Cleaning out the notebook for the last time in 2008:
While the Pittsburgh Steelers are getting some time off awaiting their playoff game in 11 days, Donora's Mark Gorscak -- one of their college scouts -- will be facing a busy January on the road.
His first stop will be Kingsville, Texas, Jan. 10 for the Cactus Bowl, the NCAA Division II all-star contest.
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Quarterback Kevin McCabe and linebacker Darren Burns will represent California University in the contest.
A week later Gorscak will be back in Texas for the East-West Shrine Game in Houston.
Bobby Ross is coaching the East, which includes Penn State wide receiver Deon Butler, West Virginia linebacker Mortty Ivy and quarterbacks Hunter Cantwell of Louisville, Chase Daniel of Missouri and Brian Hoyer of Michigan State.
Gene Stallings is the West coach with his quarterbacks including Fresno State's Tom Brandstater, Texas A&M's Stephen McGee and Central Washington's Mike Reilly.
The following week Gorscak will be in Mobile, Ala., for the Senior Bowl.
West Virginia's record-breaking quarterback Pat White has accepted an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl as have middle linebacker Scott McKillop and long snapper Mark Estermyer of Pitt.
The Senior Bowl has an impressive tradition with one of its players among the top five overall picks in the draft the past seven years: LaDainian Tomlinson (2001), David Carr (2002), Carson Palmer (2003), Philip Rivers (2004), Cadillac Williams (2005), D'Brickashaw Ferguson (2006) and Levi Brown (2007).
NFL coaching staffs guide the teams and are selected by the league office.
- The Mid-Mon Valley Sports Hall of Fame selection committee will hold its first meeting a week from today.
The annual Hall of Fame banquet is scheduled June 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the Willow Room at Willowpointe Plaza in Rostraver Township.
The number of inductees may be trimmed from eight to five.
Speaking of the Mon Valley Sports Hall of Fame, a new home is needed for its memorabilia display with the Belle Vernon Inn (formerly Holiday Inn) closing today and undergoing a major remodeling.
- And thanks to Bob Reece, of Monessen, who says people who fly into a rage always make a bad landing
