Coach, mentor feels blessed

July 17, 2026

I would like to thank John Hartsock of the Altoona Mirror sports department for the spot-on masterpiece (“Trio celebrates enduring bond of friendship” Altoona Mirror, June 20-21 edition) that he wrote about the 50-year friendship that I’ve had with Dr. Zane Gates and Carl Fochler, that began when I was their Little League Baseball coach. As a counselor, coach and volunteer, I have been blessed to work with many wonderful boys and girls, and in turn, I would like to thank my family, friends and mentors that I’ve had over the years. I would also like to thank everybody from my ...

Fink deserves congratulations

July 10, 2026

If you think that finishing next to last with a score of 29-over par at the U.S. Senior Open championship is a failure, your thought process is completely wrong. Altoona's Artie Fink Jr. beat out over 2,500 other golfers nationwide who attempted to qualify for the prestigious event. To reach the pinnacle of senior golf is an amazing feat in itself, and I congratulate Artie for this great achievement. John Pierce Cocoa Beach, Florida (Note: The writer is formerly of Bellwood).

NFL coaching will benefit Allar

March 27, 2026

I thought Neil Rudel’s article on Drew Allar was an excellent characterization of his career at Penn State. Allar had as much if not more talent that any of the quarterbacks we've had over the years, but James Franklin's offensive ineptitude didn’t put him in the best position to succeed, particularly in key moments of the big games. If he gets with the right team that has the capability to develop him, we may be surprised at the results. Marty Mehring, Port Matilda Becht should be upgrade as a leader I read Neil Rudel’s story on Drew Allar. I wish he would have been ...

Maz’s homer was more than ‘immaculate’

March 6, 2026

“Was Mazeroski’s Game 7 home run or the Immaculate Reception the greatest moment in Pittsburgh sports history?” Excellent question from last week’s Mailbag, but there is only one clear and unequivocal response which I will reveal shortly. As Pittsburgh fans, we have been very fortunate to witness many outstanding achievements by some of the greatest athletes and teams in MLB, NFL and NHL history. The NFL rated the Immaculate Reception as the greatest play in its first 100 years. No doubt, it was, is and always will be a memorable and exciting play which won a playoff ...

Bill Mazeroski’s humility equally memorable

February 28, 2026

The passing of Bill Mazeroski brought back so many great moments with the Pirates when they were a team we took pride in. There was the man himself, Maz, his historic home run, his outstanding defensive ability and, maybe above all, his humility and sound character. Well over a decade ...

Belichick, Brady aren’t Hall worthy

February 14, 2026

As to the ongoing question: Does Bill Belichick deserve to be in the Hall of Fame? Does a cheater deserve to be in the Hall of Fame? The bottom line is no. Same with Tom Brady. When you have to cheat to get an edge, well, that diminishes one’s accomplishments. Vickie Woomer Altoona