Monday, August 25, 2008

Roethlisberger Saddened by Challis' Passing

Steelers quarterback BenRoethlisberger met John Challis on May 16th at a Pittsburgh Penguins playoff game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Challis sat in Mario Lemieux's luxury box and got to meet Roethlisberger and Dan Rooney.

The last time Roethlisberger saw Challis was when Challis was at St. Vincent college to watch the Steelers practice at training camp.

“It was tough seeing John at camp,” Roethlisberger said. “When I saw him at the hockey game, he looked good. At training camp, you could tell he was getting worse.”

“But the one thing about John is that he never lost focus on what his point was and what his mission was. He stayed upbeat no matter what and made a lot of people appreciate what they have and to be thankful for every day. It takes a strong kid and a strong person to be able to do the things he did. Even though he was sick, he always managed to bring a smile to your face. It was great to be able to meet him and know him.”

“My heart goes out to his family,” Roethlisberger added. “Our thoughts and prayers have always been with him.”

[information taken from article posted on timesonline.com]

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