Photo courtesy Westminster College Athletics
The Sto-Rox Vikings won the Westminster College's annual 7 on 7 passing league competition, June 11. -ATHLETICS-
By Dontae Washington
The Sto-Rox Vikings were the winners of Westminster College’s annual 7 on 7 passing league competition, which concluded June 11.
This year’s event featured 12 teams – Farrell, Neshannock, New Castle, Blackhawk, Clairton, Chartiers Valley, Austintown (Ohio) Fitch, Seton La Salle, Serra Catholic, Sharon and Bishop Canevin in addition to Sto-Rox.
The Vikings forfeited their opening game to Chartiers Valley and then beat Austintown Finch, 26-9; Neshannock, 26-6; and Serra Catholic, 29-0, to earn a spot in the playoffs.
There, Sto-Rox beat Seton La Salle in the quarterfinals and Sharon in the semifinals to reach the championship game against Farrell.
The Vikings prevailed in the title game, 23-20.
Sto-Rox coach LaRoi Johnson said that the passing league is a great way for players and coaches to get in the feel of things. “It gives players the opportunity to condition and stay in shape,” he said.
That is key to players, particularly when they might not have the right equipment at home or have access to a gym.
Even though winning the title was important, Johnson said there is more to it than the final scores.
“It is about character, acceptance and believing in yourself,” he said.
On and off the field, Johnson said he believes in building a player, son, father and more.
Johnson is also part of the Black Coaches Association, an organization that prioritizes the development of Black coaches, which eventually has a direct impact on athletes.
“Life is a journey,” Johnson said.
Now more than ever coaches are teaching their athletes that education, self-growth and belief in oneself is important because that lasts a lifetime.