Athletics

• Friday, Oct 11: Winter basketball meeting in the cafeteria during period 8 (3-3:30 p.m.)
• Tuesday, Oct 22: Travel Tryout Day 1 of 2 @ FCMS (3:45- 5:15 p.m.)
• Wednesday, Oct 23: Travel Tryout- Day 2 of 2 @ FCMS (3:45- 5:15 p.m.) Teams will be chosen and an email will be sent to all that make the travel team.
• Thursday, Oct 24: Practice @ FCMS (3:45- 5:15 p.m.)
• Friday, Oct 25: No School | Teacher Inservice 

7th & 8th grade teams will be decided during tryouts; all players that do not make this team will be encouraged to play in the Basketballers intramural program (see below). The travel team will practice and play at Boyce MS and compete on a 15-game schedule. This team will be created by USC's head varsity coach, Danny Holzer, and is intended to be a feeder program into the HS boys basketball program. 

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Coaching Staff

• Ft Couch Head Coach:  Antonio Parente- asp73@pitt.edu
• Ft Couch Head Coach:  Sam Klein- samk1514@gmail.com

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Equipment: 

All basketball players will need basketball shoes, shorts, a t-shirt, and a water bottle for practice each day. At the start of the season, a USC uniform will be issued. However, this uniform must be returned at the end of the season.

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• Make sure to have your athlete registered in Healthy Roster before Oct 21, 2024. Healthy Roster
• Returning athletes from the fall season must update their Healthy Roster account by completing Section 8 and uploading it onto your account before Oct. 21, 2024.
• The annual middle school athletic fee of $50 for the 2024-25 school year can be paid online. Note: the ATHLETIC FEE is separate from the PTSO activities fee. Click here to access the online payment portal. (Using a PC is the best option when paying the online athletic fee.)

• Friday, Oct 11: Winter basketball meeting in the cafeteria during period 8 (3- 3:30 p.m.)
• Monday, Oct 28: 7th evaluation @ FC gymnasium (3:45- 5:15 p.m.)  
  • Teams will be created Monday evening and an email will be sent to your BasketBallers Canvas page.
• Tuesday, Oct 29: Team Beaver Practice (3:45- 5:15 p.m.)  
• Wednesday, Oct 30: Team Lucas Practice (3:45- 5:15 p.m.)  
• Thursday Oct 31: Team Calvetti Practice (3:45- 5:15 p.m.)  
• Wednesday, Nov. 6: Start of Ballers regular season/ Game Day #1 (Lumberjacks v Bulldogs & Banshees v Crush) 

This 9-team Intramural basketball league is organized by the FC Athletic Department and played exclusively in the Fort Couch gymnasium. The nine teams, created by our three coaches, will compete in an 8-game regular season, which will run up until the winter break. The season will conclude with a tournament to decide who is the BasketBallers Champion. Each student will be assigned to a team and will compete 3 or 4 days per week, Monday through Friday from approximately 4 - 5:45 p.m. each day.  No weekend commitment. 

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Head Coaches: 

• Mr. Andrew Bowers - abowers@uscsd.k12.pa.us
• Mr. Jeremiah Beaver- jbeaver@uscsd.k12.pa.us
• Mr. Greg Calvetti- gcalvetti@uscsd.k12.pa.us
• Mr. Andy Lucas- alucas@uscsd.k12.pa.us

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Equipment: 

All BasketBaller players will need to have basketball shoes and a water bottle. A uniform jersey will be provided for games. However, this uniform must be returned at the end of the season. In addition, we ask each BasketBaller player to wear black shorts and an optional white t-shirt under their jersey for all games.

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• Make sure to have your athlete registered in Healthy Roster before Oct 21, 2024. Healthy Roster
• Returning athletes from the fall season must update their Healthy Roster account by completing Section 8 and uploading it onto your account before Oct. 21, 2024.
• The annual middle school athletic fee of $50 for the 2024-25 school year can be paid online. Note: the ATHLETIC FEE is separate from the PTSO activities fee. Click here to access the online payment portal. (Using a PC is the best option when paying the online athletic fee.)

