I am starting to think that the Pitt Athletic Department is trying to get me to begin drinking in the morning. A press release that begins with a quote from Rocky III, then concedes this may not have been the best way to go, is just a little much to start my week.

It is questionable how well that 1982 film has aged, and the movie’s hit song “Eye of the Tiger” has fared even worse. There is a lot of resonance, though, in the idea of regaining your edge by going back to your roots.

Go ahead, read it all. I’ll be over here in the corner staring down the bourbon.

…

Ok, you’re back. Did you make it through the whole release or were you finding yourself averting your eyes after that start? It took me a few times before I made it all the way through, so I’ll skip to the most interesting part:

The Panthers begin spring drills on March 19. Per the NCAA, Pitt can hold 15 total practice sessions, including the spring game, which is scheduled for April 19 at Heinz Field.

In an effort to reach out to Western Pennsylvania’s surrounding communities, the Panthers are scheduled to hold two spring practices at area high schools. On March 24 Pitt will practice at Center High School, while on April 7 the Panthers will be at Thomas Jefferson High.

“Western Pennsylvania is our home and we have really appreciated the way the surrounding communities and area high school coaches have rallied around us,” Wannstedt said. “This is our backyard and we always want to make an effort to keep those ties strong. Visiting area high schools during the spring is a win-win for all of us. We really enjoy making those visits and I think the host schools and communities relish the opportunity as well.”

I like it. A great way to get out into the area again, and go to the local recruits’ home turf. Definitely good to see continued effort to find ways to have the local talent keep Pitt in the front of their mind. Part of the continuing effort to make as many things as possible serve as a recruiting tool.

Of course, the counter argument is that Pitt has so much work ahead of it, and only a limited number of coordinated practices allowed. That the players and coaches should really be more focused on getting better, improving and not being distracted by going out to other high schools on thinly-veiled recruiting trips.

Pitt also has the 2006 Prospectus available. All of the sections are in PDF.

UPDATE: The press release does contain an error — nice catch CathedralLawn. The spring game is indeed scheduled for April 15, a Saturday at 1 pm. You can see it in the “Schedule” portion of the prospectus (PDF).