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LEWISTOWN -- America celebrates champions.
We celebrate champions in all sports at every level from the youngest to the pros. America loves winners. America loves underdogs. America loves the never-say-die attitude that is necessary to win, achieve and survive, whether it applies to a grueling playoff game, a military victory, running a successful business or overcoming obstacles in everyday life. The country was founded on this principle nearly 250 years ago.
Throughout our history, people from diverse backgrounds and upbringings have achieved success in numerous fields, many fueled by obstacles and early failures. Others have overcome physical challenges such as illness or amputation to reach their goal. The Paralympic Games and Special Olympics produce hundreds of inspirational stories of champions each year.
Champions come in all forms. Their narratives are chronicled in literature and film. One specific journey of a true champion is the story of “Rocky” Bleier. Pittsburgh Steelers fans are familiar with the running back who was a part of four Super Bowl-winning teams.
An Appleton, Wisconsin native, Bleier played three seasons of football at Notre Dame before graduating in 1968. He was drafted by the Steelers and later in the same year, by the U.S. Army. He served in the infantry, sustaining several leg wounds while on patrol in South Vietnam. Bleier was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star but was told by doctors his football career was likely over.
Bleier was fighting the odds when he returned to the Steelers in 1970. He was competing for playing time while struggling with his battle-related injuries. He continued to work and he never quit. As the Steelers assembled a roster of talent (including Franco Harris, Terry Bradshaw, Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, Lynn Swann and John Stallworth among others) under Head Coach Chuck Noll, Bleier worked to overcome his limitations. By the mid-1970s, he was a starter in the backfield alongside running mate Harris, and helped the Steelers forge a championship dynasty with four Super Bowl championships.
His Super Bowl rings alone qualify as champion-caliber. What Bleier overcame to achieve his success is a testament to hard work, dedication, sacrifice, mental and physical toughness and the will to keep going. The will of a champion.
Towns and cities can be champions as well. After Hurricane Agnes in 1972 and the disastrous flood that ensued, much of the eastern United States was faced with massive recovery efforts. Central Pennsylvania rebounded. In 1973, Lewistown was recognized as one of 10 All-American Cities in the U.S. by the National Municipal League (now the National Civic League). The "the town that wouldn’t quit" was honored for several achievements including economic recovery and downtown redevelopment.
The recovery of the entire region was emblematic of the spirit and will of residents who refused to lose. In many cases, it involved starting over with homes and businesses. Neighbors helped neighbors and communities rose up to meet the challenge. It's what champions do.
From playing fields to battlefields, from momentous accomplishments to ordinary life, champions emerge. There are many stories to be told.
Enjoy Juniata Valley Magazine 2025.