Profile on Mark Rauterkus by freelance writer

Exact date, not certain.

Efforts to Save City Pools, propaganda, handout

Date, uncertain.

Handout from a friend. We passed these around the city as we could.

Obit for Joseph A. Rauterkus, Jr.

Printed in the newspaper. Age 77, in Allegheny General Hospital; beloved husband of Elizabeth (Scopel-Amity) and the late Claire (Erny); very proud father of David, Joeseph III, Leo, Jackie Kirby, Rock, Daniel and the late Vincent; brother of Leo, Margaretmary Zoffel and the late David; also survived by nine grandchildren; three step-children and six step-grandchildren. Joe attend St. Fidelis for six years where he was an all around athlete in baseball, basketball and tennis. While serving in WWII, he studied pre-med at Tulane and also attended the University of Nebraska. He received his Bachelor's and Master's Degree at the University of Pittsburgh. He began his teaching career at Central Catholic where he taught Science and was coach of the swimming and tennis teams. He then went on to teach in the Pittsburgh Public School System for 35 years. After retiring, he served as a substitute teacher for both the Pittsburgh and the Parochial School Systems. Joe could also be seen and heard in the stands of Three Rivers Stadium vending, and was well known by his many catchy phrases selling his product from 1979 to the present. He also enjoyed the notoriety of being the one and only vendor at Mt. Lebanon High School stadium. Many Pittsburgh's may also have learned their driving skills from Joe, as he was a Driver's Ed Instructor. Friends received 2-4 & 7-9 Sat & Sun at Anthony G. Staab Funeral Home, 900 Chartiers Ave., W.E. Pgh. Mass and Christian Burial in Guardian Angels Parish, St. Martin Church on Mon at 10 am.

Uncle Joe - words from my dad (Leo M. Rauterkus) about his big brother, Joe

Joseph A. Rauterkus, Jr. Born: June 21, 1922 Died: Feb. 3, 2000 

For Big Bro

I'm here because the one we are paying tribute to my Big Brother. But he was more. He was my mentor, my friend. 

He love me, and was great to be around. He has always been something special. Joe was a great loving father who encouraged every one at every turn. He was non-judgmental - and even though he was given much reason to -- he never raised his voice. 

Joe lived life to the fullest.

He had extreme faith in God which spread to all around him. He was a fine teacher who managed to teach even if you weren't in his classroom. I venture to say that most of you were never in his classroom but if you knew Joe very well, he taught you many of the important things about life. 

Joe loved to be involved with people, no matter what they were doing. He thoroughly enjoyed vending at the ball park. That's where the action was. And it was another opportunity to serve ... to teach ... to be on stage as when pushing ice cream as with 'The Ice Man Cometh.' Oh, sure, you could get a bag of peanuts for $.35 at the Giant Eagle, but these are "older, more mature Ball Park Peanuts -- $2.25, please. Here, enjoy this gum - on the house." 

Joe was very competitive. He loved the thrill of the game and encouraged his children to enjoy the same. Joe was a fine tennis and baseball player. He enjoyed the game for what it was. he never rubbed it in. I can remember of time Joe was in a tennis tournament down in New Orleans while he was in the Army. The top seeded player was quoted as saying, "If I had to lose, I'm glad it was to Joe." He was a worthy opponent and a true gentleman. 

Joe's life was divided into several parts. Some were constant like raising and caring for his kids. He cared and encouraged to the very end. He took care and nursed Claire though cancer. There wasn't anything that she wanted that he couldn't get for her. He said if he had know the outcome that her last breath would have been tinged with nicotine. 

Then a new chapter in his life -- Betty entered the picture. In Joe's own well organized, point-driven way of determining another suitable spouse, Betty won -- hands down. Betty told me that God gave Joe to her as a special gift, and I know that Joe thought of Betty as his special gift. And that's the way the past 5-and-a-half years went, after Father Kevin here tied the Nuptial Knot. Joe and Betty treated each other as special gifts from God. And rightly so -- they deserved each other. 

I feel in my heart that Joe wanted to teach us to treat each other as Special Gifts.

I am going to stop now. Good-bye my dear Big Brother. You'll be sorely missed by us all. 

 We love you.

The Pittsburgh planning process is not fair. UPMC and South Side -- go figure

Exact date unsure.

The Process of Planning Is NOT Fair, NOT Democratic and NOT Understood by Most

The South Side Forum, a facist organization, fails in the following test of political fairness.

This opinion is based upon first person observations by someone who has attended all the meetings since November.

Furthermore, the proposed plans for UPMC to build a sports performance compound is not fair, not democratic, nor understood.

Three Tests of Political Fairness

from Lani Guinier
1. Does the system mobilize or discourage participation?
2. Does the system encourage genuine debate or foster polarization?
3. Does the system promise real inclusion or only token representation?

Vibrant Democracy Action Makes Us Great!

Vibrant democracy action does not occur at the South Side Planning Forum. Other pages can discussion the merits and faults of that charter and their conscious districting, but for now, think of fascism in all mentions of seeing either the South Side Planning Forum and the LTV Steering Committee.

Fascism

A system of government characterized by rigid one-party dictaorship, forcible suppression of opposition, private economic enterprise under centralized governmental control, belligerent nationalism....

We need all voices to have a reasonable influence throughout the extended political process. There are many systems and schemes to choose among to insure that this occurs, and a strict consensus operation isn't among the suitable alternatives.

The planning process should reward and champion the highest and best use, rather than be a series of binary decisions that cause a regression to the mean or lowest-common denominator effect. With a consensus operation at the helm, our future is flat.

As is the present case, the South Side Planning Forum does not offer even a modest level of checked and balanced to the planning process. Rather, the URA, as a part of the executive structure (Mayor's Office), advances plans to the South Side Planning Forum, much like the President of the U.S. might advance plans to the Cabinet. The Cabinet is hand chosen. So too is the URA and in turn the South Side Planning Forum.

Cabinet

A body of official advisers to a president, king, governor, etc. In the U.S. comprised of the heads of the various governmental departments.

Cabinet members should agree with the executives and should work as a sounding board for fine-tuning ideas and policy decisions. Renegade cabinet members might hurt the administration, as there are times for agreement and times for democracy.

URA Official, but, but, but, but....

A URA official, Jermoe Detore, was at the table with City Council on March 17 at a discussion session that was on the city cable network. He was present for a short discussion as City Council had just given a preliminary vote for the sale of the IBEW site.

The reading of the petitions that was a call from the citizens of Pittsburgh to hold a public hearing on this matter was made. Rightly so, the members of council quickly approved the matter. And, Mr. Detore said, "I'm not sure what this is all about."

He said, "But, we've been working with the South Side community."

"You want to have a public hearing?

"There will be a public hearing before the Planning Commission."

Dan Cohen (city council) said that this was a request of the citizens and City Council did not have any choice.

Meanwhile Jim Ferlo (city council) said that there will be plenty of Public Hearings on this matter.

Yes, the URA has been working with the South Side Planning Forum. Yes, the South Side Planning Forum has a LTV Steering Committee that has held a number of special meetings on this topic. Those meetings are important to the URA and help to uncover some additional information. But do not equate an approval by the South Side Planning Forum as any type of grass-roots approval by the citizens of the South Side. Their approval comes under a cloud of facist control.

Ignorance: The Most Dangerous Assumption

City Council can not assume that the plans that advance out of the U.R.A. and are filtered by the South Side Planning Forum have any inkling of community-wide support. The Planning Forum's model of resentation is invalid and the Planning Forum's operational dignity confirms this bias.

The plans that advance out of the U.R.A. are bounced to a selected few in the neighborhood. The plans might get tweeked about, sorta like window dressings. Furthermore, the delivery of the plans to the selected few in the neighborhood gives the U.R.A., its developers and its partners ample opportunities to refine presentations and rehetoric.

The salesmanship is finly tuned, but the wolf is still under the nicly pressed sheep's clothing.

City Council can't shrug its duty to represent the people by bestowing false credtabilty on the flawed process.

