​When you're as big a Penguins fan as our friend Michael, there's no place you'd rather be on a Thursday evening than cheering on the Pens as they defeat the Detroit Red Wings 4-1. 

With an interest in sports broadcasting, it was a special evening for Michael when he received the invitation to attend a Penguins game as the special guest of Pens broadcaster, Steve Mears. 

Michael and his dad received two tickets to the game, as well as a behind the scenes look at the broadcasting booth, and a view into the world of professional sports broadcasting. Michael toured the booth with Steve, asked questions, and learned a bit about what it's like to work in pro hockey. Michael was surprised that Steve has so much homework to do before each game, although he said he "didn't think his homework was so hard because it was about something so fun"-- when you love what you do, "work" doesn't feel so much like work.

Michael had a great time meeting Steve Mears. He was really impressed by Steve's broadcasting set up and enjoyed learning about a field that interests him as a career.  His favorite part of the evening was getting to watch the game from his amazing seats in The Club.  Michael said Steve definitely has the best seats in the house!

Tuesday was a gorgeous night for a ball game and an exciting day​ for CCChampions kids Austin and Sean! When asked if we knew anyone that would want to throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Pirates game, we knew just who to call. 

Two-time champion over cancer, Austin, threw the first pitch of the game to fellow cancer defeater and close friend, Sean. Cool, calm, and collected, the boys didn't bat an eye at the pressure of being in front of thousands of people. They have been through much tougher situations together. 

After a flawless first pitch, the boys, along with Austin's grandmother and Sean's dad, got to enjoy the game from incredible seats in the Lexus Club, while the rest of the families and CCChampions friends watched from the stands, complimentary or AT&T SportsNet. 

​We even managed to get our hands on a foul ball! 

Austin and Sean are both alumni of the CCChampions program. Austin, who wants to be a star athlete, was matched with the Carlow men's basketball team. Sean, who wants to be a sports broadcaster, was matched with the Pirates own broadcaster Joe Block.
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Austin and Sean were featured in an article by Noah Hill. Check out his story here! 

And a special thank you to AT&T SportsNet for making this experience possible!

When we were planning the 3rd annual Night of Inspiration, an idea dawned on us. What if we asked Sean to emcee the event?

Sean, a 16-year-old in CCChampions, wants to be a sports broadcaster when he grows up. He couldn't wait to be the voice of the event! We've got walkup songs for all the kids receiving "Inspiration Awards," and Sean will be introducing everyone baseball-style. Please join all the kids and role models in CCChampions on Thursday 9/28 by getting your tickets at www.CCChampions.com/inspiration!

Who's excited??