Shady Side Academy Athlete: Dino Tomlin
School: Shady Side Academy
Sport: Football
Position: Wide Receiver and Cornerback
Class: Senior
Claim To Fame: In his WPIAL football career, he has a total of 37 receptions for 845 yards and 12 touchdowns as a wide receiver. He has offers from colleges such as Duquesne University, The University of Pittsburgh, Howard University, Iowa State University, Yale University and other colleges. Dino is a PIAA champion in the 300 Meter Hurdle and he is the son of Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.
What are the expectations for Shady Side Academy this upcoming football season?
"We want to go undefeated."
Talk about your relationship with your quarterback Skyy Moore.
"One of my best friends... real laid back... We’re similar in the way we look at challenges."
What is the toughest thing to deal with when playing the game of football?
"Officiating and/or the momentum of the game."
How much does Track help you when it comes to playing the game of football?
"It helps conditioning, acceleration, and your top speed. In a breakaway play it becomes easier to take it away."
How fast can you run a mile?
"As fast as I need to."
Do you like the fact that everytime you are on the football field that people expect big things from you?
"It’s been like that since the first time I put the pads on. Everyone has always expected me to be technical or know coverages. Now I have higher expectations for myself."
What is it like playing for coach Chuck DiNardo?
"It’s fun. He looks at challenges much like how Skyy and I do. When I came in after the 0-9 season I gained respect for his determination to change the culture immediately. He’s high energy, competitive, but understanding of the players. He’ll push us, but at the same time help us deal with the nagging pains of the season."
Do you like LeBron James going to play with the Los Angeles Lakers.
"I would’ve been more comfortable with it if he didn’t go to Miami. In football nobody leaves their own team if they’re the best player unless they can’t get paid how they want to. As the best player in the world he could’ve stayed, tried to get Bosh and Wade or whoever on his team and make it happen, much like he did on his second stint. I do respect the idea of him going to LA for business purposes though."
When you go to the mall, what is your favorite store to shop at?
"Pacsun or Nordstrom."
What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?
"Other than training, I have no distinct hobbies. I’m interested in fashion and cuisine, but I don’t cook or design. I spend most of my free time on YouTube or watching Catfish or Shark Tank."