PSR Showdown
Sports Story of the Year
By Dan Onorato
Allegheny County Chief Executive

Pitt Basketball

The University of Pittsburgh 's stunning victory over Connecticut in the Big East Conference tournament championship game brought me to my feet last March. The Panthers delivered a 74-56 victory and claimed their first championship title.

As a life-long Pittsburgher and graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, I have long been a Pitt basketball fan, and it was a pleasure to watch the team climb the ladder of achievement through hard work and honest effort. For me, however, the Panthers' biggest title, as well as its success throughout the season, was about so much more than physical and athletic achievement. It was about teamwork and putting the greater good ahead of individual accomplishment.

The Panthers had made it to the finals the prior two years and lost both times. During the 2003 tournament, rumors were already spreading that Ben Howland, the Panthers' head coach, would be leaving for the west coast immediately after the season. Also, point guard and team leader Brandin Knight's ankle was injured in the Panthers' semifinal win against Boston College .

The pressure couldn't have been more intense for the title game. Still, the players pulled together and refused to give up. Knight, bandaged ankle and all, led his team onto the Madison Square Garden court and ultimately to the school's first Big East championship.

The Panthers' determination to push through adversity mirrors our community's reputation. Also, like the Panthers in the Big East tournament, our county and region face tremendous obstacles and challenges.

Still, our will and resolve is strong, and we have many assets and resources that will enable our region to move forward. The Panthers showed us that teamwork and determination are essential to victory. With the County, our municipalities, and neighboring communities working together, we will be able to revive our economy and build a foundation for growth and development.

I look forward to serving this region, and I am confident that we will have even more reasons to celebrate in the years to come.