Paul Zeise, Bob Pompeani, Michael Holley and Don Kelly: three respected names in the world of sports journalism and one professional athlete that all attended Point Park University. These names, along with recent media attention to the athletic programs, are giving Point Park a more respected name.Sure, not everyone in the country has heard of Point Park. Actually, some people in western Pennsylvania probably think I’m referring to Point State Park. Regardless, this school has produced some very successful journalists. From anchoring on ESPN to reporting on the Steelers and University of Pittsburgh, these alumni give us a reason to be proud.Zeise graduated from Point Park College in 1993, where he played basketball. I once heard a rumor that Zeise broke the record for fastest player to reach five fouls and foul outs in a game. That may or may not be true, but Zeise is a perfect example of a respected journalist in the region. He has worked in the communications department of the National Basketball Association and now covers the University of Pittsburgh football team along with women’s and men’s basketball.If you’re from Pittsburgh, you know who Pompeani is. Pompeani is practically the face of KDKA sports as he is on the Nightly Sports Call, the 6 p.m. newscast, and the 11 p.m. newscast as a sports anchor. In 1997, he was voted as Pittsburgh’s favorite sportscaster. Pompeani is extremely involved in the community with the “Extra Effort” award given out to high school student athletes as well as local golf outings.Holley is the name out of these three journalists that most people at Point Park don’t know; however, his career is one of the most prestigious of Point Park alumni because of his achievements. Holley spent time as a columnist for the Boston Globe and the Chicago Tribune. He won a Pulitzer Prize in 1994 and wrote a book about the New England Patriots that made the New York Times Best Seller list. Perhaps his most interesting career note is that he was a familiar face on ESPN’s popular show “Around the Horn.”Kelly was an All-American baseball player when he attended Point Park. His stellar collegiate resume led to him being drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 2001 MLB draft. Kelly has also spent time with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Arizona Diamondbacks. He is the only active player in the whole league that has made an appearance at every single position on the diamond.Some people may say, “Why didn’t I know that these guys went to Point Park before?” Well, now you do.Along with these notable alumni, Point Park’s athletic programs are receiving much more attention from the media in the last few years. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is now writing articles almost weekly on the men’s and women’s basketball teams. Brothers T.J. and Robbie Heatherington of the basketball team were even featured on a special segment on KDKA a few weeks ago. As Point Park grows and the athletic teams achieve more each year, expect that this list of notable alumni will increase.
Column As I See ‘Em
Written By Pete Bridge
June 29, 2016
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