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Pittsburgh Steelers Youth Football Coordinator Joe Lofton

Story by Yinzer Crazy Co-Founder Jordan York Last week I was lucky to spend some time with a good man - Penn Hills Head Football Coach Jon LeDonne. LeDonne, an Aliquippa graduate, is entering his fifth season as the leader of the Penn Hills Indians. And lead is what he’s done his entire life. LeDonne agreed to be the Coach at Penn Hills after spending three seasons at Shaler. His record in those three seasons was 2-27, so you can imagine that many in the area were a bit shocked when they learned of LeDonne’s hiring. Especially considering the Indians storied history with five WPIAL titles, while producing future NFL Hall of Famers such as current Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald, and 1980’s All-NFL Decade member, offensive lineman Bill Fralic. That shock and awe wore off rather quickly however, when Penn Hills finished 16-0 in 2018, and won WPIAL and PIAA titles for the first time in decades. That earned LeDonne Post-Gazette Coach of the Year honors, as he became the first WPIAL Coach to win a title just two years after going winless in the WPIAL. LeDonne was quick to deflect attention from himself, acknowledging the work of his coaching staff, including the handful of assistants he brought over to Penn Hills with him from Shaler. “Work ethic, passion and commitment is what they bring to the table,” said the Indians Coach. He’s now fully embraced the Penn Hills community, and they have embraced him right back. I asked Coach what it meant to be at the helm of such a storied Football program. He referenced his upbringing in another football town: “Growing up in Aliquippa, Friday night lights meant everything,” said LeDonne. “It’s the same when I came to Penn Hills. I pride myself in the community and it’s roots, and the Penn Hills Football family is amazing.” He brings a blue-collar work ethic, constantly reinforcing his favorite motto to his players - “Be who you are.” “If you be who you are, you’ll usually get what you want,” he often preaches. Of course, I couldn’t leave without asking about those said players. Following a 4-4, shortened season last year that dealt with the challenges of Covid-19, LeDonne likes his young group this season. Last year’s team was led by a Freshman QB in Julian Dugger, and his running mate in the backfield was also a Freshman in Amir Key. They finished as the two leaders in yards on the roster. LeDonne acknowledged the growing pains a young team typically has, but understands that they call them growing pains for a reason. He expects much improvement from his team this season. One thing is for certain. If they are able to play within themselves and try not to do too much, they could potentially replicate the success of the 2018 and 2019 Penn Hills teams. At the end of the day, all they can do is be who they are. That’s exactly what their coach will be doing.

What comes to your mind when you think of mixed martial arts or Taekwondo? Some of the greats such as Bruce Lee , for starters? In New Kensington you think of one family specifically. The Ameris family. Taekwondo is under the umbrella of mixed martial arts and it’s what the Ameris’ family have devoted years of their life to perfecting. The name is derived from the Korean word “Tae”, which means foot and “Kwon” which means fist. It is quite literally the way of the foot and the fist. Philip Ameris and his family put their best foot forward as they brought this concept to life in the New Kensington area almost 20 years ago. Much of that currently is in the hands of Philip Ameris Jr. The son of Grand Master Philip Ameris (9th Degree Black Belt, AIMAA Taekwondo) and Master Jeanne Ameris (6th Degree Black Belt, AIMAA Taekwondo) - Ameris Jr. has amassed a lifetime of Martial Arts experience. A 4th Degree Black Belt in AIMAA Taekwondo - Philip Jr. has competed in the United States and Europe and also served as one of the lead instructors at his family’s Do-Jang. Philip Jr. didn’t grow up watching cartoons and playing catch in the backyard. He grew up watching videos of Master Hee Il Cho - one of the great pioneers of Taekwondo. Cho has written 11 martial arts books and has appeared in over 70 martial arts magazine covers. He is the gold standard when it comes to the sport and its historical development. Master Cho was arguably the biggest influence in Philip’s Jr.’s father’s professional life. Ameris trained under the direct tutelage of Grand Master Cho for over three decades - becoming Cho's highest ranking student (8th Degree Black Belt) and served as Technical Director for the Action International Martial Arts Association (AIMAA). The two will forever be connected. When I sat down with his son Philip Jr. I asked him what it was like growing up in a household where martial arts was at the forefront of every dinner table conversation. He said that when he would visit a family restaurant he was often more interested in kicking down the doors rather than sitting down and eating a meal. That mindset inspired him to follow in his father's footsteps as he became an adult. One of his proudest professional accomplishments is starting the hottest new workout class in Pennsylvania. If you haven’t heard of it yet you just might be living under a rock. In 2010, Philip Jr. created “Fit 2 Fight” - a 12 week fitness boot camp combining Authentic Kickboxing and Progressive Strength Training. Since that time, “Fit 2 Fight” has become one of the most popular training programs in the greater Pittsburgh area based on it’s simple approach and effective results. It involves strength training, with heavy kettle-bell usage and some of the Ameris’s martial arts background involved in the techniques. Fit 2 Fight is the name. Family is at the root of it all. Ameris said the concept initially started with a simple idea. After getting married he wanted to make some extra money using his passion for martial arts. The class started as kickboxing on Friday nights with just a handful of people. Now it has grown into a local sensation - with over 60 participants regularly involved. Philip mentioned that the most rewarding part of the program for him has been the results of his clients. Most are walking around now with more confidence in each step they take, and some have seen significant weight loss and strength gain in just a short time with the program. Ameris Jr. credits Brett Jones, creator of “Strongfirst”, for some of his kettle-bell specific routines. Philip Jr.’s brother, Jimmy, is also often seen at F2F and is a first degree blackbelt. The Ameris's wives Hillary and Marissa teach specific classes for women and also have been an enormous part of their success. For them it’s no secret - it’s all about family and fitness. Fit 2 Fight is located on Carl Avenue in New Kensington. It truly is for individuals of all fitness levels - from beginner to advanced. Check out their website http://fit2fight.com/ for more information and to sign-up for classes. You can also get a first hand look at some of their incredible success stories. Other contributors to the class include local MMA fighters Cody Law and Dom Mazzotta - who will always credit the Ameris family for helping ignite the passion they have for fighting. Although the family has a deep rooted history in martial arts and fitness - they still feel like this is just the beginning of something bigger to come for Fit 2 Fight. And so do we.

