Scotties to attend Grimm’s Hall of Fame induction
ALVERTON — When Southmoreland High School alumnus Russ Grimm is inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, about 20 members of this year’s Scottie football team will be among those in attendance for the ceremonies in Canton, Ohio. While the Southmoreland football program has had its struggles in recent seasons, sixth year coach Brian Pritts certainly knows how to acknowledge the school’s history.
“As a football player and role model, it’s great that Russ has had all this success,” Pritts said. “Hopefully, it will rub off on some of our boys.”
Players, coaches, and parent chaperones will make the round trip bus ride to Canton. Their itinerary will include all-day passes to the Hall of Fame Museum, attendance at a pre-induction luncheon, and reserved group seating for the induction ceremonies. The players will wear their game jerseys throughout the day’s events.
Pritts said the Southmoreland marching band will also participate in the morning parade in Canton. Along with Grimm’s family and friends, former Southmoreland coach John Bacha will also attend the festivities.
“This is a special occasion; a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Pritts said. “Russ is the first ever Southmoreland player to achieve the highest honor any football player can achieve.”
Grimm earned three Super Bowl rings as a player with the Washington Redskins, and another ring as an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2005. He also played in another Super Bowl, and was an assistant coach with the Arizona Cardinals when the Steelers were victorious two seasons ago.
None of those achievements would have happened if Grimm had not made the switch from high school quarterback and linebacker after graduating from Southmoreland in 1977 to the position of center at the University of Pittsburgh and then become a member of the Redskins’ fabled “Hogs” as an offensive guard in the 1980s.
Pritts said that at Pitt, “Russ made the switch to a position he was not familiar with and did what he needed to do to excel. It’s all about taking advantage of your opportunities.”
He said that he sees his role as more than a team coach. “Part of my job is to help kids learn life lessons. It’s important in working with these young boys to help instill character and to help parents instill morals and values. For these young athletes to be a part of (Grimm’s induction) and experience it is a great honor.
“A small percentage of players go on to play in college and the pros. This experience can help kids to be well-rounded individuals so they can take life lessons for the future.”