• Friday, Oct 11: Winter wrestling meeting in the LGI during period 8 (3 - 3:30 p.m.)
• Friday, Nov 15: Practice @ Ft Couch (3:45 - 5:30 p.m.) 1st Practice of the season

Learn the art of wrestling from our experienced team of coaches and participate on a team that has a wide range of weight classes for all student-athletes. Also, gain life-building characteristics such as: stamina, max strength, speed, power, core strength, grip strength, proprioception, balance, physical toughness, flexibility. This team will flourish when it has athletes competing in all of the weight classes. Weight classes are as follows; 80-85, 86-91, 92-97, 98-103, 104-109, 110-115, 116-121, 122-127, 128-133, 134-141, 142-149, 150-159, 160-171, 172-204, 205-245.

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Head Coaches

• Coach: Eli Grape - eli.grape@gmail.com
• Coach: Chris Tarr - ctarr@uscsd.k12.pa.us 

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Equipment

All wrestlers will need to have the proper wrestling shoes, practice clothing, and water bottle.   A USC uniform will be provided for matches; however, this uniform must be returned at the end of the season.

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• Make sure to have your athlete registered in Healthy Roster before Oct 21, 2024. Healthy Roster
• Returning athletes from the fall season must update their Healthy Roster account by completing Section 8 and uploading it onto your account before Oct. 21, 2024.
• The annual middle school athletic fee of $50 for the 2024-25 school year can be paid online. Note: the ATHLETIC FEE is separate from the PTSO activities fee. Click here to access the online payment portal. (Using a PC is the best option when paying the online athletic fee.)

• Friday, Dec 13: The girls’ basketball meeting will be held in the LGI during period 8 (3 - 3:30 p.m.)
• Wednesday, Jan 8: Travel Tryout - Day 1 of 2 @ FCMS (3:45- 5:15 p.m.)
• Thursday, Jan 9: Travel Tryout - Day 2 of 2 @ FCMS (3:45- 5:15 p.m.) Teams will be chosen, and an email will be sent to all that make the travel team.

There will be two separate teams, one 7th and one 8th grade team will be decided during tryouts. All players that do not make this team will be encouraged to play in the Basketballers intramural program-(see details below). The travel team will practice and play at Boyce MS and compete on a 15-game schedule. This team will be created by USC's head varsity coach, Pete Serio, and is intended to be a feeder program into the HS girls’ basketball program. 

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Coaching Staff

• 8th Grade Coach: TBD
• 7th Grade Coach: Antonio Parente- aparente@uscsd.k12.pa.us

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Equipment

All basketball players will need to have basketball shoes and a water bottle. A USC uniform will be provided for games; however, this uniform must be returned at the end of the season.

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• Make sure to have your athlete registered in Healthy Roster before Jan. 5, 2025. Healthy Roster
• Returning athletes from the fall season must update their Healthy Roster account by completing Section 8 and uploading it onto your account before Jan. 5, 2025.
• The annual middle school athletic fee of $50 for the 2024-25 school year can be paid online. Note: the ATHLETIC FEE is separate from the PTSO activities fee. Click here to access the online payment portal. (Using a PC is the best option when paying the online athletic fee.)

• Friday, Dec 13: The girls’ basketball meeting will be held in the LGI during period 8 (3 - 3:30 p.m.)
• Friday, Jan 10: 7th and 8th grade evaluation @ FC gymnasium (3:45- 5:15 p.m.) Teams will be created, and an email will be sent to your BasketBallers Canvas page over the weekend.
• Monday, Jan 13:  1st Team Practice will begin for Coach #1
• Tuesday, Jan 14:  1st Team Practice will begin for Coach #2
• Wednesday, Jan 15: Start of Ballers regular season/ Game Day #1 (TBD) 

Attention All Female MS Athletes! The Athletic Department is thrilled to announce the launch of a brand-new Three-on-Three Basketballers' League, being introduced for the first time this year! This fantastic opportunity for all interested girls to get involved in basketball, whether you’re a beginner or have some experience.  

Teams will consist of up to five players, with coaches assigning athletes to their respective teams. The tournament will feature four games per day, all played in the Fort Couch Gym, with a total of 12 teams participating. Each student will be assigned to a team and will compete two to three days per week, Monday through Friday, from approximately 4 to 5:30 p.m.. There is no weekend commitment. Parents are welcome and encouraged to come watch and support the players throughout the games. This program is especially exciting as it follows the Olympic debut of women’s 3-on-3 basketball, which was featured for the very first time. Now, you have a chance to be part of this exciting format right here at school!  

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Coaches 

TBD

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Equipment  

All BasketBaller players will need to have basketball shoes and a water bottle. A uniform jersey will be provided for games. However, this uniform must be returned at the end of the season.  In addition, we ask each BasketBaller player to wear black shorts and a white t-shirt under their jersey for all games. 

