A look back on a summer of Pittsburgh sports

When I woke up this morning, my first thought was: Oh no, how did I get here, and where are… When I woke up this morning, my first thought was: Oh no, how did I get here, and where are my pants?

Quickly following that was the realization that classes are about to start, and with them comes the beginning of what should be an exciting fall sports season at Pitt.

But rather than talk about the upcoming semester, I thought I’d use this column to tell you what you missed during the summer – shame on you for not paying attention.

The leading candidate for the position of athletics director decided he didn’t want it, which was apparently all right because Pitt hired someone else two weeks later.

The women’s basketball team found a new head coach and some assistants. The football team earned a few preseason accolades but suffered a tragic loss with the death of Billy Gaines.

On the professional level, the Pirates are still horrible, Mario Lemieux decided he still likes hockey and the Steelers still wear black and gold.

Oh yeah, and, following the departure of Miami and Virginia Tech, the Big East has now been placed on the endangered species list, retroactive to June 30.

What an exciting summer it was. So, while I look for my pants, you can enjoy the eight most memorable Pittsburgh sports moments – in chronological order – since the end of April.

April 26-27: Three Pitt players chosen in NFL draft

The Pitt football program added to its national status during the two-day-long draft, when Gerald Hayes, Torrie Cox and Bryan Anderson were given a shot at playing at the next level.

The Arizona Cardinals drafted Hayes in the third round, Cox was taken by Tampa Bay in the sixth round and Chicago selected Anderson in the seventh round.

In June, Pitt pitcher Nick Evangelista was drafted in the 24th round of the MLB draft by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Interestingly enough, no one from the men’s basketball team was selected during the NBA draft, despite the fact that it has been one of the most successful teams at Pitt during the past few years.

May 1: Berenato hired as new head coach

After coaching at Georgia Tech for 15 seasons, Agnus Berenato decided it was time for a change and accepted the women’s basketball head coaching position at Pitt.

Berenato led the Yellow Jackets to a 20-11 record last season, and Georgia Tech earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament. During her years at Georgia Tech, Berenato set the school record for wins by a women’s basketball coach, with 223.

During the summer, Berenato added a handful of assistant coaches, including former Connecticut All-American Shea Ralph.

May 5: Boehm removes name from AD consideration

Despite seeming to be the leading candidate for the position of athletics director, interim athletics director Marc Boehm decided to leave Pitt.

Where did Boehm end up? In Nebraska, filling the role of second fiddle to athletics director Steve Pederson. That sounds familiar.

What did Pitt do to fill the athletics director’s position? Funny you should ask…

May 16: Long hired as AD

Hired to replace Boehm, who was supposed to replace Pederson, who replaced Pitt Stadium with the Petersen Events Center, Jeff Long was happy to take the job that his predecessors didn’t want.

Coming straight out of Oklahoma, where he was a senior associate athletics director, Long was thrown into the fire immediately with rumors swirling that the Atlantic Coast Conference wanted to raid the Big East.

Since then, Long has been getting to know the people on his staff, as well as leaving messages on the answering machines of Pitt alumni, asking them to buy football tickets.

June 18: Billy Gaines dies after fall

The Pitt community lost a great person and athlete when Gaines passed away after falling 25 feet from the ceiling of St. Anne Church in Homestead, Pa.

Gaines, a wide receiver from Ijamsville, Md., was set to compete for a starting position opposite Larry Fitzgerald this fall.

“He would have done some special things,” Gaines’ father, William, said. “It’s tough not knowing how far he would have gone.”

June 30: Big East fallout

Following two months of speculation, the ACC invited Miami and Virginia Tech to join its nine other member schools in the conference. Both accepted the invitation and will leave the Big East following the 2003-2004 season.

With just six teams remaining, the Big East plans to search for at least two schools to add to the conference, but will not make an official move until after the 2005-2006 season.

July 21: Pirates admit they stink

It only took them until the season was four months old, but the Pirates finally admitted what we already knew – they’re bad. And in a lot of financial trouble.

That’s what brought about the mini fire sale, which saw the trades of Aramis Ramirez, Kenny Lofton, Mike Williams, Scott Sauerbeck and Jeff Suppan for Jose Hernandez, Freddy Sanchez, a couple of minor leaguers and a bag of sunflower seeds.

July 31: Mario wants to play too

Despite facing another miserable season in Mellon Arena, Lemieux decided he likes hockey too much to retire. Of course, that doesn’t mean he’ll stay in Pittsburgh.

So now that you’re up to speed on what you missed, go out, grab the beverage of your choice and get ready for what lurks ahead in the world of Pittsburgh sports.

Joe Marchilena is the sports editor of The Pitt News and looks forward to dancing on the 50-yard line of the Superdome after this year’s Sugar Bowl.