The only governmental body to serve as a check to the planning process as instigated by the URA is City Council. This is a grave responsibility that needs to be realized. Do not think that the citizens of an area are in strong support or even of marginal support of what is being done by the URA because the local groups say its okay.

The local planning groups are really cabinet level supporters of the U.R.A. Nothing more.

It seems that the South Side Planning Forum can please only one entity per meeting each month. Citizens, this month is not yours. Next month isn't looking good either.

Needing a Planning Forum and a Steering Committee is like needing a parachute. If the outfit isn't there the first time its called upon, chances are people won't be needing those avenues again.

Smoothing the Harshness

To be sure, the South Side Planning Forum does serve a purpose. The purpose is to be a sounding board to the URA. The purpose of the South Side Planning Forum is not to speak for the people. The purpose is not to prop up the creditability of the URA's plans in the mind's eye of City Council, the School Board, nor the County officials.

The South Side Planning Forum should go about its ways and should not be terminated. These good people do good work. Do not be fooled into thinking that this good work is anything close to good work based upon a democratic process.

Wrongly Named Organizations

The LTV Steering Committee might want to change its name, so as to not confuse additional people, to the LTV Back-seat Committee. The steering has ended.

More Input to Come

As things progress, the sale of the properties to the respective developers from the URA is going to occur. At that time, there is ample opportunity to make sure that the design forum folks insure that colors of the curtins don't clash. That authority for after-sale conditions is questionable.

Haste Makes Waste --- Rushing!

The urgency of the sale of properties on the South Side Works looms very large for a number of reasons. Urgent deadlines seem to be self-imposed places in time that are managed by strange forces in nature.

When it comes to hiring employees, the City of Pittsburgh lets its deadlines slip. The Mayor can't seem to hire a Fire Chief, week after week goes by and nothing happens. The hiring delays are unmatched only by the seemingly strong love for deadlines on development projects.

Ya gotta love the deadline mentality, especially the whooshing sound deadlines make as they go flying by.

In early Feb 99, UPMC started to move earth with the graders, on behalf of the URA, without closing the benefit of a signed deal.

Rushing Ahead While Looking Backwards

Community members need to get smart with our presentations about the South Side Sports Performance compound. Let's get smart and tell the world, the School Board, the City Council members, and the County officials as such. The Pitt leadership won't know otherwise. To explain Pitt's disregard to urban planning and its neighbors is epic. We could tell you everthing that has happened in Oakland, but your brain would explode.

There are very few personal problems that cannot be solved through a suitable application of high incentives for community access program facilities.

To champion community access goes way beyond program decisions. Facility requirements and constraints are important issues that need to be fully explored before the foundation gets laid in steel, brick and concrete.

The line-up of community facilities in Pittsburgh has a number of serious shortcommings. Our needs are grave in some areas. The specific areas of need are covered by other sections of this paper and are subect to some additional speculation.

Realize that 90% of all of C.M.U. graduates depart the Pittsburgh area upon graduation. That type of human-resource retention is unacceptable. Needs exist, undoubtably.

So, we're working among ourselves to prioritize and express various needs and concerns. We'll tell Pitt what is needed, and Pitt will tell us how to get along without it. Pitt has done this over and over again when it comes to employee fitness, recreation opportunities and other quality of life issues with structured community play -- things that need facilities.

Nursing School Fitness Center

A new fitness certer was built in the ground floor of the Pitt Nursing School. The clamor to get that facility built lasted for years before the space was found. The need still exists for 10 additional sites, just for students on campus. The need for 10 or more additional sites is also exploding with the faculty, staff and employess.

Pitt wants the community to accept that some days we're the pigeons, and some days we're the pigeon droppings.

I don't have an attitude problem. You have a perception problem.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

In the fall of 1999, we'll take a walk along the river banks and looking up to the stars in the sky and think to ourselves, "Where in the heck are the stars?!" The flood of lights will wash-out the night sky.

In the fall of 2000, we'll be working out in the weight room, and looking up to push out some of the reps on the bench press and think to ourselves, "Where the heck is the ceiling?!"

UPMC officials boasted by saying, "Pitt turns off its lights at night. We don't run the lights in the parking lots." That comment was to sound sensative and very neighbor-friendly. Well, it might be in other places, like in Cannonsburg. Downtown goes to sleep at night too. The South Side isn't elsewhere. If UPMC comes to the South Side, there is a great chance that we'll want you to keep the lights of the parking lot ON at night. We use our spaces beyond the 9-5 business hours, as we live, play and work here. That is balance. --- My Reality Check bounced. --- On the keyboard of life, as we plan with UPMC, let's always keep one finger on the escape key. --- People in Pittsburgh don't suffer from stress, obesity, back aches, and other wellness issues. We're carriers. Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level then beat you with experience.

Team Communication and Clarity

 On our first day of practice, Nov. 15, 2001, I passed out a 3 page listing of various activities and such for the team's knowledge.

The HS AD and both Principals got copies of this by Nov. 16. 

Here is one such change to that handout I've made -- so as to be "PERFECTLY CLEAR." 

Reactions and feedback welcomed. 

snip #1 --- A Lesson's Time and Space

There are no optional and no mandatory practices. Those terms hold us back. "Don't let the chains hold us back." Every event is a date. Always act with personal integrity. end snip #1 --- 

Please understand this: Nothing within my program has the designation of "MANDATORY." 

I tell the swimmers and their families that I try as best as possible to look at both the big picture and the small picture. If someone has out of town guest or even travels out of town on Thanksgiving -- fine -- I understand that. That is a look at the big picture of life. Visiting grandma in New York with a family trip is more important than being at a holiday practice. That is my approach. 

Furthermore, I want to know in advance in writing that the athlete is going to be away then -- however. I treat each practice/session/lesson like a "date." I don't like to be "stood up" on a date without advance notice. I want the athlete to tell me and leave me a note -- not the parent. 

This advance notice calls for personal integrity and being curious, I feel. There are fewer rules in my program -- but there are higher expectations as I'm going to hold the kids to higher behaviors from themselves by my expectations and my interactions with them. 

I don't have built in penalties for missed practices and such. I feel that in life, very little in life is "MANDATORY" and most of things are "optional." So too is the lifestyle of being an athlete and striving for personal excellence. 

People get to make choices in the real world. I want my program to be a spring-board to life -- and we want to develop skills for the athletes that are smoothly transferable to other life challenges. On the other hand, my swim program is NOT like an academic program or the operation of the H.S.

Many things in academics are MANDATORY. Rambling off. 

snip #2.

Sun. Nov 21 Join wrestlers at HS for gym and plyometrics at 1:00-2:00. Mark will be there. end snip #2

---- Notice, this event, has been changed on the "official" schedule. It now reads: 

snip #3 --- Sun. Nov 21 Opportunity to join wrestlers at HS for open gym at 1:00-2:00. Mark will be there. end snip #3 --- 

From my perspective, an open gym opportunity for the swim team and divers (as well as other in the greater HS community) -- when we are NOT going to the pool, when we are playing with another squad, when we are there for 1-hour, when it is on a SUNDAY, and when everything in my program is optional --- is NOT a practice. 

The remark from a page in the handbook said the following: 

3. No team representing a P.I.A.A. member school may practice or participate in any interscholastic athletic contest on more than six days in any calendar week during the regular season. Furthermore, this rule is easily side-stepped on many weeks of the season at many different schools when a swim teams compete in weekend meets within their "CLUB" setting. The HS coach has practices Monday through Friday and then the team swims a CLUB meet on Saturday and Sunday. Often the same coach is with the kids on the team(s) day-in-and-day-out months on end, yet alone never for 7 consecutive days. The reasoning -- and it is legit justifications -- is the fact that the HS team is not this CLUB team. Hence, everything is okay. 

Here, at CM, the kids are at a disadvantage because there is such a floundering club that has a counter-effect with the overall program. The kids at USC, BP, Mt. Lebo all have it much better than those at CM. All of those coaches are seeing all of their kids 7-days per week for weeks on end. 

At another time and place in my career, I recall years when I had two days off. One was Christmas, the other day off was Easter. On all other days I was working with the kids in some capacity. 

