Football great Spielman coming to NPAC

I know it may seem a little strange to talk football in a column called “Music in Van Wert,” but it is a story of inspiration we are proud to present at the Niswonger. Chris Spielman, one of Ohio State’s finest linebackers of all time (elected to the College Football Hall of Fame) and four-time NFL Pro Bowler with the Detroit Lions, will be speaking at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on Monday, September 28, at 7:30 p.m.

Outside his enormous accomplishments on the football field, Chris is an all-pro person. His story of courage and inspiration actually centers on the story of his wife’s courageous fight with breast cancer. Stephanie and Chris married following Chris’ graduation in 1988 from The Ohio State University. They were raising four children when Stephanie was diagnosed with breast cancer. It would take five times before Stephanie finally succumbed to cancer in 2009.

The story of their fight with cancer took many turns, including Chris actually taking a leave from the NFL in 1998 to help Stephanie and the family fight and cope with this dreaded disease. Chris’s story and the many challenges that took place is what he will be sharing with our audience on September 28.  The book, That’s Why I’m Here, tells the story of Chris and Stephanie Spielman. In the book, you will discover the courage and strength they pulled from their faith in God. You will have the chance to get a copy of this story as Chris plans on bringing some books with him to Van Wert for sale following his talk and Q & A period.

Few professional athletes would take a leave from their profession for an entire year to take care of their spouse. When Chris left the Buffalo Bills in 1998, he was at the top of his game. He had been selected to four Pro Bowls with the Lions and had just set a team record for tackles with the Bills.  I remember the media attention he received for making this courageous decision. Unfortunately, when he returned the following year, he experienced a neck injury while trying to make a comeback with the Cleveland Browns.

Chris is still the all-time leader of the Detroit Lions in tackles. He now is a college football announcer during the weekends for ESPN and just last weekend announced the Michigan football game. During the week, he takes occasional speaking engagements like ours to tell the story of the love of his life, Stephanie, and their courageous fight with breast cancer.

Chris started the Stephanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer.

We are extremely thankful for Dale and Sarah Burden who made us aware of Spielman and the story of fighting this disease. They are helping sponsor the event. Lee Kinstle GM Sales and Service is also helping bring this to the Niswonger, as well as The Ohio State University Alumni Association of Paulding and Van Wert Counties, Williamson Insurance, Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative, US Bank of Van Wert and Convoy, Walmart, Dark Horse Productions, and 1150 WIMA. Radio sportscaster and personality Vince Koza will be interviewing Chris that day.

It will be a very special day of inspiration. I kind of think there may even be a few football stories as well.  It will be interesting to hear Chris’ ideas of this year’s Buckeye football team’s chances of repeating as National Champions. Tickets are available at the box office the day of the event and online and in advance at the Niswonger Box Office. Tickets range from $10-$25.

Not to be outdone, our season kicks off this Sunday night with 2011 “American Idol” winner and Country music star Scotty McCreery. Although the show is nearly sold out, you might show up Sunday night to see if some seats are released for sale from performer holds. We are expecting a huge crowd and many fans from all over the country will emerge on Van Wert’s Niswonger Performing Arts Center.

The excitement is building as we “Color Your World with Entertainment and Inspiration” this season at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center!

FINÉ.