Rick Sebak celebrates half-century in public TV with ‘Summer of Sebak’
By Brad Hundt bhundt@observer-reporter.com
It took moving away for Rick Sebak to see Pittsburgh with fresh eyes.
After graduating from Bethel Park High School in 1971, Sebak did what many other people did in those days – he shook off the soot and grime of what was then the still-industrial Steel City and lighted out to the Sun Belt. He attended college at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, then moved even further south for a job in public television in South Carolina.
He wasn’t necessarily looking to make his way back to Pittsburgh, but a job opening came up at WQED-TV, the region’s public television station, and he applied.
“When you least need the job, something comes up,” Sebak explained in a recent interview. “I didn’t have any great desire to come back to Pittsburgh.”
Sebak’s dad drove him from South Carolina back to Pittsburgh in his van around the Fourth of July in 1987 for the interview. In the course of the journey, “I could see fireworks going off all around me.” The fireworks now seem
like a pretty auspicious omen. In the almost 40 years since Sebak has returned to Pittsburgh, he has become tightly bound to the region’s history and quirks. In his
role as a producer at WQED, he has written and narrated a bumper crop of programs that highlight landmarks and
Former football director pleads guilty to embezzling funds
Teams from Allegheny among those impacted
By Mike Jones mjones@observer-reporter.com
The former director of a youth football league in the Pittsburgh area who embezzled hundreds of thousands from the organization over the past several years pleaded guilty last week.
William Spencer, 57, of Canton Township, appeared July 15 at the Washington County Courthouse before President Judge Valarie Costanzo and entered an open guilty plea in connection with theft from the Western Pennsylvania Youth Football League.
Spencer pleaded guilty to one felony count of theft by unlawful taking and misdemeanor charges of receiving stolen property and misapplication of entrusted property, according to the state Attorney General’s
office, which prosecuted the case. Spencer was arrested in January after investigators said he funneled about $235,000 from the Western Pennsylvania Youth Football League into his bank account from 2020 until he resigned from his leadership position early last year.
Some of the league’s members became concerned in March 2025 about the organization’s finances and lack of payment to its insurance provider, prompting an emergency meeting between the executive board and many of the 44 teams in the league. A day before the meeting at the Washington County Fairgrounds, Spencer submitted his resignation letter and also allegedly admitted to a friend that he “f-ed up,” according to court documents.
Following the emergency board meeting, the league’s new leadership team contacted
the Washington County District Attorney’s office, which forwarded the case to the state Attorney General’s office. Investigators traced the thefts back to early 2020 and found numerous fraudulent purchases and checks made out to Spencer while masquerading as legitimate expenses that year despite the football season being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Investigators found 187 fraudulent checks totaling $231,939 and about $3,000 in other payments up until the time Spencer resigned from his director’s position last March when other board members became concerned about the league’s financial situation, leading to the emergency board meeting and the request of a financial audit.
Spencer used the league’s funds for cash withdrawals, utility bills, credit card payments and purchases at various stores, websites and restaurants, while even using some of the money to bolster his retirement account, inves-
tigators said.
The league raised money through ticket sales at games and various fundraising drives, but the league’s financial situation became so strained that Spencer never sent the annual payment to its insurance provider in 2024. The organization was almost dropped by the carrier before the newly appointed interim treasurer made the payment last year, according to court documents.
Spencer was appointed in 2013 to lead the organization’s precursor known then as the Washington/Greene Youth Football League, and he continued in that role when it expanded and was renamed the Western Pennsylvania Youth Football League in 2021. The league has a total of 44 local organizations that supply teams from Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene and Washington counties, with three divisions for youths in grades first through sixth.
He is scheduled to be sentenced by Costanzo at 3 p.m. Oct. 6.
TIM MURPHY,
FORMER CONGRESSMAN AND SENATOR, DIES AT 73
By Karen Mansfield kmansfield@observer-reporter.com
Tim Murphy, a former U.S. congressman and state senator who was a champion for mental health services, especially for veterans, has died. He was 73. Murphy passed away on Sunday at his Upper St. Clair home of an apparent heart attack.
“Throughout his years of public service, he dedicated himself to representing his constituents and serving our country with conviction and commitment,” the Republican Committee of Allegheny County said in a post on Facebook. “We are grateful for his contributions and the lasting impact he made on his community and our nation.”
Murphy, a native of Cleveland, graduated from Wheeling Jesuit University in 1974 and earned a doctorate in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. He taught at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and later served in the U.S. Navy Reserve Medical Service Corps.
A clinical psychologist, Murphy entered politics in 1996 after winning a seat in the state Senate, where he served until 2003. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for the 18th Congressional District of Southwestern Pennsylvania in 2003, and served for nearly 15 years, until he resigned in 2017. His resignation came after disclosures that he had an extramarital affair and allegations that he had urged
the woman he was involved with to seek an abortion, despite his staunch anti-abortion record.
On Sunday, condolences and statements honoring Murphy poured in.
Washington County Commissioner Nick Sherman, who served as Murphy’s field director from 2003 to 2005, said the unexpected news of Murphy’s passing hit hard.
“I was devastated to hear the completely unexpected news of Congressman Tim Murphy’s passing. Twenty years ago, Tim was my boss. In the years since, he became a dear friend and one of my most influential political mentors,” Sherman said in a statement. “Tim was a true statesman who cared deeply about the people he represented. Whether you agreed with his policies or not, no one could deny his unwavering commitment to his constituents or the tireless work ethic he brought to public service every single day. He was one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever known.” Sherman credited Murphy’s mentorship for helping to shape his political career.