I am sure that Julie Rocks, a former coach, went to 2-day meets with some of the kids after a week of practices. I think we all agree that we want to be competitive and we want to be within the framework of the rules as well. Both are going to occur without doubt. And, we also need to keep a clear perspective on how we want to build the program for the future as I feel some of the program's infrastructure is in dire need of attention for long-term considerations. 

Hence, the serious attention to the passed memo with the highlighted area that came to me from the AD. 

I hope this makes sense. Thanks for listening.

Big Mac Swimming

Coaching Staff Bios for the Big Mac Winter Sports Program Book

The 99-00 season marks the start of a new era for Canon-McMillian Swimming and Diving program. Mark Rauterkus was hired as the varsity coach, and he assembled and recruited a new staff, including a new diving coach, Danielle, and two assistants, Shannon and Katie. Warm appreciation from the present staff goes to both, former coach, Julie Rocks, as her efforts helped to re-craft the positions, and the new AD, Dan Pallante.

Head Coach: Mark Rauterkus

Mark is ending a second mini-retirement from day-to-day swim coaching to lead this year's Big Mac team. Mark said, "I'm excited to be here -- and now I'm looking for long-term opportunities in coaching."

Mark began coaching in 1976, starting a NEW summer team in east-suburban Pittsburgh. He and fell in love with the sport as an assistant at Greater Pittsburgh Swim Club. He moved to become the head coach for the Athens (Ohio) Swim Club (3-years), assist the Ohio Univ. Men's team (4-years), and get a BS in Journalism (82). Mark went to Baylor Univ. (Texas) for grad studies in HPER as a teaching assistant/coach. Mark took the Peoria, Illinois team to #2 state finishes in both Age Group, and Senior Championships getting a couple of "spirit awards." Mark coached with Bradley Univ., Bernal's Gators in Mass. (then at Harvard), Evanston (IL), New Trier (IL), and Plum High School. In both seasons at Plum (early 90s), the girls team finished #2 in WPIAL Championships, each year winning 3 events with many All-America honors. Mark's swimmers have set state records in 4 states.

When not coaching, Mark has been a stay-at-home dad (recently), sports advocate and a publisher of cutting-edge sports participation titles, working on more than 100 various titles, including 12 swimming-specific books.

Mark hopes to build a program of excellence that includes activities beyond the pool, including a sports lecture series and many high-tech enrichment experiences for our team and community.

Mark and his family reside in Pittsburgh's South Side. Catherine V. Palmer, Ph.D., is the Director of the Eye and Ear Institute and a teacher/researcher at Pitt. Sons are Erik, 5, and Grant, 2 in Dec. 99.

Diving Coach: Danielle Waters

Danielle grew up in the North Hills, graduated from Hampton High School (92) and was a Hampton diver for four years. Danielle received a BS degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences from Ohio University. While at O.U. she was a member of the Division I diving team for four years, was a Mid American Conference meet qualifier three times, a NCAA qualifier, and a team captain.

Danielle attended grad school at the University of Pittsburgh from 1996-1998. While getting her Masters degree she coached the Hampton High School Diving Team (1997-1998).

Danielle got married in August, 1999, and lives in Bridgeville. She is currently a clinical audiologist for Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Assistant Coach: Shannon Pickett

Shannon, 22, is presently a graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh. She has a B.S. degree in Communication Disorders from Central Michigan University. She swam for fourteen years on a YMCA team where she was named MVP for four years and held many team records in various events. She also swam at the college level at Grand Valley State University for two years.

Shannon's coaching experience ranges from beginning swimmers to high school and was a private swim instructor for adults and children. She also coached for the Special Olympics and swam with the Deaf Olympic swim team. Shannon is very excited about the opportunities to work with swimmers this season.

Assistant Coach: Katie Moore

Katie, 22, is a graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh, pursuing a masters in Audiology. She has a B.S.ED. from the University of Georgia in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She is a former high school and intramural college swimmer, having swam competitively for a total of twelve years.

Katie has experience coaching beginning and intermediate swimmers on club teams and in private lessons. Her coaching emphasis is in technique, stroke work, and conditioning. She is looking forward to an exciting and productive swimming season this year.

Hampton was looking for a coach. I think we might have talked (flashback)

Mark Rauterkus
108 South 12th Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203

web site: http://www.SportSurf.Net
email:

home: 412-
voice mail: 412-

September 24, 1999

Athletic Director
Hampton High School

Dear Athletic Director,

	I’d love to learning more about the open swim coaching position with the district. I’d like to apply to be the team’s coach starting this year. 

	Your district's program might make an ideal match for my situation. As a returning resident of Pittsburgh, my dreams are to raise my family here. It is most probable that I would one day make a long-term commitment to stay with the program for many years. But our short-term advantage is the fact that I am well suited for the job and ready to work with the swimmers right away.

	Getting this position would end a mini-retirement. My most recent coaching stint was for two years as the head coach for the Plum High School Swim Teams nearly a decade ago. I was thankful for the opportunity to work with the students and get back into the swim scene in Pittsburgh. However, that experience was destined as a short-term endeavor.

	A great deal of thinking and planning for swimming opportunities is happening with me for the next year and the long-term future. I’d like to get on the job now and explore the possibilities of moving into a various year-round coaching roles -- beyond just the High School Team. I’d like to have a program that has tighter coordination with other swim sites. I am hopeful that you are willing to entertain ideas and proposals from myself regarding the evolution of the position and duties in due time.

	I’d like to establish valuable community programs and assets beyond a role as swim coach. I’d like to pull together a combination of part-time duties, and build a new position for myself that would keep the program exciting. 

	I am a team player who knows how to set and reach objectives and goals. At Plum, a number of significant goals were reached by the swimmers and divers on our teams. The girls squad, for the first time in school history, placed second at the WPIAL Championships. And, the girls team finished #2 in the WPIAL meet both years I coached the there. Plum beat USC one year and Mt. Lebanon the next year by 3-point and 1.5-point margins, clinching wins in by dominating the 400 free relay, the last event. 

	I feel that I bring a rich set of experiences to the position and would offer the swimmers, parent boosters, staff and other important players in the community dynamic leadership. I know that I have the skills. I can promise a fun and spirited team with plenty of structure and clear ground rules.  The team will have a great deal of customization with individualized training and instruction that offers everyone a great chance for improvement.

	My coaching philosophy, a personal reference list, and presentations on both my background and future programming considerations most suitable for integration are ready for delivery in these meetings with you.

	Thanks for your consideration. 


					Sincerely Yours,



					Mark Rauterkus


	I’m firm, fair and not afraid to communicate my thoughts. I have no doubts that I can run the team in a most responsible manner.

	I would like to start a new programs. Some of these activities would be a result of past and pending books and expert/author contacts. For example, one such possible new program that could become a new revenue source is a swim instruction/training course for triathletes. Another is Underwater Hockey. 

	These programs could flourish in off-hours as priorities and staff growth permits. The leaders and participants in the programs would obtain valuable information from my “high-tech” interactions. 

	There are other ideas that can be explored with you in due time including a weight-training/sprinting seminars with out-of-town presenters, a literacy program for summer reading, a stop-smoking project, ghoul school events for October and Pull Your Own Weight that aims to develop self-esteem.

	Furthermore, I plan getting the job, on making some requests of you before I would accept the job. These are expressed and attached. All points are open-ended and subject to our discussion. I would not feel comfortable unless I first presented these items to you in writing before you decide about my coming to work with you this summer.

	A copy of my professional, swim coaching resume, some of my company’s books and older catalogs are here for you to inspect.



Beyond my rich competitive swim coaching experiences, I am a publisher, a small-business owner, a creative thinker, and a most ambitious person. Marketing and communication are strengths. I understand issues in public education, production and even management. 

Besides the present needs of the swim team, I would like to know if you would be interested in allowing me to take on some new directions by forming and/or expanding a “scholastic press.” The university press model cold be put into effect at a community level. I’ve got new and creative directions that can be implemented in due time. For example, we could publish and sell books to earn revenues and provide a fantastic learning laboratory for the educational community.