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• Make sure to have your athlete registered in Healthy Roster before Jan. 5, 2025. Healthy Roster
• Returning athletes from the fall season must update their Healthy Roster account by completing Section 8 and uploading it onto your account before Jan. 5, 2025.
• The annual middle school athletic fee of $50 for the 2024-25 school year can be paid online. Note: the ATHLETIC FEE is separate from the PTSO activities fee. Click here to access the online payment portal. (Using a PC is the best option when paying the online athletic fee.)

Bump, set and spike! Come join the fun this spring season on the volleyball court while taking part in this high-energy team sport that will surely test your athleticism. Volleyball programs are starting to pop up everywhere and it's a great time to learn how to play competitive volleyball. Because boys volleyball starts for most athletes in the region at the middle school level, our team of coaches will teach the fundamental skills necessary to learn, develop, and excel in this rising sport. On game day there will be two separate teams competing. Both 7th and 8th grade students will play together during a 17-game schedule, and all practices will take place after school in the Fort Couch gym.  

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Head Coaches

TBD

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Equipment

All boy volleyball participants should have tennis shoes, solid black volleyball shorts and knee pads. USC game jerseys will be provided for each player and must be returned at the end of the season.

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• New Users to Healthy Roster- make sure to have your athlete registered before March 3, 2025. 
• Returning 2024- 25 athletes to Healthy Roster- you must complete Section 8 before March 3, 2025. 
• The annual middle school athletic fee of $50 for the 2024-25 school year can be paid online. Note: the ATHLETIC FEE is separate from the PTSO activities fee. Click here to access the online payment portal. (Using a PC is the best option when paying the online athletic fee.)

Our Fort Couch USC track and field program is open to all athletes from all kinds of prior athletic backgrounds. Athletes geared at improving speed can take part in running events such as 100m hurdles, 1600m and 800m run, 100m - 200m and 400m dash, 4x100m relay and 4x400m relay. Athletes looking for more technical events may choose to learn field events such as the triple jump, long jump, or high jump. And lastly, the athlete looking to show off their strength could throw the shot put or discus. We will have all of these events available for both boys and girls in 7th and 8th grade. All track practices will take place at the USCHS stadium track immediately after school. Busing is provided to the track and parent pickup is in the High School lot at 5:15 p.m.  

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Head Coach

• Greg Calvetti - gcalvetti@uscsd.k12.pa.us 

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Equipment

All track participants will need to have running shoes, solid black shorts and a water bottle. A USC track jersey will be provided for meets; however, this uniform must be returned at the end of the season.  

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• New Users to Healthy Roster- make sure to have your athlete registered before March 3, 2025. 
• Returning 2024- 25 athletes to Healthy Roster- you must complete Section 8 before March 3, 2025. 
• The annual middle school athletic fee of $50 for the 2024-25 school year can be paid online. Note: the ATHLETIC FEE is separate from the PTSO activities fee. Click here to access the online payment portal. (Using a PC is the best option when paying the online athletic fee.)

Take your softball game to the next level and join our 7th and 8th grade girls softball team! Our 16 game schedule will have you competing against teams from all around the South Hills area. Practices and games will be played at the former varsity field over at Boyce MS and when inclement weather "strikes" this spring, our FC team will have access to the Boyce gym for practice. Busing will be available to transport our FC students over to Boyce each day. Go Lady Panthers!      

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Head Coach

TBD

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Equipment

Each softball participant will need to have a glove, cleats, a helmet (preferred), a softball bat (preferred), and a water bottle. A USC softball uniform will be provided for games; however, this uniform must be returned at the end of the season.  

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• New Users to Healthy Roster- make sure to have your athlete registered before March 3, 2025. 
• Returning 2024- 25 athletes to Healthy Roster- you must complete Section 8 before March 3, 2025. 
• The annual middle school athletic fee of $50 for the 2024-25 school year can be paid online. Note: the ATHLETIC FEE is separate from the PTSO activities fee. Click here to access the online payment portal. (Using a PC is the best option when paying the online athletic fee.)

• Daily Schedule
• Introduction Letter/Email to Families: sent Aug. 8, 2024 
• Week of August 12: 3-day Heat Acclimation Practice / Equipment Handout
• Wednesday, Aug 8: Equipment Handout | Day 1 of heat acclimation
• Thursday, Aug 9: Day 2 of heat acclimation
• Friday, Aug 10: Day 3 of heat acclimation

USC football has a great tradition of excellence over the years with multiple WPIAL and PIAA championships and our Ft Couch middle school football program is where it all begins.  Join in on the winning ways and learn from our team of experienced coaches.  There are typically two teams during the season, one 7th grade team and one 8th grade team. 

