Coach with hall of fame credentials recruiting runners for Penn Hills cross country team

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, September 8, 2024 | 11:01 AM

Mike Diano is happy to be back coaching at his alma mater. The 2000 Penn Hills graduate hopes a few more athletes will choose to join the cross country team.

Right now, the Indians have only four athletes to open the season. Penn Hills has four boys and one girl competing, not enough for a team on either side.

“The turnout wasn’t what we hoped for,” said Diano, who is a Plum resident. “It’s good. It’s a challenge. It’s tough right now because we don’t have the numbers. Hopefully, we can get more kids to come out.”

Diano is a member of the Penn Hills Athletic Hall of Fame. Diano, a 2000 graduate, finished third in WPIALs and sixth in the state in cross country.

During track season, Diano finished second at WPIALs in the 3,200-meter run and placed sixth in the state. Diano still runs himself and has seen family members follow in his footsteps.

Diano’s daughter is in eighth grade and runs for Plum. Diano ran for Pitt and lettered all four years on the cross country team.

Having all of that experience is good for Diano to help prepare the young Penn Hills’ roster for competition.

Juniors Xavier Nicholas and Avin Keller are the most experienced runners for the Indians.

“They’ve been working hard at practice,” Diano said. “They were practicing over the summer. I sent them a few workouts, and they followed them.”

Isabella Bennett is the only runner for the Indians girls team.

Dylan Bishop and Rahmire Broados will run for the boys team.

Diano said the younger and more experienced runners have been training together in groups. He hopes to see their times improve throughout the year.

Diano took over after long-time coach Lee Zelkowitz stepped down following last season. Diano previously coached at Penn Hills from 2006-15.

Tags: Penn Hills