Steelers fans from near and far fired up about season as they flock to training camp
Josh Simpkons of Plum watched Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster very carefully.
He observed the footwork and hand position of the third-year NFL player at the first public day of training camp at Saint Vincent College in hopes to find ways to get better.
Josh, 10, a wide receiver for the Plum Midget Football Association, was one of about 60 Plum youths lined up to high-five players as they made their way on to the practice field Friday.
“It felt awesome,” he said.
Players reported to camp Thursday. The first public practice was Friday. The last day of training camp is Thursday, Aug. 15.
Joel Kline of Plum coaches the association’s 7- and 8-year-old Colts. Overall, the association has players ages 5 to 12.
“Our season just started this week,” Kline said. “We’re glad to get out here and watch the Steelers practice and show them how it’s done. The Steelers are going to have an awesome season. I see them winning the division. Cleveland’s way overrated.”
Hundreds flocked to the college campus in Unity to cheer on the Black-and-Gold as they prepare for the upcoming season.
George Masarik, 62, of Unity’s Mountainview neighborhood, has been coming to training camp since the 1990s.
“I’m a big Steelers fan and can’t get enough,” Masarik said. “I expect them to make the playoffs. They got rid of the troublemakers. It seems to be an ‘all-for-one’ team effort. I think they’re going to be fine.”
The “troublemakers” Masarik noted were former Steeler-turned-Oakland Raider wide receiver Antonio Brown and new Jets running back Le’Veon Bell. Both left Pittsburgh for their new teams during the off-season.
“They took up too much offense,” Masarik said. “This way (quarterback Ben Roethlisberger) will spread it around. When Brown missed the playoffs, that hurt. When Le’Veon missed the playoffs, that hurt. We need more effort from the whole team, not just the superstars, and that’s what I think we got this year.”
Pope Yinzer, known to family, friends and the government as Don Zadach of Jefferson Hills, echoed Masarik’s comments about the players. He’s “praying” for at least a 10-6 season and a playoff berth for his beloved Steelers.
“I’m looking for a good year this year,” he said. “At least we don’t have any distractions to bother us this year. … We’ve got some fresh faces on the team here, a couple good draft picks and picked up some free agents. The season looks promising. The key is staying healthy and no injuries. We’re hoping for the best — and we need Super Bowl No. 7.”
Zadach, 62, came dressed as a black-and-gold “pope,” complete with papal mitre (hat) — and sunglasses with the team’s logo on each lens.
The outfit was inspired by costume from a Halloween store, and crafted by his wife of 22 years, Remy.
“She’s very good at what she does,” he said. “I have Steelers Santa Claus outfit, but it’s only good at Christmastime. I needed something to do year round.”
Anna Baker, 4, and her brother, Joshua, 7, had one of the best views at training camp. They were boosted on their parents Sarah and Dave Baker’s shoulders.
Joshua’s favorite player is Smith-Schuster.
“I want him to make some far passes and get some more touchdowns,” he said.
The Bakers are from Huntingtown, Md. It’s their first time at St. Vincent.
“I grew up in Beaver County, and my parents live near Cranberry,” Dave Baker said. “I’ve never been to training camp, and our kids are about the right age for getting into football. I figured we’d take the trip out here.
”We’re having an awesome time,” he said. “I was surprised that the traffic wasn’t too bad. They have it set up really nice, and it’s been a great experience for us and a beautiful day.”
Watching practice is far from the only thing to do at training camp.
Other activities include face painting, sponsored give-a-ways and raffles, a photo booth, meet and greets with Steeler legends and a Play 60 Fun Zone for children in grades 1-12. Youths can test their skills in an obstacle course and related drills.
Tailgating, alcohol and pets are prohibited on St. Vincent’s campus.
People who want to plan a bus trip to camp can call 412-697-7713.
More information about training camp and the team is available at steelers.com.
Michael DiVittorio is a TribLive reporter covering general news in Western Pennsylvania, with a penchant for festivals and food. He can be reached at mdivittorio@triblive.com.
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