“He believed in me, challenged me, and helped shape both my carer and my approach to public service. His guidance, friendship, and example left a lasting impact on my life, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside him,” said Sherman.
U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler said he was saddened to
Former state rep. Jesse White charged with possessing child pornography
By Mike Jones mjones@observer-reporter.com
Disgraced former state representative Jesse White was arrested Tuesday by federal agents at his home in Cumberland County for allegedly possessing and producing child pornography.
White, a Democrat who served four terms representing the 46th House District that includes parts of Washington and Allegheny counties until losing re-election in 2014, is now facing federal charges of receipt and distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. According to federal court documents, FBI agents received a tip Monday that a
nude photo from January 2019 showing a young child was found on an electronic device belonging to White. A second image tied to White’s account showed a child in a compromising pose in August 2021, according to court documents. Both images were flagged by Google and sent through a tip line administered by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, which forwarded the information to the FBI.
FBI agents raided White’s home near Mechanicsburg on July 21 and seized two lap-
top computers and multiple external hard drives, which investigators said had numerous files of child pornography downloaded showing children ranging from ages 7 to 15. Some of the files were “organized by categories of child pornography depicted” in the images, according to investigators.
Investigators also said White was using ProtonMail and Telegram accounts, along with other peer-to-peer profiles to share and receive child pornography.
“I know from my training and experience that individuals engaged in child exploitation use ProtonMail to communicate securely and anonymously with other individuals interested in or engaged in child exploitation activities,” the lead FBI investigator
wrote in court documents.
When interrogated by federal agents, White allegedly said he had “inappropriate content” on his devices, court documents alleged. When pressed further, White allegedly acknowledged that the “inappropriate content” was child pornography, investigators said.
A Department of Justice spokeswoman confirmed that the suspect is the former state representative from Western Pennsylvania, but declined further comment on the case. His federal public defender, Meredith Gallen, did not return a phone message seeking comment July 22.
White, 48, was an attorney and former Cecil Township supervisor running as a Democrat when he first won his seat
to the 46th State House District in 2006 on the wave of a reform movement following the midnight pay raise by the state Legislature the previous year.
He often sparred with the growing Marcellus Shale natural gas industry that was centered in the district that includes northern Washington County and western Allegheny County. In May 2013, he was caught using fake internet accounts to attack constituents and fellow lawmakers in the comments sections of online stories involving the natural gas industry, which he regularly criticized. The following year, he lost re-election to office to Republican state Rep. Jason Ortitay.
In 2015, he ran and lost the race for magistrate in the Cecil
area district where he lived, and then ran unsuccessfully in the Democratic primary the next year trying to win back his old state House seat. His law license was suspended in 2017 and he was disbarred later that year after being accused of theft of services by clients. In 2018, he was criminally charged with theft of services and deceptive business practices, although the case was later withdrawn after he underwent a mental health evaluation and treatment, along with treatment for addiction to gambling. Shortly after the charges were withdrawn, White moved from his home in Cecil Township to Cumberland County near Harrisburg, where he had been working as a self-employed political consultant.
SEE MURPHY PAGE A2
SEE SEBAK PAGE B4
COURTESY OF NICK SHERMAN
Former U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, left, with Washington County Commissioner Nick Sherman. Sherman said Murphy had an “unwavering commitment to his constituents” and a “tireless work ethic he brought to public service every single day.”
Jesse White
COURTESY OF RICK SEBAK
Rick Sebak has explored many of the customs and traditions of the Pittsburgh region on his WQED-TV programs, including its food and drink.
Hemsley
Supporting Member Supporting Member
Upper St. Clair wins Global Innovation Challenge grand prize
Sebak FROM PAGE A1
illuminate off-the-beaten track attractions. There have been shows on Kennywood, the North Side, the South Side, the Strip District, Pittsburgh’s bridges and many more. Sebak has also served as a gregarious guide on programs about cemeteries, bakeries, breakfast, hot dogs and flea markets.
This summer marks the 50th anniversary of Sebak beginning his career in public television, and WQED-TV is marking the occasion with rebroadcasts of some of Sebak’s evergreen shows in prime time on July 30, and on Aug. 13, 20 and 27. They include “North Park vs. South Park,” “The Joys of Millvale,” “Squirrel Hill Tunnels” and “Downtown Pittsburgh.”
Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor also proclaimed July 14 “Rick Sebak Day,” and Sebak had the opportunity to briefly sit behind the mayor’s desk. In a social media post, O’Connor said Sebak has told stories “that celebrate the people, places, food, traditions and memories that define Pittsburgh.” O’Connor praised Sebak for “reminding the world what makes the city so special.”
It was when he came back to Pittsburgh that Sebak, who turned 73 in June, truly came to appreciate that “this place is
hear of Murphy’s death, calling him a “dear friend and a trusted mentor.”
“Tim served Pennsylvania and our nation with distinction, first as a state senator and then as a member of Congress for more than two decades. He also honorably served our country as a commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, where he worked to care for service members suffering from PTSD and traumatic
A team of four Upper St. Clair High School students was named a grand prize winner in the Tikkun Olam Makers (TOM) Global Innovation Challenge.
TOM is a nonprofit organization that connects innovators with people living with disabilities to develop technologies that promote greater independence and improve quality of life.
Sophomores Ritu Gupta and Shreyan Mali, junior Aaron Jiang and senior Rohan Inampudi comprised the winning team.
All are members of the Upper St. Clair Robotics FIRST Tech Challenge team TeraBridges (FTC 18603).
Dr. Rama Bala mentored the team. She is a TeraBridges robotics mentor and a space engineering professor at the University of Pittsburgh.
USC’s project was recognized alongside teams from Thomas Jefferson University, Georgia In -
really interesting and unusual. Every time I turn around I learn something new. … As you get older, you have more interest in history.”
He added, “Most of my programs are celebrations, as opposed to news or muckraking.”
Sebak’s programs have long been favorites on WQED-TV pledge drives, and that fundraising has become more and more crucial as federal funding for public media has been slashed. During his 50 years in public television – or “educational television,” as it was once called – Sebak has seen it evolve from one of only four or five options on the television dial to one of an avalanche of options that can be viewed on TV or online. Nevertheless, Sebak believes WQED and its public television counterparts in other cities are still vital and relevant.
“There are no ads and we are educational to our core,” he said. “And we are fun and informative. On public television, there’s still a lot of things worth watching.”
And Sebak wants to remain part of it, even though he is at an age where many of his peers have comfortably settled into retirement. He still makes his way from his Regent Square home to WQED’s offices on Fifth Avenue on most weekdays, and insists “I haven’t yet run out of ideas.”
“I still love what I get to do,” he said.
brain injuries,” Reschenthaler said in a statement. “Throughout his career, Tim was a tireless advocate for improving our nation’s broken mental health system, preserving the 911th Airlift Wing, and standing up for our veterans. His legacy of service and dedication will not be forgotten.”
Throughout his congressional career, Murphy advocated for mental health reform. He authored landmark mental health reforms and was the prime sponsor of the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, prompted after the 2012
General Manager Robert Pinarski
stitute of Technology and Holon Institute of Technology in Israel.
“The Upper St. Clair team was the only high school team selected as a grand prize winner, competing alongside university students, professional engineers and innovators from around the world,” Bala said. “These students demonstrated that innovation is not limited by age and that high school students can create solutions with the potential to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
The TeraBridges team earned the honor for designing and developing a Motorized Toddler Mobility Trainer, an affordable assistive technology solution created to help young children with mobility challenges experience greater independence. The project reflects the team’s ongoing commitment to designing technologies that improve accessibility and quality of life through
engineering and robotics.
The mobility trainer combines robotics, electronics, advanced manufacturing and human-centered design to create a practical, low-cost solution for families while giving children greater opportunities for independent movement.
Judges recognized the students for their creativity, technical excellence and the potential impact of their innovation. The team also received a $3,000 Grand Prize award, which will be used to expand TeraBridges’ assistive technology initiatives and support future projects focused on improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
“This achievement highlights the dedication and creativity these students brought to solving a real-world challenge, while reflecting TeraBridges’ mission to empower students to apply STEM skills not only in competition but also in service to the community,” said Sarah Beitler, who was one of TeraBridges’ coaches.
in 2017 and reminisced
dent there.
school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. That act, which included a slew of changes to the country’s mental health policy, was signed into law in 2016.
“That bill was huge,” said state Sen. Camera Bartolotta, a longtime friend of Murphy’s, who was shocked to learn of his passing. “All of his work with veterans was meaningful, and he spent a lot of time visiting Walter Reed Hospital and talking with veterans. I have known him for years, and I also studied business and psychology in college, so we talked a lot about the lack of
TeraBridges is an award-winning FIRST Tech Challenge team within Upper St. Clair Robotics. The team provides students with hands-on experience in engineering, programming and innovation while emphasizing the use of STEM to address community needs. The Global Innovation Challenge grand prize adds to the team’s growing record of success in robotics, outreach and advocacy, demonstrating the power of student-driven innovation to make a lasting impact.
mental health facilities in Pennsylvania and ways to improve access to mental heath programs. There was a group of us, including Sen. (Devlin) Robinson and Rep. (Natalie) Mihalek, that he often texted about mental health and veterans issues, and he just texted us the other day. I will miss those conversations.”
Murphy also wrote a report on the opioid crisis, offering policy and regulatory change recommendations, and chaired nearly a dozen congressional investigations, and authored books on mental-health issues.
Murphy was a commander
in the U.S. Navy Reserve Medical Service Corps from 2009 to 2017.
Bartolotta said Murphy always made himself available for constituents.
“He was persistently present, visible, and accessible. He participated in as many events as he could, and it wasn’t for show. He cared about the people in his district,” said Bartolotta. “He really was an excellent representative. He did a lot in Southwestern Pennsylvania, for his constituents, the state, and the country.”
Others also expressed condolences, including Washington
Mayor JoJo Burgess, who said in a social media statement that although they may not have agreed on things, “the Congressman was always accommodating and respectful when meeting with him.”
U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick also praised Murphy, saying on social media, “He believed that no family should have to face a mental-health crisis alone, and he dedicated his career to making that belief a reality.” Murphy is survived by his wife, Nan, a daughter, Bevin, and three grandchildren.
COURTESY OF RICK SEBAK
Rick Sebak’s programs have included looks at many Pittsburgh landmarks, including Kennywood amusement park.
COURTESY OF RICK SEBAK
The “Summer of Sebak” is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Rick Sebak working in public TV.
