Happy 2 Year Anniversary, Mike Tomlin

It seems like everyone is trying to find some sort of angle to over-expose to the media with the Super Bowl on the horizon. Pittsburgh trying to be the first franchise to win 6 rings, Ben vs. Whis, and Whis vs. Tomlin. We're all guilty of it, because there's only so much you can talk about when you have two weeks until the game.

The Whis vs. Tomlin debate is cool, only because both guys are young, up-and-coming coaches who took very different paths to their current positions, and both have their teams in the big game after only two seasons of work.

But today, I'm not trying to find a certain angle, or give a Tomlin > Whis post. Today, I just want to give props.

2 years ago on this very day, we learned that the Steelers bypassed offensive line coach Russ Grimm for no-name Mike Tomlin out of Minny. The move was questioned by more than a few people, seeing as how the young Tomlin was barely older than the guys he'd be coaching. And he had no head coaching experience.

Tomlin has quieted nearly everyone (including his team) on his way to successive AFC North division titles and a Super Bowl berth. If you saw any of this coming on this day back in 2007, please leave because you're lying.

I was a senior at St. Vincent College when I found out the news, and I was cautiously optimistic about the hire. I tried to get any positives out of it...mainly focusing on the parallels between the young, defensive-minded outside-of-the-organization Tomlin to the young, defensive-minded outside-of-the-organization Cowher back in 1992. While I hoped for the best, any worries I had were quickly thrown out the window when, just days after the hire, I briefly met Tomlin at St. Vincent, while he personally went over every minute detail of his first training camp location as a head coach. The man went everywhere, from the weight room to the locker rooms, to the caf...trying to find out every detail about this odd Benedictine campus that was about to host tons of athletes, staff and media.

To me, that was a perfect way to introduce himself to the Steelers faithful. Tomlin could've easily sent some no-name to scope the place for him, but there he was, hands-on and elbows-deep from the get-go. I knew right then that Tomlin had a special quality, one that would go over well with the hard-working Steelers fan...regardless of the new coach's experience, coaching philosophy, race, age or strategy.

Oh, and my best friend Bob and I kept calling him Mike Epps and Omar Tomlin...so I'll take credit for being one of the original Pittsburghers to make the Omar Epps comparison.

But in all honesty, with such a big game looming and way too many attempts to demonize players and teams, I figured the 2 year anniversary of Tomlin's hiring was a good enough reason to praise the man who has done so much in so little time.

Wes Medeiros Rules

Man, what were you doing at age 13? I was probably being a jerk somewhere, picking my ass and rocking out to some Everclear or something. I certainly wasn't kicking NFL-length field goals.

But this isn't about me. It's about Wes Medeiros, who is cooler than me.

Wes killed it at St. Vincent during Steelers camp, when he booted field goals upwards of 45 yards with little to no problem. With Jeff Reed holding. It's one thing to practice hitting lengthy shots at practice by yourself. It's entirely different to do it in front of Steelers Nation at one of the most respected training camps in the country. Are the Steelers breeding their placekicker of the future?

As long as he doesn't take pictures of his naked body, I'm all for it.

Here's another vid of Wes.

Meet PSaMP and OFTOT at Steelers Training Camp

Where: Steelers Training Camp, St. Vincent College

When: Sunday, August 10

Time: Practice starts at 2:55 P.M.

As a Steelers fan who currently lives in New York City, I feel semi-disconnected from all I hold dear (Pittsburgh sports). Now, I moved in February, so it hasn't been that long, but I've only been to the area to see my younger brother at Point Park University. That's about to change.

This weekend, PSaMP and my good buddy Cotter from One For The Other Thumb will be making a trip from the big city into Latrobe for Steelers camp. Since St. Vincent College is my alma mater, it will be good to revisit my old stomping grounds.

Any fans of the Steelers, PSaMP or OFTOT who want to discuss football at camp with two (kickass) Steelers bloggers should feel free to drop me a line at psampmail@gmail.com. Plus, I'll tip you off on where to find mini ponies right next to camp!

So yeah, email me if you plan on visiting camp this Sunday afternoon. Hope to see you there!

Not Good

Re-read my title for this post.

And again.

It cannot be stressed enough. Every training camp, the Steelers go for the early goal-line drill, hoping that someone will stand out as a versatile short-yardage back with substantial power. Since The Bus left, the drill seems to come up empty year in and year out.

