Nike and LEGO Group Announce Engaging Experiences and New Products Based in Active, Creative Play — NIKE, Inc.
Nike and the LEGO Group are kicking off their global multi-year partnership this summer with a series of immersive experiences and co-branded products designed to inspire kids everywhere to embrace the joy of active and creative play. The partnership brings together the “Just Do It” spirit of Nike with the imaginative power of LEGO® bricks […]
Nike and the LEGO Group are kicking off their global multi-year partnership this summer with a series of immersive experiences and co-branded products designed to inspire kids everywhere to embrace the joy of active and creative play.
The partnership brings together the “Just Do It” spirit of Nike with the imaginative power of LEGO® bricks to invite all kids into sport and play. Over the upcoming months, kids can enjoy the opportunity to engage in immersive experiences across different cities around the world, as well as a full collection of products, including LEGO sets and Nike footwear, apparel and accessories.
In addition, three-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson will support the partnership by helping engage kids through a reimagined world of play that will come to life across digital channels. More information will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
“I have loved playing with LEGO bricks since I was a kid and know that my creativity and play helped me not only in sports but also at school and in life,” says Wilson, a Nike signature athlete. “I’m thrilled to be part of this partnership with Nike and the LEGO Group and know we can help to make a positive impact with kids and adults alike.”
EXPERIENCES ROOTED IN ACTIVE AND CREATIVE PLAY
Both brands are committed to enabling access to active and creative play for communities around the world and have backed efforts for the United Nations to designate June 11 as the International Day of Play.
Over the coming months, Nike and the LEGO Group will bring play and fun to communities with unforgettable, experiential activations. From June 7–11, the Nike and LEGO Play Arena will be open to the public at LEGOLAND® California Resort. At this basketball-themed experience, children and families can design their own LEGO Minifigure athlete trading card, showcase their creative spirit by building their very own mini basketball jersey, and test their skills by shooting for the ultimate three-pointer. Access to the Play Arena is included with general admission at LEGOLAND California Resort.
“Play has the incredible ability to inspire and spark creativity in every child, and at the LEGO Group, we truly believe in that power,” says Federico Begher, SVP, Product Group, New Businesses, LEGO Group. “We’re excited to kick off the first chapter of our partnership with Nike, blending the joy of basketball with the magic of imagination.”
Against the backdrop of summer football in Europe, fans are invited to take part in a creative world of play July 19–27 at Nike and the LEGO Group’s football activation in London. Families will be able to see and participate in programming geared toward kids that centers on and celebrates football, holding events in partnership with nonprofit organizations that will focus on building girls’ confidence.
“At Nike, we are dedicated to fueling the potential of kids through play,” says Cal Dowers, VP, Global Kids, NIKE, Inc. “Activating the full power of Nike — from athletes to our communities — helps us engage and inspire kids to experience the enjoyment of sport as a lifelong pursuit. Our partnership with the LEGO Group reinforces our commitment to inviting all kids to play.”
Nike employees around the world will also be able to celebrate the partnership through various on-campus events that help put play back into sport. Global employees based at the Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Ore., will learn how to become youth sport coaches. Employees will then be able to put their skills to action on June 11, when Nike will host kids from a local nonprofit organization for a day of sport as part of International Day of Play.
In Greater China, Nike will amplify the energy of the partnership across Shanghai, Beijing and other key cities with a number of co-branded community events and in-store displays and activations at the Shanghai House of Innovation. In the fall, Nike will unveil a multifunctional playground made of recycled shoes in Shanghai. Igniting active play in kids, the court is part of a commitment Nike made to build 100 Nike Grind courts across Greater China, with 42 already built as of this year, creating tangible social impact while helping ensure the future of the planet and sport.
“Nike is powering the future of youth sport — with the vision of an active, inclusive world that inspires all youth to play and achieve their greatest potential,” says Vanessa Garcia-Brito, VP and Chief Impact Officer, NIKE, Inc. “Through coaching, we can put the fun back into sport and welcome all youth to participate. Our goal is to give the next generation an opportunity to enjoy a lifetime of sport and movement and help make their dreams real.”
