And deservedly so. A couple readers have written to point out this article on Pitt recruit/commit, Jason Pinkston and his work as a junior volunteer fireman in Baldwin. It is a positive story on a young man who definitely wants to get to the pros. He seems to get the part, though, about needing an education.

But for Pinkston, being a fireman is simply part of making it. His childhood wasn’t the easiest. He should have a moving company’s phone number on speed dial. Living with his mother and father or grandmother, he started his schooling in the Woodland Hills district. Over the years, he moved to South Park, to Baldwin, back to South Park, to West Mifflin and then back to Baldwin as a sophomore.

“It’s been hard at times,” Pinkston said. “We lived in Braddock and one night this guy got shot and killed right in front of our house. I’ve seen innocent people get shot for nothing. When we were in West Mifflin, I saw people get shot over basketball games.

“I’ve learned you have to do something to get to college and get an education or you’ll be working at McDonald’s.”

For every story like his, Tim Murphy’s, Carl Krauser or Julius Page, and really throughout big-time college football and basketball; and honestly it confuses/inspires me.

I’m a cynic by nature, and I look at the money flowing from big-time college athletics and know that these kids wouldn’t get a chance but for their athletic prowess. They are exploited, used and if they royally screw-up the same people cheering, encouraging (and in some cases enabling) them turn on them and treat them like garbage again.

Still, stories like this give you hope.