FOUR CITY-BASED ATHLETES SELECTED TO PLAY IN THE ‘BIG 33 CLASSIC’ FOOTBALL GAME
Harrisburg, PA – Mayor Stephen R. Reed today honored four high school football players from City-based high schools, each of whom was selected to play in this year’s 51st Annual Big 33 Classic football game.
Mayor Reed also presented each of the four players – Joshua Potts, Adrian Robinson, and Brandon Ware, all of Harrisburg High School, as well as Mike Jones of Bishop McDevitt – with the Mayor’s Certificate of Commendation for their athletic achievements.
"We are pleased to honor each of these athletes for their accomplishments this year," said Reed. "To have four players selected to play in the Big 33 football game, all of whom attend high school within the City of Harrisburg, is a truly outstanding feat. We congratulate each of the players for their successes."
Reed said among the four players selected is Joshua Potts, a 6’ tall, 175 pound defensive back who plays for Harrisburg High School. Potts was coached by Head Coach George Chaump and is a successful track star, as well. Potts is an Honor Student and is near the top of his graduating class. He has not yet committed to play for a particular college or university.
The Mayor also said Adrian Robinson, a 6’2’’, 225 pound defensive end who also plays for Harrisburg High School, was selected to the Big 33 team. Robinson was coached by George Chaump and is considered to be a very physical and disciplined defender. Robinson has not yet committed to play for a particular college or university, though he did visit the University of Pittsburgh last week.
Reed said Brandon Ware, also from Harrisburg High School, is a 6’5’’, 340 pound offensive and defensive lineman who also made the Big 33 team. Ware was coached by George Chaump and has been deemed one of the best run-stoppers in Pennsylvania. Ware has not yet committed to play for a particular college or university, though he plans to visit Penn State University in the coming weeks.
The Mayor said Mike Jones, a 6’1’’, 225 pound Bishop McDevitt High School running back, is the fourth player to be selected to the team. Jones was coached by Jeff Weachter and is one of the most talented and highly-sought-after senior running backs in Pennsylvania. Jones has not yet committed to play for a particular college or university, though a number of high-profile universities have shown interest in recruiting him.
"Each of these young men has distinguished himself on and off the football field and is amongst the best of the best in our Commonwealth and the nation. We are proud of their achievements and want for each of them a life of high success and good health," said Reed.
The Big 33 Classic, played since 1957, pits the best high school seniors from Pennsylvania against those from neighboring Ohio. The top 34 players from each state are chosen to play in the game, which draws national attention and scouting. As the Big 33 talent level is quite high, many players eventually make it to the National Football League (NFL) after successful National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 college play.
The Big 33 Scholarship Foundation has provided 3,288 academic scholarships to college-bound students since its inception. In 2007, the Big 33 awarded more than $295,000.00 in academic scholarships to deserving students.
This year’s Big 33 Classic will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. at HersheyPark Stadium in Hershey, PA.
For more information on the Big 33 Classic football game, visit the Big 33 website at www.big33.org or call (717) 774-3303.
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