WINNING PRODUCTS FOR KIDS
The first LEGO product goes on sale on July 1, with the LEGO Nike Dunk set. This 1,180-piece set, for LEGO fans ages 10 and up, features a Nike Dunk, rotatable brick basketball toy and iconic “Dunk” slogan that sports fans can build, rebuild and display. Hidden within the Nike Dunk model are stash compartments to safely store championship rings or other essentials, as well as extra laces for custom color swap-outs. Inspired by the iconic sneaker, first born and worn over 40 years ago, this set is a celebration of sneaker culture and LEGO creativity that blends the worlds of building and basketball. The set also comes with a unique basketball Minifigure, B’Ball Head. Additional LEGO sets will go on sale in September, with more information to be released this summer.
The first Nike products will go on sale on August 1 with the Nike Air Max Dn x LEGO Collection as well as a line of apparel and accessories, followed on September 1 by the Nike Dunk Low x LEGO Collection and more, all celebrating the lifestyle of sport and play. The design of these products was inspired by the unique LEGO design aesthetic, from the iconic stud to the stylized LEGO Minifigure, combined with the power of sport culture and DNA that Nike brings. Additional Nike footwear and apparel will be unveiled through the fall. More information will be released at a later date.
The LEGO Nike Dunk set is now available for pre-order at LEGO.com/nike and will be available for all at LEGO.com/nike and LEGO Stores beginning July 1. Products will also be available via Nike channels, including in select Nike stores across the globe and via nike.com.
The Nike Dunk Low x LEGO Collection and Nike Air Max Dn x LEGO Collection will be available across Nike channels, including nike.com and select retail partners.
For more information, visit LEGO.com/nike or nike.com/lego.
How and why a new safety standard has been developed for youth football helmets
Now that the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment has data to support the difference in head and neck injury risks for youth versus adult tackle football players, one athletic equipment safety standard nonprofit has released a first-ever youth football helmet standard. “An awful lot went into the standard,” Dr. Robert Cantu, NOCSAE […]
Now that the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment has data to support the difference in head and neck injury risks for youth versus adult tackle football players, one athletic equipment safety standard nonprofit has released a first-ever youth football helmet standard.
“An awful lot went into the standard,” Dr. Robert Cantu, NOCSAE vice president and chair of the organization’s scientific advisory committee, said. “It is something that’s evolved over the last 10 years. … Youth are not small adults. They have particular needs. They have disproportionately large heads at an early age, and they have very weak necks.”
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That was the starting point for NOCSAE to invest half a million dollars into research “to actually go out and test on the field during practices and during games, exactly what these kids were experiencing,” Executive Director Emeritus Michael Oliver said. “… Out of that came some data that was actually fairly surprising. One of which is the younger age group actually has higher head accelerations than the older age group, but it’s because they hit the ground more often out of control.”
Armed with that information, NOCSAE developed a new standard for tackle football players who’ve yet to reach high school that will require manufacturers, including Riddell and Schutt, to design a helmet that weighs less. It also reduces the allowable rotational acceleration, the force most closely associated with concussion risks in tackle football.
“Forty, 50 years ago, the big problem was mostly skull fractures and intracranial bleeds, more serious injuries,” Cantu said. “Those have been eliminated virtually by the current helmet standards. What hasn’t been as well addressed — and can never be perfectly addressed, but it can be made better — are helmets that better attenuate the forces for concussion. That’s where we think this lighter helmet with adequate energy attenuating equipment in it will do a much better job than the current adult standard.”
New helmets will weigh no more than 3.5 pounds. There is no weight limit in the current performance specifications for helmet manufacturers.
