WHIRL
/ Sports talk Q & A PROMINENT PROFESSIONAL
5 Fun Facts with Rob Vincent
What’s the biggest difference between living in Liverpool and living in Pittsburgh?
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds’ 2014 season is in full effect, and tearing it up at midfield is Rob Vincent. The Liverpool, England, native has a lot to celebrate this month. It’s his second year with the team and his one-year anniversary with his wife, Katie. Cheers!
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This month, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds play two games at Highmark Stadium: May 9, Orlando City May 17, Rochester Rhinos
Rob Vincent: There’s not too much of a difference. They’re both relatively big cities. They’re both situated on rivers. They’re both big into their sports teams. The only big thing is the weather. Growing up, I had two or three snowy winters. Here, it snows for like, six months straight.
What’s your favorite thing to eat after playing soccer?
RV: I love curry. It’s more of a dinner, but I’ll have it after a game or something. My wife makes really good curry.
How long have you been married?
University Update
Step Up to the Plate Point Park University’s softball team has strong, individual players, but its unity is what really shines. “In previous years, we weren’t as close as we are this year,” explains senior Ashley Morran. “We need to work on talking more and being more of a team, but we all get along so that’ll be easy.” The captain stepped up as a leader in improving team dynamics, organizing team bonding exercises and outings. She’s also stepping up to the plate as a two-time National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Softball Honorable Mention All-American and the 2013 Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) Player of the Year, leading the KIAC in RBIs, runs, and home runs. Morran and the speedy Pioneers will rely on their strong short game this year, but communication is key to keep the season flawless. “If we work as a team and stay together, we’ll be perfect.” Point Park University, pointpark.edu.
HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT
RV: We got married last May. My wife, Katie, is from Pittsburgh. We went to college together in Charleston, W.Va. [at the University of Charleston]. She had no problems moving back home.
What’s one thing you can’t leave your house without?
RV: Probably my phone. Even though I hate how much everyone’s on their phones, if I get a few minutes of free time, I have to check mine.
What’s your hidden talent?
RV: In high school, I was in a band where I played the drums. I’d never played before, but my two best friends started a band and needed a drummer. So, I said I would help them out until they found one. Two or three years later, I was still playing. That was fun. Pittsburgh Riverhounds, riverhounds.com.
Joining the Ranks
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Congratulations are due to Tim Giel, Avonworth High School athletic director and wrestling coach, who will join his former mentors and fellow wrestling champions in the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame on May 11. “I’m ecstatic,” Giel says. “I went back and looked at the other people who were inducted before me, and it’s a pretty impressive list.” Giel earned the honor as a result of his many achievements on and off the mat — as a two-time section champion and WPIAL runner-up at Shaler High School; wrestling at the University of Pittsburgh; and leading Shadyside Academy to nine individual PIAA Championships, 25 individual WPIAL Championships, a WPIAL team title, and back-to-back PIAA team titles in 28 years of coaching. Giel is grateful that the committee considers him on the same level as his beloved colleagues. “To think that they see me as one of those people is humbling.” Avonworth High School, avonworth.k12.pa.us.
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W hi r l / MAY 2014
By Rachel Jones •
We caught up with eight-time Ironman competitor Jocelyn Smith-Cornman. The local athlete recovered from a 2013 abdominal injury and is ready to tackle the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and full 26.2-mile marathon four times this year! Check out her story at whirlmagazine.com/ironmantraining-blog.
Photographs from Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Point Park University, Tim Giel