Photo Courtesy of Peter Cooke
When we think about football-centric regions in America, many parts of the country such as South Florida, the Texas MetroPlex and New Orleans instantly come to mind. Not to be left off the list is the talent-rich, historic Western Pennsylvania football region.
Here is just a quick roll call of players from Pittsburgh's environs: Unitas, Montana, Namath, Ditka, and Dorsett. Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees make up but a small portion of the gifted athletes who have went on to collegiate and professional stardom after leaving their Western Pennsylvania hometowns.
The DiMichele brothers - Adam, Alex and Anthony - are members of this football fraternity. Over the last decade the trio achieved success both in the prep and collegiate ranks. Adam, played quarterback at Temple 2007-08 and helped lead the once proud program back towards national prominence. Alex just finished up his career at Robert Morris and Anthony, the youngest of the three, enjoyed a fine senior campaign at Holy Cross.
"We're extremely close and follow each other's every move," Anthony DiMichele said via email. "We want the best for each other. Playing ball with Adam and Alex was awesome. I truly believe I'm where I'm at because of them."
Anthony DiMichele remembered another favorite aspect from his high school football days when he and his brothers played at Sto-Rox high school. "It's crazy because most of the guys you play against you've been playing against forever, so you get to know each other," he said. "High School football in Western PA is second to none."
Once he arrived on campus in Worcester, Massachusetts, DiMichele realized his decision to attend Holy Cross, which plays in the competitive Football Champions Subdivision's Patriot League, was a correct one. "Holy Cross was the best situation academically and athletically," the strong safety said. "It is a top liberal arts college and the football team has a bond that most schools don't have."
He saw action in his first year and tried to settle into the game as quickly as possible, but now looks back on that memory with fondness.
"I remember my first play as the Nickel [defensive back] my freshman year. Everything was moving 1000 MPH, and I didn't know what was going on. So looking back and seeing how far I have come is really gratifying."
The McKees Rocks native ended his college football career with a pair of All-Patriot League selections. He earned first-team honors in 2009 and second-team honors in 2010. In '09, DiMichele, with his teammates, captured the Patriot League Championship. "Getting those rings was the best feeling in the world," he said.
In '10, the hard-hitting strong safety finished with 83 total tackles (72 solo) and two fumble recoveries. In four seasons, the Crusader defender totaled 237 tackles in 41 games played.
Like many college football players, DiMichele now hopes to make the jump to the next level. And if his pursuit of a professional career materializes, Western Pennsylvania shall add another member of the pro football ranks to its roster.
"I plan to play football as long as I possibly can. I love the game and everything about it. If the option presents itself, I can promise you, I will take full advantage."
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