PITTSBURGH REBELS - DICK'S SPORTING GOODS TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS TEAM PREVIEW
(September 15, 2008)
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Head Coach: Chad Moore
Established: 2008
Colors: Maroon & gold
Qualified: Finalist, Colonial Cup Team Tournament
by Lisa Garel
Playing with people who feel like more than just teammates can have an advantage on the field, as the Pittsburgh Rebels have discovered.
“The guys are more like family, and the coaches are the head of the family,” said senior defenseman Austin Brockway (Seneca Valley High School). “It’s kind of weird but everybody just gets along really well.”
“[What makes the team so effective] is our relationships with each other,” added senior defender Lee Corrozza (North Allegheny High School).
But to win, it takes talent and experience on the field. The Rebels have both.
Utilizing an attack almost completely made up of seniors, the Rebels rely on Seneca Valley’s Colin O’Donoghue (who earned All-League as a sophomore and junior) and Brent Rotz, as well as North Allegheny’s Grady Wirth.
“[Wirth] plays with a lot of heart,” said Corrozza. “He’s a good leader, attackman and feeder.”
Defensively, the Pittsburgh squad is comprised of all seniors: Brockway, Corrozza, and All-League long-pole Beau Bergman (Shady Side Academy).
Along with an experienced group of players, the Rebels pride themselves on their work ethic.
“They work hard,” said head coach Chad Moore. “That’s key.”
“We all try our hardest no matter what,” said Corrozza. “A lot of times, summer teams don’t have that mentality.”
The team’s close personal relationships are on display every time the Rebels step on the field.
“Everyone plays as a team,” said Brockway. “No one’s selfish and everyone has the skills to play at the next level. We’re just putting it all together.”
In January, the Rebels will bring a close-knit group of players to Florida, looking to make a name for lacrosse in western Pennsylvania.
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