Panthers falter in second half, lose sixth straight ACC game to UNC
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 22, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
The Panthers faded after leading 28-21 at halftime, getting outscored 17-7 and outgained by 138 yards in the second half.
Halftime recap: Pitt versus UNC
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 22, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
A victory over UNC would be Pitt’s first since moving to the ACC, with the team having lost all five previous meetings.
Panthers ride key conference win into battle with Tar Heels
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
September 21, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
After a 34-31 loss to UNC last season, Pitt will look to make a comeback this weekend. With sophomore quarterback Kenny Pickett at the head of the offensive line, Pitt's options are wide open. And, continue their good work, the Panther defensive will continue to buckle down.
What are the odds: Making a comeback after losses in Ohio State vs. TCU game
By Colin Martin, Blogger
September 21, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
In this week's "What are the odds" blog, blogger Colin Martin examines his losses and how he can make a comeback in the upcoming games. He offers an analysis of each game in college football, providing spreads, over/under numbers and bet suggestion.
Volleyball sweeps Virginia in ACC opener
By Alex Lehmbeck, Staff Writer
September 20, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
The Panthers came into Wednesday night’s game riding a perfect 5-0 record in ACC openers, and extended that streak to six with a dominant 3-0 win over the Cavaliers.
Column: Pitt is a volleyball school now
By Stephen Thompson, For the Pitt News
September 19, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Sports, Sports Columns
The Pitt volleyball team is driven, experienced and talented — and they deserve all the support our Panther community can give them.
Take 5: Patriots, pass-rush, Patrick Mahomes
By The Pitt News Staff
September 19, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
In a week with an abundance of compelling NFL storylines, The Pitt News staff provides some insight on the top talking points.
Men’s soccer tops Detroit Mercy, 2-0, in second straight win
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
September 19, 2018
The Pitt men’s soccer team scored two quick second-half goals to win 2-0 against the Detroit Mercy Titans Tuesday night at Ambrose Urbanic Field.
Q&A: Jodi Hermanek brings fresh perspective to Pitt softball
By Tessa Sayers, Staff Writer
September 19, 2018
The Pitt News sat down with Hermanek after her first series as head coach, a 2-0 sweep against Slippery Rock, to see what her plans are for the softball program and learn more about who she is.
Athletic trainers find balance between sports and medicine
By Ben Zimmer, Staff Writer
September 17, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Features, Top Stories
For athletic trainers like Jennifer Csonka, the career path was the perfect balance between sports and medicine. Whether on the field or off the field, Pitt's athletic trainers are at every game, ready to take on any injuries whenever they occur.
Waiver Wire Weekly: Fitzmagic casts spell in time for Week 3
By Adin Link, Staff Writer
September 17, 2018
After last week's results in fantasy football, the Pitt News has put together a new list of targets to watch out for during this week. In a short roundup, we offer suggestions of the top picks of quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight ends.
Hardy, Orton embody “Hell in a Cell”
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Writer
September 16, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
WWE superstars Randy Orton and Jeff Hardy provided one of the greatest Hell in a Cell moments in the history of the sport on Sunday night.
Weekend recap: Volleyball, softball teams pick up two wins apiece
By Griffin Floyd, For the Pitt News
September 16, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Pitt’s sports teams represented the University well over the weekend, going a combined 4-1.
Three takeaways from Pitt’s first ACC win
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 16, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
Accounting for all the highs and lows, here are some of the foremost takeaways from Pitt’s ACC-opening win against Georgia Tech.
Photos: Pitt Football vs. Georgia Tech
By Sarah Cutshall and Thomas Yang
September 15, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Visual
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Pitt fans witnessed a complete turn-around of Panther football. Exhibiting a major improvement from last week’s game against Penn State, the Panthers showed promise both offensively and defensively in a home game against Georgia Tech — maintaining a consistent lead througho...
Panthers pounce on Georgia Tech, 24-19, in ACC opener
By Sami Abu-Obaid, For the Pitt News
September 15, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
In the third game of the season, Pitt made a major comeback after their lost against Penn State. Showing improvement in all areas, the Panthers started the game with a lead and maintained that lead throughout the rest of the game. The final score was 24-19, a win for Pitt.
