The 2003-2004 season could be a big year for Pitt sports. Not just as far as what they can accomplish on the field and the court. I’m thinking about their place in the local Pittsburgh sports scene. Locally, no one has given much ink or airwave time to Pitt outside of complaints of how they don’t measure up to teams of yesteryear. It didn’t matter because there was always a pro team to hold the interest at any time. But look at things right now.

The Pirates are an embarrassment, selling off the expensive talent and rebuilding yet again on the cheap.

The Penguins, well, outside of Mario Lemieux, is there any real interest in this team. They are just trying to keep afloat financially, trading players for draft picks, until the lockout/strike comes after this season.

The Steelers. Ah, the Steelers. The lifeblood of all Pittburghers (Pittsburghians?). Aside from the fact that they are playing in a weak division, there is hope but a lot more questions about the team. The defense. The running game. Special teams. Lots of questions.

Meanwhile at Pitt. There are potential top 10 teams in football and basketball. Definitely top 20. There should be a lot of excitement and expectations for both teams. Everyone loves a winner, and bandwagon jumpers should be lining up around the ‘Burgh.

If. If, Pitt can meet those expectations. Then this could help reshape the dynamic in the area.