Rivalry game week between Pittston Area and Wyoming Area is always a fun time in the school districts as well as the community.
Last week, all of Downtown Pittston was adorned in football art in anticipation of the big game.
This year, unlike years in the past, there was a lot at stake. Both teams had identical records with eight wins and only one loss. It’s been a while since Pittston Area had a great season like this year and the enthusiasm for Patriot football was at a fever pitch.
I know a lot of alum of the Patriot program kicked their heels in for what was going to be the year Pittston Area grabbed a “W” from the Warriors. Judging by the first half of the game, which looked very true; more about the game in a bit.
Each school held bonfires, and even though I was not able to attend either, the excitement on both ends always rides high. Honestly, some of my best memories as a child were attending those bonfires.
In the past, there would be a football player burned in effigy, but I can say for sure if that’s even done anymore. It was all done in good fun and never any malice behind it.
On Wednesday, I attended the Goodwill Luncheon, an event that has been taken place for as long as I can remember when the senior players, cheerleaders, band members, coaches, administration and board members from each school would dine together.
The luncheon was held at Fox Hill Country Club, Exeter, as it is every year. Wyoming Area hosted this year and the schools alternate every other year.
Usually, the tables pair up band members from each school as well as players, coaches, administration and so forth.
I had to laugh during the luncheon when one of the players from Pittston Area stopped by the table and said he had to sit next to the guy that he wants to pummel during the game on Friday. But, as designed, he was on his best behavior and everyone got along very well.
To be honest, so many of the athletes play club sports or other sports with members of each school on the same team, for example, summer league baseball is made up of players from both schools, so consequently, everyone knows everyone else.
In a lot of cases, team members have relatives on the opposite side of the river, which is always interesting when it’s rivalry game time.
My Dad’s side of the family were Pittstonians as well as my Callaio grandparents and the taunting that lead up to the game was off the charts, but it was all done in fun and everyone got a kick out of it.
Let’s just say, the losing side never heard the end of it for a few weeks after the game.
Game night had me a bit worried with potential rain in the area, but thankfully that held off.
The temperatures were in the 40s but everyone dressed accordingly and it didn’t seem to affect anyone, especially the players, they just had to deal with a wet, damp field where occasionally you would see a player lose his footing.
And I have to tell you; I was thrilled to see the stands filled on both sides of field. It felt like a throwback game when the match up was played on Thanksgiving and there was not a seat to be had nor a parking place within blocks of the stadium.
The Pittston Area sideline was packed with media from all over, including my friends Courtney Harrison from WNEP and AJ Donatoni from WBRE/WYOU. Wyoming Area does not allow media on the home side of the field, so there wasn’t as much real estate left for those covering the game.
I couldn’t tell you how many still photographers there were or people from internet blogs trying to get the best position. It was so crowded; it looked like Penn State game.
At halftime, the Wyoming Area Football Alumni Association held its Ring of Pride inductions, the school’s version of the hall of fame.
Six past players, one from the former West Pittston Rams days, were honored. It’s always a nice touch to member the greats from the past that made the football program proud.
Lou Ciampi, who’s son Nick was the game’s MVP, runs the alumni association to perfection. If you don’t know Lou, better known as Bikes, he bleeds Gold, Green, and White, and it’s a big night for him as well. When you add the fact his son was the MVP, he had to be on Cloud 9.
It was also great to see some former students in the crowd, such as WA ’04 grad, Amanda Booth. Amanda has gone on to the world of modeling at acting and has made a name for her in both industries. She currently lives in Austin, TX with her husband Mike and son Micah. Amanda just happened to fly in to see her folks on the same weekend as the big game.
My niece Erin and her daughter Cora were in town from Denver, CO, due to a family wedding and got to take in the game.
I saw so many familiar faces in the crowd; it filled me with pride in growing up in Greater Pittston.
Quote of the Week
“The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.” —Maya Angelou
Thought of the Week
“Home isn’t a place; it’s the people who love you most.” —Laura McHugh
Bumper Sticker
“Home is the nicest word there is.” —Laura Ingalls Wilder