COURTESY OF RICK SEBAK
Rick Sebak returned to Bethel Park High School
about his days as a stu-
COURTESY OF RICK SEBAK
The motorized toddler mobility trainer that won a grand prize at the Global Innovation Challenge.
COURTESY OF RICK SEBAK
An Upper St. Clair team of four high school students including Ritu Gupta, Shreyan Mali, Aarn Jiang and Rohan Inampudi won a grand prize in the TOM Global Innovation Challenge.
real estate transactions
Bridgeville celebrates its 125th anniversary
HUNDT ABOVE:
Fayette Alumni Band had a float in the Bridgeville 125th anniversary parade July 19. LEFT: Classic cars were part of the parade in downtown Bridgeville July 19, the second day of the borough’s 125th anniversary celebration.
HUNDT
Bethany
had
Radiation implant shows promising results in treating brain tumors
By Kristin Emery
A new approach to fighting brain tumors is showing promising results by targeting cancer cells with a tiny radiation-emitting implant.
The technique was first used in Southwestern Pennsylvania three years ago by neurosurgeons at Allegheny Health Network (AHN). Results of a 12-month followup are encouraging, showing the treatment helped prevent tumors from returning in 92% of patients and causing no major adverse reactions.
The procedure is called GammaTile and involves placing a small radiation-emitting implant at the time of tumor removal surgery. The implant delivers targeted radiation directly to the tumor bed, helping to fight its return while also minimizing exposure to healthy brain tissue.
“When I operate on the brain to remove a cancerous tumor, my primary responsibility is to preserve and/or improve neurologic function. In this way, I am often not able to remove a cancerous tumor with a margin of healthy brain tissue,” explains Dr. Matthew Shepard with the AHN Neuroscience Institute. He performed the first local GammaTile procedure in Western Pennsylvania in 2023 and has been involved in several studies examining its effectiveness for patients with brain metastases, gliomas and meningiomas.
“When brain tumors recur, they often grow back at the site of the initial surgery. Therefore, post-operative radiation is required,” Shepard says. “Unfortunately, recovering from surgery takes time. Often there is a balance between patient recovery and the growth trajectory of microscopic, residual tumors cells. In select, very aggressive
cancers, some tumors can even grow so quickly that tumor progression can already be observed on brain MRIs within a few weeks after surgery. Thus, employing immediate, surgically targeted, radiation therapy mitigates the risk of early tumor recurrence and ensures that every patient has an opportunity to receive adjuvant radiation therapy.”
Since the radiation emitted from GammaTile is targeted just to the region of the brain that is at the highest risk of tumor regrowth, it limits exposure to surrounding healthy brain tissue, which is critical in preserving neurological function.
An estimated 1 million people in the U.S. are living with a brain tumor diagnosis with nearly 90,000 new cases of primary brain tumors diagnosed annually. About 30% of brain tumors are cancerous. How does it work?
The postage stamp-sized GammaTile implant is similar to the radioactive seed brachytherapy treatment commonly used for prostate and breast cancers. The therapy is beneficial when brain tumors recur or when post-operative radiation or chemotherapy options are limited.
After tumor removal, neu-
rosurgeons place one or more GammaTiles at the site to direct radiation to where the tumor is most likely to regrow and where leftover cancer cells might still be hiding. The radiation seeds are encased in a collagen wafer, which holds them in place until they become inert after two or three months. Then, surrounding brain tissue absorbs the collagen tile.
“This is a game-changer,” says Shepard. “GammaTiles target remaining tumor cells immediately once deployed. And because the tile keeps the cesium seeds securely in place while the radiation is released, the therapy occurs while the patient is out of the hospital as they go about their daily life.”
The targeted radiation means preserving more healthy brain tissue and reducing cognitive or motor skill complications and other side effects like hair loss.
Traditional treatment after brain tumor surgery calls for radiation or chemotherapy, which can last up to 30 visits over several weeks.
“Importantly, all of the patients in this study received radiation therapy as they were recovering from surgery,” says Shepard. “Almost one-third of patients treated with surgery for brain metastasis never receive post-operative radiation therapy, or if they do, the treatment is severely delayed.”
Unfortunately, patients who do not receive that followup treatment have worse outcomes, so doctors see this technique addressing a common challenge in cancer care.
“Implantable radiation removes the treatment gap often required for surgical healing and ensures that every patient receives their full dose of radiation for the tumor that was removed.”
Dr. Matthew Shepard
Four years of bliss
Next week will mark our fourth wedding anniversary, and time sure does fly when you’re having fun!
We got married late in life (in our 50s) and both for the first time, so our lifelong friends who got married in their 20s and 30s and are by now (and their own admission) “old married couples” still look at my husband and I as goofy newlyweds. We still feel like that, too, which I believe is a good thing.
We recently visited some dear friends who truly are newlyweds, having just tied the knot last New Year’s Eve. They are both older than us and both sadly lost their previous longtime spouses to terminal illnesses. Happily, they found one another several years later and are perfectly matched.
We all had a good chuckle one evening when the wife couldn’t get one of her prized and pricey kitchen gadgets to work properly. In exasperation,
she exclaimed to her husband, “Well, you got it wet and now it won’t work!”
It was clear the kitchen was her domain and he had invaded it. A little bit of a tense exchange followed before we all started laughing and she asked me, “You guys are still newly married... do you still have moments like this trying to get used to each other?” I told her,
“Oh, yes! I still sigh when I go to load the dishwasher and have to rearrange everything my husband
$1,095
has already put inside it.”
