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11:37AM EST November 21. 2012 - CLAIRTON,
Pa. -- The blight is unmistakable, a feeling of despair palpable.
These days, so is the joy. "The City of Prayer" has found salvation in its
high school football team.
Citizens of this small, economically ravaged southwestern Pennsylvania city
are grateful for their Clairton High Bears — a spirited, tough-minded bunch of
at-risk teenagers who defy odds stacked higher than the smokestacks that line
the Mon Valley. The Bears are a beacon of light amid the gloom, infusing a sense
of community spirit and pride by virtue of the nation's longest high school
football winning streak — 59 games.
BEST RIVALRY: You select it
"In Clairton, if you don't play football, you are on the streets," says team
trainer Tammy Ridgley. "The way I see it, this is all the city has left."
The former steel-mill town hard on the banks of the Monongahela River has
much to be grateful for when it comes to its inspirational Bears. The last time
Clairton was on the national map was when the potent Vietnam-era film, The
Deer Hunter, nominally was set here in 1978.
Perhaps another movie is in order. In a city that mandates a curfew, and
where Clairton High students must pass through a metal-detector each morning,
the predominately black football team soldiers on despite numerous challenges.
The Bears serve as a torn city's respite from issues involving high
unemployment, crime, drugs and racial strife.
"For a lot of (players), it is a hard life," says head coach Tom Nola. "They
may have only one parent — or no parents. It's difficult sometimes, but they
rise above it. Some people think we just throw out a ball and play. But there's
so much extra that goes beyond the Xs and Os, especially at a school like this.
The streak is a prideful thing for this community."
Winners of three consecutive Class A state championships, the dominating
Bears (12-0) can establish a state record Friday with 60 consecutive victories,
if they win their 25th playoff game in a row since 2009. The Bears will wear
all-black as they take aim at a fifth straight title in the Western Pennsylvania
Interscholastic Athletic League. In a rematch of last year's WPIAL championship
game, the Bears will play the Sto-Rox Vikings at Heinz Field, home of the
Pittsburgh Steelers.
If the Bears win, they will advance to Hershey, Pa., for the second round of
the state playoffs.
In pads at 5 or 6
In these parts, black-and-gold fever is coupled with black-and-orange mania.
Clairton High, built in 1906, was a larger 3A school in the '50s. As a 1A
entity, the athletic budget for grades 7-12 is $60,000 a year. For years, the
talk has been that Clairton High would be closed or merged. The school's modest
football facilities have faded bleachers and chipped paint.
The Bears do not permit limited financial resources to prevent them from
mauling teams. In three playoff games this season, they have overwhelmed
opposition by a combined score of 134-13. Often, Nola pulls his starters early
so the Bears do not embarrass their opponent.
The Bears' 44-player roster includes three Division 1A recruits — highly
touted running back Tyler Boyd, plus defensive back Titus Howard and wide
receiver Terrish Webb.
SUPER 25 : Ranking the top teams
"This (streak) means the world to us and our community — they've got our
backs," says Boyd, whose elegant Marcus Allen-like running style has produced
5,079 career rushing yards and 107 touchdowns, including 41 as a senior. Boyd,
also a stellar free safety, is considering Arizona, Michigan State, Wisconsin,
Pittsburgh and Penn State.
"We're striving to break this (state) record ," Webb says. "We don't want to
be the class that breaks the streak. And we don't want to let down the town.
There's a lot of pressure. This is very important to us."
The Bears' phenomenal success largely derives from an abundance of superior
athleticism, excellent coaching and a grassroots feeder system.
"The kids are in pads at 5 or 6," says Bears athletic director Peter Mathis.
"They all know each other."
The senior class has lost one game, the opener of the 2009 season.
Nola receives the lion's share of the credit for transforming the Bears into
a small-school powerhouse. The unpretentious 59-year-old McKeesport, Pa.,
native bears a slight resemblance to a famous former (Chicago) Bear — Mike
Ditka. Nola has worked at the school for 18 years, 11 as head coach.
