VALLEY SPORTS HISTORY
2012
2012
• A lot has changed in the three years since Steelers running back Isaac Redman first reported to training camp in Latrobe. Three years ago, Redman was a nervous undrafted rookie from Division II Bowie State. Redman admits, “I was out of shape … I didn’t look very good.” Within two weeks, Redman was in shape and making a good impression on his coaches. This year, Redman has worked his way up to starting running back for the team.
• The paper reported on the activities of the American teams participating in the Summer Olympics in London. A long feature on Aly Raisman, captain of the U.S. gymnastics team. U.S. coach Martha Karolyi said Raisman is “one of the most serious and hardest working girls in training.”
2004
• Jesse Cramer already wears many hats. Truant officer, district justice, ex-police officer and Belle Vernon’s head varsity football coach. Cramer will be donning a new badge as he becomes the athletic Director for Belle Vernon Area. The school board approved Cramer’s hiring on a narrow 5-4 vote. Cramer is confident that he is up to the task, “You never know, but being around all these years watching what my predecessors have done, you learn a lot.”
• There is an old adage that says, “A team would rather play ugly and win than look good and lose.” That was the case for Rostraver when it defeated New Salem Art, 4-1, in the Fayette County League playoffs. Rostraver manager Dan Palm said, “I am disappointed in how we played, but we still won. We made some base-running mistakes and that’s not like us.” Rostraver won the best-of-3 playoff series 2-0. The win advances Rostraver to the semifinals and ended the season for New Salem Art. Rostraver will host Bud Murphy’s.
1994
• In a game featuring two of the league’s top teams, Just-A-Tavern defeated The Mint, 13-8, in Belle Vernon-Rostraver Softball League action. The top hitters for the Tavern were Doug Chaybin (four singles and a double) and Jeff Seich (three singles and a double). Teammates Wally Malinchak and Phil Quattrone each had three singles for Mint. In other league action: Baker’s beat Bic, 13-8; Collinsburg beat Tavern, 14-5; Slovak Club beat Belle Vernon Presby, 12-3; and Newell Santa Barbara shut out S & B, 15-0.