Fantasy football waiver wire weekly
By Adin Link, Staff Writer
September 14, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
With the popularity of fantasy football and the constant weekly changes, it can be difficult for participants to keep up with what is happening. Now, fans have to look no further than this brief list of weekly wire additions to keep an eye on.
Prediction: Panthers to make comeback against Georgia Tech
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
September 14, 2018
This Saturday, Pitt will play Georgia Tech at Heinz Field. Both teams currently have records of 1-1, so they will both put up a fight to make comebacks and improve their starting records. If Pitt improves both offense and defense, they should have no problem beating out the Yellow Jackets.
What are the odds: Best bets around college football
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
September 14, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
In May, the Supreme Court repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, leaving the legalization of sports gambling up to individual states. The betting is legal in Pennsylvania and is actually a popular past-time. The Pitt News examines the best college games this weekend to put your money on.
Nika Markovic: Slovenian student serves success
By Tessa Sayers, Staff Writer
September 14, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Features, Top Stories
When Nika Markovic decommitted from the University of San Francisco, she had no idea she would end up at Pitt. Born in Braslovce, Slovenia, Markovic began playing volleyball at the age of 7. No-one - not even her - thought volleyball would be her sport.
Column: Universities should recognize student athletes as employees
By Brian Gentry, Contributing Editor
September 13, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
It's time for Universities to recognize athletes as student employees and mitigate the exploitation of players under demanding sports programs.
Behind the scenes of Pitt SID’s
By Stephen Thompson, For the Pitt News
September 13, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Features
Student information directors, or SIDs, at Pitt act as team-specific media liaisons, statistics managers, beat writers and team promoters.
Take 5: Cy Young, NFL youth
By The Pitt News Staff
September 12, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
From the first week of NFL action to the dog days of professional baseball, The Pitt News staff gives its takes on five hot topics in the world of sports.
Forbes Field phenomenon: Remembering the last flagless football game
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 12, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
More than 70 years have gone by since the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Philadelphia Eagles 7-3 in the NFL's last game without penalties.
Op-ed: ’87 alumnus, former TPN editor says Pitt football is here to stay
By James S. Urban
September 11, 2018
Filed under Football, Letters to the Editor, Opinions, Sports, Sports Columns
In a rebuttal to former TPN editor and New York Times writer Murray Chass' op-ed, Pitt alumnus and former TPN editor says Pitt football is just a small, but important, part of the school's success.
Column: There’s more to blame for Pitt’s loss than sloppy conditions
By Griffin Floyd, For the Pitt News
September 11, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
The rivalry game that occurred on Saturday had many takeaways for the Panthers. Not only were the conditions bad for playing, but the offensive and defensive lines both fell short. With this culmination of mistakes, the Panthers have a lot to learn from and will need to improve if they look to have a successful season.
Steelers start off sluggish in stormy stalemate against Browns
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
September 11, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
On top of Pitt getting pummeled by Penn State on Saturday, the Steelers also struggled to successful begin their season. Playing against the Brown's, the game ended in a 21-21 tie . Although there were several good plays, the Steelers still have much to improve on in order to have a successful season.
Weekend Recap: Volleyball stays unbeaten, men’s soccer falls in nail-biter
By Stephen Thompson, For the Pitt News
September 10, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Panther teams faced off against a stacked lineup of nationally ranked teams in volleyball, soccer and cross country over the weekend, achieving mixed results.
Takeaways from Pitt’s blowout loss in Keystone Clash
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 10, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
The Pitt football team put forth a pitiful effort in Saturday night’s 51-6 blowout loss to in-state rival Penn State — here are some of the biggest takeaways from that game.
Op-ed: Pitt alumnus, former New York Times sports writer says time’s up for Pitt football
By Murray Chass
September 9, 2018
Filed under Letters to the Editor, Opinions, Sports, Sports Columns
Former Pitt News editor Murray Chass — also known for contributing to The New York Times and Associated Press — doubles down on his 60-year old stance regarding Pitt football.
Penalties, special teams hurt Pitt in 51-6 blowout loss to Penn State
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 8, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
On a night which included constant rain, chilly temperatures and a persistent wind, the Pitt football team put up a performance to match with the miserable weather.
Halftime: Penn State leads Pitt 14-6
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 8, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports, Uncategorized
Follow the game live on Twitter here. Penn State wasted no time to show its offensive prowess in the 99th edition of Pitt vs. Penn State Saturday night, with senior quarterback Trace McSorley finding junior tight end Jonathan Holland for a 22-yard gain on the Nittany Lions second play. Just t...
