Pittsburgh Passion opens 2013 season at home this Saturday

Spring Football is ready to go in the City of Champions. This Saturday, April 6, the Pittsburgh Passion will kickoff the 2013 season at home at Highmark Stadium in Station Square, against the arch-rival D.C. Divas at 7 p.m. The gates are set to open at 5:30.

The team will honor “Those Who Serve” in the home opener. All military, police, firefighters and veterans who attend will be recognized at half-time, and have the opportunity to meet all the players after the game. The Passion will also feature special announcements throughout the game to thank all those who serve and protect our country.

The Pittsburgh Passion is a licensed team in the Women’s Football Alliance, a full-contact American football league. The WFA is comprised of 62 teams across the United States, and is the largest and fastest growing women’s tackle football league in the country. The WFA was founded by Jeff and Lisa King in order to create the highest level of football for women in North America.

PASSION PRIDE: The Piitsburgh Passion plays in the WFA’s AFC Division 2 with the D.C. Divas and the Columbus Comets. They finished last season with a record of 8-2 with the offense scoring 422 points, and the defense only allowing 150 points during the regular season. Pittsburgh made it to the second round of the WFA Play-Offs, before bowing out to the D.C. Divas, 45-30.

One player to watch is wide receiver Rachel Wojdowski. The Bethel Park High School graduate is in her third season with the Passion. When she is not on the gridiron, Rachel is the director of basketball operations for the Duquesne University women’s basketball team.

A newcomer of note is rookie defensive back, Elisha Jones. She is Warren County’s all-time leading female scorer in high school basketball, and is the Eisenhower High School record-holder in the javelin. Elisha attended college at Waynesburg University and competed in Dvision Three women’s basketball and track and field. She was the school’s first, male or female, two-time track All-American.

Last season, the Passion played their home games at Cupples Field on the South Side. This year they will share Highmark Stadium with the Pittsburgh River Hounds soccer team.

The Passion were the undefeated 2007 National Champions. They were Division Champions in 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2011. The team was founded in 2002.

Pittsburgh Steeler Hall of Famer Franco Harris took over a significant share of the Passion’s ownership back in January 2011. Co-Owner and coach Teresa Conn was inducted into the Minor Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008, as just the third women to become a member.

2013 GAME SCHEDULE:

Saturday, April 6 vs D.C. Divas

Saturday, April 13 at Toledo Reign

Saturday, April 20 at NY Sharks

Saturday, April 27 vs Columbus Comets

Saturday, May 11 vs Boston Militia

Saturday, May 18 at Columbus Comets

Saturday, June 1 at D.C. Divas

Saturday, June 8 vs Detroit Dark Angels