Fortugna commends Uniontown players, coaches
Two consecutive playoff years, an undefeated regular season and a Keystone Conference title last year have brought well-deserved recognition to the Uniontown football program. Red Raiders coach John Fortugna commended his players, but also lauded his coaching staff for helping turn the program around.
“These guys are very dedicated,” he said. “Without these coaches, I don’t think we would be as successful, because they do so much. They’re a special bunch of men.”
Fortugna feels he has strengthened his existing staff by adding Jim Kroskie and Jim Trenk, both coming over from Belle Vernon.
“The numbers are great with 65 kids; I would like to have more,” Fortugna said. “Back in my day we had 120 kids out for football, but a dress list every week for only 65, so it was a real honor to put that uniform on, and it’s getting back to that.”
More kids makes it a little easier for the coaching staff.
But graduation took All-State players Kevin McLee and Carl Farrell, but their efforts and the recent success of the program has helped get other players noticed.
For those who did not read all of the preseason football publications, check a copy of Street and Smith’s college edition.
Listed among the top 100 high school players to watch is Uniontown senior linebacker Adam Muzika. The linebacker has been a regular with the Red Raiders since his freshman year.
Fortugna said the honors for Muzika are well deserved.
“I had no input on the selection process, they contacted the family,” Fortugna said. “I’m very proud of the recognition he received. He’s a very athletic and intelligent kid.”
Muzika was pleasantly pleased by the recognition.
He explained he was invited to a Nike camp at Penn State, with over 300 kids from Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The kids were put through a series of agility, strength and speed drills. Muzika graded out high enough to earn the recognition of a player to watch.
“I was really surprised to be contacted for the honor,” Muzika said. “I think I did best on drills in stopping the run.”
More importantly Muzika is anxious for the regular season to start.
“The preseason is moving way to slow, we’re ready to play,” he said. “We had a great season last year, but it was disappointing to lose in the first round of the playoffs. I think we have enough talent returning to make another run at the conference title and the playoffs, and hopefully go a little further”.
As far as continuing his football career goes, Muzika says the recognition has drawn some interest, but another successful season will be a great help.
Muzika is not the only Red Raider drawing some interest.
Fortugna pointed out Harry Kaufman was nominated for the Big 33 game as a junior.
“He’s become one of the best offensive linemen I’ve coached in a long time,” Fortugna said.
Kaufman has also been a regular since his freshman year and, along with Muzika, provides the Red Raiders with strong senior leadership.