"Tom is nothing but class — humble, noble and so caring," says assistant
coach Jim Dumm. "I've never seen anything like it in a coach. And it's not
easy."
While Nola does not subscribe to a tough-love approach, per se, his
discipline is evident. During a game last month, the Bears unraveled with 17
penalties, including two personal fouls and a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Worse, as the teams exchanged post-game handshakes, a Bears player punched an
opposing player in the groin in retaliation for dirty play.
Nola apologized to his coaching counterpart — then ripped into his team. His
swaggering Bears were punished the following week in practice with extra
running.
"They love smackin' people," says Duquesne University offensive lineman Dante
DaBaldo, who was raised in Clairton. "They're not dirty, but they want to hurt
you."
Mathis says he and defensive coordinator Wayne Wade are among those who deal
with in-game discipline issues. The Bears' intimidating, highly physical style
"leaves us with a target on our backs," he says.
Says trainer Ridgley: "They give our kids a bad rap, but they are good kids.
They just want somebody to care about 'em. That's what is so sad."
The team's high achievement has "spread throughout the city and has people
caring a little bit more" about the city, says Clairton Mayor Rich Lattanzi.
Citizens of
Clairton, a small, economically ravaged southwestern Pennsylvania city are
grateful for their Clairton High Bears — a spirited, tough-minded bunch of
at-risk teenagers who defy odds stacked higher than the smokestacks that line
the Mon Valley.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
"In
Clairton, if you don't play football, you are on the streets.'' says team
trainer Tammy Ridgley. "The way I see it, this is all the city has left.''
Eileen Blass USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
In its
heyday, in the late 1950s, Clairton's population reached nearly 25,000. But with
less than 7,000 residents, Clairton's population has decreased 20% since 2000.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
Once a
bustling mill town, the city continues a four-decade slide into irrelevancy
despite being home to U.S. Steel-owned Clairton Works, the nation's largest coke
mill plant.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
The last
time Clairton was on the national map was when the potent Vietnam-era film, The
Deer Hunter, nominally was set here in 1978.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
For a lot of
(players), it is a hard life,'' says head coach Tom Nola. "They may have only
one parent — or no parents. It's difficult sometimes, but they rise above it.
Some people think we just throw out a ball and play. But there's so much extra
that goes beyond the Xs and Os, especially at a school like this. The streak is
a prideful thing for this community.''
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
The Bears
are winners of three consecutive Class A state championships
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
The Bears
(12-0) can establish a state record Nov. 23 with 60 consecutive victories, if
they win their 25th playoff game in a row since 2009.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
"This
(streak) means the world to us and our community — they've got our backs,'' says
Tyler Boyd (facing), whose elegant Marcus Allen-like running style has produced
5,079 career rushing yards and 107 touchdowns, including 41 as a senior. Boyd,
also a stellar free safety, is considering Arizona, Michigan State, Wisconsin,
Pittsburgh and Penn State.Neshannock High School. A 37-7 victory over
Neshannock, earned Clairton their 59th consecutive victory, tying them with
Central Bucks West for the state record at 59. Clairton is a former steel mill
town along the Monongahela River outside Pittsburgh. Many years ago, it was a
thriving community because of the steel mill. Though Clairton is home to the
largest coke plant in the nation, the town remains down on its fortunes, beset
by high unemployment, crime and drugs. The local high school football program
is a source of pride and inspiration for the town. Clairton is one win away
from capturing their fifth consecutive WPIAL championship. A 60th consecutive
victory, in the championship game the day after Thanksgiving 2012, would
establish a new Pennsylvania record. Clairton has not lost a game since its
season opener in 2009. Photo by Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Staff ORG XMIT: EB
42680 Clairton Bears 11/14/20 [Via MerlinFTP Drop]
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
As a 1A
entity, the athletic budget for grades 7-12 is $60,000 a year. For years, the
talk has been that Clairton High would be closed or merged. The school's modest
football facilities have faded bleachers and chipped paint.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
In three
playoff games this season, the Bears have overwhelmed opposition by a combined
score of 134-13.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
The Bears'
44-player roster includes three Division 1A recruits — including highly touted
running back Tyler Boyd.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
The Bears'
phenomenal success largely derives from an abundance of superior athleticism,
excellent coaching and a grassroots feeder system.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
"People were
lined up on the streets, flags were hanging out of windows and folks were
screaming, 'Clairton Bears!' '' Annette Halcomb recalls. "It was just like out
of the movie, Remember the Titans. This is the greatest thing that ever has
happened to our little city. The Bears have put us on the map. We're finally
famous — ain't that crazy? Make sure you tell 'em we need a movie deal!''