Pitt women’s soccer makes a comeback after two defeats
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
September 7, 2018
Filed under Soccer, Sports, Top Stories
After losing two consecutive games, the Pitt women's soccer team was able to make a comeback on Thursday against Duquesne. The game ended 2-0 with major plays from first-year defender Madeline Gravante and goalkeeper Amaia Pena. The team has several difficult opponents to face in the upcoming weeks as they play in the ACC.
Tailgating tips to add to the rivalry game experience
By Joanna Li, Assistant Sports Editor
September 6, 2018
Filed under Sports, Top Stories
As the Pitt-Penn State game approaches this weekend, many football fans are making plans to tailgate. But, with the University's recently restrictions on tailgating, fans seem to be limited in their options. Here's how to prepare for a perfect tailgate that can be paired with the intense game to come.
In Pa. football fandom, know where to draw the line
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 6, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
In recent years, the Pitt-Penn State rivalry has devolved from a lively competitive spirit to pettiness, irrationality and antagonism on both sides.
Prediction: Pitt to edge out Penn State in home thriller
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
September 6, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
In the penultimate matchup of this renewed four-game football series, both offenses will display fireworks with Pitt ultimately edging out its in-state foe.
Rivalry week: Examining the shaky future of Pitt vs. Penn State
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
September 6, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
In 2016, the Pitt-Penn State rivalry was rebooted after a 16 year hiatus. Although only playing for the last two seasons, it seems as if the rivalry may reach an expiration date soon - which could actually benefit Pitt. Working hard to schedule the rivalry game every year doesn't seem like a worthy investment for Pitt.
House divided: The Yahner Family
By Tessa Sayers, Staff Writer
September 6, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Sports, Sports Features
The Pitt versus Penn State football matchup provides great action, but its implications go beyond the playing field. With the universities being two of the top three largest in the state, the rivalry often crosses family lines as members differ in school choice. The Yahners exemplify this house divided.
Take 5: Mack, Miami, and Minnesota
By The Pitt News Staff
September 5, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
From Khalil Mack's move to the downfall of the U, The Pitt News staff gives its takes on some of the storylines that emerged from football's first week.
Keystone contest: Pitt and Penn State’s football rivalry through the years
By Ben Zimmer, Staff Writer
September 5, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
In honor of Saturday’s upcoming game, here’s a look at some of the most pivotal points of the Pitt - Penn State rivalry since its inception in 1893.
Maurice Ffrench earns ACC Specialist of the Week honors
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 4, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
Ffrench's 91-yard kickoff return touchdown made him the only ACC player to accomplish that feat in week one.
Watson’s west coast approach works for the Panthers
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 4, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
The real MVP of Saturday's game was offensive coordinator Shawn Watson, who brought balance and consistency to the Pitt offense.
Weekend Recap: Volleyball aces weekend games, remains undefeated
By Nick Carlisano, For The Pitt News
September 4, 2018
Filed under Soccer, Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
The Panther's saw promise and defeat this weekend, as the volleyball, men and women's soccer, and cross country teams competed throughout the country. Through a tough tournament, the women's volleyball team remains undefeated.
University announces tailgating limitations for Pitt-PSU game
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 3, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
The University announced Sunday that parking options will be restricted ahead of the Pitt-Penn State game to accommodate the traffic influx.
Panthers display dominance versus Great Danes, cruise to 33-7 win in home opener
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
September 1, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, 3. Breaking, Football, Sports
The Panthers scored all the points they would need in the first half, taking a commanding 33-7 lead thanks to three total touchdowns from sophomore quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Panthers fall 4-0 to TCU in first loss of season
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
August 31, 2018
Filed under Soccer, Sports, Top Stories
The Pitt women's soccer team lost to TCU in an away game on Thursday night. The lost marks the first defeat for the team this season.
Former Panthers poised for success this NFL season
By Colin Martin, Staff Writer
August 31, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
The SEC isn't the only institution that produces notable football players -- the ACC does as well. As the NFL is underway, the Pitt News reviews major former Panther's that can positively impact their respective teams.
Dance group exhibits Controlled Chaos
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Writer
August 30, 2018
Filed under Club Sports, Sports, Sports Features
Controlled Chaos is an on-campus dance group that explores several styles of hip-hop. The group is open to all students on campus, and holds several performances throughout the year.
