Metallica blared from the speakers as seventh-graders, eighth-graders and high school players spread across the practice field.

Together they shouted, “One. Two. Three,” driving their knees high before sprinting across painted white lines. Younger players watched older teammates for cues, while veterans encouraged them through every drill.

It wasn’t just another summer workout.

It was the first glimpse of new head coach Bruce Fronk’s vision for Mt. Lebanon football: one program, one philosophy and one Blue Devil tradition.

Although August marks the official start of football season, Blue Devils players have been preparing since spring through conditioning, weight training and combined practices designed to unite athletes from middle school through high school.

At the center of Fronk’s plan is a concept known as vertical alignment — creating a consistent football experience across every level of the district’s program.

By bringing middle school and high school players together under a unified coaching philosophy, Fronk hopes to better prepare student-athletes as they progress through the district’s football program. Through consistent coaching, shared terminology and aligned offensive and defensive systems, the goal is to develop more confident, fundamentally sound players before they reach the varsity level.

Fronk, a Mellon Middle School teacher and interim assistant principal, will move to Mt. Lebanon High School this fall to teach and coach. Drawing on his experience as both an educator and coach, he introduced the concept of unifying the district’s football program during the interview process for the head coaching position. The vision was well received.

Recognizing that the initiative required coaches who shared his philosophy, Fronk recruited longtime colleague Matt Mikesell to serve as the eighth-grade head coach.

“Along with being a great teacher, he’s a great mentor,” Fronk said. “At the end of the day, that’s what coaching is — great teaching and leadership.”

Fronk then assembled a coaching staff committed to supporting every level of the program, from seventh through 12th grade. Coaches attend practices and games across multiple teams, creating continuity while building relationships throughout the program.

“Our program begins in seventh grade with the idea of establishing connections,” Mikesell said. “By the time they’re in ninth grade, it’s not their first year in the high school program. It’s more like their third.”

The philosophy extends well beyond football. Fronk believes the structure promotes leadership, accountability and teamwork while creating opportunities for learning on and off the field.

“It creates teachable moments in our weight room sessions, classroom sessions and combined workout sessions,” Fronk said. “It also allows players to understand this is their team, and everyone has to bring value for this thing to go where it needs to go.”

Rising ninth-graders began practicing with the high school team in April, followed by rising eighth-graders in May. The younger players are already building relationships with varsity athletes, learning from older teammates while becoming familiar with the expectations of the high school program before they ever play a varsity snap.

Fronk previously coached under legendary coach Bob Palko when Mt. Lebanon won the 2021 WPIAL championship. He describes the current program as being built “brick by brick” on the foundation established by those who came before him.

“When you put on those gold horns in the fall, it means something,” Fronk said. “You’re representing yourself, a community and all of the alumni who have come before you. It’s making sure that tradition continues while also adding a new positive chapter to that foundation.”

The district also enters the season under new athletic director Danny Bonaventura, a former Robert Morris football player. Fronk has already connected with leaders of the district’s youth and flag football programs, as well as the marching band, to create a more unified Friday night experience for players, students and the community.

Several events are planned this fall, including a football kickoff celebration, a ceremony naming the field after Art Walker Sr. when Mt. Lebanon hosts North Allegheny, and recognition of the 1966 team that captured the school’s first WPIAL football championship.

“Friday nights are a celebration of the entire Mount Lebanon community,” Fronk said. “The marching band, the cheerleading team, the parents and community members. It’s a celebration of all of us, our kids and their accomplishments.”

Fronk’s passion for football and Mt. Lebanon is reflected in the Blue Devil creed, which reminds players to “play for each other and for those who have come before you.”

But perhaps the creed’s most fitting description of Fronk’s vision is the line he doesn’t quote: “Greatness comes from countless hours of training together to sharpen our skills and establish rock-solid trust. On game day, performance becomes second nature.”

If the first combined practice is any indication, that vision is already taking shape. The district’s youngest and oldest players are learning together, competing together and building relationships that Fronk hopes will strengthen the program for years to come.

On that field, there were no separate teams.

There was only one Blue Devil football
program.