'Brian's Song' remake memorializes alumnus
By Tom Clark
Assistant News Editor

A newly remade version of Brian’s Song will be shown as part of the “Wonderful World of Disney” program on Dec. 2.

The new film, based upon the 1971 Emmy Award-winning television movie, recaptures the inspirational life of Demon Deacon and Chicago Bears football player Brian Piccolo and his friendship with teammate Gale Sayers. The movie recounts their relationship as it evolved from roommates to respected rivals, and finally, to best friends until Piccolo’s premature death to cancer at age 26.

When Piccolo and Sayers first met at the Chicago Bears training camp in the ‘60s, the two rookies could not have been more different. Sayers, reticent and quiet, was a natural athlete destined for greatness while Piccolo, carefree yet driven, was determined to achieve success on the football field.

Brian’s Song relives their friendship, which ultimately set a precedent for racial equality in the world of sports.

Sean Maher, most recently cast in Fox’s The $treet, stars as Brian Piccolo. Other cast members include Mekhi Phifer as Gale Sayers, Emmy-nominated actor Ben Gazzara as coach George Halas who brought the two teammates together, Paula Cale as Joy Piccolo, and Elise Neal as Linda Sayers.

“I hope that the movie is as good as the first one. Anytime we can tell the story of Brian Piccolo and get the story out to new people is great. He was not only a talented athlete but a great person as well,” associate athletic director of sports marketing Craig Keilitz said.

Established in 1980, the Brian Piccolo Cancer Fund was initiated to involve the entire campus community in a joint effort to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

In response to the remaking of Brian’s Song, the Brian Piccolo Drive Committee plans to show the movie on campus next semester to commemorate Piccolo’s memory and to heighten awareness for the Cancer Fund Drive.

Andrew Power, the co-chair of the Piccolo Drive Committee, said, “In the 22nd anniversary of the Brian Piccolo Cancer Fund Drive, students continue their creative fundraising efforts with more devotion than ever. The remaking of Brian’s Song is an excellent opportunity to revisit the story that has inspired students to actively participate in this cause. It is not only a chance to remember Brian Piccolo, but it also provide a greater national awareness of the horrible disease that claimed his life.”

Brian’s Song will air on ABC at 7 p.m. on Sunday.