Take 5: Bell, Beadle and Basketball
By The Pitt News Staff
August 30, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
From catsuits to contract holdouts, The Pitt News staff takes a look at the spiciest storylines from the past week.
Prediction: Panthers to muzzle Great Danes in season opener
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
August 30, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
The Pitt football season kicks off this Saturday afternoon at Heinz Field as the Panthers face off against the Albany Great Danes.
ACC Football Predictions: Clemson dominant once again, while Panthers can contend in Coastal
By Cale Berger, Staff Writer
August 29, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
You've heard a lot about Pitt football — now find out what the Panthers' ACC competition looks like.
Panther Spotlight: Kayla Lund, Edward Kizza, Anna Rico
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
August 28, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Soccer, Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Although the fall sports season is barely a week old, several Panthers have already begun to establish themselves as playmakers on their respective teams.
New Coaches allow Pitt fans to dream big
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Writer
August 27, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
During her first year as athletic director, Heather Lyke hired seven coaches. Because of these additions, Pitt fans can optimistically look forward to the next season.
Pitt Men’s Soccer beats Delaware in 6-1 rout
By Ben Zimmer, Staff Writer
August 27, 2018
Filed under Soccer, Sports, Top Stories
Pitt Men's Soccer team played an away game against Delaware on Monday, August 27 at 7 p.m. The Pitt News provides a detailed recap of the action of the game.
Panther sports stay active during summer break
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
August 27, 2018
Filed under Sports
The summer season was far from uneventful, as both the softball and baseball teams capped off postseason runs in May while the men’s basketball and football teams stayed hot on the recruiting trail.
Weekend Recap: Women’s volleyball, soccer teams roll through opening weekend
By Tessa Sayers, Staff Writer
August 27, 2018
Filed under Soccer, Sports, Top Stories
The first weekend back for students proved to be a successful one for Pitt sports. While the men's soccer team dropped its season opener, the women's volleyball and soccer teams picked up the slack by going undefeated through the opening weekend of the fall sports' season. Volleyball Pitt volleyb...
Capel’s first year means improvement, not victory
By Cale Berger, Staff Writer
August 26, 2018
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns
Pitt's hiring of Jeff Capel brought excitement and hope to the men's basketball program — but fans should temper expectations in year one.
QC Pitt brings magic to campus Muggles
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
August 26, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Club Sports, Sports, Top Stories
QC Pitt, the campus club quidditch team, is very real — and preparing to soar to its first Quidditch World Cup in several years. QC Pitt’s origins stem from several students’ discovery of the sport on YouTube in 2008.
Panther Parkour flips, rolls its way around campus
By Joanna Li, Senior Staff Writer
August 20, 2018
Filed under Club Sports, Sports, Welcome Back 2018
Members learn how to to roll, precision jump and run up walls as part of Pitt's non-competitive parkour club.
Big changes bring big hopes for men’s basketball team
By Tessa Sayers, Staff Writer
August 20, 2018
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Welcome Back 2018
Pitt is competing in one of the toughest conferences in men's college basketball, and new head coach Jeff Capel is doing everything to ensure the team is prepared.
Archery club took a long shot, hit the bullseye
By Stephen Cuddy, Staff Writer
August 20, 2018
Filed under Club Sports, Sports, Welcome Back 2018
Over the course of two years, Pitt’s Archery Club has grown into a competitive organization of more than 100 members consisting of a mix of experienced and inexperienced archers.
Coast to coast: Monica Henderson completes her cross-country run
By Hannah Schneider, Assistant News Editor
August 20, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, News, Sports, Video, Welcome Back 2018
She started in San Francisco on June 14. She arrived in New York City after running 4,000 miles with her team on August 4.
Capel’s first year means improvement, not victory
By Cale Berger, Staff Writer
August 20, 2018
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Columns, Welcome Back 2018
Jeff Capel's impact on the men's basketball program is notable — but the Pitt community shouldn't expect his first team to take the college basketball world by storm.
Experienced roster bodes well for Pitt football
By Trent Leonard, Senior Staff Writer
August 20, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Welcome Back 2018
Despite an unsuccessful season last year, the Panthers are ready to turn things around with an experienced group of returning players, including 18 seniors.
