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM AT A PENS GAME SO IF ANY OF YOU CRAZIES OUT THERE CAN ASSIST?.. I would more than appreciative. Love, Tarra.

What have been some of the more memorable performances for you –and what made them so?

I recently had an interview on 93.7 The Fan. They let me sing Rock ‘n Roll by Led Zeppelin on air! It was a great feeling, especially when people actually called me afterwards like, “OMG! YOU WERE JUST ON THE RADIO THAT WAS AMAZING!”

I was also in a competition on Froggy 95 this summer that was broadcast live. It’s just mind- blowing. Last year, my goal was to sing on the radio, this year it was to get my record done, next year, oh well, ya betta watch out! It’s all so exciting. I live for it.

Many see the music business as “all glamour” –but the constant travelling, especially as you are trying to establish yourself, can be very difficult. How do you deal with the travel and rigors of the business?

I’m a gypsy at heart so, I can’t wait to begin traveling and spreading my music.

As far as the glamour of the business, I try really hard to just be myself. I’m a really natural person. I’m a female, I love dressing up and feeling beautiful but, it’s very hard for women in this industry to be themselves. The whole idea of “sex sells” can mask your initial goal and then it’s not about the art any longer. It’s about what’s popular. Males still rule the music industry. I’m not referring to execs and producers but also artists. Male artists are proven to be more successful. Why? Because female fans are crazy lol.. Crazy but, true.

This is why it’s hard for us girls to not “sell out”. I think the hardest thing is just being true to yourself Remember who you are writing for (yourself) and the image you want to portray. Sometimes big things can be waving in front of your face, but it doesn’t mean you have to jump. Dollar bills look very tasty these days. However, I promised myself that I would never put money before my love. It’s a hefty investment, but I’m not going to ruin what I set out to do to satisfy what the industry wants. These days the industry is completely different and you can do it without a label. Compromise is always on the table though.

When will you have “made it”?

When I can wake up in the morning – happy where my music career stands. Not really sure of the when, where, or how. My goals change everyday when I learn something new or find inspiration. Right now, I’m in a hefty pursuit and I’m working really hard to get there.

I definitely want to be able to “do music” fulltime. So as of right now, that’s when I’ll feel “I made it.”

Where can fans (and future fans) find and purchase your music?

www.facebook.com/tarralaynemusic . If you “like” the page, you will be able to download my whole album for free beginning October18! Not too long after, I will be releasing the physical copy.You will be able to find it on CD Baby, iTunes, ReverbNation, Spotify, and of course f.y.e. Localeyez….really any digital distribution site.

Also, my website is in the works, so keep checking in! www.tarralayne.com

Any last thoughts for readers?

Find me online and help me spread the word! We artists depend on people like you to help us reach new ears. My debut single, “Beautiful Day”, can be downloaded on facebook and the music

video is up on YouTube!

facebook.com/tarralaynemusic
youtube.com/TarraLayne

Come to my Music Release Show! You’re invited!

November 20th, 2011 7PM at Sing Sing in the Waterfront. Bravo! Platinum Hit star, Karen Waldrup, is coming to town to open for me. It will be quite a night.

Walter Abercrombie, Steelers Running Back, 1982-1987

First, can you tell readers about your work at your alma mater Baylor -and how you chose this direction?

I now serve as the executive director of the “B” Association at Baylor University, the school’s 4000-member letterwinners association.I never imagined myself in my current role, but after I retired from the NFL, I knew I wanted to remain involved in athletics in some capacity, so I went back to school and earned a Masters degree, specializing in athletic administration.

Continue reading “Walter Abercrombie, Steelers Running Back, 1982-1987”

Matt Rosemeyer – Pittsburgh Harlequins

First, for those unaware, can you tell readers a bit about the Harlequins – when they were formed, who you play and where fans can see you play?

The Harlequins were formed in 1973 as the University of Pittsburgh Rugby Club. The team was made up predominantly of Law School and Medical School students at the time, and was soon renamed The Pittsburgh Harlequins. The name came from the “London Harlequins”, one of the top men’s teams in the world at the time.

