The combination of timing and talent turned Adam Breneman into a Penn State hero nearly a year before he’d actually arrive.
It was Breneman, arguably the nation’s top tight end recruit, who pledged to play at Penn State and for new coach Bill O’Brien last March and then stayed solid through the turmoil of the NCAA sanctions.
Meanwhile, he became a part of something even more important.
Adam Breneman, left, and Tom Kirchhoff talk about their football days at Cedar Cliff High and of Kirchhoff’s battle with ALS.
The recent Cedar Cliff High senior took on a massive fundraising project against a terminal disease and developed a friendship with the man who inspired him.
The biggest twist? That was how ALS patient Tom Kirchhoff ended up helping Breneman through his own trials last summer.
And that’s only the beginning of this football story.
Before Breneman heads to Penn State next month, we hung out with him and Kirchhoff to see how all of this truly came together.
Make sure to check out our stories and photos Sunday at www.ydr.com.
In the meantime, check out Breneman’s fundraising efforts at his web site.
Nittany Nation is the place to go for the latest news and rumblings about the Penn State football program. Our team of contributors, led by longtime Nittany Lion beat reporter Frank Bodani, will offer perspectives and insight on PSU from the present and past, along with coverage of York County's unique connections to Penn State football.