“We have 5-year-olds and 6-year-olds, and they tend to, it’s like bobblehead football, a little bit,” said Keith Fogliani, who serves as president of the Independence, Missouri, Hawks Pop Warner football and cheer squad and as commissioner for the Heart of America Pop Warner Association.
“That bobble-head doll effect means that a youngster taking a blow, it can be a much lesser blow, but it produces great accelerations to the head,” Cantu said. “Youngsters with that weak neck can’t support the weight of an adult helmet, so this helmet will be a lighter one.”
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The hope is that it will better mitigate the risks unique to youth football players.
“Knowing that you have a helmet that’s kind of tailored, or a standard that’s tailored, to that age, to me, is comforting,” Oliver said. “If I’m a parent, I know my kid’s not trying to figure out how to use an adult helmet to play a game for kids, and I think that’s probably the most important part of it. It’s tailored for the risks and exposures for kids at that age.”
Youth football helmets are considered usable for 10 years, but NOCSAE standards require them to be inspected and reconditioned every two years.
“They’re (a new helmet) about $140, then you’re paying about $40 to $50 every two years (for reconditioning),” Fogliani said. “You end up with about a $400 helmet when it’s all said and done.”
NOCSAE’s new youth football helmet standard goes into effect March 1, 2027, which gives manufacturers time to develop equipment to meet the standard, but current helmets can still be used under the existing guideline, according to Oliver.
National organizations, like Pop Warner or USA Football, could create their own rule requiring the adoption of the new helmets sooner.
However, NOCSAE’s new standard only sets a deadline for future manufacturing as helmet technology continues to evolve — from leather helmets, to foam-lined plastic helmets, to new models with air bladders.
“The technology of the helmets is just going to keep getting better and better,” Fogliani said. “I’m just kind of curious to see what a three-and-a-half-pound helmet’s going to be looking like.”
This story was originally published by Tod Palmer with the Scripps News Group in Kansas City.
Scarlett Walden aims for Youth Athlete of the Year
Scarlett Walden, 11, aims for Sports Illustrated’s Youth Athlete of the Year with a dream to elevate her sport. LONGVIEW, Texas — An East Texas athlete is tumbling her way toward national recognition, not just with raw talent but with a dream that could shine a light on both her sport and her hometown. At […]
Scarlett Walden, 11, aims for Sports Illustrated’s Youth Athlete of the Year with a dream to elevate her sport.
LONGVIEW, Texas — An East Texas athlete is tumbling her way toward national recognition, not just with raw talent but with a dream that could shine a light on both her sport and her hometown.
At just 11 years old, Gilmer’s Scarlett Walden is vying for Sports Illustrated’s Youth Athlete of the Year, hoping to represent Buckeye Nation and shine a spotlight on cheerleading nationwide.
“I like to dance, I do competitive dance and of course, cheer and I do coed stunting,” she said.
She has earned a spot among the top contenders in a competition typically filled with other athletes.
“There are very few cheerleaders that enter the competition,” she said. “It’s mostly like football players, baseball players,” Scarlett said.
Scarlett is now in third place after jumping more than 40 spots in just a few hours. She is one of the only cheerleaders in the running and is proud to represent an often overlooked sport.
“I just really wanted to represent my sport because it’s very underrated,” she said. “People always argue whether cheer is a sport or not, and it’s very controversial.”
Her mother, Whitley, agrees and says the time and effort her daughter puts into training rivals any other youth sport.
“It’s overlooked a lot,” Whitley said.. “She works very hard. There’s a lot of cheer moms out there and cheer dads, and they know how much time and effort these girls and boys both put in the gym.”
Scarlett trains at two gyms and says the physical demands are nonstop.
“Many cheerleaders like me condition and condition and condition till we’re sick or sore,” Scarlett said.
The Sports Illustrated honor also comes with a $25,000 prize — and Scarlett already has big plans for the money.
“We are building a gym in my backyard because we are taking this career very seriously,” she said. “And with the money left over, I would buy all new Rebel sets.”