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
Like this topic? You may also like these photo
galleries:
Replay
1 of 14
Autoplay
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22% at poverty level
Once a bustling mill town, the city continues a four-decade slide into
irrelevancy despite being home to U.S. Steel-owned Clairton Works, the nation's
largest coke mill plant. Economic retrenchment has left a shriveled tax base,
triggering a crumbling infrastructure that limits upward mobility.
A bleakness hangs over the frayed city, one scarred by closed businesses,
condemned properties and boarded-up houses.
Clairton does not have a grocery store.
"It's like the Twilight Zone," says state parole officer Joyce Douglas
.
In its heyday, in the late 1950s, Clairton's population reached nearly
25,000. But with less than 7,000 residents, Clairton's population has decreased
20% since 2000.
Twenty-two percent of the city's families exist at the poverty level — nearly
three times the state rate and more than double the national average. The median
household income level for black families is $21,783, more than $13,000 less
than the U.S. rate for African-Americans.
Prior to the late 1980s — when the state classified Clairton as a distressed
municipality — restaurants, supermarkets and movie theaters brightened the
downtown area along St. Clair Avenue and Miller Street.
"It was really a great place to live at one time," says Amzi Lightner, 60, an
ex-mill worker. "People kept their doors unlocked, everybody knew everybody. But
everything is deteriorating. It's sad to see it like this."
But the retired Marine says the Bears' stunning success makes residents no
longer "ashamed to say they're from Clairton."
Indeed. Visitors to the decayed rust-belt city are greeted by an orange sign
featuring a black grizzly bear: "Welcome to Clairton! Home of Champions."
"That's our heart and soul right there. The Bears bring a lot of hope to the
city," says Jeanette Meacham of the Community Economic Development Corporation
of Clairton. "They are all we've got, basically."
The players seem to sense it might be their one opportunity, too.
"Everyone's not college material but many of them figure football gives them
a chance (to advance)," says Donna Hudson, a security guard at the school. "If
they don't keep up their grades, there's no football."
The city's rugged demeanor "makes us tougher mentally," says senior
linebacker Robert Boatright.
"This isn't the best place," he says. "We see a lot of people struggling. A
lot of people are going down the wrong path in Clairton. As football players,
we're trying to go down a good path so kids can look up to us."
He credits the Bears' coaching staff with serving as role models — "You could
call them father figures," he says. "They teach us about life. How go grow as a
young man and proceed as a grown man. It isn't just about football."
But when Friday night lights turn on, so do the Bears.
Prior to last week's playoff game against Neshannock , Bears lineman Dyran
Davenport shouted a familiar command: "Squad up!" Jumping around in a gaggle at
midfield, the Bears stared at their opponents and rhythmically slapped their
thigh pads. Davenport, a high-energy senior, led his teammates into a frenzied
chant:
"All my soldiers ... are you ready?"
"You know!"
"All my soldiers ... are you ready?"
"You know!"
"You know" is inscribed on the players' 2011 state championship rings.
After the team returned with a third state championship last December, the
town greeted players and coaches with a boisterous celebration. Annette Halcomb,
class of '77, describes a scene of pure joy.
"People were lined up on the streets, flags were hanging out of windows and
folks were screaming, 'Clairton Bears!'" she recalls. "It was just like out of
the movie, Remember the Titans. This is the greatest thing that ever has
happened to our little city. The Bears have put us on the map. We're finally
famous — ain't that crazy? Make sure you tell 'em we need a movie deal!"