I’m eager to learn more of the specifics of district activities in competitive swimming, aquatics recreation, and even information technology.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.



				Sincerely Yours,


				Mark Rauterkus



If you want to build an exciting team based upon excellence, where the sky is the limit, let’s start. 

I am interested in working with you, doing further exploration and nurturing a long-term relationship. But before we begin to build, I want to be certain that we agree on the building’s blue-print, and I want to be certain that all the materials for the building are going to be available when they are needed. 
	Beware, because I am someone who can build a program and who already has delivered top-flight teams. Just two years ago, in my first season with an typical, unranked, area high school, as Head Coach, I took the kids to state records, and a 2nd place team finish at the WPIAL championships. Things happen quickly. I’ve taken 1:03 girl backstrokers to :58.8 in one short season.
	As a consultant coach, I’ll be held back, and I will not be able to make sweeping changes. However, at the same time, I will not be in a position to make promises to the kids that I will help them in every way I can and that I will insure that they will be as great as they possibly can be. I will not lead a frustrating experience.



Consultant / Mentor Coach
A consultant coach and/or a mentor coach can present new roles that might be worth some exploration. The new roles provide a safety-net for the club and its swimmers for the short term. Coaching staff development is critical for a growing program. Small group coaching can be cultivated. And, most of all, the long-term upside with a reorganization can lead to an exciting future.


Time
A mentor coach can work a range of hours each week with a range of that time devoted to interaction time with the swimmers. The total time can be 10, 20, 30 hours per week. For the duration of 1998 the head coach position is not expected to be a full-time job.

Beyond contact time with the swimmers at practices and meets, another portion of the services for a consultant / mentor coach can be conducted out of team practice time for meetings, research and behind the scenes, fact-finding efforts. 

Handbook
One by-product of the early phase of any employment will be the development of a new team handbook. The handbook will be at least 100 pages in length. The book will be edited and published in paper and on-line editions. 

Introduction
The Swim Team Board should host a parents meeting one evening in the school auditorium or some other suitable setting for a “Introduction Meeting with our Consultant Coach.” Only High School aged swimmers and interested adults should be in attendance. There should be no swim practice while the meeting takes place. All the coaches should attend. Swim club business should be limited to 10 minutes or less. Mark will speak for one hour. 

Club Administration Seminar Sponsors
The Swim Team Board will agree to host a two-part club development seminar for the region’s swim teams some time between November and February. Part one will be a swim coaches seminar directed by Mark Rauterkus, and part two will be an club administration seminar to be directed by Guy Edson of the American Swim Coaches Association. This event needs to be publicized and if properly managed could generate following budget. (See attached.)


Sample Budget for Club Administration Seminar
Fixed Expenses:
	Publicity: 	$200.00
	Room & Hospitality: 	$300.00
	ASCA Director & travel	$1100.00
		Total	($1600.00)

Variable Expenses:
	Materials:	$5.00 per person.
	estimated attendance = 75	Total	($375.00)


Income:
	Coaches: 25 x $15.00	= $375.00
	Parent Leaders: 50 x $25	= $1,250.00
		Total	$1625.00

		Profit/Loss Grand Total = $25.00


Further Points of Interest from Mark Rauterkus

	In the event that I am offered the job as head swim coach, I will want the Board to assure the following start-up tasks. Can we coordinate the following points the first month as they are necessary to give this first season a positive start.

	
A great deal of preparation and homework on all elements of the team is necessary. Assistance with an in-depth study is appreciated. Covering “what is what” and, “who is who” should also include ample opportunity for others to meet me and for them to express ideas that can help the program and further assist the athletes.

1. I will want to have an initial meeting with the High School Athletic Director, the YMCA director(s), the township recreation leaders, the summer club coaches, swim team captain and parents club members and board.

2. I will want to have a brainstorming meeting with the Swim Parents group. Then I will want to have a follow-up meeting with the same group one week later. At that follow-up meeting, we will pick a parent to serve as a communication facilitator for the remainder of the year.

3. I want to have two dry-land seminars with all the swimmers interested in becoming members of the team. We should hold these meetings in a large classroom, perhaps on Saturday afternoons when most of the people are available. We will elect captains, get training handouts, suggest pre-season conditioning programs, and get to know one another.

4. I want to be a part of the process to hire the assistant coaches. I want to be able to have the authority to object to the hiring and be able to dismiss these people at any time without prior approval.
	I am quite hopeful that I’ll be able to get qualified coaches to move to Pittsburgh to be “role coaches” with the program in seasons to come. Given the lack of seasoned coaches in the area, and given the few numbers of coaches now available to the program, I fully expect that I’ll have to find, recruit and re-locate experienced swim coaches.




5. I want to ensure that the year-round swimmers have a suitable opportunity to excel in this program. I am not certain what solutions will be necessary, and everything may already be in place, but these may include optional morning, afternoon or evening practices. I want to guarantee that there will be a place on the team for dedicated swimmers who want to swim to the best of their abilities.


About Mark Rautekus for Introductions:

Mark Rauterkus grew up in the Greater Pittsburgh area,  but he has lived and worked in Swimming all around the USA.

His swimmers have set State Records in Ohio, Massachusetts, Illinois and Pennsylvania.

Mark started coaching in 1976 in eastern area of Pittsburgh. Mark’s parents still live in Penn Hills. 

In the old days, Mark was an Assistant Coach with the Greater Pittsburgh Swim Club -- back then it was the #1 team in the AMS. Mark coached throughout his college years, and he has earned many valuable experiences -- from Learn-to-Swim programs in Waco, Texas to interview rooms at the Pan Am Games.

Mark loves to work with Age Group Swimmers, Senior Swimmers AND Swim Club Parents! 

Mark has been an invited speaker at a Coaching Clinics in Northern California. Plus, Mark has formed a good network of authors and experts.

Mark publishes books, and has worked on a dozen books in Swimming. He works with authors who live all around the world, and his books are sold around the world. Mark’s ideas are shared on the internet too.

Mark moved back to Pittsburgh in 1990. Mark’s home and office is in the South Side. He is married to Catherine Palmer, Ph.D. Catherine is a Professor of Audiology at the University of Pittsburgh, the medical school and she leads a clinic and research grants.

Mark and Catherine have two sons -- Erik, age 3, and Grant, 6-months.

Mark wants to sign a 15-year contract. He has some big visions for swimming for us for the long-haul.

- and now let’s welcome him and listen to what he has to say...

Reporting a robbery in progress. AMS did not act.

September 3, 1999

Hi Cindy and Rick,

Here is a friendly heads up and notice. I got your email off of the AMS web pages. This note is being snail mailed to the club's address as well, PO Box 97952, 15227.

The TRA team exists. You should know this. We are aware that some former TRA members might be saying some un-flatternig things about the team's state. Some of TRA's former members might be engaged with your club. Your club might now be home to some swimmers who's parents are the focus of this investigation.

We do not have any problems with the children, but we do have problems with former board members and their duties of stewardship of a non-profit community organization. Furthermore, problems such as these should not be repeated elsewhere, hence the awareness, prevetion, and education.

The TRA team is now pressing matters in a number of different fronts against the miss-use of funds and authorty. Our legal folks are preparing letters to these individuals (not yourself of course) for delivery in September. And, our case is going to be delivered to the AMS executive committee and HOD some time soon as well. With the US Aquatics Convention and Coaching Clinics and such, we can not promise exact dates.

If you want to email me and set up a time when we might be able to meet and discuss this further, please do so.

Thanks for all you do in swimming and sports!

Mark Rauterkus
*NEW* General Manager of TRA
mrauterkus@sportsurf.net

Dear Citiparks Swimmers and Guardians - Citiparks Swim Meet letter

Mark Rauterkus

New General Manager

Three Rivers Aquatics

108 South 12th Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15203-1226 USA

412-481-2497 = office

Mark@SportSurf.Net

Dear Swimmers and Guardians,

You are strongly encouraged to check-out and consider joining Three Rivers Aquatics (known as TRA). Kids that love the water, and youngsters that feel at home with either fit bodies or mindful activities have got to look into some of our NEW opportunities.

