You’d think the Knicks and Spurs were coming to town, gauged by the anticipation building in Sharpsburg.
The newly revamped basketball court at Kennedy Park will host its first game June 28 between the rec league Sharpsburg Wolves and the Millvale-based 412 Ambassadors.
At the same time, the court will be renamed in honor of Greg Domian, a borough native who for years has served as a youth mentor and fervent community advocate.
“Coach Greg is great,” said 13-year-old Michael Ivanusic of O’Hara.
The rising eighth grader at Dorseyville Middle School said he feels lucky and ecstatic to be part of the team, which acts as a feeder to the Fox Chapel Area High School program. The last five Foxes captains started as Wolves.
“We have a lot of opportunities like meeting college players and getting to play with high schoolers,” Michael said. “It means a lot.”
The teen is among hundreds impacted over the decades by “Coach Greg.”
Domian, a coach nearly his entire adult life, graduated from Fox Chapel Area High School in 1973 before moving on to Duquesne University.
He began teaching in 1977 at St. Mary’s School in Sharpsburg. There, he built one of the most successful diocesan basketball programs in the area, achieving multiple section and tournament championships.
In 1980, he began coaching at North Catholic High School, where he also taught math for 15 years.
For more than the past decade, Domian has dedicated his time to providing a space where children feel welcome and encouraged to thrive.
He resurrected the athletic league, a one-time borough staple, in 2013 after a four-decade hiatus. That same year, he was named executive director of the Sharpsburg Recreation Center, better known as the Linden Gym.
The center has since become a safe place for teens, with its anti-drug philosophy and after-school tutoring. Hundreds of young players have come through the Wolves program.
When he was approached about the dedication, Domian was humbled — but made a request to drop his first name from the sign.
“I thought back to the strong history of the Domian family in Sharpsburg and thought it would be the perfect opportunity to honor my relatives who were so much a part of the town,” he said.
“This isn’t only about me; it’s about all of the Domian family who were an integral part of Sharpsburg years ago.”
There were seven boys and two girls in his extended family. His uncles were active in local politics and served on the police force. Other members of his family ran small businesses.
“The most important part of this dedication goes to my only brother, Pfc. Edward T. Domian Jr., who was killed in action during the Vietnam conflict,” Domian said. “I know he’ll be looking down that day with a smile on his face.”
Throughout the years, Domian has worked to shine a spotlight on Sharpsburg. He coordinated the popular Open Streets festival, which drew a couple dozen people in 2017 and blossomed to 3,000 two years later.
He also served on council for several years and spearheaded the Sharpsburg Fishing Derby, which introduced out-of-towners to the James Sharp Landing. The popular docks are a town gem, renovated in recent years with $63,000 in grants from the state Department of Community and Economic Development and the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Mallory Helbling, president of the Sharpsburg Parks and Recreation Commission, considers herself fortunate to call Domian a friend.
“Greg makes a positive impact on many,” she said. “I’m sure there wouldn’t be enough room for the accolades he deserves, but, whether with formal or informal roles in the borough, he has influenced many, specifically the youth.
“From the holiday events at the gym, to basketball games to the Hall of Fame and just creating a safe place for youth — even with the dedication event, Greg wants to bring fun and positivity to the community.”
Rec league player Matthew Swanson of Fox Chapel said he is eager to play on the new court and showcase the team’s hard work, but he’s more excited to be part of the program led by Domian.
“It means a lot being a part of a great program, playing for a great coach,” the 13-year-old said.
When Domian was elected to the Sharpsburg Sports Hall of Fame last year, he said heading the reccreation center was among his proudest achievements. He helped spearhead more than $100,000 in renovations to the gym, giving the facility LED lighting, improved ventilation and new backboards, bleachers and a scoreboard.
“The place was in shambles, and we had no representation at the high school basketball program at all,” Domian said. “It was like our Sharpsburg kids were from a different school district. Opening the gym, we’ve had nothing but success.”
The Kennedy Park court renaming event is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.
As with any Domian-run event, it will take on a festival-like atmosphere. Music from DJ Larry will set the backdrop; there will be five food trucks and funnel cakes by the Sharpsburg/Aspinwall Rotary.
The Wolves will take to the court at 5 p.m. for the game, with the dedication at halftime.
It will be followed by a half-court shooting contest for kids 16 and younger who will have a chance to win a $100 Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card.
Helbling said it’s clear that Domian’s family helped shape the way he now carries himself.
“Greg and the Domian family have a legacy that would have lasted without the court,” she said. “But I am so happy to see the legacy memorialized in this way.”