I’m currently in Pittsburgh visiting family and friends while Matt is working on a carrier in the Persian Gulf. I have a couple shoots schedule for this week but the main reason I came up here is for the SteelCity Mafia’s 3rd Annual Family Weekend.

I got in late Wednesday night so that I would be here in time for the first game of the pre-season. I didn’t go to the game, but you can bet I was downtown to tailgate with my friends and family:

My mom, brother, and cousin Kaitlyn

My friends Rochelle, Robbie, and new friend Shona

As we were tailgating, Franco Harris walked by! Just walking down the street like a normal guy past hundreds of Steeler fans. I couldn't believe it!

The highlight of the weekend is the Sit Down, a formal banquet at the gorgeous DiSalvo’s Station restaurant in Latrobe. Every year we are honored to have a featured guest speaker who is a former Steeler player, and this year we had the fortune of having Mike Wagner, safety for the Steelers from 1971-1980. He had some great stories to share and it was such an amazing experience to listen to one of our Steeler legends talk about playing with some of the greatest players in history to his observations of football today. What is always interesting is that even though these guys were such badasses on the field (especially back then when it was really physical and even, as Wagner admits, sometimes dirty) they are always humble and nice as can be in person. Plus they are still so connected to Pittsburgh, just like regular fans. We’re all sitting there in awe of him but I think he was just as much in awe of us as fans and the loyalty we have for the team. He was so surprised to find out that most of us were from all over the country.

Steeler great Mike Wagner

Every year at the Sit Down, a select group of SCM members are “made” for their contributions and dedication to the organization. They are pinned by the guest speaker and it’s such a nice recognition. Congratulations to the 2009 class of Made members!

After the pinning ceremony we all retreat to the cigar lounge to hang out and celebrate:

Me, Missy, and Cindy

Barry, Me, and Frank

It was another great year and I’m so eager to see the schedule of SteelCity Mafia events for this year! A lot of the games are going to be too far for me to travel to but hopefully I’ll be able to make it to the home game that they choose and we are definitely planning on going to the game in Miami! It’s still so hard to believe that football season is upon us! Here we go, Steelers, here we go!!