Title: Former Pitt Walk-On Turned Coach Aims to Revive South Allegheny Football Program
Former walk-on linebacker at Pitt, Brian Hanson, has taken on a new challenge as the coach of the South Allegheny football program. With a goal to revive the struggling team, Hanson brings his experience and passion for the sport to the table.
Growing up in Lancaster County, Hanson witnessed Western Pennsylvania high school football from afar, acknowledging its rich history and the well-known stars that have emerged from the area. After a short professional playing career and coaching in various indoor football teams, Hanson found himself in the WPIAL as the defensive coordinator for the Greenville RiverHawks.
In 2013, Hanson began his high school coaching career at York Tech in District 3 before spending three years at Salisbury Wicomico in Maryland. He later arrived at West Greene in 2019, leading the Pioneers to a successful record of 24-16 over four years.
Now, Hanson is ready to tackle the challenge of coaching Class 3A South Allegheny, which presents a notable jump in size from his previous team. Despite the change, Hanson is excited about the multicultural aspect of the job and looks forward to building the program’s identity.
With nine returning starters, including standout players like Camden Lewis and Islands Russell-Akkoyun, Hanson believes there is potential for success. Lewis and Russell-Akkoyun are already attracting Division I attention, showcasing the talent that exists within the program. The team’s young and dedicated players have been working hard during offseason workouts, showing impressive commitment.
Although the South Allegheny Gladiators endured a tough season in 2022, Hanson’s primary goal is to instill a winning mentality and build a strong foundation for the future. The team’s schedule includes challenging matchups, but Hanson is determined to help his players learn how to be successful and compete at a higher level.
As the preseason camp progresses, Hanson is proud of his players’ hard work and the physical strain they have endured. He emphasizes that he is not a finesse coach and wants his team to embrace a tough and gritty style of play.
Looking ahead, South Allegheny will start its season with a rematch against Yough, the only team they managed to defeat last season. The Gladiators will also face defending PIAA champion Belle Vernon in an Interstate Conference game, providing an opportunity to gauge their progress.
Hanson recognizes the high expectations that neighboring schools like McKeesport and Clairton have set over the years, but he believes in his team’s potential to rise to the challenge.
In summary, Brian Hanson, a former walk-on at Pitt turned coach, is determined to revive the South Allegheny football program. With a young group of players and a focus on building an identity, Hanson is committed to developing an improved team that plays physical and fast. While acknowledging past struggles, Hanson is optimistic about the team’s future and the dedication shown by his players during offseason workouts.