Now, she and her mom are calling on the East Texas community to help push her into the top 20 before the next voting round begins.
“She deserves to win because of the hard work that she puts in and the passion,” Whitley said.
Alaska’s growing youth golf scene is well-represented at 2025 State Amateur Championship
Anchorage’s Briggs Winfree prepares to fill out his scorecard following his opening round at the Alaska State Amateur Golf Tournament at Anchorage Golf Course on Friday, August. 1, 2025. (Chris Bieri / ADN) Among the nearly 100 golfers who took the greens for the first day of the 2025 Alaska State Amateur Championship at the […]
Anchorage’s Briggs Winfree prepares to fill out his scorecard following his opening round at the Alaska State Amateur Golf Tournament at Anchorage Golf Course on Friday, August. 1, 2025. (Chris Bieri / ADN)
Among the nearly 100 golfers who took the greens for the first day of the 2025 Alaska State Amateur Championship at the Anchorage Golf Course on Friday morning were many of the top youngsters the 49th state has to offer.
The number of high school and college-aged golfers nearly reached double figures, which is an uptick from the small handful that have taken part in the past. That’s a sign that interest from the next generation is growing.
“We have some unbelievable young golfers,” President of Alaska Golf Association Jeff Ranf said. “We’ve had more interest on the youth side than we’ve had in years and I don’t know why.”
He feels like it might be a combination of some of the top golfers coming up, combined with the Alaska Golf Association being recognized as the organization many of them want to play through as potential reasons the sport is becoming more popular among the younger generation.
Another contributing factor is the proliferation of pathways golf is creating for kids to earn scholarships to get their college educations paid for.
“All the young really good golfers have been saying how much they are looking forward to continuing playing after high school and into college and perhaps going pro,” Ranf said. “That’s huge.”
Since golf isn’t one of the sanctioned sports offered through any school districts in the state, many of the top youth golfers either try to get in as much time on the golf courses Alaska has to offer when they can or travel out of state to compete and further develop their skills.
Anchorage’s Briggs Winfree is one of the latter. The 16-year-old spends his winters down in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and plays at Junior Players Golf Academy but he loves the chance to come back home and compete.
“It’s a ton of fun,” he said. “The golf up here is second to none. It’s so much fun and a great community.”
Without scholastic programs, many kids in the past were never introduced to golf at a young age.
“It definitely starts at a lower level then works its way up,” Ranf said. “We’re wanting to get more involved with youth golf so we’re working with clubs like Anchorage Golf, Palmer, Fox Hollow and Moose (Run).”
The Moose Run golf course, in particular, approached the AGA about getting help promoting their youth program.
“The more we get involved in those programs, the more the youth are going to take interest in events such as this,” Ranf said.
Just before the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, their membership and interest in the golf scene in general was starting to wane. After the pandemic hit, it dropped even more precipitously. Tournaments were sparsely attended even when quarantine ended but now they feel like they’re finally back on the rise again thanks to an injection of new blood at the executive leadership level.
“We have some younger board members than we’ve had in the past,” Ranf said. “We had a lot of guys and women that had been on the board for 10 to 15 years that want to get off and now we have really good young players that are on the board and they want to see the game of golf grow in Alaska.”
He believes the younger generation is the driving force behind the uptick in interest in golf around the state and is excited for the direction the sport in the Last Frontier is heading.
“I love to see it,” Palmer’s Keira DeLand said. “There’s definitely a handful of us which is so cool to see.”
There was a junior golfer as young as 13 on the greens Friday competing in her first ever state championship event.
“Hopefully, we can see more kids following us,” DeLand said.
She believes that getting more camps and tournaments as well as just “publicizing golf more” will continue to drum up interest in sport among younger generations.
“The junior golf is great, especially with the youth on-course program out here,” Winfree said. “You can get a $5 round for 18 (holes) or $3 for 9 (holes). Every course has a junior rate so they really support junior golf which is awesome.”