We all laughed again before I said, “But I realized a long time ago that I appreciate him loading any of the dishes and if I don’t like the way he does it, that’s my problem, not his.”
It was fun and interesting talking about adjusting to married life and living with someone else as an older adult or someone who lived alone for years. Both my husband and I were single our whole lives until four years ago and it was a big adjustment to live with another person. To this day, I marvel at how easy the transition to married life was for both of us. The couple we were visiting were both married to their late spouses for many years, so they had experience being married and raising families. The big adjustment for them was going back to living alone for several years, but that doesn’t mean there still isn’t an adjustment period with their new union. I like to think that our adjustment period is over, but we’re still learning new things about each other every day. My mom used to joke after my dad retired that they were driving each other nuts. Our recent retirements from work mean much more “togetherness,” which, so far, hasn’t caused any issues. I chuckled again today while loading (and rearranging) the dishwasher plates. If that’s the biggest adjustment I’ve had to make during four years of wedded bliss, then I am one lucky gal!
Kristin Emery can be reached at kristinemery1@yahoo.com.
Kristin Emery
sports
LAST HURRAH
USC’s Robbins tying up loose ends before Penn State calls
By Eleanor Bailey ebailey@thealmanac.net
Ryan Robbins sat upon a stool barely capable of containing his girth as spectators took aim at a target connected to a contraption that once triggered by a direct hit would release ice water upon his 6-8, 280-pound frame.
Though he is a Penn State University recruit, he subjected himself to what is widely considered humiliating hijinks because it was all part of a fundraising event for the Upper St. Clair High School football team.
“Despite his success, despite all the attention that comes along with being a Power 4 recruit, Ryan’s just so humble,” said USC football coach Mike Junko. “He’s one of our most loved teammates.
“He’s just a kid that gives everything that he has to his teammates because he loves those guys,” Junko continued. “That’s just his personality.”
Robbins described his participation in past community day activities, which also included marching in a parade with his WPIAL championship basketball teammates, as a civic duty.
“(The community) is always cheering for us, so why can’t we do something for them,” he said simply. “It’s definitely important that we come out here and do this for the community.” Robbins is certainly bringing pride and recog -
nition to Upper St. Clair.
A three-year starter, he’s been the center of attention on the basketball team, which has captured three consecutive WPIAL championships and he’s again expected to be the anchor of the offensive line for the football team that is predicted to challenge for a district championship after reaching the semifinals the past two years.
“We’re just really working towards that WPIAL championship this year,” Robbins said.
Since the Panthers lost to Central Dauphin, 55-52, in the PIAA Class 6A boys basketball semifinals on St. Patrick’s Day, Robbins has been in the weight room preparing for football. He took no time off after a 27-2 season where he earned Almanac MVP and all-conference honors for averaging a team-high 15 points and 11.2 rebounds a game to go along with 2.3 blocked shots.
“Ryan sets such a great example. He’s really become a leader,” Junko said. “He’s not just a big guy. He’s that rare two-sport athlete that gives a great effort all the time and he hasn’t let all the attention and notoriety bother him or interfere in what he wants to do for the team. He loves the guys that he plays with and he’s a joy to have in the program.”
Robbins started playing football in his youth and made the varsity roster as a freshman. He’s a threeyear starter and a two-time
all-conference tackle.
“My teammates are definitely my friends. I’m buddies with all of them. They know I’m not just out here playing for myself. I’m playing for them, too.
“This is definitely a team sport and I’m not going to come out here and run (the show) by myself. I need to win with four other guys on the offensive line and all the other guys on the team. It’s definitely not a oneman sport.”
Playing tackle, on both sides of the line, is not a glory position. Robbins understands and accepts that.
“It’s tough but I really just do it for everyone else,” he said. “I mean it feels good when we’re doing great, and everyone else is getting recognition, because they deserve it too. I’m just happy to be here and working for them and doing what I can to help out the team.
“I’m trying to make sure that my team knows that I’m there for them. I’m just coming every day and working with the team, making sure that I’m staying consistent so we can win games. I try to lead by example and do what’s right. I just try to do the best I can every single day.”
That work ethic plus talent drew attention from college recruiters. He had at least 18 football scholarship offers, including Ohio State, Pitt, Nebraska, Indiana, Boston College, Georgia Tech, North Carolina State and Virginia Tech, before committing to Penn State.
“I really fell in love with all the coaches and they really recruited me super hard,” Robbins said. “I just felt a connection with Penn State. I knew that was the place where I really wanted to go.”
Robbins said he experienced “zero” pressure re -
garding his decision, particularly from his parents even though two of his options were from their alma maters.
His father, Tim, played football at the University of Pittsburgh, first as a defensive lineman before transitioning to tight end. Eventually, he played all the offensive line positions.
His mother, Kim, played basketball at Virginia Tech. A Mount Lebanon graduate, she set records and attained honors while finishing among the Hokies’ Top 10 players in some offensive categories.
“I looked at the schools as the schools themselves, not where my parents went. They weren’t leaning any way with other colleges. They agree with my decision. They knew that Penn State was the perfect fit for me.”
Junko concurred. He reiterated that Penn State is a “really good fit” for Robbins.
“Ryan cared very deeply about the coaches that he was going to play for and that was really a deciding factor for him,” Junko said. ”He had a great connection with the coaching staff.
