MT. PLEASANT -- Almost every high school band holds fundraisers throughout the school year. Usually, they raise money by selling various items or holding raffles.
But for the past couple years, Mt. Pleasant's marching band has opted to do something a bit different. Members of the Vikings' faculty took on the Pittsburgh Steelers Footballers basketball team to raise money for the school's band program.
Ed Farzati, chairperson for the event, said the Steelers have played basketball at the high school to raise money for other activities as well, but this is the second year the team has turned out to raise money for the band.
Fans packed the stands to see the Super Bowl champions. This year's Steelers basketball team was composed of former players Louis Lipps and Edmund Nelson, along with current players James Harrison, Brett Keisel, Lee Mays, Rod Rutherford, Wilson and Ricardo Colclough. The team is coached by Tom O'Malley, who said his complete roster includes more than two dozen athletes.
"There are about 25 guys who will play throughout the season," he said. "Whoever is available from game to game will come out and play."
O'Malley said the team is put together on a strictly voluntary basis and draws so many interested players partly because of the chance to get to know some fans.
"I think they just like to get a little workout and come out and meet the fans," he said. "It's a good night out for them."
O'Malley said the Steelers have played basketball in Mt. Pleasant and the surrounding areas numerous times during his 37-year stint at the helm. In fact, he said, the Mt. Pleasant Glass and Ethnic Festival used to host the team.
"There are some real good fans (here)," he said.
Some of those fans were on the opposing team, but that didn't keep the competition from being fierce. The Vikings faculty, coached by athletic director Ron Firment, kept the game close for parts of the first half and trailed, 37-26, at the break.
"We've got them right where we want them," Firment said, jokingly.
And though the Steelers ran away with a 76-57 win, the fans weren't disappointed. In addition to a half-time autograph session, fans received several chances to take photos with the players. A number of prizes, including both Mt. Pleasant and Steelers merchandise, were raffled as well.
"I'm pleased with (the turnout)," Farzati said. "It's a little hectic with the autograph session, but it's understandable."
