Welcome to Steelers Takeaways! – Page 166 – More than 1,000 interviews of Steelers players, coaches, front office staff, media and more with those that played in the 50’s through today’s current roster.

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.