Pa. -- The blight is unmistakable, a feeling of despair palpable.
These days, so is the joy. "The City of Prayer" has found salvation in its
high school football team.
Citizens of this small, economically ravaged southwestern Pennsylvania city
are grateful for their Clairton High Bears — a spirited, tough-minded bunch of
at-risk teenagers who defy odds stacked higher than the smokestacks that line
the Mon Valley. The Bears are a beacon of light amid the gloom, infusing a sense
of community spirit and pride by virtue of the nation's longest high school
football winning streak — 59 games.
BEST RIVALRY: You select it
"In Clairton, if you don't play football, you are on the streets," says team
trainer Tammy Ridgley. "The way I see it, this is all the city has left."
The former steel-mill town hard on the banks of the Monongahela River has
much to be grateful for when it comes to its inspirational Bears. The last time
Clairton was on the national map was when the potent Vietnam-era film, The
Deer Hunter, nominally was set here in 1978.
Perhaps another movie is in order. In a city that mandates a curfew, and
where Clairton High students must pass through a metal-detector each morning,
the predominately black football team soldiers on despite numerous challenges.
The Bears serve as a torn city's respite from issues involving high
unemployment, crime, drugs and racial strife.
"For a lot of (players), it is a hard life," says head coach Tom Nola. "They
may have only one parent — or no parents. It's difficult sometimes, but they
rise above it. Some people think we just throw out a ball and play. But there's
so much extra that goes beyond the Xs and Os, especially at a school like this.
The streak is a prideful thing for this community."
Winners of three consecutive Class A state championships, the dominating
Bears (12-0) can establish a state record Friday with 60 consecutive victories,
if they win their 25th playoff game in a row since 2009. The Bears will wear
all-black as they take aim at a fifth straight title in the Western Pennsylvania
Interscholastic Athletic League. In a rematch of last year's WPIAL championship
game, the Bears will play the Sto-Rox Vikings at Heinz Field, home of the
Pittsburgh Steelers.
If the Bears win, they will advance to Hershey, Pa., for the second round of
the state playoffs.
In pads at 5 or 6
In these parts, black-and-gold fever is coupled with black-and-orange mania.
Clairton High, built in 1906, was a larger 3A school in the '50s. As a 1A
entity, the athletic budget for grades 7-12 is $60,000 a year. For years, the
talk has been that Clairton High would be closed or merged. The school's modest
football facilities have faded bleachers and chipped paint.
The Bears do not permit limited financial resources to prevent them from
mauling teams. In three playoff games this season, they have overwhelmed
opposition by a combined score of 134-13. Often, Nola pulls his starters early
so the Bears do not embarrass their opponent.
The Bears' 44-player roster includes three Division 1A recruits — highly
touted running back Tyler Boyd, plus defensive back Titus Howard and wide
receiver Terrish Webb.
SUPER 25 : Ranking the top teams
"This (streak) means the world to us and our community — they've got our
backs," says Boyd, whose elegant Marcus Allen-like running style has produced
5,079 career rushing yards and 107 touchdowns, including 41 as a senior. Boyd,
also a stellar free safety, is considering Arizona, Michigan State, Wisconsin,
Pittsburgh and Penn State.
"We're striving to break this (state) record ," Webb says. "We don't want to
be the class that breaks the streak. And we don't want to let down the town.
There's a lot of pressure. This is very important to us."
The Bears' phenomenal success largely derives from an abundance of superior
athleticism, excellent coaching and a grassroots feeder system.
"The kids are in pads at 5 or 6," says Bears athletic director Peter Mathis.
"They all know each other."
The senior class has lost one game, the opener of the 2009 season.
Nola receives the lion's share of the credit for transforming the Bears into
a small-school powerhouse. The unpretentious 59-year-old McKeesport, Pa.,
native bears a slight resemblance to a famous former (Chicago) Bear — Mike
Ditka. Nola has worked at the school for 18 years, 11 as head coach.
"Tom is nothing but class — humble, noble and so caring," says assistant
coach Jim Dumm. "I've never seen anything like it in a coach. And it's not
easy."