He started playing competitively two summers ago and won his first junior tournament in town at Fox Hollow Golf Course but fell in love with the sport the first time he played it with his dad on a whim one day.
“Honestly, I just think it’s about making it more fun for the kids with a lot of games and camps,” Winfree said. “There’s definitely more kids coming with their parents too.”
Palmer’s Keira DeLand, who is competing in this weekend’s Alaska State Amateur Golf Tournament, is one of the state’s top young players. The tournament runs from Aug. 1-3, 2025 at Anchorage Golf Course. (Chris Bieri / ADN)
Developing women’s golf is a priority
DeLand is one of Alaska’s most recent success stories as she earned a scholarship to play golf at Lee University, a private Christian university in Cleveland, Tennessee.
She is coming off her freshman year and last summer, swept both the women’s Alaska State Amateur Championship and State Match Play.
“It was awesome,” DeLand said. “It was a great learning experience and super fun to play with girls my age and just be around golf all the time year round.”
[After claiming Alaska’s premier amateur golf titles, Keira DeLand is taking her talents to the next level]
Growing up in Alaska, there weren’t many girls her age to compete against. As a result, she was accustomed to playing with older women and males of all ages so going to play collegiately with and against her contemporaries was a welcomed culture shock.
“It was fun being around people my age who love the game as much as I do,” DeLand said.
The school year went by fast and she was so busy having fun that she didn’t start getting home sick until it was almost time to head back to Alaska for the summer.
“It was awesome to go to a structured practice everyday and be around a great group of girls,” DeLand said. “The whole year was really a highlight.”
She and Abigail Ante, who attends and competes for the University of Missouri-St. Louis, are two of the strongest young female players in the state. Unfortunately, there aren’t many others for them to contend with.
“That’s the one thing I think we lack,” Ranf said. “Other than working directly with the junior program, we haven’t been promoting women’s golf enough.”
That is starting to change as AGA is becoming more involved with the women’s programs such as Anchorage Women’s Golf Association and Wacky Women’s Golf Association.
“I think that will hopefully encourage more young women to play in these events, because we don’t get a lot of women,” Ranf said. “It’s unfortunate, because there are so many good players that we’d love to join us but we haven’t been able to get them yet.”
Takeaways from Day 1’s action
Back in late June, Winfree won 2025 Alaska State Golf Association’s Match Play Championship at Moose Run Golf Course where he bested heavy favorite, Erik Thompson in an 18-hole title tilt and won on the third extra match-play hole.
He didn’t let that recent success go to his head or bloat his confidence heading into this weekend’s action.
“The last tournament doesn’t matter because this is a whole different tournament,” Winfree said. “I came into it with no expectations and just tried to play my best.”
He felt good about his performance on the first day, shooting a 76. He was 1-under through 15 and 5-over through his last three holes.
Even though her home course that she is the most familiar with is out in Palmer, DeLand still managed to shoot a 78 on Day 1 of the state championship tournament.
“It was pretty solid, definitely room for improvement,” DeLand said. “I’m still trying to figure out these greens a little bit but I’m excited for the rest of the weekend.”
Strawberry Festival fills downtown | The Pajaronian
Hannah Bowers (from left), Kim Vestal and Katie Cole share a strawberry shortcake. Vestal is the daughter of famed Pajaronian photographer, Sam Vestal, who helped the paper earn a Pulitzer Prize in 1955.Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian) Thousands of people filled downtown Watsonville Saturday on day two of the three-day Strawberry Festival. As the fog broke apart […]
Hannah Bowers (from left), Kim Vestal and Katie Cole share a strawberry shortcake. Vestal is the daughter of famed Pajaronian photographer, Sam Vestal, who helped the paper earn a Pulitzer Prize in 1955.Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)
Thousands of people filled downtown Watsonville Saturday on day two of the three-day Strawberry Festival.
