A mainstay in Pittsburgh sports, Axelrod began his career with the Post-Gazette in January 1972. For the past 35 years he has covered a wide range of athletic events, including those on the college and professional levels.
Among his career highlights is covering the 1976 national championship University of Pittsburgh football team led by Tony Dorsett and Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino, as well as covering Marino’s entire career with the Panthers. He also spent time in the early 1990s writing about Pittsburgh basketball for the Sporting News and Sport Magazine. Still an integral part of the newspaper’s success, Axelrod’s recent assignments include coverage of the 2007 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club.
For the past 10 years, one of Axelrod’s primary functions at the Post-Gazette has been the district round up, focusing mainly on the local colleges and universities. His generous coverage of PSAC schools and local athletes who have had success at conference institutions has been a staple within the column.
Prior to joining the Post-Gazette, Axelrod served a short stint with the Centre Daily Times in State College, Pa., after graduating from Duquesne University.
Axelrod resides in Pittsburgh with his wife, Sharon, and their son, Josh.
Axelrod joins an impressive list of Heaslip Award recipients who are among the finest media representatives in Pennsylvania.