TRA is changing for the better in 1999. We are hoping to grow with a new crew of "rookie' swimmers. Boys and girls ages 5 to 12 are ideal prospects. We're affordable, instructional, recreational! We're competitive and fun.

This September the activities -- family friendly -- are geared to be enrichment experiences first and foremost! Yea, we love to swim! But, we expect to explore, stretch and soar in many ways -- beyond Fly, Back, Breast and Freestyle.

Emeritus coach Hosea leads our practices as usual, but now he'll be backed and supported by a new General Manager. That's me. Our team's infrastructure is getting an overhaul. I'm Mark Rauterkus, 412-481-2497, a South Side resident, stay-at-home dad, retired publisher (www.SportSurf.Net) and swim coach. I've coached teams in PA, MA, Ohio and Illinois -- and swimmers on these teams have set new STATE Records. My background and concerns for sports advocacy can bring another level of excitement to the happening as our South Side practices. Plus, throughout the year, we want to get more swimming going into more of Pittsburgh Public School pools.

Now is a great time to make a new connection with the team. Many short term clinics and mini-camps are being organized as well. Notice the new Swimmers' Zoo Camp!

Please, if you do nothing else, do this:

1. Get your name, address and phone number (email too if you have it) on our TRA mailing list. We'd like to keep you posted about our progress.

2. Talk with our visiting guest from Los Angeles -- Byron Davis. He grew up in Cleveland! Now we need some Pittsburgh kids to grow up swimming and hit Olympic Trials. Come up and meet him as he is talking tonight at the Zone Meet outside of Pitt's Trees Hall to 8:30 pm.

3. Know that you're invited and warmly welcomed to get into the swim with the TRA team in 1999! See more news on the web: http://www.FreeTeam.Org/tra

Thanks for your interest. Hope you have fun at today's meet.

Mark Rauterkus

New General Manager

Three Rivers Aquatics

Letter from TRA GM to Market House Athletic Assn

General Manager

Three Rivers Aquatics

Mark Rauterkus

108 South 12th Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15203

email: Mark@SportSurf.Net

home: 412-481-2540

www.FreeTeam.Org/tra

August, 1999

Market House Athletic Assn.

City Parks Recreation Directors

Dear Friends of Sports on the South Side,

This letter is a formal request to all the good folks leading the programs at the South Side Market House, including the directors and booster-board, to begin a serious dialog concerning joint programming efforts.

Case in point: I'd like to attend your next board meeting, and perhaps a couple of meetings in the fall of 99. At the meetings it is imporant to make a review of past occurance, make an few summary statements, review our shared understandings of inventory and resources, and make some decisions about the future.

As you may or may be be aware, the TRA is a swim team, Three Rivers Aquatics that practices in the school months at the Oliver Bath House at 10th Street. The team used to be city-sponsored, then called, DPR (Dept. of Parks and Recreation). For the past number of years the team was organized with a parents board, and that has just recently changed so now the team has a "general manager." With new leaderships, the team is out to make a few significant changes, yet we are going to build upon our past.

We are going to "profesionalize" our management, hence we'll be a coach-operated organization with a new 501c3 charter. We are still going to be using the city facilities. Nonetheless, program changes are expected.

By all means, we want to work with the folks at the Market House to allow for an expansion of programming efforts so we can better serve the needs of the children in Pittsburgh. We want to put forth both the highest quality swim

experience with a competitive team capable of getting our kids onto the Olympic Team -- as well as offering well-rounded introduction to swimming programs that get the kids exercising in a new environment, making new friends, learning about themselves and having fun!

working with PHD -- but we need to be more clear on the relationship AND be sure we have higher-levels of coordination with future planning and expected happenings.

Case in point: In July 00, TRA is hopeful to organize a week-long day camp for its members, and others in the AMS. This day-camp will include a training session at Highland Park Pool and afternoons spent in a Zoo Camp. We'd like to present this info in its early planning stages to PHD so as to keep everyone up to date, and perhaps better craft this enrichment experience so as to accommodate more participants from PHD and throughout Penn Hills.

Another example is our hope to offer a two-month training and carnival swimming experience in August and September 2000, both at the Highland Park Pool and other facilities. The main goal of this camp is to get swimmers to stay in shape and enter the fall season with better conditioning -- as is the way with swimmers in other parts of the USA and from around the world. We hope to conclude this training period with an out-of-state swim meet, perhaps to Orlando -- much like an All-Star Team, but without the need to have fast times to qualify, only a willingness to improve.

By the time of your board meeting, other items of interest will be ready to be revealed to you. Some of these elements would be very easy to incorporate into offerings made available to those of the PHD. However, we have to share the ideas and increase the formal communications between our organizations if this is to occur for everyone's benefit.

Good luck to you, the team, its administration and all your competitors!

Sincerely Yours,

(NEW) GENERAL MANAGER

Three Rivers Aquatics

Mark Rauterkus

Calling Citizens - Public Hearing - Come to City Council Chambers on Wed. April 7, 2 pm

The Citizens fo Pittsburgh have put forth a petition to City Council for a public hearing concerning the sale of land by the URA to UPMC for a football compound at the LTV site. Your input, ideas and appearance in City Council chambers are welcomed. Council members do understand these happenings, yet nudging is needed. 

 Fatal flaws loom large within this planned development. 

 1. These 'state-of-the-art" fields -- to be locked, fenced, lighted, and closed for all times to community use -- are in the flood plain and are only 80-yards in length. 

 2. The NCAA won't allow college athletes to share the same facilities at the same time with professionals. Both the Steelers and the Panthers (football) won't be able to move into this facility. 

 3. Prior planning efforts called for "flex-office space" and a "diversity of jobs" -- not secluded football fields and not high-grade medical offices. 

4. The corporate welfare in the shadows of Plan B needs to end here and now. UPMC's plans don't fit and are not fair. 

We can do better with this space, and we demand it. City Council can move to curb Pitt's disregard for balance in our communities. City Council can put the URA on notice that the needs of citizens outshine corporate greed. Please fight against the pervasive "done-deal mentality" and help with calls, buzz and political presence. See a position paper: http://www.SportSurf.Net/backyard Send email to backyard@sportsurf.net Voice # 412- Okay to copy to others.

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This was the contents of a half-page handbill organized, published and delivered about by Mark Rauterkus.

Aquatic planning process, Pittsburgh, Let's Get Wet Already

Let's Get Wet Already

City Council's Pool Fees Fight Means Another 5-4 Vote

Visualize the kids in Pittsburgh following the debate in City Council on the pool fees, at home in their living rooms, putting on and then taking off their swim trunks, over and over and over again. Thanks for this mental picture, Dan Onarato.

Jim Ferlo said the debate on the swim pool fees was like a bad tooth ache that didn't go away.

Trail basis, policy decisions, and compromises aside, this issue of pool fees has gotten out of hand and needs to be addressed.

Water Over the Dam

Perhaps the former director of parks and recreation didn't properly address the issue.

The former Director of Parks and Recreation mentioned that a state grant and some secured funding was in-hand for an overall aquatics programming evaluation in July of 1998 in the course of casual conversations.

That director has since left the office.

The RFP and overall-aquatics plan is going to get some attention with Duane T. Ashley, the new Director, appointed by City Council's formal vote on March 16, 1999.

Jump Start to Aquatics Planning

The call for the RFP, as hinted at in the Council Chambers in the working sessions in Feb 99 is moving along. Let's get some new energy into this process.

Chair Volunteers

Mark Rauterkus, a resident with aquatic experience has volunteered to participate and has been granted a pending role within this planning process. Mark and his family utilize many of the city pools, and he has a keen interest in making improvements. A volunteer role is fine.

A meeting between Mark Rauterkus and Director Ashley occured in mid-March.

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Concept Map

https://map.swimisca.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/aquaplan1.gif

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Often, The Hardest Part of Swim Practice: Getting Wet!

Spent time on the swim pool deck and notice that there are days when the hardest part of practice is diving in and getting wet. To counter the human condition of inertia, let's start with a warm-up exercise. Click the button below and send an email message.

• mrauterkus@sportsurf.net

Thanks for your input and concern.

