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

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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.

Tags: Norwin