The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News

Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor

All content by Stephen Thompson
The Pitt football program has paused all team-related activities “due to COVID-related protocols,” the team announced Thursday evening. 

ACC navigates pandemic-induced schedule changes

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
September 20, 2020
Students and fans will not be allowed to attend football games, at least for the month of September.

Panther Pitt left in limbo during pandemic play

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
September 11, 2020
Panthers volleyball will start its season late with its first match on Sept. 25 in Syracuse, New York, against the Orange.

Pitt placed in geographic pods for remainder of fall sports

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
September 6, 2020
Kain Colter, a quarterback and receiver who completed his college football career in 2013, announced that several Northwestern football players wished to join a labor union during a press conference at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago on Jan. 28, 2014.

Column | College athletes should take ownership of the business they sustain

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
August 30, 2020
Alex Lehmbeck and Stephen Thompson are the sports editors at The Pitt News.

Meet the Editors: Sports

By Stephen Thompson and Alex Lehmbeck
August 18, 2020
Even if a college football season survives until its scheduled start, it seems unlikely that fans will be welcome, especially in Pennsylvania.

Status of fall sports becomes progressively shaky

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
August 17, 2020
Head football coach Pat Narduzzi opened his sixth training camp as head coach last week.

Narduzzi opens 2020 training camp with mixed optimism, uncertainty

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
August 10, 2020
Pitt Chancellor Pat Gallagher and Athletic Director Heather Lyke stand on the field before the game. (Photo by Wenhao Wu / Assistant Visual Editor)

Lyke talks football scheduling, gambling and campus returns

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
July 24, 2020
Canadian striker Chantelle Parker joins the 2020 Pitt women’s soccer team.

First-year Panthers to get to know

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
July 23, 2020
Kimura begins work as associate athletic director

Kimura begins work as associate athletic director

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
July 22, 2020
Canadian striker Chantelle Parker joins the 2020 Pitt women’s soccer team.

First-year Panthers to get to know

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
July 21, 2020
Jaylen Twyman has received All-American honors and is a candidate for the Outland and Nagurski trophies.

Trio of Panthers pegged as Bednarik Award contenders

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
July 14, 2020
Roc, the Panthers' mascot, walks toward Qadree Ollison during last year’s Pitt vs. Penn State game in State College. (Photo by Anna Bongardino | Visual Editor)

ACC announces delay for some fall sports

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
July 9, 2020
John Carlos spoke to about 30 Pitt students and faculty on Tuesday night about his life and experience at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.

Legendary activist, track star John Carlos recalls ’68 Olympics

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
July 7, 2020
Cam Newton became the target of people who just don't like “showboating” and celebrations.

Language should bolster Black athletes in sports

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
July 7, 2020
Pitt said voluntary football workouts would continue despite some students testing positive for COVID-19.

5 Pitt students, 1 employee test positive for COVID-19; voluntary football workouts to continue

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
June 28, 2020
Pitt Athletics released a statement on Wednesday detailing a new program, Forged Here, to guide athletes in their NIL endeavors.

Pitt Athletics to launch new initiatives after calls for change

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
June 23, 2020
Miami transfer Sibande picks Pitt

Miami transfer Sibande picks Pitt

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
June 20, 2020
Panthers head coach Jeff Capel extended four offers to 2022 prospects on Monday

Men’s basketball offers four prospects on first day of 2022 contact

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
June 16, 2020
In a written statement released on Tuesday afternoon, head football coach Pat Narduzzi publicly addressed his previous use of the word “thug.”

Narduzzi issues apology for past use of ‘thug’

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
June 9, 2020
Pitt football announced a partnership last Tuesday with brand marketing consultant Jeremy Darlow.

Darlow details plans for Pitt football partnership

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
June 3, 2020
The death of George Floyd and resulting protests have inspired Trevor Lawrence and many other white athletes to speak up.

White athletes cannot just stick to sports

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
June 2, 2020
NCAA announces return of voluntary workouts, proposal for transfer rule changes

NCAA announces return of voluntary workouts, proposal for transfer rule changes

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
May 26, 2020
Defensive lineman Jaylen Twyman (97) posted a career-high six tackles and added 1.5 sacks, bringing his team leading total for the season to 4.5.

Jones, Twyman have sights set on 2020 season

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
May 20, 2020
The NCAA Board of Governors announced support in late April for rule changes to allow student-athletes to receive compensation for third-party endorsements.

NCAA takes first steps toward athlete compensation

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
May 12, 2020
Pitt Athletic Director Heather Lyke. (TPN File photo)

Pittsburgh sports community donates $800,000 to vaccine research

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
May 6, 2020
Head coach Jeff Capel (far right) and his coaching staff frantically signal to Pitt's players during a game.

