Patrick Gruss

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‘Patrick Gruss’ say the name at any local girls’ basketball event and there’s a high likelihood that it will be recognized, if not by a half dozen or more people. He has been a staple in the Johnstown and Western Pennsylvania basketball community for the last 23+ years. He began his 23 year, and counting, coaching career at Conemaugh Valley’s elementary school program coaching his two daughters. Pat could have quit coaching after his daughters aged out over 6 years ago, but he didn’t because of his love of the game and sheer joy in witnessing the successes of the athletes, on and off the court.

 

It is his devotion and determination in providing opportunities for young local athletes to learn and play the game of basketball that provided him the opportunity to take on a variety of different coaching positions. Shortly after he began coaching at the elementary level he stepped in as the head coach for the Conemaugh Valley Elementary Girls’ All-Star team for 5 years and was asked to be the head coach of the Conemaugh Valley Junior High Girls’ Basketball team, a position he would hold for over 12 years. A few years later, Pat was also asked to fill the Assistant Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach position, a post he would hold on two different occasions for a total of 7 years.

 

This will be Pat’s 18th year coaching girls’ AAU basketball and his 1st season coaching under the travel basketball club he founded, the Flood City Lightning. He got his start coaching AAU  18 years ago when he was asked to step in as the head coach for his daughter’s team.

 

Throughout his career, Pat has coached over 18 high school 1,000-point scorers. He was the Assistant Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach for the PIAA Class A State Runner-up team, Conemaugh Valley, in 2006. Pat was also the head coach for 4 Keystone State Games Gold medal teams. Pat’s past and present AAU teams have won countless tournaments during his illustrious career.

 

Pat graduated from Forest Hills High School where he played on the Varsity Boys’ Basketball team for 2 years. As a senior he was selected to the March of Dimes All Star Team and participated in the senior showcase All-Star game for his final outing as a Forest Hills Ranger. If you have time, make sure you ask to hear the 'Pat Gruss Story'.