This year, disappointment is leveled at rookie Rashard Mendenhall. Given three chances from the 1-yard line, Bizarro Beetlejuice failed each time. This might be unfair criticism heaped onto a rook, but much is expected when you score 17 touchdowns as a short yardage/power back in college.

"But Nick, our running game is fine. We have Beetlejuice, Fast Bill and a backup plan in Mewelde Moore that other teams would love to be afforded. And Willie was leading the league in rushing up to his injury in week 16 last season!"

I've tried to use this excuse in my mind, and it isn't working anymore. Willie scored two touchdowns all of last year, both on the ground. That's a massive drop in production, going between yards gained and touchdowns accumulated. You can run a 99 yard play every time you snap the ball, but if you can't punch in the ball while letting the other team score, well...it's hard to justify the lack of production in the points category.

Now, I'm not necessarily worried about the RB corps entirely. If Willie can shake off this, he should re-take his spot on the list of top RBs in the league, and Mendenhall could be a perfect compliment.

Stellar defense, Pittsburgh, but someone needs to break the plane.

Just In Time For Training Camp, PSaMP Helps You Explore Latrobe: 2008

There are a few posts from PSaMP's past that can easily be re-used in different years while remaining true to current events. Last year, I posted the best places in and around Steelers training camp to poke your head into. I've reposted the list below, with a few edits to keep the info up to date. If you go to camp, be sure to check out a few of these cool places!


Aside from surviving the heat in order to see your Steeler heroes, Latrobe offers a bevy of cool hangouts that might not be an everyday stop to the casual Steelers fan. Latrobe's website tells us the obvious:

No matter where you go in the United States, the mention of the name Latrobe, Pennsylvania will likely generate a response like "that's where they make Rolling Rock Beer!"

Unquestionably, the amber beverage brewed from mountain spring water that comes in green bottles is the most recognized consumer product produced in our area. It's all made in one place, here in Latrobe, by the people of Latrobe Brewing Company, a division of Labatt's USA Inc.

Rolling Rock, which has since moved on, has been a staple in the Laurel Highlands. However, I feel ridiculously qualified to tell you about some other cool places to hang out once the 2-a-days end. I graduated from St. Vincent College in 2007, and had four years to brush up on everything from the local hotspots to the hole-in-the-walls.

Peter King of SI named St. Vincent the best training camp in the NFL back in 2005. Believe me, SVC milked that for all it was worth. One thing writers like Peter King don't know are the cool places in the immediate vicinity of the training camp itself.

Here's a list of awesome places you can go with family, with that special someone or just with yourself. Again, if I mention any names/people, tell them Nick from SVC recommended the place.

- Lloydsville VFD Social Hall. Very underground, this one. Also my favorite place in the area. As is the norm with VFD's/legions/etc., you need to be a member. Or, you can throw down a one-time 20 dollar initiation fee, coupled with annual 5 dollar dues, and you'll more than get it all back in one night. 60 cent beers and buck twenty tallboys are lethal combinations. Throw in the free pool table and shuffleboard table and you've got yourself a great night.

I participated in the shuffleboard league primarily because I'm an old man at heart. My buddy Fal and I were late to the registration, and were only allowed into the competition because one couple was forced to quit. Dude's name was Wayne Love, and he was the coolest. He and his wife, Debbie, formed the Lovebirds team (since their last name was Love, duh). That was the team name two college dudes inherited. We secretly called ourselves Team Seed (for whatever reason) and made it to the championship game. A series of unfortunate events caused me to miss the championship game, killing any chance of Fal carrying the team. 2nd place bites.

Wow, a bit off topic there. Anyway, go on a Monday. Linda pulls a double shift, working the morning and evening crowd. Tell her Nick from St. Vincent sent you and you'll be good to go. Oh, and if you can't find a member to begin with, email me at psampmail@gmail.com. I haven't been here since I've moved to NYC, and from what I can guess, Linda doesn't work there anymore. Still...cheap beer!)

- Idlewild Park and Soak Zone. Diehards only know this as Idlewild. Soak Zone appeared within the past decade or so. This place is great for families (especially great for silvertops). Its a ten minute drive from St. Vincent, and has all the mid-range amusement park rides you can handle.

Like going 15 mph? Check out the Little Dipper. 35 more your speed? The Wild Mouse will kick your ass. Wanna puke? Spin around and around on the Caterpillar. Need your kid fix? Storybook Forest will remind you about all those Aesop's Fables-types, or you can go to Mister Roger's Neighborhood on the Trolley. Um...ok! I always cried my ass off when it got time to go to the cargo net (pictured above) in Jumpin' Jungle. Scary net...