No. 1 Player in Pennsylvania, Jeffress, commits to Pitt basketball

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
April 28, 2020
Former Pitt cornerback Dane Jackson earned a grade of 5.99 at the 2020 NFL Combine.

Jackson selected by Buffalo in NFL Draft’s seventh round

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
April 25, 2020
Former Pitt running back LeSean McCoy amassed the most yards (10,434) of any back during the 2010s.

Pitt lands four on NFL All-Decade Team

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
April 8, 2020
Archival photos of Pitt’s 2008 Big East Tournament win.

Redemption and Rosie O’Grady’s: Pitt’s 2008 Big East Title from the stands

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
April 1, 2020
Trey McGowens celebrates during Pitt's 63-61 win over Florida State.

Projecting the makeup of Pitt’s post-transfer roster

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
March 22, 2020
McGowens enters transfer portal

McGowens enters transfer portal

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
March 18, 2020
Sophomore guard Xavier Johnson (1) scored 16 points during Pitt’s 59-56 loss to Virginia on Saturday.

Sluggish second half stops Pitt’s ACC Tournament run

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
March 11, 2020
First-year forward Justin Champagnie’s layup is blocked by Syracuse.

Champagnie’s 30 propels Pitt past Wake in ACC Tournament

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
March 10, 2020
Graduate transfer forward Eric Hamilton dunks against Clemson. He led Pitt with 12 points against Georgia Tech Wednesday night.

Georgia Tech routs Pitt in regular season finale, 73-57

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
March 5, 2020
Senior Demetrius Thomas earned top seeding for the 2020 ACC Tournament alongside redshirt junior Gregg Harvey and redshirt sophomore Micky Phillippi.

Pitt wrestling earns trio of No. 1 seeds in ACC Tournament

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
March 4, 2020
Sophomore guard Au’Diese Toney scored 15 points during Pitt’s 82-67 loss to Florida State on Tuesday.

Pitt drops sixth straight to NC State, 77-73

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
February 29, 2020
First-year forward Justin Champagnie competes for possession of the ball.

Pitt flops against rival Syracuse on Senior Night

By Stephen Thompson and Tyler Mathes
February 27, 2020
Sophomore guard Au’Diese Toney scored 15 points during Pitt’s 82-67 loss to Florida State on Tuesday.

Pitt overpowered by FSU, sustains 3-game skid

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
February 19, 2020
Pitt men’s basketball has repaired Pitt fans’ relationship with our athletic teams.

Pitt sports teams as past partners

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
February 13, 2020
Sophomore guard Trey McGowens has his shot blocked during Pitt’s 72-52 loss to Clemson on Wednesday evening.

Clemson clobbers Pitt by way of the three, 72-52

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
February 13, 2020
Redshirt sophomore Micky Phillippi recorded his fifth major decision of the year during Sunday’s 51-1 victory over Davidson.

Panther Spotlight: Softball, wrestling attract kindred spirits

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
February 11, 2020
First-year forward Justin Champagnie recorded another double-double, with 20 points and 11 rebounds, both team highs.

Champagnie’s scorching scoring carries Pitt to 73-64 win over GT

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
February 8, 2020
Alex Geiger serves as assistant director of creative content as a member of the Pitt men’s basketball coaching staff.

Pitt creatives lead new fight in recruiting wars

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
February 6, 2020
First-year forward Justin Champagnie recorded another double-double, with 20 points and 11 rebounds, both team highs.

Irish chase Pitt in second half, win 80-72

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
February 6, 2020
First-year forward Abdoul Karim Coulibaly at Sunday’s 62-57 victory over Miami.

Change a constant in Coulibaly’s basketball journey

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
February 5, 2020
Au’Diese Toney prepares to shoot against Miami Sunday afternoon.

Sophomore stars come up clutch in 62-57 win vs. Miami

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
February 2, 2020
Pittsburgh Panthers then-running back James Conner dives to score a 14-yard touchdown against Duke in the first overtime at Heinz Field on Nov. 1, 2014. Duke won 51-48 in double overtime. Lake Fong/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette/MCT

Former Pitt back Conner to release autobiography

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
January 24, 2020
Ryan Murphy shoots a corner three against Boston College.

Murphy saves squandered lead, Pitt beats BC 74-72

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
January 23, 2020
Sophomore guard Xavier Johnson kept the Panthers afloat on offense in one of his season’s best performances.

Pitt punctuates UNC sweep with wire-to-wire win, 66-52

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
January 18, 2020
Junior forward Terrell Brown prepares to shoot.

Dissecting Pitt’s defensive prowess

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
January 16, 2020
Coach Capel watches from the bench as penalty call dashes the Panthers’ hopes to upset No. 11 Louisville during the end overtime at Pitt’s 73-68 loss to the Cardinals on Tuesday.

