Keisel hosts fishing clinic in Cranberry
CRANBERRY TWP — The weather was perfect Tuesday afternoon as 13 eager children lined the banks of Graham Park fishing pond to cast a line with a Steelers legend.
Field and Stream hosted a youth fishing clinic with former Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel to grow their love of fishing and the outdoors, said Colleen Wilson, community and corporate relations manager. The clinic was open to children ages 8-13.
“Fishing is a tradition my family taught to me,” Keisel said as he addressed the group. “I love fishing. I hope you kids grow to love it too.”
Each child got a gift bag with lures, including a custom Brett Keisel lure, a package of night crawlers and some one-on-one time with Keisel. The two-time Super Bowl champ made his rounds around the pond, taking photographs, talking tackle and giving angling tips to the youths.
Wilson said it was a great fit pairing with Keisel to share his love of the outdoors and mentor the children. Registration fees from the clinic will go to benefit the Dick's Sporting Goods Foundation.
Anthony DelMastro, 9, got out of school early at Brookline Elementary in the South Hills to make it to the clinic in time. His father, Eric, said they go fishing often and what better chance to combine two of their loves than to fish with Brett Keisel.
“It's really good,” Anthony said of fishing with Keisel.
Kealie Barbiaux signed her 9-year-old daughter, JoJo, up for the clinic after seeing it advertised online. Barbiaux said her husband, Dan, takes JoJo fishing all the time. JoJo could barely be pulled away from the pond to spend time with the Steelers great when Keisel got to her spot on the bank.
“She's got the patience,” Barbiaux said. “She loves it.”