- Mountain View Inn. I worked here. I was a banquet server. You'd rake in the dough on Mother's Day.

This place is great if you want a quaint hotel. None of the rooms are decorated alike.

Rolling Rock sponsors a bar called the 33rd Street Tavern, which is a little more pricey (by Latrobe's bottom-shelf standards) but is a place well worth checking out. Lots of neat (crappy) local bands/singers on a regular basis.

- Nopalito's. Literally like 5 minutes from campus. I'll let the website do the selling. Plus, I know like half of the toolbags pictured on the site.

- Dino's Sports Lounge. Word of advice, you can't get in if you're wearing a baseball hat. However, its worth it.

The Sweet & Hot wings are ridiculously amazing. However, if you're brave, go for the Lewis (or Super Lewis, if you dare) wings and burn your mouth off. I don't know if he works there anymore or not, but ask for Sean the Cook. He'll give you cool samples of the Super Lewis if you're a wussy (haven't used that insult in like a minute) and don't want all your wings infected.

- Rosa's. High volume beer. Everywhere. Need a 30-pack? Don't settle at any distributor. Go to Rosa's. Plus, they have an excellent humidor that's absolutely stocked with fine cigars. My buddy Joel had a Rosa's fix. He'd have like 2 new cigars every day.

- St. Vincent Gristmill. Right on campus. You won't even need to drive to get to this one. This crazy place has been run by the Benedictine monks for years. They make all kinds of flour and bread, and also have a stellar coffee shop.

Once there, you can check out the display I made in the museum regarding old Jim Beam Whiskey Decanters (again, I haven't been there in quite some time, so I have no idea if the display is still there).

Oh, and there's a dead monk's spirit in the body of a cat. That cat freaked me out on several occasions. You should go see it.

- Lincoln Lanes. C'mon. Who doesn't love to bowl? Plus, Lincoln Lanes has a bar inside of it. They serve Stoney's cans. Can't find those bad boys anywhere. And if that's not enough, the Touchdown Club, another full bar, is attached to the LL building. You can literally watch fools bowl from a one-way mirror at the TD Club.

- Falbo's Restaurant. Tuesday spaghetti special. 99 cents. This is an SVC must-go-to bar. Ask if/when Pat's working. He'll give you the hook-up.

We celebrated one of my buddy's birthdays there. A few too many Three Wise Men rocked us to sleep (incoherency).

- Linn Run State Park. Two words. Natural. Waterslides.The water cuts through the rocks, forming the smoothest grooves that you can sit (stand, you wussy) and slide on. They empty out into natural pools and are a great way to beat the heat. One time, this dude's raft floated like a mile down the creek, and me and a buddy went and tracked it down, successfully reuniting frantic owner and his craft.

Or you can hang out at the waterfall that's pictured on the homepage. I've been under it. There isn't much water. I think somebody poured a bucket of water down it for that picture.

- Sharkey's Cafe. In a constant struggle with Dino's for Latrobe-wing-supremacy. The winner of this epic battle? Me and you.

Sharkey's makes good Washington Apple shots. One too many birthdays here. We had my buddy MattyG's 22nd birthday at Sharkey's, and me and him ended up walking back to campus. Well, we got most of the way, before his (now ex) girlfriend picked us up in front of a watchful trooper.


Have a look around the cool little city and you'll be sure to find other swell places. A few more to check out include Reeb's Bar, DiSalvo's Station, Derry Highrocks, Rolling Rock Brewery (defunct) LeNature's Water Plant (also defunct), Tractor Supply, Cineburger (now Latrobe Family Cinemas), Route 30 Drive-In, Sheraton Inn, National Tire and Battery, Westmoreland Mall, Statler's Fun Center, Arnold Palmer Airport, Hollow Tavern, Jioio's, Laurel Hotel, etc. Email me if you need directions to any of these places.

See the Steelers. Go exploring. Tell 'em PSaMP sent you.

Mike Tomlin Will Speak At St. Vincent Graduation

/Wishing I was younger. Or held back.

Apparently, Mike Tomlin will be giving the commencement address at St. Vincent College this May. That makes him the keynote speaker at the 162nd commencement. For those of that don't know, I was a part of the 161st graduating class.

We got stuck with George Bush (above...from my cell phone).

Now, I got to meet Mike shortly after he was named the head coach. He was touring St. Vincent (which is Steelers training camp. If you didn't know that, you should probably leave PSaMP) merely days after his hiring. However, I'd be all about having him speak at my graduation. Lucky soon-to-be-graduating Bearcats.