While Nola does not subscribe to a tough-love approach, per se, his
discipline is evident. During a game last month, the Bears unraveled with 17
penalties, including two personal fouls and a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Worse, as the teams exchanged post-game handshakes, a Bears player punched an
opposing player in the groin in retaliation for dirty play.
Nola apologized to his coaching counterpart — then ripped into his team. His
swaggering Bears were punished the following week in practice with extra
running.
"They love smackin' people," says Duquesne University offensive lineman Dante
DaBaldo, who was raised in Clairton. "They're not dirty, but they want to hurt
you."
Mathis says he and defensive coordinator Wayne Wade are among those who deal
with in-game discipline issues. The Bears' intimidating, highly physical style
"leaves us with a target on our backs," he says.
Says trainer Ridgley: "They give our kids a bad rap, but they are good kids.
They just want somebody to care about 'em. That's what is so sad."
The team's high achievement has "spread throughout the city and has people
caring a little bit more" about the city, says Clairton Mayor Rich Lattanzi.
Citizens of
Clairton, a small, economically ravaged southwestern Pennsylvania city are
grateful for their Clairton High Bears — a spirited, tough-minded bunch of
at-risk teenagers who defy odds stacked higher than the smokestacks that line
the Mon Valley.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
"In
Clairton, if you don't play football, you are on the streets.'' says team
trainer Tammy Ridgley. "The way I see it, this is all the city has left.''
Eileen Blass USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
In its
heyday, in the late 1950s, Clairton's population reached nearly 25,000. But with
less than 7,000 residents, Clairton's population has decreased 20% since 2000.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
Once a
bustling mill town, the city continues a four-decade slide into irrelevancy
despite being home to U.S. Steel-owned Clairton Works, the nation's largest coke
mill plant.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
The last
time Clairton was on the national map was when the potent Vietnam-era film, The
Deer Hunter, nominally was set here in 1978.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
For a lot of
(players), it is a hard life,'' says head coach Tom Nola. "They may have only
one parent — or no parents. It's difficult sometimes, but they rise above it.
Some people think we just throw out a ball and play. But there's so much extra
that goes beyond the Xs and Os, especially at a school like this. The streak is
a prideful thing for this community.''
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
The Bears
are winners of three consecutive Class A state championships
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
The Bears
(12-0) can establish a state record Nov. 23 with 60 consecutive victories, if
they win their 25th playoff game in a row since 2009.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
"This
(streak) means the world to us and our community — they've got our backs,'' says
Tyler Boyd (facing), whose elegant Marcus Allen-like running style has produced
5,079 career rushing yards and 107 touchdowns, including 41 as a senior. Boyd,
also a stellar free safety, is considering Arizona, Michigan State, Wisconsin,
Pittsburgh and Penn State.Neshannock High School. A 37-7 victory over
Neshannock, earned Clairton their 59th consecutive victory, tying them with
Central Bucks West for the state record at 59. Clairton is a former steel mill
town along the Monongahela River outside Pittsburgh. Many years ago, it was a
thriving community because of the steel mill. Though Clairton is home to the
largest coke plant in the nation, the town remains down on its fortunes, beset
by high unemployment, crime and drugs. The local high school football program
is a source of pride and inspiration for the town. Clairton is one win away
from capturing their fifth consecutive WPIAL championship. A 60th consecutive
victory, in the championship game the day after Thanksgiving 2012, would
establish a new Pennsylvania record. Clairton has not lost a game since its
season opener in 2009. Photo by Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Staff ORG XMIT: EB
42680 Clairton Bears 11/14/20 [Via MerlinFTP Drop]
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
As a 1A
entity, the athletic budget for grades 7-12 is $60,000 a year. For years, the
talk has been that Clairton High would be closed or merged. The school's modest
football facilities have faded bleachers and chipped paint.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
In three
playoff games this season, the Bears have overwhelmed opposition by a combined
score of 134-13.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
The Bears'
44-player roster includes three Division 1A recruits — including highly touted
running back Tyler Boyd.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
The Bears'
phenomenal success largely derives from an abundance of superior athleticism,
excellent coaching and a grassroots feeder system.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
"People were
lined up on the streets, flags were hanging out of windows and folks were
screaming, 'Clairton Bears!' '' Annette Halcomb recalls. "It was just like out
of the movie, Remember the Titans. This is the greatest thing that ever has
happened to our little city. The Bears have put us on the map. We're finally
famous — ain't that crazy? Make sure you tell 'em we need a movie deal!''
