My story was disappearing behind a curtain. I had to do something.

Dec. 21, 2003.

Marty Schottenheimer, who died at age 77 a few days ago, had his San Diego Chargers in town to play the Steelers that day at Heinz Field.

Schottenheimer was a favorite of retired Butler athletic director Ed Hepe, who coached him in three sports at Fort Cherry High School. Schottenheimer played on a basketball team there that won the state championship in 1961.

Since Hepe spoke in glowing terms about their relationship, I saw this as an opportunity to get an interview with Schottenheimer and learn about their friendship from his side of things.

So I made the trip to Heinz Field — solely for that purpose.

The Chargers took a 40-24 loss at the hands of the Steelers that day, falling to 3-12 on the season. Needless to say, Schottenheimer’s postgame press conference was quick, terse and to the point.

A wall-to-wall curtain hung behind the podium where Schottenheimer spoke from. He abruptly answered his final question, turned, and walked behind the curtain before I had a chance to ask any questions about Hepe.

I was desperate. I was losing my story.

So all I could think to do was yell ...

“Ed Hepe!”

What few reporters who were in that room were on their way out. Most of the media members were talking with Bill Cowher at the Steelers press conference down the hall.

Schottenheimer poked his head through the curtain.

“Did somebody say Ed Hepe’s name?” he asked, looking directly at me.

I think I was the only one left in the room.

“Yeah, Coach, that was me. I work for the Butler Eagle and I ...”

“Butler?,” Schottenheimer cut me off. “Do you know Ed Hepe?”

“Sure. I’ve talked to him a few times.”

Schottenheimer came back into the room, told me to have a seat and sat down next to me.

“I never lost track of where he was,” Schottenheimer said of Hepe. “The influence he had on my life, I cannot describe.”

This is a guy who was head coach of four NFL teams — San Diego was his final stop — and he always sent Hepe autographed footballs and memorabilia from his various stops in the NFL.

The two communicated regularly.

Hepe died in 2010.

I have little doubt those two have already had some type of reunion.

What I discovered from my visit with Schottenheimer on that day 18 years ago is the bond that can form — and last — between high school coach and athlete.

Marty Schottenheimer — through 200 wins in the NFL and multiple coaching stops at that level — never forgot where he came from.

Ed Hepe was a big reason why.

John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle