Visit with Steelers good omen for teen

By TOM LAVIS
The Tribune-Democrat

February 06, 2006 03:35 pm

— Some people may think that Friday the 13th is an unlucky day, but nothing could be further from the truth, says 15-year-old Courtney Rummell.
Courtney, a sophomore at Conemaugh Township Area High School, Davidsville, and her family spent Jan. 13 with the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to the team’s departure for a playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts.
“That was one of my better days,” said Courtney, who has been diagnosed with an inoperable tumor.
“It seems like a big blur. They all asked me how I was doing?”
For a few hours, her illness took a backseat to the excitement of visiting the Steelers at their indoor practice facility on Pittsburgh’s South Side.
Courtney is the daughter of Jim and Anita Rummell, who live along Route 985 near Benscreek in Conemaugh Township, Somerset County.
Also enjoying the day were Courtney’s 10-year-old sister, Cara, and a neighbor and friend, 14-year-old Amanda Griffith.
Courtney’s father, a technician at Central Orthotic and Prosthetic Co. Inc., 725 Franklin St. in the Kernville section of Johnstown, served as photographer and captured all the meetings for posterity.
From Steelers’ patriarch Dan Rooney to Courtney’s favorite player, strong safety Troy Polamalu, Courtney secured autographs and posed with each player as he left the facility.
“I was wearing a Troy Polamalu jersey, number 43, and he signed it,” said Courtney, barely able to control her excitement.
Coming in a close second among Courtney’s favorite players is Jerome Bettis, who took time to chat with the family.
Courtney was surprised to find that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was bashful.
“I would describe him as a little shy, even though he doesn’t come across that way on television,” Courtney said.
“They all took time to stop and say hello,” Anita Rummell said. “Courtney was excited when Troy walked over and signed a ball.”
Courtney collected more than 50 signatures, including that of linebacker Joey Porter. Porter was one of three players who stayed in the training room after practice for medical treatments.
“Someone took the ball into the training room, and they signed it,” Courtney said. “I even got to sit in coach (Bill) Cowher’s chair in his private office.”
The trip was arranged by area businessmen who were aware of Courtney’s condition and have contacts at the Steelers’ offices.
Anita Rummell works as a travel agent and got to know many of the business people on a personal basis.
“They even arranged for a limousine to take us to Pittsburgh,” Anita said.
The autographed football, an authentic NFL game ball, is displayed in a plastic case in the family’s living room.
Little did Courtney know at the time that she would be the proud owner of a football signed by the Super Bowl XL champions.
Friday the 13th was a good day.

Tom Lavis can be reached at 532-5054 or tlavis@tribdem.com.

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