Pitt Equestrian Club doesn’t horse around
By Joanna Li, Senior Staff Writer
August 20, 2018
Filed under Club Sports, Sports, Welcome Back 2018
Members of Pitts' equestrian team travels from Oakland to Allison Park once a week to hone their skills – then perform with a horse they've never met.
Column: WWE ‘Extreme Rules’ doesn’t bode well for the former Team Xtreme
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Writer
July 18, 2018
Filed under Sports
WWE hosted the Extreme Rules pay-per-view at PPG Paints Arena Sunday, and many fans — myself included — weren’t sure how it would go. With Universal Champion Brock Lesnar not even advertised for the show and the WWE Championship in a seemingly throw-away feud, the title outlooks for the show looked bleak.
France wins World Cup
By Ben Zimmer, For The Pitt News
July 18, 2018
Filed under Sports
The 2018 FIFA World Cup came to a close Sunday as France defeated Croatia 4-2 to claim its second World Cup trophy.
Panthers reminisce on time with Coach Aprile
By Tessa Sayers, For The Pitt News
July 18, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
Head coach Holly Aprile announced her resignation from Pitt Softball on Sunday. The announcement comes after the softball team’s most successful season yet, which included the program’s first ACC Coastal Division title in its history.
Mike Bell named new Pitt baseball head coach
By Hannah Schneider, Sports Editor
July 14, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
Former associate head coach at Florida State Mike Bell will take over as head coach of Pitt Baseball.
Tight end Charles Reeves dismissed
By Joanna Li, Senior Staff Writer
July 14, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Reeves was dismissed without specific reason from the University, which cited "disciplinary actions."
Softball coach Holly Aprile resigns
By Hannah Schneider, Sports Editor
July 14, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
– Aprile coached the Panthers softball team for 10 years. She will coach at Louisville, who the Panthers beat this year to win their first division championship.
World Cup recap: France makes finals, Germany goes under
By Ben Zimmer | For The Pitt News
July 11, 2018
Filed under Sports
The 2018 FIFA World Cup has been the stage for major upsets and shock performances, which have many considering it as one of the most dramatic to have ever occurred. With Croatia and England playing in the second semi-final Wednesday, the world is looking toward which unlikely team will face France — ...
Oregon State wins College World Series
By Michael Nitti | Staff Writer
July 11, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Billy Buckner is a name that lives in infamy throughout the baseball world. Remembered for letting a ground ball pass right between his legs during the 1986 World Series, he cost the Boston Red Sox what would have been their first World Series Championship in 68 years. Instead, the New York Mets took...
Midwest Mayhem secures 2018 Cap Classic championship
By Ben Zimmer | For The Pitt News
June 29, 2018
Filed under Sports
More than 200 teams traveled from Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania to participate in the 2018 Pittsburgh Cap Classic. This year’s championship game on Sunday saw defending champions Mon Valley Miners of Monogahela, Pennsylvania suffer a brutal 7-0 loss to the Midwest Mayhem ...
World Cup recap: Brazil struggles, England and Belgium impress
By Trent Leonard | Senior Staff Writer
June 27, 2018
Filed under Sports
Since the FIFA World Cup kicked off in Russia June 14, there have been a number of surprising and exciting results — as expected from such a high-stakes global competition. Between upsets, underachieving squads and tournament favorites, here’s a recap of the most pertinent storylines of the World Cup thu...
Joe Jordano resigns as baseball coach
By Hannah Schneider and Joanna Li
June 21, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
Joe Jordano resigned as head coach of Pitt’s baseball team Thursday night, according to a report from the Post-Gazette. An official announcement released by the University Friday afternoon confirmed his resignation. “I am honored to have had the opportunity to lead this program with integrity, pas...
Athletics Department announces new mental health program
By Christian Snyder | Editor-in-Chief
June 20, 2018
Filed under Campus, News, Sports, Top Stories
Pitt’s Athletics Department announced a new partnership with Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC to add two full-time mental health counselors to the department’s staff to interact with student-athletes on a daily basis, according to a statement released Wednesday. Student-athletes were previously referred to WPIC for mental health treatment. The new program will include one-on-one counseling and focus on techniques for practi...