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports
Related storyFullscreen
Like this topic? You may also like these photo
galleries:
Replay
1 of 14
Autoplay
Show Thumbnails
Show Captions
FullscreenLast SlideNext Slide
22% at poverty level
Once a bustling mill town, the city continues a four-decade slide into
irrelevancy despite being home to U.S. Steel-owned Clairton Works, the nation's
largest coke mill plant. Economic retrenchment has left a shriveled tax base,
triggering a crumbling infrastructure that limits upward mobility.
A bleakness hangs over the frayed city, one scarred by closed businesses,
condemned properties and boarded-up houses.
Clairton does not have a grocery store.
"It's like the Twilight Zone," says state parole officer Joyce Douglas
.
In its heyday, in the late 1950s, Clairton's population reached nearly
25,000. But with less than 7,000 residents, Clairton's population has decreased
20% since 2000.
Twenty-two percent of the city's families exist at the poverty level — nearly
three times the state rate and more than double the national average. The median
household income level for black families is $21,783, more than $13,000 less
than the U.S. rate for African-Americans.
Prior to the late 1980s — when the state classified Clairton as a distressed
municipality — restaurants, supermarkets and movie theaters brightened the
downtown area along St. Clair Avenue and Miller Street.
"It was really a great place to live at one time," says Amzi Lightner, 60, an
ex-mill worker. "People kept their doors unlocked, everybody knew everybody. But
everything is deteriorating. It's sad to see it like this."
But the retired Marine says the Bears' stunning success makes residents no
longer "ashamed to say they're from Clairton."
Indeed. Visitors to the decayed rust-belt city are greeted by an orange sign
featuring a black grizzly bear: "Welcome to Clairton! Home of Champions."
"That's our heart and soul right there. The Bears bring a lot of hope to the
city," says Jeanette Meacham of the Community Economic Development Corporation
of Clairton. "They are all we've got, basically."
The players seem to sense it might be their one opportunity, too.
"Everyone's not college material but many of them figure football gives them
a chance (to advance)," says Donna Hudson, a security guard at the school. "If
they don't keep up their grades, there's no football."
The city's rugged demeanor "makes us tougher mentally," says senior
linebacker Robert Boatright.
"This isn't the best place," he says. "We see a lot of people struggling. A
lot of people are going down the wrong path in Clairton. As football players,
we're trying to go down a good path so kids can look up to us."
He credits the Bears' coaching staff with serving as role models — "You could
call them father figures," he says. "They teach us about life. How go grow as a
young man and proceed as a grown man. It isn't just about football."
But when Friday night lights turn on, so do the Bears.
Prior to last week's playoff game against Neshannock , Bears lineman Dyran
Davenport shouted a familiar command: "Squad up!" Jumping around in a gaggle at
midfield, the Bears stared at their opponents and rhythmically slapped their
thigh pads. Davenport, a high-energy senior, led his teammates into a frenzied
chant:
"All my soldiers ... are you ready?"
"You know!"
"All my soldiers ... are you ready?"
"You know!"
"You know" is inscribed on the players' 2011 state championship rings.
After the team returned with a third state championship last December, the
town greeted players and coaches with a boisterous celebration. Annette Halcomb,
class of '77, describes a scene of pure joy.
"People were lined up on the streets, flags were hanging out of windows and
folks were screaming, 'Clairton Bears!'" she recalls. "It was just like out of
the movie, Remember the Titans. This is the greatest thing that ever has
happened to our little city. The Bears have put us on the map. We're finally
famous — ain't that crazy? Make sure you tell 'em we need a movie deal!"