Final foul lifts Louisville over Pitt, 73-68

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
January 15, 2020
Sophomore guard Trey McGowens (2) maneuvers the ball between Wake Forest’s Andrien White and Isaiah Mucius.

Sluggish start dooms Pitt basketball at Miami

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
January 12, 2020
Sophomore guard Xavier Johnson kept the Panthers afloat on offense in one of his season’s best performances.

McGowens, Champagnie lead Pitt over UNC, 73-65

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
January 9, 2020
Former Maryland head coach D.J. Durkin was hired as an assistant coach at the University of Mississippi last month.

Durkin doesn’t deserve to coach again

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
January 6, 2020
The Pitt men’s basketball team fell 69-65 to a Wake Forest team that was projected to finish last in the conference.

Previewing Pitt basketball’s full conference slate

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
January 6, 2020
Junior guard Ryan Murphy made three of his seven 3-point attempts against Binghamton Friday night.

Panthers flake versus Wake, lose 69-65

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
January 4, 2020
Sophomore guard Trey McGowens (2) goes up for a dunk during Pitt’s 63-50 victory over Monmouth.

Late run pushes Pitt past NIU, 59-50

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
December 16, 2019

Former Pitt strength coach suing over alleged age, race discrimination

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
December 8, 2019
First-year guard Au’Diese Toney (5) celebrates during the first half of last year’s game against Louisville.

Panthers basketball faces uphill battle at No. 1 Louisville

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
December 5, 2019
Sophomore guard Xavier Johnson (1) goes up for a dunk during Pitt’s 71-60 victory over Rutgers.

Pitt breaks in new threads with 71-60 win over Rutgers

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
December 4, 2019
Pitt volleyball will host Howard on Dec. 6 in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Volleyball earns No. 6 seed, opens tournament vs. Howard Friday

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
December 2, 2019
First-year guard Justin Champagnie (11) led Pitt’s offense with 21 points during the Panthers' 72-59 win over Northwestern.

Panthers pound pair of Wildcat squads for Ft. Myers Tip-Off title

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
November 28, 2019
The Panthers moved to 15-0 in the ACC after a 3-1 win over FSU on Friday

Volleyball defends unfamiliar homecourt vs. FSU

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
November 22, 2019
First-year guard Justin Champagnie (11) led Pitt’s offense with 21 points during the Panthers' 72-59 win over Northwestern.

Panthers trounce Pine Bluff, 66-41

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
November 22, 2019
Sophomore guard Xavier Johnson (1) scored 15 points during Pitt’s 63-50 victory over Monmouth.

Pitt channels inner Rocky, beats Monmouth 63-50

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
November 19, 2019
Pitt men’s basketball will play Monmouth tonight at 7.

Better know a non-conference opponent: Monmouth

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
November 17, 2019
Sophomore guard Xavier Johnson (1) drives in for a layup.

Panthers cede in second half, lose to WVU, 68-53

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
November 16, 2019
Sophomore Xavier Johnson (1) rushes around Nicholls State's defense.

Panthers fall victim to post-FSU hangover, Nicholls, 75-70

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
November 9, 2019
Nicholls State guard Dexter McClanahan dribbles the ball during Tuesday night's game against Illinois.

Better know a non-conference opponent: Nicholls State

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
November 8, 2019
Florida State defenders get physical with Justin Champagnie (11) as he tries to shoot.

Panthers survive Seminoles, 63-61, in season debut

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
November 7, 2019
Trey McGowens (2) was the highest-rated player from head coach Jeff Capel's first recruiting class.

Pitt needs defense to protect the Pete vs. FSU

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
November 4, 2019
Last year, Xavier Johnson established himself as one of the premier point guards in the ACC by averaging 15.5 points and 4.5 assists per game, and was the only player in the ACC to reach both of those benchmarks.

Pitt basketball embraces new emotional emphasis

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
October 30, 2019
Redshirt sophomore Todd Sibley Jr. (23) stiff-arms Miami sophomore safety Amari Carter (05) to fight for extra yards before being shoved out of bounds.

Football Takeaways: Panthers suffer self-inflicted setback to Miami

By Trent Leonard and Stephen Thompson
October 27, 2019
Sophomore guard Trey McGowens lays up the ball.

Johnson, McGowens pilot Pitt’s budding ballers

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
October 23, 2019
Pitt swept all four diving events on Saturday at a quad meet against Duquesne, Villanova and Youngstown State at home.

Weekend Sports Recap: West’s OT header vaults women’s soccer to victory

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
October 13, 2019
Xavier Johnson stood out among Pitt’s 2018 recruits, but his next steps are uncertain.

As Collier commits, expectations rise for Pitt basketball’s veterans

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
September 24, 2019
Junior Kayla Lund led Pitts win against Ohio State with with 13 kills.

