http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/
FROM KEITH GROLLER
So very sad to hear about the passing of Pocono Mountain East quarterback Steven Dienno, who was one of the kids involved in the horrific Sept. 24 crash that also critically injured teammate Justin Bullock.
Various media and Facebook reports said he died late Friday night.
Information was limited over the six weeks and three days that Dienno valiantly fought for his life in a Lehigh Valley hospital, but we do know Cardinals football coach Phil Dorn made daily trips to check on his players and the entire Pocono Mountain East community rallied around these families.
And really that's what it's all about. People helping people.
The people in that Swiftwater community rallied together, and today, they are mourning together as is the entire Mountain Valley Conference football community.
At this time of year, we all get wrapped up in who's winning the big game as the district playoffs dominate our thoughts and minds.
Nothing galvanizes an entire community more than a successful high school team, especially in football which has a tendency to bring more people into the mix than most other sports.
As writers, it's our job to cover these games and analyze who won and why. And then move on to preview the next big game.
However, in the back of our minds we should always remember that there are much more important things.
And I believe, for the most part, people do have that proper perspective. The tragedy that happened on Sept. 24 was never forgotten at Pocono Mountain East. There were heavy hearts throughout the course of the football season. People didn't lose perspective even as the games and classes and other activities went on as scheduled.
From all accounts, the students, the faculty, the parents, the administration .... everyone involved ... stayed together and kept their hearts and minds on those kids and did whatever they could to help.
Our hearts go out to the Pocono Mountain East family. As if the last six weeks weren't difficult enough, I am sure the next few days will be excruciating on many levels as the community comes to terms with its loss.
There is some good news to report on Bullock, who was recently transferred to the Good Shepherd Rehab facility.
He may face a long road back to a full recovery and his life may never be the same after going through this tragedy.
But it is wonderful to hear that's he's making progress and he's still with us and hopefully knows how many people truly do care about him and are pulling for him.
Finally, I can't say enough about how strong Dorn was through this entire situation and how strong he'll continue to be in the days ahead. He held his kids, his program together. This took a tremendous toll on him emotionally,and I know he felt like he had to be a father to all of the other kids on his team who were also going through an emotional time.
Just a tremendous job by Dorn, who I believe is one of the rising young stars in coaching. He is a winner in life no matter what the scoreboard may say on a given situation.
We'll pass along more memorial information as it becomes available.
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