Since returning to this area in 1975, I've been a fan of Pitt football and have lived through the great and the not-so-great years. Being a season ticket holder, I made the trip to the Sun Bowl last year, and I was as disappointed as anyone at our loss.

There were many factors that went into the poor performance, not the least of which was the offensive scheme, particularly in the face of the wind that day.

But, I'm sorry to say, I was more disappointed, even ashamed, to hear Pitt fans booing Bill Stull after a couple of errant passes early in our game against Youngstown State.

Stull may not be a Heisman Trophy quarterback, but he has talent, he has worked hard and he deserves the chance to try to lead the team and prove himself. If he can't live up to the expectations of the coaching staff, no doubt he will be pulled from the game, and those anxious to see the next quarterback trying to fill the shoes of Dan Marino will get their wish.

JIM SILLAMAN, Derry

Willie Colon's support of the Lupus Foundation 5K run was fantastic. Linemen are often under the radar when it comes to Pittsburgh events, but his support brought out more people than usual for this year's Lupus Loop. It makes me proud to be a Steeler, Rooney and now Willie Colon fan. Thanks, Willie, for bringing a little more attention and support for a great cause.

TOM SCALA, McCandless

My family was lucky enough to receive our Penguins season tickets personally delivered by the Penguin's Bill Guerin. He couldn't have been more polite and a very special man representing the Penguins team and organization. Our family was thrilled.

We want to say thank you to Bill, the Penguins and owner Mario [Lemieux] for such a kind and thoughtful gesture to a family of long time Penguin fans.

CRAIG THOMPSON, Glenshaw

A paradox is a statement that leads to a contradiction. A recent story ("One for the records") describes a paradox where some Pirates fans continue to pay to attend the Pirates games and then express their feelings of disgust by holding up signs. Rather than holding up signs, maybe leaving the seat empty at PNC Park might be a better protest.

GERALD A. CEFOLA, Oakland