“Nowadays, guys choose schools for a lot of the wrong reasons. The academic piece certainly was important to Ryan as was his connection to the coaching staff. He feels like they’re gonna be there for a long time, and he wants to be a part of things for a long time. So I think he made his decisions for the right reasons.”
Robbins has made another choice that is correct for him. He will not matriculate to Penn State in January. He plans to play basketball for Upper St. Clair in the winter and graduate with his classmates in June of 2027.
Junko said that stipula -
Peters Township’s Reyes wins WPGA
During his sophomore year of high school, Camden Reyes broke his collarbone playing hockey. Looking for a way to kill time during recovery, he took up sports photography.
On the other side of the camera, Reyes crafted a picture-perfect finish to win his first Western Pennsylvania Golf Association (WPGA) major championship.
A rising senior at Peters Township High School, Reyes shot a 1-over score of 71, draining a lengthy putt on his 18th hole of the day and then posting a birdie in a one-hole playoff to take the 106th WPGA Junior Championship at Westmoreland Country Club.
“It’s nuts,” said Reyes, who defeated Vandergrift native Max Mottura in the playoff.
“It’s surreal. I don’t think it’s kicked in yet.” But for Reyes to get to his championship moment, he needed a dose of patience and some clutch putting.
The tournament, originally scheduled for 36 holes, was reduced to 18 due to inclement weather that hit
Western Pennsylvania. The line of storms resulted in three suspensions of play, with each lasting over an hour.
“There wasn’t much I could do about it,” said Reyes, who is a member at Chartiers Country Club. “Everyone else was in the same situation. I just took it one step at a time and put my best foot forward whenever I did get to play.”
Reyes held a one-stroke lead when play was suspended for a second time Monday. Having started his round on the back nine, that suspension hit while he was on the 7th hole, with just three holes to play.
When play resumed, Reyes posted bogey on each of his next two holes, slipping behind Mottura, who
tion was a big part of the recruitment process for Robbins. “He wanted to make sure that he had an opportunity to play basketball this winter,” he said.
“Nowadays, schools sometimes put pressure on you to give up that second semester of your senior year, but that was very important to him.
“That kind of goes back to the person that he is,” Junko continued. “He wanted to be there for his teammates. He feels like they have some unfinished business. He wants to be a part of that with those guys.
“I really applaud him, because you just don’t see that nowadays. Penn State was willing to work with him on that and that meant a lot to him.”
Robbins assured the Nittany Lions coaching staff he will remain in contact but his high school goals and friendships take precedence.
“I can’t wait to get up there,” Robbins said of Penn State. “But I still have my senior season left.
“It’s going to be exciting, especially playing for such a fan base. It’s such a unique tradition and playing in front of 100,000 fans, but we have Friday night football here and I love playing in front of my community and with my friends.
“Some people might be graduating early, and going to Penn State early, but I’m staying home, playing basketball and finishing my senior years of high school. My Penn State coaches will have things for me to do as well because there’s always more room for improvement. Once I get there, there’s probably going to be so much to work on.
I’m aware of that but right now I have a lot of time and things I’d like to finish up here at St. Clair.”
SPORTS BRIEFS Fabus, Lemieux runs open for registration
Registration is open for two key road races set for the fall. The Joey Fabus Superhero Run will be held at 9 a.m. Sept. 20 at Bethel Park High School.
Fee for the 5K race (3.1 miles) is $30 ($20 for ages 0-12). Fee for the 1-mile family fun walk is $20. Fees increase after Sept. 7. Walkers can register until 8:30 a.m. the day of the event.
Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite superhero costume in honor of Joey, who was 8 when he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. He passed away on Jan. 21, 2015, after a seven-month battle with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG)
Since his death, the Joey Fabus Childhood Cancer Foundation was established to raise awareness about the disease and to raise funds to find a potential cure. Proceeds from the race benefit the foundation. Visit JFCCF.org about the organization but register online at runsignup.com for the race. Meanwhile, the 14th annual Pittsburgh Penguins 6.6K run and family walk will be held Oct. 4. The in-person live race will start at 8 a.m. on Fifth Avenue outside the EQT Gate at the PPG Paints Arena. Virtual participants can run or walk their distance until October. 4. A 3.3K walk (2.05 miles) is also offered. Fees are $36 for the 6.6K run, $26 for individuals in the walk and $92 for a family or group of four for the walk. Additionally, pets can participate in the family walk, either in person for the 3.3 distance or virtually for the 6.6 event. All registered pets receive a finisher bandana. Visit runsignup.com/ pens66k to register. All proceeds benefit the cancer research and patient care initiatives of the Mario Lemieux Foundation, as well as the youth initiatives of the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation.
Volunteers are also needed to help with the event. Visit www.mariolemieux. org for more information. FLAG FOOTBALL
A flag football camp for girls will be held Aug. 6 at the Bethel Park High School Turf 1 field. Grades 3 to 5 meet from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Grades 6 to 8 meet from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Fee is $30. Venmo to @KIRSTAN-KARISH. In case of inclement weather, the camp will be held in the high school’s south gym.
SOFTBALL
The Lebo Softball Club (LSC) will host its alumni game at 8 p.m. Aug. 8 on the middle field. The event is open to all LSC alumni. Visit lebosc.org to register.
Junior Championship
was already in the clubhouse at 1-over.
