43
Basketball game between Poland, Steelers a rousing success
Photo
Neighbors | Tim Cleveland.Many of the fans who attended the Poland All Stars vs. Pittsburgh Steelers basketball game at Poland Seminary High School wore their Steelers jerseys.
Photo
Neighbors | Tim Cleveland.The Pittsburgh Steelers Derrick Moye missed a dunk attempt against the Poland All Stars.
Photo
Neighbors | Tim Cleveland.Poland Middle School teacher Chris Martin (2) missed a layup during first-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Photo
Neighbors | Tim Cleveland.The Pittsburgh Steelers Le'Veon Bell dribbled before he scored a layup against the Poland All Stars.
By TIM CLEVELAND
Just as it was two years ago, the charity basketball game March 20 at Poland Seminary High School between Poland teachers and members of the Pittsburgh Steelers was a rousing success, with more than 1,000 people in attendance and $4,500 raised for the school district.
The seven Steelers players were guard David Decastro, tight end David Paulson, defensive end Cameron Heyward, defensive back Ross Ventrone, running back Le’Veon Bell, guard Kelvin Beachum and wide receiver Derrick Moye. The Poland team, called the Poland All-Stars, were Middle School teacher Chris Martin, Seminary High School teacher Rico Black, physical education teacher Mark Wesolowsky, Dobbins principal Mike Daley, school resource officer Steve Kent, Union teacher Michelle Landers, Union principal Mike Masucci, physical education teacher Kristi Schenker, Seminary High School teacher Kim Grisdale, North principal Stephanie Mateja, Union teacher Erica Donahue, Poland Township trustee Eric Ungaro, Union teacher DeAnna Mordocco, plus high school basketball alumni Niko Fatimus, Chad Fender and Alex Haug.
The Steelers took a 29-5 lead in the first quarter and rolled to a 103-64 victory in the game. The Steelers led 8-0 in the first 90 seconds before Masucci scored Poland’s first basket. The 6 foot 5 inch Heyward had numerous dunks.
“I think the event was a huge success and all involved had a great time,” said Masucci, who organized the game. “The money becomes secondary to the success of this school and community event.”
Masucci said everyone had a good time, with the speed of the Steelers being the biggest factor.
“I think the game was a lot of fun for us,” he said. “We all went in knowing it would be difficult to compete with them. They definitely didn’t take it easy on us, either. None of us expected a half-court trap. The speed of the players was probably the hardest thing to account for. I think we ended up having more fun as the game went on though.”
Gary Gebhardt of Poland attended the game with his daughter Shayla. Both father and daughter attended the game in Steelers jackets.
“To see the Steelers,” he said of why he came. “She came two years ago. She likes to get autographs and to see them. We came early to get a seat.”
Masucci said he hopes to organize another game against the Steelers in the future. He said he remembered his father playing in a charity game against the Steelers when he was young and it has been a thrill to play against them himself.
“I have always loved the Steelers, so to play against them a few times has been a lot of fun,” he said. “It has provided many of us with chances to see the personal side of professional athletes a bit more. Each player was extremely gracious and approachable.”