Jim went to school at Kerr Junior High School in Fox Chapel until 1957. From there he moved to Shaler Area where he ultimately graduated from Shaler High School in 1963. He was an incredibly productive Hoops player, scoring an all-section WPIAL All-Star Team selection that year. His laundry list of accomplishments include winning the Bethel Area Post Tourney, the Fort Cherry Post Tourney and being chosen for the 1963 All Star Team, the year in which he graduated. He was then offered a full basketball scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh, one in which he was very familiar with. Shaler Coaches Jack Azalenski and Barry Brautigam were both in the Pitt coaching ranks in the past, and helped impact LaValley’s choice. Jim’s father was also a Panthers alum, and a huge reason he wanted to don the blue and yellow. Lavalley went on to major in education and if not a basketball player, wanted to be a gym teacher. In 1967 he led the Panthers in scoring and rebounding and earned the team MVP honors. He played for some prestigious coaches including Doc Peterson, and Bob Thimmons. Thimmons was the man in charge in Oakland from 1957-1968. We at YinzerCrazy asked Jim about some of his best memories as a collegiate athlete. One that was at the forefront for him was playing summer pickup basketball at trees, a local playground, with Connie Hawkins. Hawkins, a 4-time NBA All-Star and leading scorer of the Pittsburgh Pipers - was one of the most influential players in Pittsburgh basketball history. The Pipers were formed in 1967, the inaugural season of the ABA, and brought basketball on a professional level to the city of Steel. The Pipers went on to win the ABA championship that year, led by Hawkins who won both the ABA’s regular season and postseason most valuable player awards. At the height of LaValley’s career, the local media would select an all star team aptly named “The Tristate All Stars” made up of players from Pitt, and Duquesne and West Virginia. As a Senior, he was named starting Center over elite players such as Bob Benfield of WVU, Paul Mickey of PSU, and Gary Majors of Duquesne. We talked to Jim about what sports meant to him and the impact they had on his life. His father went to Pitt so it was a dream come true when he received a scholarship following in his father’s footsteps. He said he owes Pitt everything - it's where he got his education and made some of the best friends of his life. He put that Education degree to good use - registering 30 years as York County Vo-Tech Physical Education Teacher. LaValley was actually drafted by the Sunbury Mercury’s of the Eastern Professional Basketball league, but passed and enrolled in the 1967 fall semester to finish his credits, intent on graduating in December. After retiring from education in 1999 he and his wife moved to the Delaware beach area. “I transitioned into the business world and worked as a sales person and store manager for Baker’s Hardware in Millsboro Until 2012 I retired officially,” said LaValley. Following an illustrious playing career and teaching career, LaValley is just like the rest of us currently. Working hard and hopeful that sports will make their return sooner rather than later, of course in a safe fashion.

