From its inception to today, the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) and the University of Pittsburgh football program have formed a strong relationship that continues to produce quality collegiate and professional athletes.

Together they have combined to produce several Hall of Famers and current National Football League players. The current Pitt team has a strong WPIAL influence on both sides of the ball and its 2008 recruiting class includes some of Western Pennsylvania's best.

The 2008 football team is anchored by many WPIAL standouts on defense and offense. On defense, Pitt's starting linebacking corps of Scott McKillop, Adam Gunn and Shane Murray all attended WPIAL schools. McKillop, who led the nation in tackles last year, and Gunn attended Kiski Area, while Murray attended Pittsburgh Central Catholic. Other local defensive players include linebacker Brandon Lindsey from Aliquippa, tackle Mick Williams from Monessen, safety Elijah Fields from Duquesne and safety Dom DeCicco from Thomas Jefferson.

On offense, Pitt signal caller Bill Stull hails from Seton-LaSalle. He is joined by tight end Dorin Dickerson from West Allegheny, tight end John Pelusi from Pittsburgh Central Catholic, tackle Jason Pinkston from Baldwin, guard John Malecki from Franklin Regional, guard C.J. Davis from West Allegheny, and Shane Brooks from Duquesne as they look to make an impact on offense. On special teams, placekicker Conor Lee, a Lou Groza Award candidate, hails from Upper St. Clair, punter Dave Brytus from West Allegheny and long snapper Mark Estermyer is from Blackhawk.

Coach Wannstedt, a Baldwin High School native himself, has made it a priority to recruit the best players out of Western Pennsylvania each year. The Panthers' 2008 recruiting class has a strong regional representation, as nine out of the 19 signees attended WPIAL high schools. Players such as Jonathan Baldwin (Aliquippa), Shayne Hale (Gateway) and Lucas Nix (Thomas Jefferson) were highly ranked national players that signed with Pitt.

The WPIAL's influence at Pitt is also evident in the NFL, as several recent Pitt graduates have made the transition from college to the National Football League.

 Shawntae Spencer, a Woodland Hills graduate, played at Pitt for four years and helped anchor a strong Panther secondary. Spencer now plays cornerback and special teams for the San Francisco 49ers.

 Darrelle Revis, a star athlete at Aliquippa, played for the Panthers from 2004-06, establishing himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the nation. Revis was drafted in the first round in 2007 by the New York Jets and is currently starting for the Jets at cornerback.

 Tyler Palko, a former West Allegheny and Pitt quarterback, found a home with the New Orleans Saints in 2007. He was signed to the active roster for the last game of the season in 2007-08 and has recently signed a two year deal.

Several former Pitt Panthers, who originally came from the WPIAL, have gone on to have tremendous careers that culminated in their induction into the National Football Hall of Fame.

Dan Marino, born in south Oakland, attended Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School. Marino had a very successful stint at the University of Pittsburgh from 1979- 1982. His shinning moment at Pitt came in the 1982 Sugar Bowl when he led the Panthers to a comeback victory over the Georgia Bulldogs.

Tony Dorsett, from Rochester Pa., is a Hopewell High School graduate, who went on to have an excellent career at running back for the University of Pittsburgh. Dorsett was a key cog in the Panthers' 1976 National Championship run while winning the Maxwell, Walter Camp and prestigious Heisman Trophy all that season.

Mike Ditka grew up in Aliquippa, Pa., and attended Aliquippa High School. While at Pitt, he started all three years and is considered one of the best tight ends in NFL history. He led the Panthers in receiving each season and also served as the team's punter.

All of these players, from Hall of Famers like Dorsett and Marino, to rising NFL stars like Revis, to college athletes like McKillop, got their start in Western Pennsylvania. The area has been a hotbed of football talent for many, many years.

The University of Pittsburgh and the WPIAL have created a pathway for football players to continue to succeed after the high school and college level. With new talent continuing to develop in high schools across the area it looks as if the connection will continue to keep growing in the future.