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Middle School Football Liaison

• Patrick Corr: pcorr@uscsd.k12.pa.us

Coaching Staff 

8th Grade

• Dan Hall, Head Coach: dhall@uscsd.k12.pa.us
• Corey Vasbinder: cvasbinder@uscsd.k12.pa.us
• Steve Cosentino: scosentino@uscsd.k12.pa.us

7th Grade

• Conan Rooney, Head Coach: crooney@uscsd.k12.pa.us
• DJ Stubenrauch: djstubes@gmail.com
• Jason Sweeney: 
• Phil Elias Jr.: phillipelias65@gmail.com

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Equipment

All football equipment (excluding cleats) is issued by USCSD and every helmet is reconditioned and certified for the current school year.  

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• Make sure to have your athlete registered in Healthy Roster before Aug 25, 2024. Healthy Roster
• The annual middle school athletic fee of $50 for the 2024-25 school year can be paid online. Please note: the ATHLETIC FEE is separate from the PTSO activities fee. Click here to access the online payment portal.

• Daily Schedule
• Tuesday, August 20: Coaches informational meeting during Period 8 (3:00- 3:35) in the FC Gymnasium

USC girls volleyball is one of Ft Couch's most popular sports to play during the Fall season.  In years past, we have had over 100 girls come into the program to learn the basic skills and, for the majority of girls, it's their first time playing competitive volleyball.  Just like last year, we plan to develop a travel volleyball team that will be hand-picked by our USC varsity coaches. The teams will compete on a 16-game schedule that travels to play teams all around the South Hills. There will be two separate teams, one 7th and one 8th grade team that will be decided during try-outs. All players that do not make this travel team will be encouraged to play in the VolleyBallers intramural program- see details below.

Coaching Staff

• Head Coach: Stacy Chambers - stacy.c.chambers4@gmail.com
• Head Coach: Abbey DiGregorio - adigregorio@uscsd.k12.pa.us

Equipment

All volleyball participants should have tennis shoes, black volleyball shorts and knee pads. A USC game jersey will be provided for each player. However, the jersey must be returned at the end of the season.

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• Make sure to have your athlete registered in Healthy Roster before Aug 25, 2024. Healthy Roster
• The annual middle school athletic fee of $50 for the 2024-25 school year can be paid online. Please note: the ATHLETIC FEE is separate from the PTSO activities fee. Click here to access the online payment portal.

• Daily Schedule
• Tuesday, August 20: Coaches informational meeting during Period 8 (3:00- 3:35) in the FC Gymnasium

The USC girls "VolleyBaller" intramural program has been developed for all girls interested in competitive volleyball.  This fun program will be played exclusively in the Ft Couch gymnasium.  The teams will be organized by the athletic department and our team of coaches will run a regular-season schedule through the months of September and October.  The VolleyBallers intramural season will conclude with a tournament to decide who is the 2024 VolleyBallers Champion.  Each student will be assigned to a team and compete or practice 3-4 days per week from approximately 3:40-5:30 each day.  No weekend commitment.

Coaching Staff

• Intramural Coach: Jamie Houck - jhouck@uscsd.k12.pa.us
• Intramural Coach: Christina Caragein - ccaragein@uscsd.k12.pa.us
• Intramural Coach: Jen Cramer - jcramer@uscsd.k12.pa.us
• Intramural Coach: TBD

Equipment

All volleyball participants should have tennis shoes, black volleyball shorts and knee pads. A USC game jersey will be provided for each player. However, the jersey must be returned at the end of the season.

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• Make sure to have your athlete registered in Healthy Roster before Aug 25, 2024. Healthy Roster
• The annual middle school athletic fee of $50 for the 2024-25 school year can be paid online. Please note: the ATHLETIC FEE is separate from the PTSO activities fee. Click here to access the online payment portal.

• Daily Schedule
• Tuesday, August 20: Coaches informational meeting during Period 8 (3:00- 3:35) in the FC Cafeteria

Roughly 80 boys and girls each fall join this big challenge of being on the cross-country team. Along with most practices, each cross-country home meet will be held on the 1.95 mile CC course at Gilfillan trail in the heart of USC. Students will practice two days at Fort Couch and two days per week over at the Gilfillian trail. USC buses will commute the students to the trail and parents will be required to pickup at Gilfillan. Come join in on the fun and compete against eight schools from across the South Hills who will run for top honor.