WWE women’s ‘Money in the Bank’ results in another generic outcome
By Alexa Marzina | Staff Writer
June 20, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
This year, I spent my Father’s Day the way anybody who feels awkward during family gatherings should — drinking a beer and watching eight beautiful women beat each other up with ladders. Though WWE’s 2018 Money in the Bank pay-per-view Sunday featured results I was in favor of, the show lacke...
Pitt Football gains 11 recruits
By Joanna Li | Senior Staff Writer
June 20, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Entering June with zero commitments from the 2019 recruiting class, Pitt’s football team found itself stuck with a late start to its recruiting trail. But despite the slow start, the pace suddenly changed as the the count rocketed to 11 commits in just one weekend, with nine of those players verbally ...
5 Panthers drafted to MLB
By Michael Nitti | Staff Writer
June 20, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
After finishing the regular season as the 12th seed in the ACC Tournament, the Pitt men’s baseball team pulled off two incredible upsets against eighth-seeded Georgia Tech and top overall seed North Carolina. Although the Panthers would go on to lose in the semifinal to Louisville, it was a strong ...
Column: Hosting World Cup in Russia is dangerous for LGBTQ+ fans
By Hannah Schneider, Sports Editor
June 13, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Professional sports environments aren’t traditionally safe spaces for LGBTQ+ athletes and fans — especially in Russia, where policies outlawing “gay propaganda” have been condemned by the European Court of Human Rights as “discriminatory.” With the 2018 World Cup games quickly approachin...
Column: Mainstream sports rhetoric limits female athletes
By Joanna Li | Senior Staff Writer
June 13, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
“You play ball like a girl,” said “Ham” from “The Sandlot,” settling an intense roast battle against the baseball uniform-wearing rich kids with what seems to be the greatest insult one could possibly say to someone in 1962. But the insult is two-fold. Female athletes face a deep...
2 Panthers drafted into MLB
By Joanna Li | Senior Staff Writer
June 7, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
Two Panthers were selected into the MLB on the second day of the 2018 draft, marking the sixth year in a row that Pitt has had at least one player picked to join the league. RJ Freure The Houston Astros drafted Pitt rising junior relief pitcher RJ Freure in the sixth round with the 192nd pick of the...
Column: Group by Group World Cup Preview
By Stephen Cuddy | Staff Writer
June 6, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
The 2018 World Cup isn’t a priority for most Americans since the United States failed to qualify for the competition, but this year’s games have the potential to be one of the most entertaining tournaments in years. The tournament — hosted in Russia this year — kicks off June 14 at 11 a.m. with t...
Column: LeBron James stands no chance against the Warriors
By Trent Leonard | Senior Staff Writer
June 6, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
The Golden State Warriors followed up their thrilling overtime victory in game one of the NBA Finals with a more dominant result in game two Sunday night, trouncing the Cleveland Cavaliers 122-103 with help from a record-setting performance by two-time MVP point guard Stephen Curry. The basket se...
Pitt swimming and diving signs 12 new athletes
By Joanna Li | Senior Staff Writer
June 2, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
Pitt’s swimming and diving program announced 12 new additions to the upcoming 2018-19 season on Friday. These dozen athletes join the seven other members of the Class of 2018, announced last November. “We believe that each of these kids has the potential to leave Pitt as an accomplished student and a phenomenal athlete,” Pitt head coach John Hargis sai...
Pitt basketball secures 4-star guard Au’Diese Toney
By Hannah Schneider | Sports Editor
June 2, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Men's Basketball, Sports
Jeff Capel landed another highly rated recruit when Au’Diese Toney verbally committed to Pitt today — joining Xavier Johnson, Curtis Aiken and Trey McGowens in Pitt’s class of 2018. Committed pic.twitter.com/U08k1gsDaF — A.M.T (@thefuturetoney) June 2, 2018 The Fayetteville, North Carolina nat...
A new path for champions: Lyke discusses renovations, new hires, athletic culture
By Joanna Li | Senior Staff Writer
May 30, 2018
Filed under Sports
As Pitt’s highly anticipated McCarl Hall of Champions is under construction, Panther fans can expect the changes to continue — Pitt’s athletic innovation will extend up “cardiac hill” to all athletic facilities. In a question and answer roundtable discussion between Pitt athletic direct...
Improving Referees’ Experiences: Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference joins Men’s Basketball Officiating Alliance
By ALEX LEHMBECK | Staff Writer
May 30, 2018
Filed under Sports
While most of the attention in the college basketball offseason is given to the stars sporting the flashy uniforms, there’s some important action happening off the court. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference will join the Men’s Basketball Officiating Alliance in July, expanding the coalition to te...
