Memorial Day Weekend Celebrations to Honor Military and Feature the Premier Big 33 High School Football Game on Sunday, May 25 with All-Stars from Pennsylvania and Maryland Plus Buddies and Cheerleaders
WHO/WHAT:
The 40-member Pennsylvania team for the 68th Big 33 Football Classic will be announced during a press conference. The Team Announcement and Roster Release video will be shared on Friday, February 14th at The Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center in Camp Hill, PA at 10:30 a.m. The full PA Football Team roster, along with the PA and MD Cheer Squads will be posted on Big33.org by Noon.
SPEAKERS AT THE BIG 33 TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT INCLUDE:
- Garry Cathell, Executive Director, PSFCA and Big 33
- Nicole Whitmire, Big 33 Director
- PA State Senator Dawn Keefer
- PA State Representative Thomas Kutz
- Cumberland County Commissioners (invited)
- PA Big 33 Coach Matt Ortega, Coatesville HS
- Local Big 33 PA Team Players
- Local Big 33 Cheerleaders & Buddies
- Title Sponsor Renewal by Andersen of Central PA
- The Peyton Walker Foundation
WHEN/WHERE:
Date/Time: Friday, February 14, 10:30 a.m.
Location: Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center, Room: Governor’s B, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill, PA ***Note: Please park at the main hotel (Penn Harris) and enter at the main hotel entrance.
*** (FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES) Following the Big 33 Roster Release Presentation:
Immediately following the Big 33 Roster Release presentation, the PSFCA Executive Board will hold their State of the Union to provide an update on the Association’s initiatives, progress, and plans for the upcoming year. This session will offer attendees a comprehensive overview of the PSFCA’s impact on high school football in Pennsylvania and future goals to continue supporting the community, student-athletes and coaches.
EVENT DETAILS:
The 68th PSFCA Big 33 Football Classic presented by Renewal by Andersen of Central PA will take place on Sunday, May 25 at Cumberland Valley High School’s Chapman Field in Cumberland County, PA. The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. A FREE FanFest, Pre-Game Ceremonies, the Girls Flag Football Championship and Military Recognition will take place prior to the football game. Veterans and Military get FREE admission.
The Big 33 has been a hallmark of high school football excellence since 1957, and this year’s game promises to showcase the top talent from Pennsylvania and Maryland. This classic event, often called the “Super Bowl of High School Football,” continues to be supported by the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association (PSFCA), Cumberland County, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, alongside numerous sponsors.
Additionally, the Titan Threadz PSFCA East/West All-Star Games rosters will be announced in late February on the PSFCA website. These games are scheduled for Sunday, May 18, with the 1-3A Small Schools game at Noon and the 4-6A Big Schools game at 5 p.m.
Garry Cathell, Executive Director of PSFCA and the Big 33 Football Classic, shared, “PSFCA, along with our coaches and the Big 33 staff, is incredibly proud of this year’s exceptional roster of student-athletes, cheerleaders, and buddies who are part of one of the most prestigious games in high school football. We are thrilled to meet and watch these future collegiate stars, who are now part of the Big 33 family. Beyond the high-energy football, we are committed to providing our big-hearted Buddies with special needs a fun and meaningful experience as they team up with players and cheerleaders. Often, lifelong friendships are formed. We invite sports fans of all ages to join us for a weekend filled with military recognition, exciting football, family events, and much more.”
Big 33 Director, Nicole Whitmire, noted, “We are proud of the impact that the Big 33 Football Classic makes, both economically and for our community. This year we will bring well over 10,000 fans to Cumberland County for the Football Classic events, which will again have a positive influence on local businesses. We will offer opportunities for community outreach through our many initiatives, such as: Youth Clinics, Military & Veterans Recognition, Girls Flag Football Tournament and Clothing Drives. We also have our esteemed Buddy Program, the heart of the Big 33, which pairs individuals with special needs with our Big 33 participants. All our events and initiatives would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors and Host Families. A special thank you to Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) for being a major supporter, as well as Renewal by Andersen of Central PA for their support as the Title Sponsor for the Football Classic.”
Some Notable Big 33 Alumni and NFL Greats:
Some well-known Big 33 alumni include Joe Namath, Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, Tony Dorsett, Ricky Waters, Ben Roethlisberger, Kyle Brady, Jordan Hill, and Damar Hamlin. In this year’s Super Bowl, A.J. Woods and Jahan Dotson from the Philadelphia Eagles and Brett Veach, General Manager of the Kansas City Chiefs, are also Big 33 alumni.
The Big 33 Buddy Program pairs youth with special needs with a Big 33 football player or cheerleader. Buddies participate in the halftime routine and enjoy time with their teammates throughout Big 33 weekend. The program also offers year-round special Buddy events, thanks to UPMC.
For more information, visit www.Big33.org or follow the Big 33 on social media:
- Facebook: @Big33FootballClassic
- Instagram: @PFSCABig33FootballClassic
- Twitter: @psfcabig33
Proceeds from the Big 33 Football Classic help support the PSFCA’s programs, including the Big 33 Buddy Program and military appreciation efforts during Memorial Day Weekend.