The Bush announcement was controversial, to say the least. I'm guessing more people will be open to Tomlin coming to St. Vincent.

Questions Answered

(Click for larger view)

Since you, the reader, don't personally know me, I thought I'd take the time to answer some of your questions. Did Tec really graduate from Steelers training camp...St. Vincent College? Does best friend/college roommate Bob actually exist? Is Tec really a sports fan? Is he a poser Pittsburgh sports fan? Does he grow a ZZ Top beard day after day a la Tim Allen in the Santa Clause? Does Tec love giving the peace sign?

Here's a glimpse into my past, all you question-givers. Yes, that is a St. Vincent College dorm room. That's Bob (the taller one). Sports apparel and merchandise, more specifically, Pittsburgh sports apparel and merchandise is on full display. That is a ZZ Top beard and a peace sign.

Now for those pesky numbers. Time to explain what everything is. For the record, that is only one wall. Every other wall had more of the same.

1. Steelers shirt circa 1993
2. Traditional Terrible Towel (mine, actually)
3. Autographed Jack Lambert picture (thanks, Sheen)
4. Black Terrible Towel (Bob's)
5. Random Pirates bobblehead (obscured by my elbow)
6. Fantastic Steelers artwork (Big Ben , Hines, Bettis, Lombardi Trophy)
7. Super Bowl XL seat cushion (Bob received it at Ford Field...lucky bastard)
8. Steelers Super Bowl Champion hat (we both bought one immediately following the win)
9. Bettis authentic away jersey
10. Goblet and rocket (not Pittsburgh and/or sports related)
11. Big Ben #7 football-shaped magnet

And I think that's Marquette basketball on the tube. Can't really explain that one, Pitt fans. I'm thinking it was Pitt/Marquette.

First Video of Camp Tomlin

Need physical proof that Pirates season is over in the 'Burgh?

How about the first video from Camp Tomlin as a cool reminder.

Many people wondered how the new "head ball coach" (I can't stand that Steve Spurrier Under Armor commercial) would start his first training camp, especially after Bill Cowher's infamous 14 40-yard sprints.

Tomlin upped the ante, opting for 16 110-yard sprints.

However, he went soft on a few of the guys, allowing those who completed 44 of the 50 offseason workouts to be exempt from the test. Guys in that category were Troy Polamalu, Hines Ward, Ben Roethlisberger, James Farrior and Alan Faneca. Some chose to run, anyway (as evident in above photo).

Ed Bouchette and Dan Gigler of the P-G put together this video to show the test, and see how Tomlin was handling his first day at St. Vincent. Tomlin cut the test to 14 sprints after guys were finishing with no problem.

"Guys were doing so well we cut it at 14," Tomlin said. "It didn't look like anybody was going to have a tough time making it, a testament to their preparation. Hats off to them."

Good first day, Omar Epps Tomlin. You may have cut the guys a little break (only 2 sprints), but its still football season. I'm all giddy like a schoolgirl and whatnot.

Just In Time For Training Camp, PSaMP Helps You Explore Latrobe

Today marks the beginning of Steelers training camp. Believe me, us Pirates fans couldn't wait for this day to get here. This is when (at least for the past 15 years) baseball season ends in the Steel City, and football season is just starting up.

Last year's camp was crazy. I've never seen anything like it. Sure, the team was coming off the emotional high of winning the Super Bowl, and the media was trying to see what Ben Roethlisberger's new fake face looked like. However, all the bandwagon fans showed up, which, unfortunately, is one of the residual effects of winning a championship. The times I went to camp last summer, it was difficult to move. There were thousands of people there to applaud Clark Haggans as he exited the john.

Aside from surviving the heat in order to see your Steeler heroes, Latrobe offers a bevy of cool hangouts that might not be an everyday stop to the casual Steelers fan. Latrobe's website tells us the obvious.

No matter where you go in the United States, the mention of the name Latrobe, Pennsylvania will likely generate a response like "that's where they make Rolling Rock Beer!"

Unquestionably, the amber beverage brewed from mountain spring water that comes in green bottles is the most recognized consumer product produced in our area. It's all made in one place, here in Latrobe, by the people of Latrobe Brewing Company, a division of Labatt's USA Inc.

