Alley Q is a pretty odd name for a street in Crafton, which actually has several thoroughfares named with a single letter of the alphabet.

But the alley, which is behind Hawthorne Avenue, could soon get a more distinguished moniker as borough officials consider renaming it Cowher Way.

It is where a young Bill Cowher, head coach of the world-champion Pittsburgh Steelers, learned the fundamentals and intricacies of street football, something, we're told, that would come in handy a few decades later.

Although hometown pride in the Steelers was evident Feb. 7 as more than 250,000 fans jammed the city's streets, Crafton officials have a special hometown pride in Mr. Cowher, who was born and raised in the borough.

To show that pride, Mayor Susan O'Connell read a proclamation Feb. 8 which was sent to Mr. Cowher, congratulating him on the Super Bowl victory and thanking him for the "joy and pride that you have brought to your hometown over all these years."

"From a youngster playing football in Alley Q in Crafton to the fields of Carlynton High School and beyond, Bill Cowher by his example, dignity, integrity, ability and professionalism established the paradigm in our fair borough for hard and honest work," said Ms. O'Connell.

The proclamation states, "Bill Cowher combined his services as a professional with his love of family, town and team by following the Borough of Crafton's tradition of service and dedication."

The proclamation, furthermore, notes the borough's pride and gratitude in its native son "whose firm hand not only guided his team to victory but also carried our hearts by his example."

"Our borough stands proud of its esteemed son," Ms. O'Connell said.

Council Vice President Tom Byers, who suggested renaming the alley, said it was an idea that needed Mr. Cowher's approval. Councilman Ed Stewart intends to write a letter to Mr. Cowher about this and other possible tributes.

Mr. Cowher's parents, Laird and Dorothy Cowher, moved from their longtime Hawthorne Avenue home in July and now live in Mt. Lebanon.