“I really didn’t pay attention to the leaderboard until the second delay,“ he said.
“And then people started coming up to me and saying ‘good playing.’
“I was like, ‘I wonder where I’m at?’ Then I saw the leaderboard on the big TV there. Once I came out, after a little food, I made two bogeys in a row, which was not my best showing.
“I kind of had to make up for myself on 18.”
Reyes did just that on the Par 3, hitting his tee shot to 20 feet and sliding a lengthy putt into the cup to force the playoff.
“My caddie, Austin (Malley), gave me a great read,” said Reyes, who picked up a top 20 finish in the WPGA
Amateur Championship earlier this year. “It was just weird. We were talking, coming up to the green, and were just going to put a good stroke on it and leave it in God’s hands.
“We just had inner peace. And we rolled a good rock and it went in. So that was fun.”
Once his round was over, however, he and the rest of the remaining field had to endure the day’s third delay before the conclusion of the tournament.
On the Par 5 opening hole, both Reyes and Mottura had short approach shots into the green. Reyes hit his to eight feet, while Mottura’s went long, over the green. Mottura’s chip fell short, giving Reyes a look at a birdie and the victory.
“I came out, after the delays, and I just wanted to put a couple of good shots together,” he said. “I wanted to give myself a birdie look to finish it on (the first hole). It was fun. It was exhilarating.
“I was shaking a little bit over the putt, but I just wanted to drain it in there so I didn’t have to make a comebacker. It was a good last hole.”
Reyes joined a long list of Western Pennsylvania greats to win the junior championship.
“I just can’t thank God enough for allowing me to be here, at this beautiful course,” he said. “We could be doing so many other things right now, and I think it’s just such a blessing that we’re here and we get to play this beautiful game of golf.”
Camden Reyes
ELEANOR BAILEY
Ryan Robbins shares a lighter moment with Upper St. Clair head football coach Mike Junko during summer workouts. An all-conference tackle, Robbins hopes to lead the Panthers to a WPIAL championship before heading off to Penn State.
ELEANOR BAILEY
Ryan Robbins (No. 78) will be the center of attention on the Upper St. Clair line. The 6-7, 280-pound senior is a two-way tackle for the Panthers, who reached the semifinals in the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs the past two years.
Kisner’s
Summer Summer CONCERT SERIES
U.be.u
sights & sounds
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM TO DEBUT NEW
Mister Rogers exhibit
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh will premiere the new hands-on exhibit, “It’s a Beautiful Day to Be You: Inspired by Mister Rogers, Daniel Tiger and Donkey Hodie,” in partnership with Fred Rogers Productions (FRP) on Oct. 3.
The new exhibit and accompanying resources draw from three beloved television series rooted in the legacy of Fred Rogers: “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Donkey Hodie” and “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” The two organizations previously worked together to develop the traveling exhibitions “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: A Grr-ific Exhibit” and “How People Make Things.”
The exhibit will run through Jan. 3, and it will be followed by a national tour that will run through 2029.
In addition to Daniel Tiger and Donkey Hodie, many beloved characters from both series will be part of the exhibit, including: Miss Elaina, O the Owl, Katerina Kittycat, Prince Wednesday, Mom and Dad Tiger, Purple Panda, Bob Dog, Duck Duck and Grampy Hodie.
“We are delighted to continue our long-standing collaboration with Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh to bring the worlds of “Donkey Hodie,” “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” and “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” to life in this new interactive experience,” said Paul Siefken, President and CEO of Fred Rogers Productions. “‘It’s a Beautiful Day to Be You’” will provide a playful space where children along with their families can practice essential character traits like kindness, resilience and bravery. Fred Rogers reminded us that ‘Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning.’ This exhibit carries that vital message forward to a new generation.”
The museum’s fall hours are 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily, with closures on select Wednesdays.
For more information, visit pittsburghkids.org
what’s happening
NIGHT OUT
National Night Out in Bethel Park will have a new location. It will be held at the community center’s lower parking lot, located on Park Avenue. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 4.
Established in 1984, the annual event is a nationwide community-building campaign designed to promote police-community partnerships, enhance neighborhood camaraderie, and foster safer, more caring environments.
In addition to free snacks, music, children’s activities, search and rescue dogs, emergency vehicle display, free raffles and youth ID kits, the Pirate Parrot will make a guest appearance. There will also be a flyover by the Pennsylvania State Police Helicopter.
HELP WANTED
Volunteers are needed to help with the Peters Township Haunted Trail. A meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 10 at the recreation center for all those willing to help. High school students and adults are needed to narrate the story and lead groups through the trail. Scene actors, ages 13 and over, are needed for the tableaus and displays.
Follow-up meetings will be held at 6 p.m. Sept. 8, 23 and 30 (for a final walkthrough). A meeting at
a time to be determined will also be held on Sept. 16.
The haunted trail event runs from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Oct. 2 and 5:30 to 10 p.m. Oct. 3. Call 724-942-5000 for further information.
POOL PARTY
Club Lebo will host a back-toschool pool party from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 5 at the Mt. Lebanon Outdoor Swim Center.
Fee is $8.
There will be no pay-at-the-door line. Only pre-registered students in grades six through eight will be admitted. Sign up online at mt.lebanon.org by 7 p.m. Aug. 5.
FALL SOCCER
Sign-ups for Mt. Lebanon fall youth soccer programs as well as for all exercise and fitness classes are being accepted. Visit mt.lebano.org for start dates and registration information.
