Tales from the Pitt Panthers

by Sam Sciullo Jr.

The Pitt Panthers or the Pittsburgh Panthers? Even their name evokes an argument, a touch of controversy. For anyone who has followed the football and basketball fortunes of the University of Pittsburgh, however, controversy is just one of many facets of Pitt’s programs throughout the institution’s very long history. Pitt has fielded a football team since 1890 and will celebrate its 100th year of basketball in 2005. Both programs have experienced plenty of success, periods of failure, lots of humor, and some old-fashioned heartbreak along the way. Tales from the Pitt Panthers goes straight to the people who have lived with and contributed to the stories of Pitt football and basketball, including players, coaches, administrators, and fans. Author Sam Sciullo Jr. does not intend the book to be a chronological history of either sport, but rather a look back at some of famous—and not-so-famous—games, teams, incidents, and personalities from both the football and basketball programs. From the recruitment of football legends like Marshall Goldberg, Tony Dorsett, and Dan Marino, to the basketball prowess of Charley Hyatt and Charles Smith, Tales from the Pitt Panthers takes a behind-the-scenes look at a major metropolitan area’s sports team that continue to excite and, at times, confound its loyalists. This is a book for fans that have ever wondered what it was like to be in the locker room just moments before the opening kickoff or have thought about the emotions felt in the aftermath of a key victory or a crushing loss. Included are stories about Tony Dorsett running to the Heisman Trophy and Pitt’s national championship season in 1976, a 1970 basketball game at the Field House when a brash point guard decided to take strategy into his own hands, the things Larry Fitzgerald learned from his near-miss shot at the Heisman Trophy in 2003, and Jamie Dixon’s thoughts when school officials searched for Ben Howland’s replacement after the 2003 season. Tales from the Pitt Panthers offers a wide-angled look at Pitt football and basketball from several different perspectives, from both inside and outside the program.

180 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2004

Reviews

[Mark A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sam Sciullo places in depth football and basketball stories from former Pitt Panthers in his book, Tales of the Pitt Panthers.
The text is a simple narrative of stories, some more well known by Panther fans than others, that all whom have an attachment to the school and those who have a connection to western Pennsylvania, a chance to relive some moments frozen in time. Personally, I really appreciated some to the stories that related to times when Pitt wasn't as competitive, especially in basketball.
Enjoyable stories that dig deeper into the background of this university's sports history make this a must read for any Panther fan. Three stars.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice personal accounts and anecdotes covering the history of Pitt football and basketball. It covers the good and a lot of the bad. The only real critique I have is that I wish the book was more chronological overall.

I had trouble reading this book throughout the past two years since every time I'd pick up for a read, some awful thing would happen to Pitt and wipe out all my motivation to read this.

[Ryan Splenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty good collection of inside stories concerning the Pitt football and basketball teams throughout the years. A lot of the stories are common knowledge, but there is plenty of insight into both the good and bad times concerning the two major athletic programs at Pitt. I found that the last chapter devoted to "Humor" was the most interesting...this is where some of the real nitty gritty stuff is exposed. Unfortunately, the Pitt administration has de-emphasized athletics in the past, but there are plenty of stories in this book that expose the very deep and rich sports culture that Pitt built. A must read for all Panthers out there.