Creighton Mourns Passing of Steve Pivovar

Creighton Athletics lost a friend on Wednesday with the passing of Steve Pivovar. Pivovar was a writer with the Omaha World-Herald who covered Creighton Athletics among his many responsibilities with the newspaper. Below are some thoughts on "Piv" from many of those at Creighton he worked closest with.

"Steve Pivovar was a man with great talents, a strong passion for his job and life, and outstanding character—this is an exceedingly rare trifecta. Above all else he was a great husband, father and friend. Our continued thoughts and prayers are with Sue and the family."
-Bruce Rasmussen, Creighton Athletic Director

"A great man, a genuine man and a tremendous friend. I'll miss everything about him but his humor, his sarcasm, his love for his family, his passion for baseball and his dedication to his profession are what I'll miss most. Piv was as old school as they come, which was always refreshing to me, and he didn't have a phony bone in his body. We lost an original today. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, his wife Sue, and his three children."
-Kevin Sarver, Creighton Associate Athletic Director

"I loved working with Piv. I looked forward to the times when he would come to campus to talk. Even when he wasn't doing an article on our team, I loved to talk to him when I saw him on campus. I enjoyed his sense of humor, his perspective, and his willingness to talk about his family or ask me about mine. I always found him genuine, and we often sat and talked for several minutes both before and after he turned off his tape recorder. I knew Piv for close to 25 years. We laughed a lot together, and I truly enjoyed sharing our love of sports through our conversations. I thought the world of him as both a person and a professional.

"I was rocked when I first heard of his cancer diagnosis, and I'm really sad today. My heart goes out to Sue and the kids and grandkids. I know Piv loved his family and was a committed husband, father and grandfather. I hurt for his family, and I hurt for Creighton. I considered him, and I know many others did too, a part of the Creighton family. We are richer for having had Piv around our programs, but today is a tough day. In saying that, I am aware of and thankful for the strength of Piv's faith and the faith and strength of his family. That is what will carry his family and all of his friends thru this."
-Jim Flanery, Creighton Women's Basketball coach

"Steve Pivovar was a true professional in every sense of the word. While he was supposed to remain "neutral" to adequately cover the teams he was assigned, his true care for the athletes and coaches he worked with was evident. It is a sad day for everyone involved in Creighton basketball, past and present, as we have lost a great friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his wonderful wife Sue and his three children."
-Greg McDermott, Creighton Men's Basketball coach

"Steve Pivovar was a great writer and even better person who treated our athletes and coaches in a first-class and fair manner. The man literally wrote the book on Creighton Basketball, as well as another on the history of Rosenblatt Stadium, and no one was more of an expert on the College World Series than the man that everyone called 'Piv'. He will be missed greatly. My thoughts are with his family."
-Rob Anderson, Sports Information Director

"I'll always remember and cherish the conversations we had about our families. His daughter Shannon worked with our team for two years as the sports information director. We'd often talk about her goals to pursue a career in coaching. Steve was a not only a great writer, but he was a very genuine person. Myself as well as the players held great respect for him, but more than that we enjoyed talking with him. We're going to miss Steve a great deal."
-Ed Servais, Creighton Baseball coach

"Steve was part of the family. I always remember him fondly when he was coming here around the corner with a big smile on his face, win or lose, he had that smirk always. It was so good to talk to him, and he was always there for us. He was a tremendous reporter. I have a ton of respect for him and I really miss him."
-Elmar Bolowich, Creighton Men's Soccer coach

Thanks for everything Piv..will always cherish the moments talking life and Jays hoops with you..The Creighton & Omaha family will miss you
— Doug McDermott (@dougmcdermott) August 10, 2016

I have great memories of Steve Pivovar covering @gocreighton. He will be greatly missed. RIP Piv
— Ethan Finlay (@EthanFinlay13) August 10, 2016

rest easy, piv. fighters deserve a good rest. Appreciate everything you've done in my short time at Creighton. CUMBB gained an angel????
— Maurice Watson Jr. (@mauricewatsonjr) August 10, 2016

Lost a great man way too soon today. RIP Pivvy. Thoughts and prayers to the Pivovar family and his OWH family. #Piv pic.twitter.com/CPKIxVOYbD
— Kevin Sarver (@KASarver) August 10, 2016

We lost a true friend today. Steve Pivovar was a true pro. We will miss his sense of humor and genuine love for life. #RIPPIV
— Coach McDermott (@cucoachmac) August 10, 2016

Steve Pivovar was a great advocate and friend of Creighton Athletics. He was a true pro. My thoughts & prayers are with his family. #RIPPiv
— Michael Murakami (@MichaelMurakami) August 10, 2016

Heartbroken about Piv...He was a friend and a true professional. No one better! Going to miss you around Creighton, Piv.
— Carli Tritz (@CarliTritz) August 10, 2016

Thinking about you Piv. Rest easy #cancersucks pic.twitter.com/WjoIWoWCWf
— Danny Woodrow (@d_woodrow789) August 11, 2016

Nobody was better suited for his job than Steve Pivovar. Loved our interactions. Hope I absorbed some of his wisdom. God be with you, Piv.
— John Bishop (@JohnBishop71) August 10, 2016

RIP Piv. Thanks for everything you have done for CU baseball and CU athletics! Always a part of the Creighton family.
— Nicky Lopez (@nick3lopez) August 10, 2016

Thank you Piv for all you did, it was always a joy to talk with you and have you around! #RIPPIV
— Marissa Janning (@M_Janning) August 10, 2016

Very sad to hear about the passing of Steve Pivovar. A great man with a lot of passion for his job. Prayers be with you! #RIPPIV
— Fabian Herbers (@fherbers9393) August 10, 2016

Players Mentioned

Fabian Herbers

Marissa Janning

Nicky Lopez

Maurice Watson Jr.

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