June 19, 2003

The Seventh Annual Bishop's Dinner for Catholic Education, an initiative of the Catholic School Foundation of the Diocese of Sioux City, will showcase one of America's greatest stories of personal triumph. Rocky Bleier, a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War and a key member of the four-time Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers, will be the featured guest at the Oct. 19 dinner.

This year the dinner, the major fundraiser for the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Sioux City, will be held at the Sioux City Convention Center.

Dr. Ken and Debbie McCalla, the chairpersons of the 2003 dinner, say the selection of the former Notre Dame and Steeler star is a great choice for the event.

"Rocky Bleier is a product of Catholic schools and his life experiences are filled with stories of faith," said Debbie McCalla. "We look forward to hearing his strong endorsement of the faith-based education he received in Catholic schools and the impact it had on his life."

Rocky Bleier was born in Appleton, Wisc. and graduated from Xavier High School in that community. In 1968, he graduated with a degree in business management from the University of Notre Dame. During this senior year, he served as team captain of the Irish squad that won the national championship. Bleier was not picked in the NFL draft until the 16th round, however he made the opening day roster of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Toward the end of his rookie season, he was drafted again, this time by the U. S. Army. Bleier was sent to Vietnam and suffered severe rifle and grenade wounds when his platoon ran into an ambush. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service to his country.

Upon his return from Vietnam, the combat veteran spent time on the injured reserve list as he attempted to make a comeback. In 1971, Bleier made Pittsburgh's taxi squad and saw action in six games. In 1972-73 he played primarily on special teams. But in 1974, Bleier won the job as the team's starting fullback and remained in that position until his retirement following the 1980 season. His first year as a starter was also the year that the Steelers began their unprecedented run of four Super Bowl championships in six seasons.

Although he didn't put up Hall of Fame numbers, Bleier's efforts helped the careers of Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris and Mike Webster, all of who are enshrined in Canton, Ohio.

Previous keynote speakers at the Bishop's Dinners include Lou Holtz, Tommy Lasorda and Ambassador Jim Nicholson.

Tickets for the 7th Annual Bishop's Dinner for Catholic Education are priced at $125 per person and will go on sale in late summer. For more information, contact the diocesan office of development at (712) 233-7524.