Panther Post
March 2020 - Volume #4
A Message from Heather Lyke
Dear Panthers,
I came across this quote, and it struck me. Partly because I love spring and all that comes with it — gardening, running in shorts, cleaning out the flower beds, planting new ones, spring cleaning, washing cars (well maybe not washing cars!). Each year on Mother’s Day weekend, we make our annual trip to the greenhouse and I splurge on annual flowers, a new perennial or two and something fun for the outdoors. It is my treat and attempt to beautify our home and neighborhood. My grandmother was an avid flower gardener and I was always amazed and inspired to see how her hard work came to life in the yard. It is definitely a time to refresh and re-beautify the outdoors and life!
The quote also struck me because it reminds me of what we’re doing here. Pitt Athletics is in a continual and transformative period of growth. As a team, we have done so much in the past few years to refresh and enhance our student-athletes’ experiences, and I am confident we are on the cusp of seeing our Athletic Department blossom.
As we turn our attention to the spring season and the spring sports, we know we are still growing. Each day, we need to ask ourselves what we can do to help advance and improve our department. Each of us plays such an integral part in the success of our teams and department. This spring, let’s challenge ourselves to determine what we can weed out to make room for something even more beautiful.
Hail to Pitt!
Heather
Welcome to Pitt Athletics!
New Hire | Title | Alma Mater | Office Location |
Stacy Blickman | Athletic Trainer (FB) | West Chester University | UPMC Sports Performance Complex |
DeVaughn Gordon | Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach (FB) | West Liberty University | UPMC Sports Performance Complex |
Brandon Martuccio | Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach (FB) | Washington & Jefferson | UPMC Sports Performance Complex |
Kira Neszpaul | Facilities and Event Operations Administrative Assistant | California University of Pennsylvania | Petersen Events Center / Fitzgerald Field House |
Tyrone Smith | Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach (FB) | Penn State University | UPMC Sports Performance Complex |
Michael Stacchiotti | Head Strength and Conditioning Coach (FB) | Baldwin Wallace University | UPMC Sports Performance Complex |
Austin Stephan | Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach (FB) | Baldwin Wallace University | UPMC Sports Performance Complex |
Congratulations Corner
New Panthers!
Volleyball assistant coach Lindsey Behonick and men’s soccer assistant coach Michael Behonick welcomed their first child, Miles Jack, into the world on Jan. 26, 2020.
Baby Stats: born at 4:44 a.m., weighing 7 lbs 12 ounces and 20 ¾ inches tall
Associate AD Pat Bostick and his wife, Samantha, welcomed their second son, Rhys Anthony, into the world on Feb. 6, 2020.
Baby Stats: born at 1:36 a.m., weighing 7 lbs 15 ounces and 21 inches tall
Staff Spotlight
Assistant Director of Video Production Max Hahn!
- Any podcast recommendations?
- The Rewatchables on The Ringer, and StarTalk with Neil DeGrasse Tyson.
- Name three people from work you'd want on your team during the zombie apocalypse.
- "Turbo" Tim Salem, Seth Graham, Jen Hatz.
- Favorite quote?
- I don’t know of a favorite quote currently but one I liked recently was “great things never come from comfort zones.”
- What is your favorite thing you've purchased in the last year?
- A jacket from the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
- If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
- Chicken & waffles with some mashed sweet potatoes.
- Is a hot dog a sandwich? (and why)
- I have had this conversation with someone before, and it doesn’t matter to me personally. If you want it to be a sandwich, let it be a sandwich. If you want to even call a Pop-Tart a sandwich, that’s fine with me too. Whatever works for you.
Upcoming Events
March Mat-ness!
Student Loan Assistance
The University of Pittsburgh is collaborating with TIAA and public benefit company Savi to provide University faculty and staff with assistance in navigating repayment plans and federal student loan programs, such as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
Join TIAA and Savi for a live webinar on March 11 or March 25 to learn about the new program, Savi's services, and information about various student loan repayment plans and forgiveness programs.
Save the Dates!
Announcements
Shoutout to the Athletics Sustainability Committee!
Serena Buchwald
Marc Christian
Melissa Craig
Blair Dunckel
Laura Fink
Josh Finley
Brendan Fouracre
Ian Fulkerson
Eve Kopicki
Madison Lescallette
Jack Roach
Kim Robertson
Sabrina Rothschild
Nic Ryan
Katie Sebbane
Anthony Smith
Katie Stumpp
Ed Whited
Nick Wolk
Pitt Is Fit
Exercise of the Month
Different Desk Postures
If you have back or hip pain from sitting too long at your desk, try switching to these postures for 5-10 minutes at a time to give your back a break!
(left photo) Half Kneeling Hip Flexor: Place one knee down on a pad or directly on the floor, place other leg out in front with knee bent at ninety degrees.
(right photo) Half Kneeling Groin: Place one knee down on a pad or directly on the floor, place other leg straight out to the side.
Pro Tips: 1) Squeeze your glutes to push hips forward and 2) place your screen so it is at eye level.
Recipe of the Month