Jordan and Kevin Frame are both graduates of Valley High School in New Kensington, PA. They were both involved in sports in high school, Jordan excelled at football, basketball and baseball. Kevin played football and was on the track and field team. It wasn’t until after high school that these two brothers would find their calling in their respective sports. Jordan wanted a different lifestyle for himself and put his energy into something positive, so he did just that. He had a good mentor to get started in the Strongman sport as his uncle, Vaugn Sikorski, is a professional Strongman and recently placed in the Top 10 in the world at the Official Strongman games in Daytona, Florida. Jordan didn’t have to look far for advice or mentorship and this is when he decided to start making his dream a reality. Although Jordan is very new to the sport he trains daily in perfecting his craft and dedicates numerous hours in the gym to push towards his goals. He has competed in two competitions thus far and it didn’t take long for him to prove he is a force to be reckoned with, Placing 1st in his first 2 competitions in Pennsylvania and Michigan representing "Legends of Pittsburgh" Gym. When I asked Jordan what his goals are for the Strongman sport he told me to just start doing as many competitions he can to get his name out there, win a national qualifier, and eventually have a career as a professional strongman. This young man has a bright future; with his work ethic, dedication and the will to go above and beyond. I believe he is the future of this sport in Western, Pennsylvania and beyond for years to come, and I can’t wait to see where it takes him. Jordan’s brother, Kevin, lifts out of Legends of Pittsburgh Gym as well as Pittsburgh Barbell. When I sat down with Kevin I asked him why he wanted to become involved in Olympic weightlifting? He replied he beat a friend in a lifting contest and decided he might not be half bad at this, so he decided to dedicate his free time at the gym and learn the sport. Kevin’s lifting is a lot different from his brother Jordan’s, but I think that the two complement each other very well. It must be in the Frame Brothers blood because Kevin got off to a fast start in his sport placing 15th overall at the American Open Series in Daytona, Florida and first in the 196 Pound weight class C Session. Kevin also placed 1st at the Pittsburgh Open. He spends a lot of his time at Pittsburgh Barbell, a gym specifically for Olympic weight lifting so he can reach his full potential. If you’ve ever seen Kevin lift you’d be amazed at his skill for his size, he can put up impressive weight. I told Kevin that he’s going to remember me one day when he’s on the podium at the Olympics, he laughed and said his ultimate goal is to place at a national level meet. Again, anything is possible and he is still young and new to the sport, but you can tell that he has something special and it’s only going to continue to get better for this young man. Both Kevin and Jordan both know that nothing in life comes easy especially success in Strongman and Olympic Weight Lifting, but one thing that everyone knows with hard work anything is possible and these two have the recipe for success. I suggest you pay attention to what they are doing because it’s going to be something special for years to come. Just to show you how skilled both these athletes are, I asked them to tell me their PR’s so below you can check it out and see for yourself. Stay dedicated and Stay Crazy! Jordan Frame: Log Press: 325 Squat: 550 Dead Lift: 615 Stone: 365 Kevin Frame: Snatch: 280 Clean Jerk: 342 Rack Jerk: 350 Max Clean: 355 Impressive right? Written by Co-Founder and Semi-Pro runner Jordan York.

It only took two weeks, but it’s time to get sappy on Yinz. I saw a tweet the other day that really hit me right in the feels. That’s where we’re currently at in life - getting emotional by a tweet from someone you’ve never met who probably had no intention of you even reading it. The tweet read, “I just want to be sitting in PNC Park right now watching the Pittsburgh Pirates lose a baseball game.” That’s it. That’s Kurt Vonnegut-esque stuff. I’ll tell you one thing - it made me really appreciate the joy and pride our city has when it comes together for a sporting event. Generally right around this time, I’m used to being angered by a 4-3 meaningless early-season Pirates loss to drop them to 3-6 on the season. I would throw the rest of my chicken wings (all flats) in the trash because they just wouldn’t taste as tangy anymore after that outcome. I’d lose sleep that night over the fact that Adam Frazier bobbled a ground-ball that allowed the tying run (sorry Adam, a hypothetical), and wake up a bit groggy and pessimistic. How fortunate would I or any of us be to have that feeling, right now? I think if this alarming nation-wide pandemic has taught us anything, it’s to not take the things you once considered “little” for granted. Those little things like having cold Yuengling with a few friends at Carson City Saloon during a Pittsburgh Penguins Spring playoff dash are not so little things. Even if you have to deal with your friend getting a little too drunk and break-dancing in the middle of the bar every time Matt Murray makes a phenomenal save (not naming any names, Q). These are moments and memories that should be cherished for eternity, and that I certainly won’t take for granted ever again. Can you believe you’re now feeling those same emotions, while reading a Sports Blog called Yinzer Crazy? I hope this comes up in casual conversation with a spouse or loved one in the next few days. Our goal here is to enact the same reaction that you might get while watching a Pittsburgh Pirates game. Certainly underwhelmed - but in the back of your mind always asking yourself what better did I have to do anyways? The point of all of this reckless, dramatic blabber is to just see the bigger picture. That being even when things seem bad, they really aren’t that bad. The next time the Penguins are eliminated in the 2nd round, try not to feel unfulfilled and irritated, but appreciate the fact that they made it that far in the first place. And that they have won multiple Stanley Cups this decade, leaving the cross-state rival Philadelphia Flyers in their dust. When the Pirates inevitably lose 100 games this year somehow in an 80 game regular season, appreciate the fact that you were able to just for a few months have a distraction through baseball instead of worrying about whether or not half the team will still be in Pittsburgh post trade-deadline. Half of me writing this is convincing myself as much. So all I’m asking as an amusing, unsuspecting, unqualified voice of reason - is for you to try. Try and enjoy the little things when they are back. Practice safe social distancing now so we can have those things back. Because like we all now know - you can’t predict just when you might need them more than ever. Mike Nicastro and Currently Sad Co-Founder of Yinzer Crazy

