Just by chance, due to a power outage in Moon Township, I drive over to Altoona to watch the Super Bowl with my dad.
So I pick up the Mirror, which like the news around here is about as exciting as watching curling on ESPN.
Aside from Buck Frank's articles, I could really care less, but at least he is impartial - unlike guest columnist Bob Trumpbour.
I love his pompous, arrogant little column on the Voice of the Fan page.
"The Saints tried to beat the Cowboys in week 15, but they opened in such a funk that I am not sure they were fully committed to winning Dec 19," Trumpbour wrote.
Yeah, Dallas didn't break their will, the Saints weren't into it.
You're right.
That wasn't the only exciting comment from Mr. Pompous or Mr. Typical Steeler fan.
Here comes my favorite part of the article:
"If there is a silver lining to the decisions by both teams to take it easy late in the season, it is that no NFL team is likely to do anything that will outshine the Steelers' amazing Super Bowl record anytime soon."
I think the Steelers get every call and win games with horrible calls. They missed the playoffs and won't be in the big game anytime soon, either.
This type of stuff is why I hate reading the local sports writers. It's all about Pittsburgh and no one else.
Here's a news flash: There are 31 other teams in NFL. I know we live in Altoona, but even in San Diego, I was able to get intelligent, unbiased articles on other teams than just the Bolts.
Why are we forced to read trash from a communications teacher from Penn State Altoona?
John Imler
Moon Township
Formerly of Altoona
Caldwell to PSU?
Cory Giger's article on Jim Caldwell was wonderful.
Now let's suppose Caldwell wins a Super Bowl by the time Joe Paterno might retire at the end of 2011. Would Graham Spanier and Tim Curley pursue him if he chooses to retire from professional football?
Forget about his time at Wake Forest. He has matured and could be a winner at the college level. It's something to ponder over down the road.
Les Hart, Duncansville
Ultimate tribute to coach
In the Feb. 5 edition of the Mirror, staff writer Walt Frank paid tribute to Fred McConnell.
He described McConnell as an excellent pharmacist, a volunteer Bishop Guilfoyle football coach and a Teener League baseball manager.
Frank's article quotes several of McConnell's co-coaches describing McConnell as being positive, caring and being there for his players.
Fred McConnell is my son-in-law. He died on Feb. 2 at UPMC Hospital after a brief illness.
Five hundred people braved last Friday's weather conditions to pay their last respects.
McConnell's impact as a coach played out when one of his former players performed a noble deed. Jeremy Green, the 1999 Joe Cohen Blanket Award winner, put his cherished trophy and the blanket in Fred's casket.
Mrs. McConnell suggested to Jeremy that he should take it out before the casket was closed for the final time. She told Jeremy that some day he may have children and they should have it.
Jeremy replied, "Mr. McConnell was like a father to me, and I want my blanket to stay with him."
No finer tribute could ever be paid to a coach. The unselfishness and maturity of Jeremy Green was truly inspiring. Yes, we are BG.
John Conlon, Altoona
Caldwell to PSU?
Cory Giger's article on Jim Caldwell was wonderful.
Now let's suppose, Caldwell wins a Super Bowl by the time Joe Paterno might retire at the end of 2011. Would Graham Spanier and Tim Curley pursue him if he chooses to retire from professional football?
Forget about his time at Wake Forest. He has matured and could be a winner at the college level. It's something to ponder over down the road.
Les Hart
Duncansville