Rolling Rock, which has since moved on, has been a staple in the Laurel Highlands. However, I feel ridiculously qualified to tell you about some other cool places to hang out once the 2-a-days end. I just graduated from St. Vincent College, and have had four years to brush up on everything from the local hotspots to the hole-in-the-walls.

Peter King of SI named St. Vincent the best training camp in the NFL back in 2005. Believe me, SVC milked that for all it was worth. One thing writers like Peter King don't know are the cool places in the immediate vicinity of the training camp itself.

Here's a list of awesome places you can go with family, with that special someone or just with yourself. Again, if I mention any names/people, tell them Nick from SVC recommended the place.

- Lloydsville VFD Social Hall. Very underground, this one. Also my favorite place in the area. As is the norm with VFD's/legions/etc., you need to be a member. Or, you can throw down a one-time 20 dollar initiation fee, coupled with annual 5 dollar dues, and you'll more than get it all back in one night. 60 cent beers and buck twenty tallboys are lethal combinations. Throw in the free pool table and shuffleboard table and you've got yourself a great night.

I participated in the shuffleboard league primarily because I'm an old man at heart. My buddy Fal and I were late to the registration, and were only allowed into the competition because one couple was forced to quit. Dude's name was Wayne Love, and he was the coolest. He and his wife, Debbie, formed the Lovebirds team (since their last name was Love, duh). That was the team name two college dudes inherited. We secretly called ourselves Team Seed (for whatever reason) and made it to the championship game. A series of unfortunate events caused me to miss the championship game, killing any chance of Fal carrying the team. 2nd place bites.

Wow, a bit off topic there. Anyway, go on a Monday. Linda pulls a double shift, working the morning and evening crowd. Tell her Nick from St. Vincent sent you and you'll be good to go. Oh, and if you can't find a member to begin with, email me at psampmail@gmail.com.

- Idlewild Park and Soak Zone. Diehards only know this as Idlewild. Soak Zone appeared like 6-7 years ago. This place is great for families (especially great for silvertops). Its a ten minute drive from St. Vincent, and has all the mid-range amusement park rides you can handle.

Like going 15 mph? Check out the Little Dipper. 35 more your speed? The Wild Mouse will kick your ass. Wanna puke? Spin around and around on the Caterpillar. Need your kid fix? Storybook Forest will remind you about all those Aesop's Fables-types, or you can go to Mister Roger's Neighborhood on the Trolley. Um...ok! I always cried my ass off when it got time to go to the cargo net (pictured above) in Jumpin' Jungle. Scary net...

- Mountain View Inn. I worked here. I was a banquet server. You'd rake in the dough on Mother's Day.

This place is great if you want a quaint hotel. None of the rooms are decorated alike.

Rolling Rock sponsors a bar called the 33rd Street Tavern, which is a little more pricey (by Latrobe's bottom-shelf standards) but is a place well worth checking out. Lots of neat (crappy) local bands/singers on a regular basis.

- Nopalito's. Literally like 5 minutes from campus. I'll let the website do the selling. Plus, I know like half of the toolbags pictured on the site.

- Dino's Sports Lounge. Word of advice, you can't get in if you're wearing a baseball hat. However, its worth it.

The Sweet & Hot wings are ridiculously amazing. However, if you're brave, go for the Lewis (or Super Lewis, if you dare) wings and burn your mouth off. I don't know if he works there anymore or not, but ask for Sean the Cook. He'll give you cool samples of the Super Lewis if you're a wussy (haven't used that insult in like a minute) and don't want all your wings infected.

- Rosa's. High volume beer. Everywhere. Need a 30-pack? Don't settle at any distributor. Go to Rosa's. Plus, they have an excellent humidor that's absolutely stocked with fine cigars. My buddy Joel had a Rosa's fix. He'd have like 2 new cigars every day.

- St. Vincent Gristmill. Right on campus. You won't even need to drive to get to this one. This crazy place has been run by the Benedictine monks for years. They make all kinds of flour and bread, and also have a stellar coffee shop.

Once there, you can check out the display I made in the museum regarding old Jim Beam Whiskey Decanters.

Oh, and there's a dead monk's spirit in the body of a cat. That cat freaked me out on several occasions. You should go see it.

- Lincoln Lanes. C'mon. Who doesn't love to bowl? Plus, Lincoln Lanes has a bar inside of it. They serve Stoney's cans. Can't find those bad boys anywhere. And if that's not enough, the Touchdown Club, another full bar, is attached to the LL building. You can literally watch fools bowl from a one-way mirror at the TD Club.