For or Against

Polarized Pittsburgh

Through the past months, as in phone conversations and in person, this question seems to surface rather quickly, "Are you for it or against it."

My typical reply is, "Neither."

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"The Master said, 'The superior man, in the world, does not set his mind either for anything, or against anything; what is right he will follow.'"
Confucius - Analects

Fight Card

Going Upstream

The aims of this position paper is to ask City Council to reverse some very strong tides. City Council is being asked to think, delay, unravel plans and buck-up against:

• the U.R.A.
• (and in turn the Mayor),
• UPMC,
• the Rooney's,
• Dr. Freddie Fu,
• the Pitt Athletic Department,
• Oxford Development, and
• one esteemed neighborhood group and its site-steering sub-committee.

Many Goliaths

Taken together, the tides that flow out of the quarters of the above group presents formidable opposition.

The URA, Oxford Development and UPMC draw upon professionals insights with years of experience in such developments. Five months have passed since the news-making event hit the public regarding a "Sports Performance Compound." What's more, the bulldozers and graders have already been working on the sight since January. The heavy equipment is there with the joint blessing of URA and UPMC. These folks want quick progress, and they fully anticipate quick approval and implementations. Football fields are needed by August, 1999. A delay of game is going a costly set-back, they'll be sure to say.

David's Attack Comes In The Cloak of Darkness, Regrettable Darkness

David of the Old Testament fought against the giant Goliath. David was alone in his fight. Sure, the first draft of this position paper began with a lone voice, but the release of the position paper to the public ends the presumption of a David-and-Goliath fight. The position paper is a living document. Allies are being welcomed. Others are flocking to the fight, and the weapons of wisdom and reason are being sharpened and leveraged into the arsenal of ideas. So, as the days progress and the public hearing comes closer to the present, the lone-voice is long gone.

History of Lone Voice

Mark Rauterkus, a concerned citizen, begged repeatedly to get an invitiation to the planning table. Claiming local roots and some knowledge of sports facilities, the South Side Planning Forum's Steering Committee meeting in late January 1999 included a stranger to the inner sanctum. The community access issues for the UPMC plan were were "nebulious at best." Things were not settled and had yet to unfold in much detail so said UPMC and the URA.

That late January meeting would mark the first and last invitation to the world of closed-door meetings of the planning players for Mark Rauterkus. All the other insights would have to come via monthly public meetings, the media and direct contibutions to this living position paper.

The fight brews in the cloak of darkness. The UPMC plans are secret plans crafted in private. To the public, the UPMC plans, like the Pitt Athletic Director's plans, are unknown. What are they going to do? Is this a "done deal?" So little has been revealed. To dismantle a plan cloaked in isolation and on short notice is a feat. For example, a site map that marked the proposed purchase of UPMC land has been requested since November, and none has been furnished as of March 1, 1999.

What is to come from Pitt, as a reaction to this open position paper or otherwise, is anyone's guess. But, something from Pitt is sure to come. Pitt moved with spitefulness and its Police Force to restrain Free Speach already. Pitt's reaction to Student Government's move of delivering complementary T-Shirts with Save Our Stadium messages was appaling.

Everyone loves easy choices and "no-brainer" decisions. At first glance everything might appear to be in good order to allow City Council to go with the flow and approve the URA proposal. The UPMC agenda is strengthened by the push and pull of the Goliaths running in the cover of darkness. But, after the entire discussion is opened and after visible alternatives are set forth, the decisions to delay and even reject the sale of land from the URA to UPMC for its plans is going to be easy and obvious.

Beyond a Fight

For City Council to garner the five votes to put an abrupt roadblock into the pathway of development, low-cost to development to the city's treasury even, just because it gets to witness a fight and some fur fly is silly. The fight waged here is against the process. The fight illustrates to City Council its sacred role in the developmental approval process. Pittsburgh's global leadership for development issues has to include City Council and has to include the citizens' ideas.

The Goliaths are driving the development steamrollers. The Goliaths are flattening our collective futures. They need to stop their bulldozers and graders on the site.

The aim of the position paper isn't to fight with a David-vs.-Goliath

City Council can grab onto some of the philosophical messages and re-build the next projects to a higher level, as suggested here. The vision for stretching our collective wills is lurking in the pages ahead. Its the cutting-edge solutions that are craved the most by the people, not the fight against the Goliaths.

Delay of Game

City Council, "Blow the whistle!" Call a foul. Order a delay of game penalty. Please pour over this information and help to uncover additional information. Let's work together to put a light onto all the viable alternatives and ground them in known philosophical justificiations. Let's reach to new heights, building upon what is good. Let's tackle some risky, tricky, tough, and global problems by leveraging our insights and our top instititions.

1. Within this position paper we suggest better solutions that leverage the Pittsburgh Steelers in creative ways to significantly improve our public school system.
2. Within this position paper we suggest better solutions that leverage UPMC's fiscal clout to better integrate Pitt into the South Side.
3. Within this position paper we suggest better solutions that leverage the unique flavors of the South Side so our quilt of community has stronger fabrics and brighter small-business enterprise.

Prepared Statement to South Side Planning Forum on Feb 23, 1999

Prepared Statement to South Side Planning Forum on Feb 23, 1999

From Mark Rauterkus, South Side Market House Association, and Convener's Chair of the sports and recreation coalition.

The following was submitted to the Planning Forum Chair a day following the evening meeting on February 23. A prepared statement memo was utilized so as to be a part of the minutes, but to not occupy the time of those present at the meeting. Furthermore, because a seat at the FORUM table is not designated to the Market House Association, nor the new Nonprofit Coalition, nor any other agency with a primary mission for the sports, fitness or recreation industry, there isn't a suitable representative to pass along these messages. Hence, Mark Rauterkus, a frequent visitor to the South Side Planning Forum Meetings since at least the time of the announced plans of UPMC Sports Performance Compound, submits the following:

Update after the fact: To the best of my knowledge, this information was not made available to the various members of the South Side Forum. The approval of the reading of the minutes at those meetings occur without reading, postings or handouts.

Thanks for the Invite

The LTV Steering Committee extended an invitation to Mark Rauterkus, concerned citizen, for a January 1999 meeting with officials from UPMC, Oxford and the U.R.A. Thank you.

In my opinion, access to the closed steering committee meeting was granted after repeated one-to-one requests for additional information and additional meetings were made to each committee member, the URA and UPMC. Attendance at the meeting was a gesture, as a number of specific requests were not forthcoming before, then or since.

For example, as of Feb 23, a map or site plan has not been forthcoming after repeated requests since November.

Nebbier Than Others

Since November, 1998, investigation, talking and side-line planning has occurred, including the formation of a new coalition for sports, fitness and recreation. Listening comes first as the UPMC plans are revealed, however, it is fair to say that red flags are being waved for the UPMC Plan.

It is disheartening that we all are not on the same page and working for the best interest of the community in these matters. I feel that UPMC, the Pitt Athletic Department, Oxford Development, the URA, the Steelers, our City Councilman, the South Side Planning Forum (perhaps the Mayor) and grass-roots sports and recreation participants are NOT in harmony. Obviously the bigger players can team together and overpower the citizens.

Improved collaboration to enhance every one's position and relationship sounds fine, but serious dialog and effort is necessary. The powers that be are not interested in slowing down their development process to engage.

Disgruntled Nonmember

The South Side Planning folks have much different opinions from myself and those who I'm representing.

Mark Rauterkus does not have a seat at the table with the forum. The fact that I am an outsider to these groups with no official role or capacity granted herein makes a small hurdle compared with the roadblocks of idea input opportunities. The most staggering disappointment to me comes from the Chair of the Planning Forum who wants to distance myself from the process, and sums it up when he said, "Mark, you are being too global!"

Now Swimming Uphill

In Mark's opinion, opposition appears justified for selected aspects of the proposed UPMC Sports Performance compound. Furthermore, opposition to the planning process and its integrity of a dynamic forum to champion a free-flow of ideas is certain.

---

Global Sticking Points

The biggest sticking point is community access opportunities.

