Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC is continuing into its second straight road match Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, but the match also falls before an important holiday for many, Father’s Day.
While looking ahead to the weekend, some of the Hounds reminisced about the role models who led them to where they are today.
Defender Preston Kilwien emphasized the constant support system he has had from his father. His athletic background stems from his father’s career as an athletics administrator and heavy involvement in sports.
“Constantly being around sports like baseball, basketball, football and soccer made me want to be an athlete,” Kilwien said. “My dad always said if I worked hard enough, then I could be like the other athletes I saw growing up.”
Danny Griffin, a center midfielder, agreed with that statement. Like Kilwien, Griffin was involved in many sports due to his dad’s love of competition. He spent many long hours in training with no lack of support.
“My father would spend time in the stands from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., if it meant supporting me,” Griffin said.
Along the lines of heavy training came high expectations for defender Ezra Armstrong. His father, Desmond Armstrong, was a professional soccer player who represented the U.S. at the 1990 World Cup and often taught his children to have a strong work ethic.
Ezra emphasized that, while his dad wanted a high-level training atmosphere, he still wanted to support his kids no matter what they chose to do.
“I learned a lot from him through watching film and some of his old games,” Armstrong said. “The conversations we’ve had have helped a lot in my professional career.”
Danny Vitiello described the lessons his father has taught him over the years outside of the soccer realm. The goalkeeper appreciates the emphasis on hard work beating talent and trusting his gut that his father instilled in him.
Not only has Vitiello applied this on the pitch, but in his day-to-day life, as well.
No matter the differences in their upbringing, the players agreed on how much their fathers have impacted them over the years. From countless hours spent at games to little tidbits of advice along the way, the Hounds athletes would not be where they are without their fathers’ love and support.
Happy Father’s Day from Riverhounds SC, and thank you, dads, for all you do!
