Marc Fogel is an international teacher from Oakmont. Until the fall of 2021, the 63-year-old traveled to various countries teaching history. In August 2021, Marc was detained and arrested in Russia for the possession of 17 grams of medical marijuana, the drug prescribed legally in Pennsylvania for his back and knee pain.
Fogel is currently serving a 14-year sentence in a Russian penal colony. His family has taken up the call to urge President Joe Biden to bring him home.
To the family’s disappointment, Biden has yet to address Fogel by name.
Last week, TribLive was able to sit in on a call between Fogel and his 95-year-old mother, Malphine.
Host Zac Gibson is joined in this episode by Community Engagement editor and Opinion columnist Lori Falce to discuss this experience, listen to Fogel’s interview, and tell us more of his story.
published in category: Next on the Tee on Saturday, May 25th, 2024 – 11:48 am
In Part 2 of Episode 30 I’m joined by a pair to Tim’s…Simpson and Gaestel.
Tim Simpson is known for being one of the all-time great ball strikers. He won 5 times on the PGA Tour, had 82 Top 10s, and the GOAT Jack Nicklaus even marveled at how frequently Tim would shoot low scores. Tim has overcome several physical ailments throughout his playing career. He won Comeback Player of the Year on the PGA and Champions tours. He beat Lyme disease and now he’s battling a rare form of blood cancer. You’ll hear how his positive attitude is going to lead him to beating it plus his thoughts on the PGA Championship, his relationship with his father, how Raymond Floyd intimidated players with his eyes, remembering Payne Stewart’s 1999 US Open victory, and working with the great Sam Snead.
Tim Gaestel is a former Sergeant with the 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army. As fate would have it, Tim was being sworn into the military on September 11th, 2001. Hear him talk about how that day unfolded and becoming even more driven to charge into the fight. We hear about his deployment to Afghanistan and the IED that exploded and sent shrapnel into his back as he and his peers were headed to Baghdad. Tim also talks about how golf saved his life when he returned home, how the game brought him and his father back together, his experience playing alongside show favorite Scott McCarron, and his fight to save a local municipal course, Lions Municipal Course, in Austin, Texas. Follow him on X @TGolfer83.
The promise — and peril — of the power of the atom cast long shadows over Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania.
News Editor Jon Silver talks about Pittsburgh’s ties to the Atomic Age and J. Robert Oppenheimer, the creator of the atomic bomb. Oppenheimer’s wife, Katherine “Kitty” Oppenheimer, was born in Aspinwall.
Silver wrote a story about the region’s connections to the atomic age in the summer of 2023, when the blockbuster movie “Oppenheimer” was in theaters and renewing interest in the topic. His research lead him to several Pittsburgh connections to the atomic age.
Listen to Silver and producer Zac Gibson discuss the topic. And then Silver does an author reading of his story.
published in category: Next on the Tee on Thursday, May 23rd, 2024 – 10:44 am
Tom Patri delves into Xander’s major triumph at the PGA Championship, the mixed sentiments towards Bryson, speculations surrounding Tiger’s future following another missed cut, and the potential repercussions of Jimmy Dunne’s departure from the PGA Tour Policy Board.
Clark Dennis, won the 2017 & ’18 Senior Italian Open and the 2017 Dutch Masters on the Legends Tour. We reflect on his illustrious career, he reminisces about winning the 1983 Texas State Junior Championship and shares his elation at the Texas Rangers winning their first World Series. Additionally, Clark offers his insights on the PGA Championship and the low scores at Valhalla. He takes us back to his standout performances at the Colonial National Invitational in the 90s and recounts a memorable encounter with the legendary Ben Hogan. Furthermore, Clark sheds light on the caliber of players and awe-inspiring venues featured on the European Legends Tour, which needs more love and support.
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey’s administration is embroiled in a controversy involving questionable payments to a contractor.
The city’s Department of Parks and Recreation department has paid Mario Ashkar almost $23,000 for his work as a contractor. The payments have been via municipal credit cards, known as p-cards, which has lead to concerns and scrutiny.
Ashkar, 36, of the city’s North Side, was recently charged in connection with several ethnic intimidation incidents.
Questions have arisen about why Ashkar was permitted to work as a contractor for the city after previously being fired from a different department.
TribLive’s Pittsburgh city hall reporter Julia Felton breaks down the story.
published in category: Next on the Tee on Monday, May 20th, 2024 – 9:11 am
John Hughes is not only one of the rare PGA Masters Professionals, he’s also the 2023 North Florida PGA Section Teacher of the Year. His summer residency is up at McLemore outside of Chattanooga. John shares his perspective of McLemore and the new course The Keep. He teaches us why it’s important to positively express our goals, how to consistently make putts inside 5 feet, successfully chip from hard pan lies, and why we should hover our driver off the ground instead of resting it on the ground.
Ward Clayton was the Sports Editor for The Augusta Chronicle and Director of Editorial Services for the PGA Tour. He is the Editorial Director for Augusta National and their digital presence on Masters.com. In 2004 he wrote his first book, “Men on the Bag, The Caddies of Augusta National. He recently came out with an updated version of that book titled, “The Legendary Caddies of Augusta National.” In our conversation, you’ll learn who Stovepipe, Skillet, Pete, and Cemetary are. You’ll discover similar stories about even more legendary caddies when you get your copy of the book which you can find on www.blairpub.com or on Amazon.
published in category: Next on the Tee on Thursday, May 16th, 2024 – 10:36 am
In Part 1 of Episode 28, I’m thrilled to be joined by two incredible guys: former Pirates and Red Sox outfielder Adam Hyzdu, and 5-time winner on Tour, now outstanding broadcaster Jim Gallagher Jr.
Adam Hyzdu’s journey in baseball is nothing short of remarkable. A standout prospect in high school, he left an indelible mark by breaking records, including surpassing Ken Griffey Jr.’s home run record at Moeller High School in Cincinnati. Despite not being selected as the first overall pick or landing with the Reds as he anticipated, being drafted 15th by the San Francisco Giants fueled his determination. Battling skepticism, Adam’s resilience led him to remarkable minor league seasons in 1999 and 2000, where he showcased his abilities by combining to hit 61 home runs and drive in over 200 runs. His eventual stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates saw him etch his name in history, with the AA Altoona Pirates who retired his number—a testament to his impact on the organization. From his memorable Major League debut with the Pirates against the Reds to the clutch pinch-hit home run that sealed a victory just days after his call-up, Adam shares great stories from his time in the big leagues, including his stint with the 2004 Red Sox during their historic World Series season.
Jim Gallagher Jr., a beacon of sportsmanship, success, and positivity in the world of golf. Hailing as the most decorated player in University of Tennessee history, Jim’s accolades span across prestigious halls of fame, including Indiana, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Reflecting on his recent honor of inducting his siblings into the Indiana Golf Hall of Fame, Jim shares poignant insights into his incredible family and the significance of their shared legacy. From discussing his alma mater the UT Vols’ participation in the NCAA Men’s Golf Regional Tournament to revisiting his remarkable third-place finish in the 1991 PGA Championship at Crooked Stick—a tournament that witnessed the meteoric rise of John Daly—Jim’s journey in golf is one of incredible triumphs and fantastic stories. We finish off the segment with Jim’s thoughts on what needs to happen to bring the Professional game back together so we can move forward with the best players being in the same fields.
Don Rebel chats with former WPIAL basketball head coach & current WPIAL basketball official Ron Richards. He also recaps the PIAA football championships.
Don Rebel chats with former WPIAL basketball head coach & current WPIAL basketball official Ron Richards. He also recaps the PIAA football championships.
