“The fans got a chance to see their favorite players on the hardwood.
Steeler fans are used to seeing the team on the football field, but on Tuesday, April 4, 2006, the fans got a chance to see their favorite players on the hardwood.”
The Seton Hill University (SHU) community and Greensburg residents packed Salvitti gymnasium to see the Pittsburgh Steeler Footballers take on the SHU squad of faculty, staff and students.
The Steelers topped the SHU squad 65-58, but the sold-out game offered an evening of entertainment for all in attendance.
By Alex Nseir,
Contributor
“The fans got a chance to see their favorite players on the hardwood.
Steeler fans are used to seeing the team on the football field, but on Tuesday, April 4, 2006, the fans got a chance to see their favorite players on the hardwood.
The Seton Hill University (SHU) community and Greensburg residents packed Salvitti gymnasium to see the Pittsburgh Steeler footballers take on the SHU squad of faculty, staff and students.
The Steelers topped the SHU squad 65-58, but the sold-out game offered an evening of entertainment for all in attendance.
“It gives our students a chance to do something different and see something different,” said Kristen Lippencott, who helped organize the event and also coached the SHU team.
The event, in its second year at SHU, benefited the order of Sisters of the Holy Family in New Orleans whose facilities were destroyed by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. A two-thousand dollar check was presented to a representative of the group before the game.
“We lost everything,” the spokeswoman for the order said “we are so appreciative to Seton Hill and the Steelers for their help.”
Tip-off was at 8 p.m. with Steelers James Harrison, Brett Keisel, Lee Mays, Rod Rutherford and Ricardo Colclough, starting against SHU’s Brandon Chaison, Laurence Hogg, Nikki Babik, Mike Katic and Ryann Bradley.
The Steeler’s roster also included former Steeler Louis Lipps, while SHU’s team included Dave Spudy, Jamie Fornsahlio, Julie Hansen, Tim Creamer, Tim Jones, Todd Welsh, Garrett Richards, Meghan Buck, Becky Chambers, Donnie Newhouse, Geoff Atkinson and Mike Zielinski.
The score remained close for most of the first half and was tied 27-27 by the end of the second quarter. Both teams played a relaxed, friendly game as the crowd cheered the home team as well as the Steelers.
Lyzona Marshall, manager of SHU’s e-magnify, and Carole Parker, professor in the business department were among the enthusiastic fans. “We came to be supportive of the cause we’re raising money for and supportive of some of the students we know,” said Marshall.
Others in attendance hoped to see their favorite Steelers in action, but not all players on the roster, which includes Willie Parker, Joey Porter, Troy Polamalu, Deshea Townsend and Hines Ward, were able to be at the game.
“I’m a big Steeler fan,” said freshman Christina Mason, who watched the game. “I do like Lee Mays,” she said.
The Steelers signed autographs at half-time. The SHU Student Representative Program sponsored the event.
Chaison, a senior point guard for the SHU team, commented on playing with the Steelers, “It’s been exciting, really fun. They’re really laid back, nice people.”
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