As the fog broke apart and blue sky took over, people were treated to live music, scads of strawberry-theme food and drinks, carnival rides, arts and crafts, an open-air beer garden and a wealth of stands offering jewelry, clothing, artworks, household goods, Mexican artifacts, textiles and more.
“It’s so nice to see people out enjoying themselves,” said Marty Strickland, owner of FRuit FRTiz Smoothies.
Strickland’s business opened 40 years ago and operated a permanent location in Watsonville Square 25 years ago.
“I love doing the festivals,” he said. “We used to do Reno and LA — all over the place. People love us and we are here for them.”
Kim Vestal drove from the Santa Cruz Mountains with her daughter, Hannah Bowers and friend Katie Cole to her hometown to get a taste of the Strawberry Festival.
“It feels good to be back home,” the Watsonville native said. “The festival looks absolutely amazing.” Vestal’s father, Sam Vestal, was the photographer for the Register-Pajaronian from the 1950s into the ‘80s.
Former Watsonville HIgh principal Murry Schekman said he walked to the event from his home.
“It looks great and well laid out,” he said as he made his way across the crowded plaza with the live music of Los Gallos de Cali filling the air. “I’ve been coming to this for many years. Everybody is having a good time.”
By 1pm huge crowds filled the plaza and streets of downtown. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian) Watsonville.Thousands of people filled a closed-off Main Street Saturday. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)Luis Castro of Salinas claimed first place in a strawberry eating contest. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)Alvaro Huantes of Watsonville joins scores of others in painting on of several huge panels as art of a “Collaborative Mural” set up by the Youth Center in an “Everybody Can Paint” project. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)A young girl gets a taste if the action during the festival. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)The musical group, Los Gallos de Cali, perform at the bandstand in Watsonvile Plaza. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)Children enjoy getting off the ground while board a carnival ride. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)Teresa Navarro sports her new crocheted hat while touring the festival. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)
NBA star Derrick White, Hillside Connection partner for camp | Sports
Campers at Sierra High School locked in on Derrick White as he explained his method for playing defense in the NBA. Nearly 100 kids focused as White held a microphone in his left hand while demonstrating with his right how to disrupt an opposing player from making a basket. It’s one of many lessons White […]
Campers at Sierra High School locked in on Derrick White as he explained his method for playing defense in the NBA.
Nearly 100 kids focused as White held a microphone in his left hand while demonstrating with his right how to disrupt an opposing player from making a basket.
It’s one of many lessons White hoped to infuse in the first through eighth graders who attended the Derrick White Basketball Academy camp Saturday in conjunction with Hillside Connection.
As kids ventured from various drills that included defense, foot work, dribbling, shooting and passing, each had the chance to interact with the Boston Celtics star. The camp is vital for improving kids in the Southeast, but White said he enjoys moments like Saturday more than the children in attendance.
“Coming back to the Springs where it all started for me is special,” White said. “… Camps like this are a great way to play basketball and have fun or meet a new friend. You might learn a new technique you can take home and show your friends. It’s a great way to get out here and meet new people and have fun while doing it.”
White attended Legend High School in Parker before heading to the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs from 2012-15. He then transferred to the University of Colorado Boulder where he averaged 18.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists as a senior.
Now, the eight-year NBA veteran boasts an Olympic gold medal and an NBA championship. That’s not just a résumé White is proud to have, he believes his success allows others to recognize their capabilities.
“I’m from Colorado and they can see a kid from Colorado made it and say, ‘Why not me?’” White said. “I saw Chauncey (Billups) do it and I know it’s possible. Hopefully one of these kids sees me and what I’ve managed to accomplish and they’ll think it’s possible to reach their dreams, whatever that might be.”
Terrell Brown, Hillside Connection founder and president, said he’s grateful White offered time from his schedule to assist with the endeavor.