The Harlequins have played in every public park and median strip on the East Coast, but created our own facility 15 years ago just outside the city in Harmarville. Founders Field still ranks as one of the premier rugby specific venues in North America. The deck of our 8,000sf Clubhouse is the best place in the county to enjoy rugby on a Saturday afternoon.

How did you come up with the name for the team?

As I mentioned, the name came from the London Harlequins after many “lesser names” were discarded by the membership.
Where are most players recruited from – do all have rugby backgrounds?

Most players come to the Harlequins from a College program. Others participated in one of our High school programs or picked up the sport overseas.

We have a growing number of athletes picking up the sport after college- when for most athletes their sports have no pathway to continue. Wrestlers, football players, soccer players, basketball players- really any athlete looking to compete at a higher level often find rugby a good fit.

Who are the standout players on the team and league?

Rugby is very truly a team sport, and as such the team succeeds or fails on the collective success of the team and not on the shoulders of any one or two players. However, there are more than a handful of Harlequin players that have recently gained notice by National team coaches, as well as territorial “all-star” teams.

Nick Koon recently was selected to represent the Mid-Atlantic region in a National All-Star competition, as well as being the leading scorer on the Harlequins team that recently made the National Championship in 7-a-side rugby. Nick plays predominantly in the backs, and is arguably one of the fittest men in Rugby.

Luke Titus recently arrived from Australia and is already having a profound impact on the Harlequins game. Luke played professionally in South Africa and New Zealand, and brings a vision of the game a step beyond what most Americans often experience. His quick decision making and ‘read’ of the field keep things moving in an already very quick game. His background in Rugby League (a similar game to Rugby Union, but with closer similarities to American Football) represents the type of faster, standup-defense that international teams are adopting.

Around the league there are standout players, including several that have made the transition from NFL careers and top level NCAA athletes.

Do many of your players move on to international leagues/overseas?

The Harlequins compete using almost 99% local domestic players. As we mature, more and more players are playing at bigger and better clubs. We have had players go on to play with clubs in Europe, Australia and New Zealand- the big Rugby centers of the world. We have had several players selected for National Team camps at several different age-grades; as well as several high school age players winning scholarships to play in college.

We try and annually send several players to play in one of the Southern Hemisphere countries where rugby is the top sport and they are competing in our off-season. The sport is unique in it’s ability to transcend nationalities- it’s like a giant international brotherhood where you can always find some hospitality with just a few calls.

The Harlequins are more than just a club – you are a club that fields teams across various age groups. How does that work and how can inexperienced rugby players get started?

The great part about rugby is that it is an inclusive sport where if you don’t make the first side, you can play in the second or third side game every Saturday. This way you can train as a team and work your way up in a friendly and competitive atmosphere without having to “ride the bench”. We work with high school coaches around the region to help develop the level of rugby in Western PA, including hosting regional and national tournaments where they can play higher levels of competition.

For those unfamiliar with the game of rugby, how would you describe it’s appeal – what would excite people about the game and game experience?

For spectators Rugby is a great game to watch- especially if you sometime grow tired of TV timeouts and long intermissions! Rugby is played in two 40-minute halves with a running clock- so the action rarely stops- you’ll want to grab your refreshments ahead of time so you don’t miss anything.

For players the appeal is many things. It is a tough physical game, and you have to be fit and smart to do well. Many players like that when they take the field all the choices for the next 80 minutes are their own- the coach often sits in the stands for higher-level games. For many crossover athletes, the appeal is that they get to do more than “block that guy”. Everyone plays offense and defense, makes tackles and carries the ball.

How has the team and sport grown locally – and how have you promoted it to those in Pittsburgh?

The team has grown over the years with the introduction of our facility and the hard work of a group of volunteers that love the sport. The Harlequins made the transition from Division 2 to Division 1 in the mid 1990’s, followed by visits to national Championship Round of 8 and 16 in recent years. The sport has grown locally with the expansion of youth and high school programs in the area; trying to keep pace with the huge growth boom of the sport in those age groups nationwide.

In addition, with rugby being reinstated as an Olympic sport in 2012 (the USA was the last team to win a gold medal in the sport) High school and college players right now are the players that will be competing for gold in 2016. Couple that with the growing number of varsity college programs and scholarships out there, this is a good opportunity for athletes to be a big fish in a little pond.