MAD SCIENCE
The Fizz Boom Bang Camp, offered through Mad Science, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 10-14 at the Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center, located at 900 Cedar Blvd. Additionally, the Forces and Flight Camp will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 10-14.
VOTING OPEN FOR THE NEXT MODEL IN MINIATURE RAILROAD
Voting is officially open for the next model to join the Miniature Railroad and Village at the Kamin Science Center.
Votes can be cast once a day through July 31 at kaminsciencecenter.org. Visitors to the Kamin Science Center can also vote by using their general admission wristbands as ballots at a kiosk when exiting the museum.
This year’s nominees celebrate Pittsburgh’s nickname as the City of Bridges:
– Smithfield Street Bridge –Built in 1883, the Smithfield Street Bridge is the oldest bridge in downtown Pittsburgh at 143 years old. Designed by Gustav Lindenthal, this state-of-the-art lenticular truss bridge replaced the Monongahela Bridge, which was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1845. At 1,184 feet long, the bridge is one of the first in the country to use structural steel in its construction.
– Hot Metal Bridge –
Completed in 1900, Pittsburgh’s Hot Metal Bridge was constructed by Edgemore Boiler Works in two stages. The railroad traffic side opened in 1887 and the side for carrying molten iron, now known as the Hot Metal Bridge, was completed in 1900.
Fee is $179 ($189 nonresidents) for each camp. For those attending both camps a lunch period will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Students should pack a nut-free lunch, two snacks and a water bottle. Comfortable footwear should be worn for the play period.
Register at mt.lebanon.org or call 412-343-3409 for more details.
COIN CLUB
The South Hills Coin Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11 at the Bethel Park municipal building located at 5100 West Library Ave. All members and the general public can attend. This month’s program will be on special edition coins and currency. A 50/50 will be held and children’s prizes will be awarded . Applications are now being accepted for membership. Call 724-984-6611 for more information.
CAR SHOW
The First Presbyterian Church of Belle Vernon located at 501 Fayette Avenue in Rostraver Township will hold its annual car truck and motorcycle show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 15. Admission is free to the general public. A $5 fee per vehicle will be charged. Food will be available for purchase.
Call 724-984-6611 for more information
INTERVIEWS
At peak production, the locomotives hauled 4,300 tons of molten iron across the river daily via the 1,174-foot bridge.
– Panther Hollow Bridge –
Since 1896, Panther Hollow Bridge has been a feature of Schenley Park in Oakland. Henry B. Rust designed the bridge with the Shultz Bridge and Iron Works of Pittsburgh. The bridge represents an old and rare example of steel arch technology with a three-hinged deck arch.
The Miniature Railroad and Village has been a Pittsburgh tradition since 1954, when it was first displayed at the Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science. The exhibit was created by Charles Bowdish of Brookville, who began building miniature railroad villages in 1919. His intricate models quickly became a holiday favorite, eventually finding a permanent home at Kamin Science Center in 1992. Spanning 83 feet long by 30 feet wide, the Miniature Railroad features dozens of meticulously crafted models that celebrate local history pre-1940s.
The Miniature Railroad and Village is included with general admission to the Science Center. Visit KaminScienceCenter.org to learn more.
Upper St. Clair School District is hosting open interviews for several full- and part-time positions from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 4 in the high school nutrition center (enter via the arts entrance).
Positions are available for fulltime custodians, maintenance technicians, nutrition center general workers and bus attendants. All positions offer competitive compensation. Full-time positions offer excellent benefits, including paid time off, pension, along with healthcare, dental and vision insurance.
Upon successful completion of a 90-work-day probationary period, new employees receive a $750 (pre-tax) bonus. Applicants can apply online (uscsd.org/employment) in advance or complete the application process onsite. Candidates are encouraged to bring a resume.
For more information, contact Aimee Mack, director of human resources, at amack@uscsd.k12. pa.us or call 412-833-1600, ext. 2279.
CAMPING
A father-son campout will be held
Sept. 19 and 20 in Bird Park, located off Cedar Boulevard in Mt. Lebanon. Rain date is Sept. 26-27.
Boys in kindergarten through fifth grade accompanied by a male family companion can participate. Fee is $50 per male adult and child ($55 nonresidents). Additional children are $10 each. Visit mtlebanon.org to register. Sign-up deadline is Sept. 4. Call 412-343-3409 for more information.
FIRE CAMP
A fire safety day camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 5 and 6 at the Peters Township Fire Department’s Station No. 1 located at 245 E. McMurray Road. Ages 7 to 13 are eligible to attend. Fee is $30 ($45 nonresidents). Participants will learn fire safety as well as handle fire and rescue equipment.
Registration is limited. Visit peterstownship.org to sign up.
BOOK SALE
The Bethel Park Lions Club will hold a book sale from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 31 at Lions Park located at 5757 Irishtown Road. From 5 to 6 p.m. patrons can fill a bag for $5.
AP FILE PHOTO
A new exhibit drawing on the legacy of Fred Rogers, “It’s
a Beautiful Day to Be You,” will open at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in October.
AP FILE PHOTO
A new exhibit drawing on the legacy of Fred Rogers, “It’s a Beautiful Day to Be You,” will open at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in October.
COURTESY OF THE KAMIN SCIENCE CENTER
Voting is open for the next model to be in the Miniature Railroad and Village at the Kamin Science Center.
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