From a young age Lawrence York knew he wanted to make a difference in people's everyday life. After high school he enrolled in Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa to make his dreams of becoming a doctor reality. Mr. York did just that graduating in 1993 and headed back home to start his own practice out of his home known as “York Chiropractic”. Shortly after, his three brothers Pat, Tim and Bill embarked on a new business adventure in New Kensington, PA known as York’s Gym, which Doctor York partnered with and ran his chiropractic office successfully for 9 years. He treated an array of athletes and everyday people young and old. After the brothers sold the gym he moved into the Valley Sports Complex, which is now known as the Pittsburgh Ice Complex. Not only has Doctor York changed the lives of many through chiropractic work, he also has spent over 20 years coaching high school football with Valley High School under Coach Raymond “Wizard” White, Franklin Regional High School, and most recently Burrell High School. York served as the secondary and wide receiver coach during his tentures. As if Doctor York wasn’t involved enough in the community already he currently works with West Liberty University in West Virginia as the Chiropractic Sports treatment doctor working with all sports. When I asked York why he wanted to become a chiropractor he replied he’s had injuries and has seen what it has done for him, so if he is able to help others through his knowledge, he said that it’s the most rewarding job in the world. Still, after all these years he has been working with all sports at all levels, and is involved in numerous events and charities in his local community. Making a difference in people's life is what truly matters to Doctor York. Every one of his patients knows that they are getting the best in the business when it comes to their health. York said he never stops learning and is continuing his education at UPMC University of Pittsburgh to become a certified Primary Spine Practitioner, and is learning how to coordinate care through different types of providers. It’s no doubt that Doctor York has found his niche and has made an impact over the years in his community and he will continue to do so until he can’t anymore. If you are interested in learning more visit: www.usafitness-chiro.com and we will see you at the office soon!

Wrestling in Western Pennsylvania is like a religion, some of the best wrestlers in the country have come out of Western Pennsylvania, but in order to build a successful wrestler for the future it all starts in the early stages and that's where Sean Thomas comes in. Mr. Thomas graduated from Washington High School where he wrestled and played football. He still holds the high school record for most wins at Washington High, and was named to the ALL-Time Washington High School Team. His love for wrestling showed as he was a Division 1 wrestling recruit who chose to play football in college at Edinboro University where he played two years at Cornerback for the Fighting Scots. Sports were always a big part of Thomas’ life, but after high school he didn’t come back around wrestling for about 10-15 years. He now has two sons who are wrestling for Moon Township. His sons, Legend and Elijah, have had great success in their young careers, Legend who went undefeated in duals this year and Elijah, who placed 4th overall at Area’s. For the first few years Thomas just wanted to be a wrestling dad and help his sons. He never thought of coaching but that all changed when he was approached by a coach to help out the program. After a few years his passion took over and he eventually became the head coach of the first and second year kids, which is a very important time to train and teach these young wrestlers the fundamentals, and learn the sport in and out. When I asked Mr. Thomas, what is your goal for the program, he simply replied to maximize the youth and to teach the kids what they need to be taught to be successful as they reach the middle school and high school level. Moon Township wrestling program has a great group of coaches and support around the program currently, and this is a chance to build a program from the ground up and turn the high school program into a powerhouse in due time. With Mr. Thomas at helm and the rest of the coaches who are passionate about wrestling I think the program has a bright future, and will continue to blossom into one of the elite wrestling programs top to bottom in Western Pennsylvania. It all starts with the youth and that’s how you impact the future. I have no doubt that's exactly what Thomas and the Moon Wrestling Program will do!