Weekend Sports Recap: Volleyball remains unbeaten ahead of top-10 matchup

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
September 8, 2019
Defensive Lineman Keyshon Camp (10) pumps up his teammates as the rivalry against PSU heats up. (Photo by Wenhao Wu | Assistant Visual Editor)

Keyshon Camp to undergo season-ending surgery

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
September 4, 2019
T.J. Zeuch became the highest draft pick in Pitt baseball history when he was drafted 21st overall by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2016.

Former Panther Zeuch weathers star-studded Braves lineup in MLB debut

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
September 3, 2019
Coach Narduzzi announced redshirt freshman running back Mychale Salahuddin’s transfer from Pitt on Thursday.

Salahuddin to transfer from Pitt

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
August 29, 2019
Layne Van Buskirk (7) recorded the third highest hitting percentage in program history last season.

Panther Spotlight: Fall athletes to watch

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
August 27, 2019
Pitt women’s volleyball was picked for the first time in program history to win the ACC this year.

Weekend Sports: West powers Panthers to perfect start

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
August 25, 2019
Pitt running back Quadree Ollison (30) was drafted with the 152nd overall pick by Atlanta in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Atlanta adds Qadree Ollison in 5th round of NFL Draft

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
April 27, 2019
Redshirt senior Tre Tipton (5) makes his second receiving touchdown for Blue at Saturday's Blue-Gold game.

Defense dominates, but Blue-Gold football game allows sneak peak of revamped Pitt offense

By Stephen Thompson, Senior Staff Writer
April 13, 2019
The Panthers say they are working on attendance plans, and will announce them “very soon.”

Pitt, Heinz Field ahead of the curve on alcohol policies

By Stephen Thompson, Senior Staff Writer
April 10, 2019
Sophomore guard Khameron Davis (13) and junior forward Malik Ellison (3) will transfer at the end of this semester.

Davis and Ellison plan to transfer from men’s basketball program

By Stephen Thompson, Assisstant Sports Editor
April 3, 2019
The Minnesota Timberwolves' Jeff Teague (0) drives against the San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills (8) during the second half on Friday, Jan. 18 at the Target Center in Minneapolis. The Spurs won, 116-113.

NBA Playoff race set for photo finish

By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
April 3, 2019
Auburn's Anfernee McLemore sails past Kentucky's PJ Washington for a shot during the second half of the NCAA Midwest Regional Final on March 31 at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Auburn beat Kentucky, 77-71, in overtime.

Sluggish Sweet 16 dwarfed by Electric Elite Eight

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
April 1, 2019
Softball head coach Jodi Hermanek at Pitt’s 11-9 loss to Ohio University.

New baseball, softball coaches get rude awakening

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
March 25, 2019
Head coach Jodi Hermanek congratulates her former Ohio University team after Pitt’s 11-9 overtime loss.

Ohio spoils Pitt softball home opener, 11-9

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
March 20, 2019
Coach Jeff Capel relied on senior Jared Wilson-Frame (4) to bring experience to the backcourt.

Pitt men’s basketball: A season in review

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
March 18, 2019
Senior forward Jared Wilson-Frame (4), pictured here against Duke, made eight of 16 3-pointers for a game-high 24 points in his final college game against Syracuse Wednesday night.

Orange end Pitt’s season in ACC Tournament second round, 73-59

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
March 14, 2019
First-year guard Trey McGowens’ (2), pictured here against Louisville, scored a game-high 26 points against Boston College Tuesday night.

Panthers prevail in first round of ACC Tournament, 80-70

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
March 13, 2019
First-year guard Trey McGowens (2), pictured here against Clemson, led Pitt with 16 points against Notre Dame.

Pitt snaps 13-game losing streak on senior day, 56-53

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
March 9, 2019
Senior shortstop Olivia Gray attained a batting average of .304 over her Pitt softball career.

Softball’s Gray outlasts change to lead Pitt in senior season

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
March 4, 2019
Senior running back Qadree Ollison wearing the Pitt football retro uniform at last December’s ACC Championship Game.

Renovating Retro: Pitt athletics poised for return to retro colors

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Wrtier
February 25, 2019
Philadelphia Eagles’ Avonte Maddox, right, tackles the Dallas Cowboys’ Cole Beasley, left, during the second quarter on Nov. 11, 2018, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Panthers in the Pros: Patterson, Maddox and Zeuch

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
February 18, 2019
First-year guard Xavier Johnson (1), pictured here against FSU, led Pitt with 18 points in the loss.

No. 22 Hokies hand Pitt basketball ninth straight loss

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
February 16, 2019
First-year forward Au'Diese Toney throws down a dunk.

NC State overcomes Pitt late, 79-76

By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
February 10, 2019
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