Does having such a diverse and strong ethnic diversity in Pittsburgh help you in that some might be more aware of the sport?

The diversity in Pittsburgh is definitely one of the things that makes the city great- there are a great many opportunities to watch a wide variety of sports in the city beyond the big three; at our facility alone you can watch top level soccer, hurling, lacrosse, Gaelic football and, of course, rugby. There is a huge support base out there for these “underground” sports, and the many ex-patriots in town are definitely a big part of that- we often call them “funny-talkers”, which coming from a Pittsburgher, is fairly ironic.

Any last thoughts for readers?

The Harlequins made our first appearance at a Seven’s National Championship this year, which set the groundwork for a successful Fall Season. That team was made up entirely of local men; competing against all-star teams importing top-level players from around the world. We are always looking for experienced players, as well as athletes looking to compete in a new sport at the highest level. Rugby is fast and athletic, and it can quickly become a passion. We are home almost every weekend in October, and games are very family friendly.

Dejan Kovacevic

The play of the team has appeared “sloppy” as of late. They are not just getting beaten off the ball. Turnovers, missed tackles, poor execution, foolish penalties have all plagued this team even at the end of last season. What do you attribute this lack of discipline too?

There was a complacency in place with the Steelers that really wasn’t exposed until Baltimore. I spoke with those players down there after that game, and I heard a group in denial. They attributed it to nothing more than having a bad day, at having been beaten by a hungrier opponent. After Indianapolis and especially Houston, the denial took other forms — can’t tackle? really? — but it was denial nonetheless.

By contrast, what I saw Sunday against Tennessee was a team that had not only better focus but also a far better plan. Mike Tomlin and the coaches seem to have escaped much of the blame here, other than for the judgments on the offensive line. But I’ve been consistent in pointing out that this team has looked unprepared.

Do you think this team has relied too much on the talent and improvisational skills of its elite talent and is now realizing it can’t overcome their issues with just the elite play of a few stars? Is it fair to see the majority of big plays made by this team lately are done via improvised plays – by Ben, Harirson and Polamalu?

Yes, and that goes to the origin of the complacency: Arrogance. The idea that the Steelers would be able to churn out this jet-setting offense with Jonathan Scott at left tackle was delusional. What good was a bomb-throwing QB going to be if he spent half the game on his back? Where was the short game? Where was the running game? I took a good amount of heat for writing two columns, including off the Indy game, that the Steelers need to run more. They’re a passing team, my critics wrote. They can’t run, anyway. I stood by the columns’ stance that the Steelers MUST run at least a little. And not just for what it does to the defense in terms of balance. It also brings your own offensive line together, as we saw Sunday.

Does this team play to its players’ strengths enough? Does it adapt well enough to talent – or does it squeeze players into sachems that might not be how they are best suited to play?

I don’t see that as an issue at all. No team’s strengths can be on full display without quality line play, offense and defense. The defense, for example, couldn’t get the most of out its elite linebackers until the line finally was effective Sunday. It all starts there.

Some feel Tomlin has been a man of more words than action in terms of solving these issues. Is this a fair criticism or are fans just not seeing what goes on behind the scenes (and if this is the case, any examples?)

I’m not sure what that means. If you’re talking about how he conducts practice, remember that only the final half-hour of those are open to the local media. And what we see in that time is mostly innocuous stuff. If you mean personnel moves, I’d saying yanking James Farrior off the field in the middle of the opener qualifies as action. I’d say allowing Rashard Mendenhall to dress for the game Sunday but just watch as Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer ran all over the Titans, that’s action, too.

Tomlin’s shortcomings, in my eye, have been a failure to prepare this team mentally as if this is it, this is their last year. Go for it. Go for broke. Get off this idea that the group will be together forever.

Is it too early to panic? If so, how does Tomlin and the coaching staff right the ship?

Ha! I don’t ever take sports half that seriously. They’re the Steelers. They’ve had a phenomenal run in terms of team and individual achievements. If they don’t win this year, it should be close to impossible for anyone in these parts to complain. (Though I’m sure most will.) Moreover, although several defensive players are older, it takes only a cursory look at the depth chart to see that there are quality replacements coming at most, if not, all position.