A visit with WPIAL champion coach Joe Rossi


Background Info: Joe Rossi has done it all as the head coach at South Fayette. He’s made the Lions into a perennial contender in every classification in which they’ve competed. They were a postseason rival of Aliquippa and had several incredible battles with the Quips over the years going 3-1 against them in the WPIAL Class 2A finals at Heinz Field. This year, even with a move up to Class 4A, Rossi was able to help guide the team to a victory over another perennial contender in two-time defending champion Thomas Jefferson, which was seeking its fourth straight crown. Rossi began his career at Riverview and posted a 26-23 record in five seasons. Rossi is now in his 12th season at South Fayette and took a 130-20 record into the PIAA Tournament.

Joe Rossi on what the WPIAL experience has been like.
"Just being a player (at Chartiers Valley) and a coach has been special. As far as a coach, those experiences at Heinz Field stand out for sure."

Joe Rossi on taking teams to Heinz Field.
"It’s something you dream about, going to Three Rivers when I was a player and now getting the opportunity to play at Heinz with the big venue, the TV and media and just everything that surrounds that game."

Joe Rossi on how he uses his WPIAL high school experience as a coach.
"Just the true grit of Western PA. I think you see that from the guys that have played here and to coach here, you have to have that same mentality of what you would say is Pittsburgh toughness in the WPIAL The kids play hard and it showed for us on Friday."

Joe Rossi on his greatest accomplishment.
"I would say just doing it differently. We do it through the air, which is kind of what we’ve become known for, so having that success of continuing to throw the football and obviously mentoring young kids because that’s why we all get in it."