Many concerns exist.
• The UPMC plans do not fit into the associated sporting communities:
  1. the NCAA,
  2. student-athletes in the area, and
  3. everyday participants.

• The UPMC plans are not fair:
  • unjust allocation of resources/assets, and
  • decisions grossly favor mega institutions

• The UPMC plans are substandard in that better-integrated solutions that stretch our imaginations are possible.
  Living with these decisions for days on end in the future is not wise nor prudent when viewed in light of alternatives and additional ramifications.

---

Quotes:

Mentions to Mark:
• Carrie Harris, South Side Local Development Committee, Forum Member, Steering Commitee, said about the NCAA rule restrictions for member institutions that prohibits professional and college athletes from sharing the same facility at the same time, "That is Their Problem."

• Hugh Brannon said at a LTV Site Steering Committee Meeting, "Mark, You're Being Too Global."

---

Petitions Circulating South Side as of Feb 23

Petition A

Request for a public hearing on the URA's sale of land on the LTV site to UPMC for a Football Compound.

Petition B

City Pool Fees for Adults, Kids and Pending Policies - or lack thereof.

Update: This petition was not submitted to the City Clerk's office. No public hearing is needed as there is no pending legislation and a new aquatics planning process is slated to being with the Parks Department.

Petition C

Save Our Stadium, Univ. of Pittsburgh Student Government to save Pitt Stadium. To sign that petition, go to the sixth-floor of the Wm. Pitt Student Union and go to the reception desk at the Student Goverment office.

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Coalition Meeting Where Everyone is Welcomed

The Market House's convened coalition for Sports, Fitness and Recreation welcomes anyone interested to a gathering on Tuesday, March 9, 7:30 pm, and/or 9:00 pm. The meeting will include a presentation and discussion of "The Position Paper for Developments in Pittsburgh and the South Side -- Logical Happenings in the Shadows of PLAN B."

---

See the Web Site or Send Email for Specifics

• http://www.SportSurf.Net/backyard

• Backyard@SportSurf.Net

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Closing Frustrations

It seems that a grant offer from UPMC is climbing in its total amount. UPMC started by offering to build a new ballfield. The ballfield could have been built, so said UPMC officials, on space other than the space slated to be purchased by UPMC. That offer was bogus, and was shot-down on the spot as there is not enough room on the LTV site for a ballfield. The space does not exist. If the space did exist, why would UPMC need to build non-regulation sized fields?

Then UPMC said that the donation of a ballfield could be made in other parts of the South Side. Perhaps an existing ballfield could get an upgrade. Ballfield donations, such as that being considered here would cost about $30K. So, a $30K grant for any fitness and sports location was mentioned by UPMC officials.

Then on Feb 23, 1999, the $30K grant grew to an amount of $75K. This money, seems to me, to be a way to sway the opinions of the concerned citizens.

The offers of "community access opportunities" at the planned UPMC compound are slim and tiny. UPMC knows it, and UPMC can try to buy support with an offer of a grant.

The offer from UPMC can be listened to, for now.

However, the gall of the South Side Planning Forum to even discuss the notion of a role with that grant as some type of funding agent, or even to brokering some type of transactions along with a needs review issick.

Get this: All money for community-based sports and recreation for local citizens needs to go directly from UPMC to the Market House Athletic Association, if not its convened coalition.

Mark to City Council

Mentions Before City Council on February 17, 1999

Appreciation:

The opportunity to address the council is appreciated. May this be a first step as some pressing issues loom large.

Highlight:

I'm here to wave a flags of concern about UPMC buying nearly 30 acres of property from the URA at the heart of the LTV site.

I'd like to float 3-specific requests out to council now:
1. A hightened awareness;
2. some extra nudging throughout the system for the next couple weeks;
3. and then around March 1st -- the request is for your individual and collective brain power to consider our pending POSITION PAPER.

Introduction:

My nane is Mark Rauterkus. I live in the city on the South Side. Councilman Ricciardi represents our neighborhood with great dilligence and insight.

Councilman Riccciardi and I are both are parenting 4-year old children. My second is one. I'm a stay at home dad.

FWIW, My wife is a professor who works in the Health Sciences. We've been here and together for 9 years after meeting Chicago. I have family roots in Allegheny County.

Sports Connection & Profession

Sports, recreation, and fitness my entire career. I've coached swimming in six states from Park Districts to IVY League. Travels and work perspectives include Colorado Springss' USA's Olympic Training Center, the Australian Institute of Sports, the UK.

I've been an independent publisher of sports magazines in mid-west, and then LA. Then I turned to doing books and multi-media titles from volleyball, water polo, weight lifting, sports psych, competitive swimming, triathlon-ing -- even sports philosophy.

That's the concerned citizen. Next comes the political advocate and knowledge base organizer. As part of the South Side Markethouse Athletic Association, we're a booster group that runs a lot of programs with City Parks, we convening a non-profit coalition. We're organizing, investigating, making priorities, and challenging people to integrate various opportunities -- within sports, fitness, and community. These efforts need some additional grass-roots input from other concerned people in these areas. We welcome ideas and input from anyone.

Send email to: backyard@sportsurf.net --- or, our meeting schedule is posted in the South Pgh Reporter -- or at the Markethouse.

The outcome of these efforts is an offering of some creative solutions -- detailed in a POSITION PAPER.

The flags of concerns with UPMC and the URA at the LTV site. ----
Simply put -- We should be scratching to reach our potential...

I'm a positive person.
Yes, this is a 25-30 Million $ development.
Yes, bulldozers and graders are already pushing dirt around the site today.
Yes, another public meeting is slated for next week --- But, I can't get a site plan out of the people at Pitt or the URA.

First worry

In November the URA inked a deal for a 90-day open discussion period -- and I'm not satisfied at all with that open-ness.

The South Side has a Planning Forum -- and a Steering Committee --- but mind you, they're charter stipulates a concensus. With one disenting vote --- they are beached. When push comes to shove, by committee -- and with a consensus -- they can change a lightbulb.

I salute them for that accomplishment.

When your only tool is a hammer --- everything tends to look like a nail. They have been given a "rubber stamp."

They can change a light bulb. And they've been doing it for a long time -- and things are fine. They work hard and are goof folks.

Our worry is not the ligh-bulb -- but it is finding the switch.

Who is going to throw the switch and make sure it goes in the right direction. We need a switch to the kids, the graduates, the people. The folks in the community are our prime asset -- and they need attention.

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Dive In Example

On 10th Street in the South Side -- we've got the Oliver Bath House -- the only indoor pool that the city operates. I've been there hundreds of times. That facility served us well. The Bath House is NOT ADA compliant.

Furthermore -- on the same block we are going to have two new neighbors -- a new Comfort Suites Hotel and a Red-Roof Inn-like hotel complex is about to start it construction. They are building a pool too.

Pittsburgh should not be in the only city in the world to have two terrible pools confined to the same city block.

Why does the developer have to put up two nice hotels -- and wedge in the plans a new kidney shapped hotel pool, plunk in a couple exercise bikes in the corner -- all next to (litterally touching against) our relic --- The OLIVER Bath House.

We need to pull some strings on a more "global" level -- more vision.

How about a nicer 8-lane adult lap pool to serve the guest, and our seniors -- open 24 hours a day, staffed by the city guards, -- quid pro quo -- so everyone wins. Then the bathhouse can be a wonderful re-positioned use -- like a grand-concourse resteraunt, ball-room, perhaps.

But, we've got something even better that this in our Position Paper.

The sky box fans, the game-day ball-players seem to be taken care of. Seems Dr. Fredie Fu wants to work his magic on injured gladiators of the gridiorn so we can keep the point-spread respectable --- but there is a higher calling about to come forth, and I hope to do more integrating.

so we can shine a brighter light -- in certain critial spaces for our kids and citizens.

We'd love a brainstorming session with the (NEW) director of Parks, Can we get an audience with the director of the URA -- and perhaps some URA board members?

Consider better integration with:

the Pgh. Public School Board and Administration

the County, and

the grass-roots players, organizers and those in the sports participation field.

To Pitt / UPMC say: #1. community access issues are important -- and #2, a secluded compound behind a fence of arrogance is NOT going to FLY here.