Players with promise: Capel welcomes 3 top-100 athletes to Pitt
By Tessa Sayers | For The Pitt News
May 30, 2018
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
The first things Trey McGowens noticed were the bridges. He had never been to Pittsburgh before — but everyone in Pittsburgh already knew who he was. Just 28 days after Jeff Capel was named the head coach of Pitt’s men’s basketball team in late March, he was about to officially sign McGowens, Pitt...
Lyke’s plan: new hires in Pitt Athletics
By Joanna Li | Senior Staff Writer
May 30, 2018
Filed under Sports
In her first year as Pitt’s athletic director, Heather Lyke quickly received a six-year extension to her contract at the end of April. Jumping right into a hectic season, Lyke hired six new head coaches to begin leading in the 2018-19 season, each one building their own unique coaching staffs. The whol...
Column: Lyke is what Pitt Athletics needs for steady success
By Colin Martin | Staff Writer
May 30, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
The best way to build a strong athletic program involves consistency and a direction. It’s very difficult for schools to form their own identity with constantly changing leadership as Pitt has experienced over the past decade with seven different head football coaches. But Pitt now officially has...
Future ACC Studio offers opportunities for Pitt students
By Stephen Cuddy | Staff Writer
May 30, 2018
Filed under Sports
After claiming two conference championships, hiring new basketball coaches and entering the 2018-19 season with a promising young quarterback, Pitt Athletics seem to be entering a period of success. Further proof of that success is is the promise of a new media studio and the projected August 2019 ...
Pre-season preparation: Volleyball and soccer teams train in the offseason
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
May 30, 2018
Filed under Sports
The beginning of summer sounds like freedom for many Pitt students. But for student athletes, it is just the beginning of a long grind that will continue from now until the end of their season. For the women’s volleyball and men’s soccer teams, there are a few athletes who will stay on campus...
Panther pride: O’Neill, Whitehead and Maddox’s journeys to the NFL
By Trent Leonard | Senior Staff Writer
May 30, 2018
Pitt’s 2018 NFL Draft selections — offensive lineman Brian O’Neill, safety Jordan Whitehead and cornerback Avonte Maddox — all share common skills that made them appealing to professional teams — positional diversity and exceptional speed. Had these athletes played for different college teams, they may ...
A night at The Priory
By Grant Burgman | News Editor
May 30, 2018
Filed under City, News, Sports, Sports Features, Top Stories
The ballroom of the Priory Grand Hall, a small hotel in the historic Pittsburgh neighborhood of Deutschtown, is actually a converted church — but last Friday it became a boxing ring. A red-matted ring bordered by red and blue ropes sat in the center of the ballroom, hit directly by the fading ev...
Pitt Ultimate Frisbee makes history
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
May 30, 2018
Filed under Club Sports, Sports, Top Stories
This weekend in Milwaukee was hot — over 80 degrees in the sun, and hotter on the turf fields of the Uihlein Soccer Park, where the Pitt Ultimate frisbee men’s and women’s teams competed for a shot at their respective national championships. But according to rising fifth-year senior Hafeez Shams,...
Pitt baseball falls to Louisville in ACC semifinal
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
May 26, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
While it was an exciting run, all good things must end — and that’s what happened for the Pitt baseball team Saturday afternoon when a 5-2 loss to the No. 5 Louisville Cardinals put an end to the No. 12 Panthers’ ACC Baseball Championship bid in the semifinal round in Durham, North Carolina. A...
Column: Women’s sports need female leaders
By Jordan Mondell | Senior Staff Writer
May 23, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
Pitt’s new women’s basketball head coach Lance White — who was hired April 18 to replace former coach Suzie McConnell-Serio — seems like a great snag for the program. The former Florida State assistant has it going on — a 350-145 overall record, 12 seasons with 20 or more wins with the Se...
Take 5: Stakes Races, Shaq and Southgate
By The Pitt News Staff
May 23, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Though Pitt's campus has mostly emptied out, The Pitt News sports staff is still full of hot takes. They're back to round up some of the best — and unexpected — stories of the week. Patience for Pirates Fans The Pittsburgh Pirates finally got a glimpse of their future when centerfielder A...