There's this little event called Super Bowl XLV on Sunday night, made even bigger here by the presence of the Steelers.
But today brings another feel-good opportunity - especially for those who have followed women's basketball - as parts of two area programs that were not just great but truly formed dynasties are honored.
Altoona Area High School's 1985-86 team will be at the Altoona fieldhouse for the Lady Lions' 1:30 game with Ambridge. Players from that squad, which won the Lady Lions' first of four PIAA titles and the first of two USA Today national titles, will greet the public in the lobby before the game and be recognized at halftime.
Incredibly, no fewer than seven members of Art Taneyhill's team went on to play Division I basketball - Sandy Baker (Pitt), Jennifer Dorfmeister (Penn), Jenny Moran (UMass), Jenny Shingler (Pitt), Michelle Rehm (St. Francis), Tracey Slogik (West Virginia) and Debbie Taneyhill (George Mason).
Up on the mountain, St. Francis will stage its annual Hall of Fame induction, and three people most responsible for providing the foundation for the women's basketball program, which has now participated in an amazing 10 NCAA tournaments, will be enshrined. They are: former coach Jenny Przekwas (four NCAA tourneys, 133-99 record), all-time leading scorer and rebounder Jess Zinobile, and Mary Markey, whose career scoring record was broken by Zinobile.
Each will be introduced with the Hall of Fame class (including former Red Flash legends Jack O'Malley and Wilbur Trosch) during halftime of both the women's game at noon and the men's game at 3.
It will be a treat to be in the presence of greatness.
Rudel can be reached at 946-7527 or at nrudel@altoonamirror.com
