WPIAL football coaches honored at Steelers Family Fest

By: Greg Macafee
Monday, August 5, 2019 | 2:18 PM

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On Sunday, just one day before the start of high school football season, the Pittsburgh Steelers held their annual Steelers Family Fest at Heinz Field.

While the night was highlighted by a full Steelers practice under the lights, fans had the opportunity experience several different things. Food trucks, games and other activities occupied Art Rooney Avenue right outside the stadium, and fans also had the chance to meet Steelers legends and win prizes.

#SteelersNation is out in full force today at Family Fest!

Use #FamilyFest to send us your photos & we will share some of our favorites! pic.twitter.com/ktX3sNpXSR

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 4, 2019

The six-time Super Bowl champions also took the opportunity to recognize a few special groups throughout the night.

Along with members of law enforcement, Special Olympics athletes escorted Steelers players out of the tunnel.

When they say FAMILY Fest… they mean it.

Thank you, @steelers, for an unforgettable night.#FamilyFest #InclusionRevolution #SteelersHuddleFor100 pic.twitter.com/1qPRxli9J6

— ??????? ???????? ?? ☀️ (@SpecialOlympiPA) August 5, 2019

The U.S. Army held a special swearing-in ceremony. And the Steelers paid tribute to high school football coaches from across Western Pennsylvania for their commitment to football.

Today we recognize our #WPIAL coaches of Western Pennsylvania for their hard work & dedication to bring football to the city of Pittsburgh @heinzfield #FamilyFest ? pic.twitter.com/Aqtz4AFDc7

— Steelers Youth FB (@SteelersYouthFB) August 4, 2019

That wasn’t the only beneficial opportunity WPIAL coaches received Sunday night at Heinz Field, a stadium where some of them have had the opportunity to play and/or coach. They also heard former NFL athlete and current ESPN analyst Merril Hoge speak about concussions, CTE and head trauma.

.@merrilhoge stopped by @heinzfield today to speak to some high school coaches from the #WPIAL #FamilyFest pic.twitter.com/znNRCO8jOK

— Steelers Youth FB (@SteelersYouthFB) August 4, 2019

On Monday, football coaches from across the state took the field for heat acclimatization week. They’ll have three full weeks to prepare before Week Zero matchups kick off Aug. 23.

Greg Macafee is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Greg by email at gmacafee@triblive.com or via Twitter .