Coaching Staff

• Head Coach: Greg Calvetti- gcalvetti@uscsd.k12.pa.us
• Assistant Coach: Paige Steinhaus- psteinhaus@uscsd.k12.pa.us
• Assistant Coach: Michelle Senneway- msenneway@uscsd.k12.pa.us

Equipment

All cross-country participants should have running shoes and black running shorts. A USC game jersey will be provided for each player.  However, the jersey must be returned at the end of the season.

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• Make sure to have your athlete registered in Healthy Roster before Aug 25, 2024. Healthy Roster
• The annual middle school athletic fee of $50 for the 2024-25 school year can be paid online. Please note: the ATHLETIC FEE is separate from the PTSO activities fee. Click here to access the online payment portal.

• Daily Schedule
• Tuesday, August 20: Coaches informational meeting during Period 8 (3:00- 3:35) in Room 110 / Guidance Classroom

Practice and compete at USC's newest and finest competitive high school swimming pool in Western PA.  This new facility will give our Ft Couch swimmers a chance to experience swimming at its best.  Plus, each participant will individually learn from our elite coaches and gain experience while taking part in a fun and healthy team sport. During swim meets, race and set yourself apart in your favourite events such as freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly, as well as the individual medley.  

Coaching Staff

• Head Coach: Dave Schraven - dmschraven@gmail.com
• Assistant Coach: Megan Billco- coachmegan@peaqpgh.org
• Assistant Coach: Lauren Connors- coachlauren@peaqpgh.org
• Assistant Coach: Topher Bishop 

Equipment

All swimmers will need to have their own goggles and a black swimsuit.  A USC warm-up jacket will be provided for each athlete on the team.  However, the jacket must be returned at the end of the season. 

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• Make sure to have your athlete registered in Healthy Roster before Aug 25, 2024. Healthy Roster
• The annual middle school athletic fee of $50 for the 2024-25 school year can be paid online. Please note: the ATHLETIC FEE is separate from the PTSO activities fee. Click here to access the online payment portal.

• Daily Schedule
• Tuesday, August 20: Coaches informational meeting during Period 8 (3:00- 3:35) in the LGI

Girls soccer is now here at Fort Couch and brand new for this fall season. Anyone with soccer experience can expect to compete in 13 games while showing off your talents against teams from around the South Hills. This introductory season for middle school soccer will have our girls competing and practicing at Cooks School field, Monday through Friday from 3:45- 5:15. 

Coaching Staff

• Coach: Jarrod Shaw - jshaw@uscsd.k12.pa.us
• Coach: Mark Renziehausen- mrenziehausen@uscsd.k12.pa.us

Equipment

All participants should have soccer cleats and shin guards. A USC game uniform will be provided for each player. However, the uniform must be returned at the end of the season.

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• Make sure to have your athlete registered in Healthy Roster before Aug 25, 2024. Healthy Roster
• The annual middle school athletic fee of $50 for the 2024-25 school year can be paid online. Please note: the ATHLETIC FEE is separate from the PTSO activities fee. Click here to access the online payment portal.

• Daily Schedule
• Tuesday, August 20: Coaches informational meeting during Period 8 (3:00- 3:35) in the LGI

Boys soccer is now here at Ft Couch and brand new for this fall season.  A survey was sent out in the spring, and it was determined that boy's soccer has enough interest to pilot this new team for the 2024-2025 school year.  Anyone with soccer experience can join and should expect to compete in games with teams from around the South Hills.  This introductory season for middle school soccer will have our boys competing and practicing at Cooks School field, Monday through Friday from 3:45- 5:15. 

Coaching Staff

• Head Coach: Abdel Khila - akhila@uscsd.k12.pa.us
• Assistant Coach: Riley Lenthall - rilesl10@gmail.com

Equipment

All participants should have soccer cleats and shin guards. A USC game uniform will be provided for each player.  However, the uniform must be returned at the end of the season.

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• Make sure to have your athlete registered in Healthy Roster before Aug 25, 2024. Healthy Roster
• The annual middle school athletic fee of $50 for the 2024-25 school year can be paid online. Please note: the ATHLETIC FEE is separate from the PTSO activities fee. Click here to access the online payment portal.