Pitt already screwed up the development and building of an indoor football practice facility this decade. That's proof enough that they have trouble changing light-bulbs.

We are looking to stretch our potential -- from here on in --- and wellness counts big time. --- And, the roads that UPMC can pave on URA lands -- as a TIFF -- well it can wait if need be so we can do it right. I'd rather have intermural fields move the South Side -- and let the PITT football team can play in its indoor practice fields -- or else on the grass that surrounds the Cathedral of Learning. The rugby and lacross players can come on down.

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PS --- stop

Design Competition -- Yet alone Local Consultant

No design competition, and the developer refutes the planning documents. Goes counter to "flex-office space" and "job creation" Mr. James Goldman, local, -- retainer. PS2 Jay, moved to W.VA. Polo - 4th River

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Background and Backyard web site:

The Citizen Call to City Council for a Public Hearing

Signatures Submitted

As per city requirements, more than 25 people have signed a petition thereby expressing and interest to hold and attend a Public Hearing on the pending sale of land presently owned by the U.R.A. to U.P.M.C. for a Sports Performance compound to be built on the South Side's LTV site.

A wide range of people from many sections in the city choose to sign the petition to request the public hearing. Pettitions were passed around at the University of Pittsburgh, at the South Side Market House and at a high-tech firm, US Web Pittsburgh.

Regional Issue

This issue is important as the proposed plans play on the city-wide stage and have regional consequences. The impact of these decisions goes beyond the South Side to Oakland (looses the day-to-day activities of the football team at Pitt and some 800+/- jobs) to the North Side (looses the day-to-day activities of the Steelers football team and the Steelers' corporate headquarters) and to all the corners of the city. The happenings on the LTV site can set the stage for later efforts at the 200+ acre Hazelwood site, Nine-Mile Run and other URA developments. What happens on the South Side, and why it happens, impacts many corners of the city.

Because of the regional and city-wide impact, it is most important for all the members of city council to give the plans and the alternatives careful consideration with an open minded approach.

The graceful custom of City Council to often cast votes based upon the desires of the individual City Council Memeber who resides in that district is not suitable here. Everyone on City Council needs to be fully aware of this development plan and the related issues. Please do not opt to base voting decisions according to some "default decision methods."

Many people who live outside the city expressed and interest to sign the petition, but could not do so because of the stipulated rules. Some would like to speak at the public hearing.

Philosophy, Policy and Planning

We want astonishing developments to occur. This pending transaction and policy approach is sure to impact city residence for decades. The endeavor is similar to the building of the new stadiums on the North Side. in that everyone is called to make a space that impacts all city-council districts.

Plan B Fallout

Now that the finance hurdle of the two stadiums has been crossed, let's gather ourselves and look into the looming shaddows of Plan B's future. Now it is time to move onto the next decisions. Earnest discussion begin because:

• There is a natural fallout and aftermath of Plan B.
• The training facilities took a back-seat to the discussion of game-day facilities.
• The scope of focus widens to training, citizens and institutions.

  There is much to do beyond the new building issues and corporate convention center scheduling. Now it is time to give a care about the players who are NOT under professional contracts with agents.

Advanced Discussions in Meaningful Ways

The goal is to be positive and to present uplifting solutions to some difficult challenges. Version 1.0 of the Position Paper and the delivery of the petitions for the Public Hearing to the City Clerk are coupled events. Knowledge of the hearing and knowledge of the position paper should make for more fertile discussions to come.

People need to take the microphone to make public statements and public promises on many issues that circle these plans.

• Let's wait and see if the owners of the Steelers show up and assert the claim that the Steelers are to make a permanent move of its corporate headquarters out of the North Sie and onto the South Side to be a tennant at the proposed UPMC site.

• Let's wait and see if the University of Pittsburgh football coach can stand to see his athletes manage pressing schedules as student-athletes with daily trips out of Oakland. The proposed site means a trip off campus, down Bates Street, up Second Avenue, across the unopened Hot Metal Bridge, and along River View Drive to the football practices, tudor/study sessions, rehab, film reviews, conditioning practices. The commute times (plus rush hour, plus hurt limbs, plus need for personal cars, plus closing of the Glenview Bridge for 18 months and the Ft. Pitt Bridge for additional time) are sure to burn hours out of players' days.

• Let's wait and see who says what when the NCAA compliance officers prohibit the sharing of the same facility at the same time with professional athletes, as clearly stated in the NCAA Manuals.

• Let's wait and see what amount of money UPMC wants to grant to the South Side athletes.

Prelude to City Council's Public Hearing and Vote

Much work and education should be slated with the help of City Council before the formal public hearing even occurs.

Telivised Round Table Discussions Are Welcomed

Let's schedule open discussions and informational sessions that can lead up to the Public Hearings. I'm sure that the citizens would like to know what is slated with the pending UPMC plans. Let's give the URA and UPMC television opportunities to outline and detail the pending plans. Understanding a $30-Million development with various buildings, new road-way construction, complicated site challenges takes time. Only the informed can expect to get beyond the glitz of a new complex to see the flaws and troubles. Unknown plans can't garner objections nor improvements nor outside recomendations. Wiser to dismantle and re-assemble plans rather than buildings and roads, yet alone the river and flood-plane issues.

Case in point, the present location of Dr. Freddie Fu's Sports Medicine office includes a therapy pool. The aquatic's pool, built into an existing building on Baum Blvd., and the extensive remodeling for Sports Medicine occurred in 1990. Seemingly, the hydro-therapy pool doesn't fit its present location and reportedly is constantly under reapair. UPMC remodeled the building at considerable costs. To retrofit and accomidate specialized sports equipment, i.e., swimming pools, is both new and abandoned properties is expensive. Let's ponder the plans and see if UPMC is going to repeat past mistakes like the ones at the existing Sports Medicine offices or like the ones at its indoor football practice facilities, The Cost Center.

Video Tape and Broadcast the URA Board Meeting

The URA staff should make a technical presentation to the URA board on the sale of land to UPMC in the days ahead. Let's capture that presentation on tape and on the URA.org web site so we can review the details before the public hearing. Another show-and-tell session that covers the A-B-Cs is not needed as the troubles happen more in mid-stream near L-M-N-O and P.

I'd like to request the broadcasting of a number of meetings before the public hearing.

The city-wide cable can be used as a before the Public Hearing and before the eventual City Council vote on this issue. This is an extra consideration that does not need to be granted by the Sunshine Law and such. I'd like to see City Council go the extra mile for me now so we can facilitate some extra communications on these on-topic issues.

When the stage is set for a public hearing, certain things can be accomplished, but other items and issues flounder. Speakers with an opportunity of a three-minute sound-bite can't address philosophy, global issues, nor any lengthy first hand accounts. A public hearing can be a forum to display a watershed of pent up ideas in support for specific legislation about to be enacted. But, a public hearing is not a debate. Otherwise, let's call a public hearing and get to the roots of society's ills.

Give and Take Is Needed For Excellent Planning

A lot of give and take is needed to craft philosophies and to uncover both the basics and the spectacular. There isn't any give and take within the process with the minute expections of:

1. The URA Director gets asked some questions by City Council at Working Meetings on Wednesdays.
2. The URA Board gets together to sign-off on the projects that the staff submits.
3. Tame community groups are tickled with tidbits and ponder window-dressing design conerns.

If UPMC and Pitt make a $30 million mistake with its move and development to the South Side, they can then, in-turn, choose to close Pitt Stadium. That then becomes another mistake with a possible price tag of $200-$300 million. The people of our city suffer and the people have to pick-up the pieces, such as is the case with UPMC arch-rival AHERF's $1.6 billion bankrupcy.

Pitt already built an indoor football practice facility in the 90s. Let's let them use that one for a while longer.

UPMC isn't a private corporation, but a public-non-profit hospital in a volitile health-care industry. Let's talk about little leagers, scholastic sports and wellness issues. Let's talk about employee fitness, day-care responsiblities and improving access. Let's talk about Pitt too, its state funding, its tenure record, its public space policy in Oakland.

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