Cal U mourns loss of Jamain Stephens
By the Mon Valley Independent
The Cal U community is mourning the loss of a member of the university’s football team.
Jamain Stephens, a business administration major and a senior defensive lineman for the Vulcans, passed away Tuesday, the university confirmed.
He was 21 years old.
“Jamain was such a wonderful student with a smile on his face every time you saw him,” athletic director Dr. Karen Hjerpe said. “His personality was contagious and he made such a positive impact on everyone he met.”
According to a statement posted on Central Catholic High School’s Facebook page, Stephens died “after suffering from complications of COVID-19.”
Stephens was a 2017 Central Catholic graduate.
Known to many as “Juice,” Stephens appeared in 32 games for the Cal U football program from 2017-19. He was an all-conference defensive lineman at Central Catholic and was a member of the state championship team during his junior year.
“Jamain had an impact on everyone he came in contact with,” Cal U head coach Gary Dunn said via Twitter. “He was a great teammate and better person. Vulcan Football will always remember Juice. Our prayers go out to his family, friends and teammates.”
A number of coaches, teammates and friends posted tributes to Stephens on social media.
“You didn’t have to know Juice long to love him!” said Jawan Turner, a former Cal U player and current assistant coach with the Vulcans. “He was one who loved and cared with passion! We will miss you big fella.”
The Cal U Student Athlete Advisory Committee said, “There aren’t enough words to describe what this man meant to so many of us. Truly one of the very best, taken way too soon. Our hearts go out to Juice’s family and all of Vulcan Nation who is hurting right now. We will carry your heart and soul with us in all that we do.”
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