Dr. Paul Klenowski, known locally as “PK”, is an Ohio County native, an Associate Professor of Criminology at Pennsylvania Western University—California, PA campus, and an ultramarathon runner.
Like many from this close-knit community, he personally felt the devastation at the passing of childhood friend Stevie Myers.
“Stevie was a big brother to me. We played baseball from the time we could walk. We were all neighborhood kids from Bethlehem. Stevie even stood up to my childhood bully,” PK explains.
“PK” has spent the last several years of his life fundraising and running in ultramarathons. An ultramarathon is a long-distance race that surpasses the length of a traditional marathon, or 26.2 miles. “PK” has used running for his own well-being for many years and has raised over $30,000 for causes that have had a direct impact on his life or his loved ones, including running for suicide awareness and pediatric cancer.
On November 15th, starting at 9 am EST, “PK” will again hit the course for another cause: Coach Myers. “PK” plans to embark on a 24-hour race scheduled in Belfrey, KY, called the “Black Gold 24-hour Endurance Challenge.”
He plans to run 24 hours to raise money for the Myers’ scholarship.
All funds donated, per mile or outright donation, will go directly to the Steve Myers Memorial Scholarship. “PK” will be creating Facebook page with a direct link to donate.
“I took the news really hard,” he explained. “I came home, put my running shoes on, and I ran until I couldn’t anymore. Stevie was like a big brother to me growing up in Bethlehem. He was one of a kind, and the world needs more people like him. I will have 24 hours to run as many laps as I can. I just want the scholarship to be able to stand in perpetuity.”
“PK” is a cousin of Wheeling Park High School Boys Basketball Coach, Michael Jebbia. Together, they plan to honor Coach Myers in a culminating event. “PK” will present the check at a hometown basketball scrimmage featuring the kids of both Wheeling Central Catholic and Wheeling Park.
“Mike and I are close cousins, but in a way, Stevie has brought us even closer with the chance to honor him.”
The scrimmage is scheduled for December 9th at WPHS with JV at 5:30 and Varsity at 7. All proceeds are directly benefiting the Coach Steve Myers Memorial Scholarship.
