Pennsylvania’s top high school athletes were honored by state lawmakers along with this year’s cheerleaders, coaches and buddies on Monday.
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Athletes, coaches and families from across the Commonwealth gathered at the Pennsylvania State Capitol Monday morning to kick off the 69th season for the Big 33 Football Classic.
The annual event honors some of the top high school football players in Pennsylvania before they face Maryland in the nationally recognized all-star game held Memorial Day weekend.
“This will be our third year doing this at the Capitol, and each year it gets more and more exciting,” said Garry Cathell, executive director of the Big 33 and the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association. “We’ve got kids traveling from all over the state to be involved in the activities today, and we’re ready to go.”
The Big 33 roster features some of the best high school athletes in the state, selected through an extensive vetting process. “The best of the best play in this game,” Cathell said. “We really feel that we get 40 of the best players.”
For many players, the Capitol event marks the first time the team meets face-to-face. “A lot of them know each other through recruiting or playing against each other, but it’s funny how fast they’ll come together as a team,” Cathell said.
But organizers say the Big 33 is about more than football.
“This is one of the finest all-star football games in the country,” said Nicole Whitmire, chief operating officer for the organization. “It’s not just a football game.”
Whitmire said the program includes initiatives like the Big 33 Buddy Program, which pairs athletes with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Something that’s really important to us is getting individuals with special needs out in the community and partnering with us,” Whitmire said. “We had about 100 people at the buddy dance Friday night and it was a great time.”
Bishop McDevitt High School senior Liam Fuller echoed Whitmire and said it’s more than just a game.
“I’m very excited about with the buddy program and honoring veterans and just doing a whole bunch of stuff for the community.”
For players like Marcus Yeager of Trinity High School, the recognition is the culmination of years of hard work.
“I’m just blessed and grateful to be a part of such a great event,” Yeager said. “Just knowing the alumni that came through — I’m just blessed.”
Fuller added that the game’s history makes the opportunity even more meaningful.
“You see the history and the names of some of the guys that played,” Fuller said. “Just being able to put my name with those guys is a huge honor.”
The Big 33 Football Classic will take place Sunday, May 24, with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m., following a full day of events including girls’ flag football games and a fan fest.