- Falbo's Restaurant. Tuesday spaghetti special. 99 cents. This is an SVC must-go-to bar. Ask if/when Pat's working. He'll give you the hook-up.

We celebrated one of my buddy's birthdays there. A few too many Three Wise Men rocked us to sleep (incoherency).

- Linn Run State Park. Two words. Natural. Waterslides.

The water cuts through the rocks, forming the smoothest grooves that you can sit (stand, you wussy) and slide on. They empty out into natural pools and are a great way to beat the heat. One time, this dude's raft floated like a mile down the creek, and me and a buddy went and tracked it down, successfully reuniting frantic owner and his craft.

Or you can hang out at the waterfall that's pictured on the homepage. I've been under it. There isn't much water. I think somebody poured a bucket of water down it for that picture.

- Sharkey's Cafe. In a constant struggle with Dino's for Latrobe-wing-supremacy. The winner of this epic battle? Me and you.

Sharkey's makes good Washington Apple shots. One too many birthdays here. We had my buddy MattyG's 22nd birthday at Sharkey's, and me and him ended up walking back to campus. Well, we got most of the way, before his girlfriend picked us up in front of a watchful trooper.


Have a look around the cool little city and you'll be sure to find other swell places. A few more to check out include Reeb's Bar, DiSalvo's Station, Derry Highrocks, Rolling Rock Brewery (defunct) LeNature's Water Plant (also defunct), Tractor Supply, Cineburger (now Latrobe Family Cinemas), Route 30 Drive-In, Sheraton Inn, National Tire and Battery, Westmoreland Mall, Statler's Fun Center, Arnold Palmer Airport, Hollow Tavern, Jioio's, Laurel Hotel, etc. Email me if you need directions to any of these places.

See the Steelers. Go exploring. Tell 'em PSaMP sent you.

LaMarr Woodley Is Confused By Pittsburgh

Interesting read here. LaMarr Woodley, the Steelers' 2nd round draft pick, is updating Yahoo Sports with a recurring rookie journal. His first entry is a great glimpse into the life of one of the newest Steelers.

Apparently, Woodley is confused with the geography/roadways of his new city. Don't feel bad, Wood, it happens to a lot of first-time 'Burghers. Some key points in Wood's account:

- He keeps tons of change in his car.
- His brother is a backup singer for Keith Sweat (Awesome).
- His financial advisor's name is Marty Blaze (Also awesome).
- He is real comfortable around Mike Tomlin (That's good, for a young player and all).
- He wants to play at 260 lbs.
- He's passionate about being the best player he can be. Here's the best quote:

What I know for sure is I'm staying in Pittsburgh right up through training camp. That's the only way I'm going to get better. There is no time for a rookie to take a vacation. I have the rest of my career to think about things like that. Right now, it's time to focus and work my way to the top of the position. I know I have the heart. Now I just have to work to catch up with everything else.

That's a great attitude for a rookie. With all the Cincinnati Bengal-types out there, Wood's demeanor seems to fit in with the blue-collar, hard-working Stiller mold. Another great quote:

You can never change where you're from. When you come from a place like Saginaw (Michigan), you play with heart. And you can never teach heart.

I said before that Woodley was a steal at pick 46. Let us review the accolades that have been bestowed upon our newest linebacker:

-2005 Co-MVP of Rose Bowl (split with Vince Young).
-2006 Ted Hendricks Award winner (Top Defensive End).
-2006 Lombardi Award winner (Top College Lineman or Linebacker).
-2006 Chuck Bednarik Award finalist (Best Defensive Player. Won by Paul Posluszny).
-2006 Lott Trophy finalist (Best Defensive I.M.P.A.C.T. Player. Won by Daymeion Hughes).
-2006 Bronko Nagurski Trophy watchlist (Best Defensive Player. Won by James Laurinaitis).
-2006 Outland Trophy watchlist (Best Interior Lineman. Won by Joe Thomas).
-2006 First Team All-American.

Oh yeah, these, too:

-2004 All-Big Ten Conference Second Team (coaches) and Honorable Mention (media).
-2005 All-Big Ten Conference Honorable Mention (coaches and media).
-2006 All-Big Ten Conference First Team (coaches and media, both unanimous).
-2006 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
-2006 Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year.

LaMarr, contact PSaMP if you're still having trouble with the Pittsburgh geography. Hell, I just graduated from St. Vincent College, where you will be spending a lot of time in a few weeks. I can give you some tips about surviving in and around the Latrobe area.

I look forward to more Woodley journal entries.