Terrell Brown, founder and president of Hillside Connection, speaks to the young basketball players during the Derrick White Youth Basketball Camp with the local nonprofit Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, at Sierra High School in Colorado Springs. About 100 kids attended the camp. Hillside Connection is a nonprofit founded by Terrell Brown that serves more than 1,000 kids every year teaching them basketball and life skills. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
Christian Murdock
Throughout the years, Brown and Hillside Connection have hosted various camps for Southeast Colorado Springs kids and, in 2024, saw the culmination of the repaving of courts at Memorial Park. Brown said this camp, featuring White, is more than just basketball.
“It’s about instilling hope in the youth, families and the community we serve,” Brown said. “I have the utmost respect for Derrick White and Marcus Mason for following through with their word. The NBA accolades are impressive, but it’s Derrick’s character, humility and resilience that make him a true icon for future generations to look up to.”
Former Norwin standouts Gianni Rizzo, Luke Levendosky bring youth, energy to Knights coaching staff
By: Bill Beckner Jr. Saturday, August 2, 2025 | 11:06 AM Brandon Reed | Duquesne Athletics Gianni Rizzo is a former linebacker at Duquesne. Luke Levendosky is a former Norwin quarterback. Previous Next As players, Gianni Rizzo and Luke Levendosky left different marks on the Norwin football program. Rizzo was a run-smothering linebacker and fleet-footed […]
As players, Gianni Rizzo and Luke Levendosky left different marks on the Norwin football program.
Rizzo was a run-smothering linebacker and fleet-footed wide receiver, while Levendosky powered the offense as a pinpoint quarterback.
As coaches, they could have a lot to offer their alma mater.
Both were added to Mike Brown’s staff this season as offensive assistants.
Rizzo, who has been spotted at junior varsity basketball games around the WPIAL as a PIAA-certified referee, played college football at Duquesne and is about to embark on a pro career in Italy.
Levendosky played three years at Saint Vincent College but will not be on the Bearcats’ roster in 2025.
A speedster, Rizzo ran a leg of the Knights’ PIAA Class AAA winning 1,600-meter relay team in 2017. He went on to be a disruptive Division I linebacker after beginning his college career at Youngstown State.
In 34 career games at Duquesne, he made 141 tackles, 21.5 for loss. He was an All-Northeast Conference second team selection last season.
“I’m looking to bring fresh college experience to the team,” Rizzo said. “A young guy they can look up to and relate to. It’s good to have coaches like that. I’ll bring the kids to the field Saturdays and run 1-on-1s against them and stuff like that so they get good extra work, too.”
Rizzo, a production manager at JP Roofing, pursued professional playing opportunities and signed with the Lazio Marines of the Italian Football League and will head to training camp in January.
“What excites me most about coaching is being able to give back to the kids in Norwin,” Rizzo said. “It’s something I have always wanted to do and something that I had in high school when Alex Dennison came and coached us.
“At the time it was a youthful coach that I was able to look up to. Especially for the potential we have this year returning so many starters, getting the kids the best coaching is our main focus.”
Levendosky, a PAC Sportsmanship Team selection last year, played in 18 career games at the Division III level. He returned kicks and punts before seeing limited time at quarterback in 2024.
“I’m looking forward to bringing energy and helping to create a competitive atmosphere for our players,” he said. “It was evident in my first day that coach Mike (Broan) and our staff have a strong foundation already built into the program, and I’m really excited to help contribute to that environment in any way I can.”
Levendosky will graduate from Saint Vincent in December. He is a student teacher at Hempfield’s Wendover Middle School.
“I try to emphasize process and all the small things that result in bigger events, goals (etc.),” Levendosky said. “That is a big reason why I found a passion in education. In general, though, it is just cool to coach where I once played.”
Levendosky has two years of eligibility remaining but is not sure if he will use at least one. He endured a concussion last season, which played a part in his decision not to play this year.
“I am also interested in playing overseas because an old teammate of mine is playing in Poland and he loves it there so maybe down the line I’d look into it,” he said.
Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.
(via @arenasporttv/TT)
