JOHNSTOWN — Pittsburgh Steelers great and decorated Vietnam War veteran Rocky Bleier talked about the importance that athletics has in shaping lives and that if one doesn’t give up, any goal can be achieved.
Bleier was the keynote speaker at the premiere of the Blue and Gold Gala on Friday night at Pitt-Johns-town’s Sports Center. More than 300 people attended the event, designed to celebrate the achievements of the university’s athletic programs and to raise money for athletic scholarships.
Bleier’s motivational speech focused on not giving up and taking advantage of every opportunity.
He talked about how shortly after he was drafted by the Steelers, the Army drafted him. While serving during the Vietnam War, he was wounded. While recovering in a hospital, he was inspired by a fellow soldier who was wounded much more seriously than he, but still maintained a positive attitude.
While recovering, he asked his doctor if he would be able to play football again. The doctor told him that with the leg wounds he suffered, that was not possible.
Bleier said he was not going to give up and eventually earned a starting position in the Steelers’ backfield.
“We have two choices in life,” Bleier said. “One is to become the best we can be. The second is to be less.
“Why not make the right choice and reach our fullest potential.”
Kristen Kelly, a senior at Pitt-Johnstown and a member of the women’s soccer team, said she enjoyed Bleier’s speech.
She said it was nice to see the university start the gala to raise money for scholarships and will be supporting the event again next year.
Carmen DiLoreto of Davidsville said Bleier’s speech was inspirational.
Mike Corcetii of Murrysville and Mark Glova, both former wrestlers for Pitt-Johnstown, enjoyed Bleier’s speech.
Glova, a graduate of Cambria Heights High School, said it was nice to hear a motivational speech from such an icon.
Kevin Grady, university police chief, said Bleier endured plenty of hardships in life but with unending desire was able to go on to win four Super Bowls.
Cambria County Commissioner Bill Harris said Bleier’s story was honest, real and full of determination.
University President Jem Spectar said Bleier was phenomenal.
Bleier’s speech was moving and inspirational, he said.
Local News
‘Make the right choice,’ Bleier urges UPJ audience
- Local News
-
-
Route 219 work gets green light
The federal Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday issued the permit needed to allow work to begin on the 11-mile stretch of four-lane limited access highway from Somerset to Meyersdale.
-
Rewards offered in death of eagle
The Pennsylvania Game Commission and The Humane Society of the United States are offering rewards totaling more than $5,000 for information about the killing of a mature bald eagle in northern Cambria County.
-
Mayoral candidates will run unopposed in fall election
The results are in – although unofficial until a few weeks from now – and at least two positions will changes hands in Somerset County come fall.
-
State makes a new bid to privatize prison jobs
The Department of Corrections is considering whether to privatize mental health care in the state prison system, a move that would eliminate the jobs of 187 prison employees across Pennsylvania.
-
Panel is addressing needs of homeless
A new community-based organization is expected to soon be in place to assist the area’s homeless population.
Currently, people can find temporary lodging at The Salvation Army, located on Vine Street in downtown Johnstown. -
Authorities are investigating two church burglaries
Jackson Township police are investigating two church burglaries that occurred sometime Sunday evening.
-
District lacks cash but says it won’t hike taxes
Despite a revenue shortfall that likely will top $400,000, property owners in the Northern Cambria School District will not see their taxes go up this year.
-
Valley directors approve $200G for IT upgrade
In the midst of constructing a $13 million elementary school, Conemaugh Valley school board has not forgotten its older students.
-
Cambria GOP will introduce new director
A recent Pitt-Johnstown graduate with experience working on election campaigns and fundraising will be introduced today as the executive director of the Cambria County Republican Committee.
-
Spruce-up set for vets park
Some beautification touches are expected to be made to the Cambria County War Memorial Arena’s Veterans Memorial Park between now and the middle of June.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Route 219 work gets green light



