PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, July 13, 2007
Archabbot Douglas Nowicki (right) and Father Paul Taylor descend the grandstand at the new Chuck Noll Field after a press conference on July 12, 2007 at Saint Vincent College near Latrobe.
The Steelers arrive July 23 for their 41st summer training camp at St. Vincent College, and school officials hosted a full-blown media event on campus Thursday to proclaim their readiness.
It was left to St. Vincent president Jim Towey to offer perspective for the school, which had President George W. Bush as its commencement speaker earlier this year.
"For us in Southwestern Pennsylvania, the only bigger draw than the President of the United States is Steelers football players," Towey said. "When they show up here, we are excited that they're here.
"This is our little Woodstock. And the football players of the Steelers are our rock stars."
Towey said that while standing on a carpet of pristine grass, before newly constructed stands, a press box and other facilities collectively known as Chuck Noll Field, in honor of the former Steelers coach.
The new facility, which will be home to the school's revived football program this fall, is a convenient upgrade for Steelers fans to watch their team practice. There are 21 rows of aluminum bleachers, with 1,050 seats on the hillside next to the main practice field.
"When it's rainy, it's nice to be able to wipe off a seat instead of having the ground soak your tail," Towey said. "I think the seats they're going to like more are the toilets."
Chuck Noll
He referred to the new restrooms that are part of Chuck Noll Field.
While finishing touches were being put on concession stands, other preparations were underway for the arrival of the Steelers.
"It's a big job every year," director of facility management Larry Hendrick said. "But we've got a good handle on it."
Practices begin July 24. Parking and admission are free. Coolers and folding chairs are allowed. Alcohol, video cameras and barbecue grills are forbidden.
Chuck Noll Field will be formally dedicated with a night practice Aug. 2.
"This is just a wonderful tribute to a man, a coach, who spent many years here at St. Vincent. And we're also proud of him because he had his early training at our Benedictine high school in Cleveland, and he's been a part of the Benedictine family for many years," said Archabbot Douglas Nowicki, St. Vincent chancellor. "I think all of us know that Chuck Noll was an outstanding human being, an outstanding coach. And really, we're very grateful that he and his family have consented to allow us to pay tribute to him, along with the Steelers organization, by naming this field Chuck Noll Field and also dedicating this grandstand in his name."
Added Towey: "I find a beautiful convergence of celebrating the great accomplishments of a legendary football coach and welcoming to the campus a brand new one (Mike Tomlin), who will build his own legend, I'm sure."
An ailing Noll isn't expected to attend the formal dedication.
"My understanding is he probably won't be able to come," Towey said. "But he has been in communication with the Archabbot, and I know that he feels deeply honored the field will be inaugurated Aug. 2."
Sam Ross Jr. can be reached at sross@tribweb.com or (724) 838-5144.
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