Updates on two other summer stories

Two more stories we followed this summer took significant steps forward Wednesday.

1) "It has been a slow process with a few detours, but the campaign to raise money for a Chuck Bednarik statue at Franklin Field is finally coming together," CSNPhilly.com's football guru Ray Didinger wrote this morning. Didinger also wrote that former Eagles coach Dick Vermeil is leading the effort, along with a few of Concrete Charlie's former Eagles teammates. The group is still looking for contributions toward the statue, which Cal discussed in June, and checks can be made to Don Snyder, Director of Development Services, Weightman Hall, 235 S. 33rd Street, Philadelphia, 19104 -- payable to the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania with "For Bednarik Statue Fund" in the memo line. The Quakers and Eagles legend from the '40s, '50s and '60s certainly deserves it.

2) Penn grad Paul Cusick made his debut for the Single-A Williamsport Crosscutters last night, throwing a scoreless eighth inning with one hit allowed and one strikeout in a 4-2 victory. The righthander was called up from the Gulf Coast League last week after posting a 4.14 ERA in 37 innings for the Phillies' Rookie Level squad. The promotion itself was a good sign for the Phillies' 29th round draft pick, but continued success in Williamsport could help him catch a few eyes before the minor-league seasons end.