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
Related Photos
-
Former Steelers running back Rocky Bleier shows off his Super Bowl rings for ex-Steeler Carlton Haselrig (center) and UPJ athletic director and wrestling coach Pat Pecora at UPJ’s Blue and Gold Gala Friday night at the Sports Center. Clyde Williams/For The Tribune-Democrat
Discussion
‘Make the right choice,’ Bleier urges UPJ audience
- Local News
-
-
Disaster prep goes digital: Technology aids alerts, response
Caitria O’Neill remembers her reaction to hearing tornado warnings on June 1, 2011. She went to the grocery store, she said, “because I live in Massachusetts, and we don’t get tornadoes.”
-
Traditional help still a vital tool
Although social media and the Internet can be useful during emergencies, the traditional Emergency Alert System along with well-trained emergency responders using the latest technology and neighbors helping neighbors remain the best ways to handle emergencies, local officials said.
-
Warning signs, advice for storms
The executive director of the Cambria County Department of Emergency Services believes emergency preparedness saved many lives when a devastating tornado struck Moore, Okla., on Monday.
-
Special ed rates probed
A state lawmaker has proposed that all special education services for cyber school students be funneled through the state’s regional educational intermediate units.
-
Visitors glimpse life at time of 1889 Flood
The Johnstown Flood National Memorial and Friends of the Johnstown Flood National Memorial held an open house Saturday at the South Fork Fishing & Hunting Clubhouse to commemorate the 124th anniversary of the 1889 Johnstown Flood.
-
MICHELE M. BENDER | Pearl’s ident-kitty theft
I love my name, Pearl. My human, Denise, bloomed as a ’60s flower child. She could have called me “Moonglow,” “Chablis” or (gag) “Snowball.”
-
Blood Services honors several from region
Two local high schools, two businesses and a health-care worker were honored recently at the annual meeting of the American Red Cross Blood Services Greater Alleghenies Region in Morgantown, W.Va.
-
Law gives free clinics a boost
Gov. Tom Corbett has signed into law a bill that would provide $4 million to provide grants for community health clinics, with at least 70 percent of that money directed to the state’s smallest counties.
-
In brief: Motorcyclist hurt in wreck
A Seward motorcyclist was injured in a motorcycle-car accident just after 3 p.m. Saturday on Purple Heart Trail near Elton Road in Richland Township.
- District Deaths May 26, 2013
- More Local News Headlines
-
Raw: Train Derails After Overpass Collapse
Raw: Rescues From San Antonio Flooding
Raw: French Soldier Stabbed in Throat Near Paris
Mayor: Person Killed in San Antonio Flooding
Raw: Apple 1 Computer Sells for More Than $650k
Hagel Urges Cadets to End Scourge of Sex Assault
Raw: Gay Rights Activists March in Ukraine
Bus Fire Kills 16 Children, Teacher in Pakistan
Raw: Pakistan Election Results Protested
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
