Funeral held for Lincoln athlete who died after practice

Hundreds of people gathered in Lincoln to mourn the death of a Pius X football player who collapsed and died after a workout.

John Liescheski’s football jersey was laid on the altar of St. Joseph Church for Wednesday’s service. One young man in attendance had shaved Liescheski’s number — 59 — on the back of his head.

The 17-year-old Liescheski was a 215-pound junior offensive lineman. He collapsed after running a 30-yard sprint during a May 15 workout. He was taken to BryanLGH Medical Center East, where he died.

A cause of death has not been determined.