WHAT:
Pennsylvania’s 40-member PA Big 33 team for the 68th PSFCA Big 33 Football Classic presented by Renewal by Andersen of Central PA will be honored by State Lawmakers along with this year’s cheerleaders, coaches and buddies at the PA State Capitol in Harrisburg.
***The 2025 Big 33 Honorary Chair will also be announced.
Attending the Celebration:
Garry Cathell, Executive Director, Big 33 and PSFCA
PA Senator Dawn Keefer
PA Senator Scott Martin
PA Representative Thomas Kutz
Other PA State Lawmakers from across the state
Cumberland County Commissioners
PA Big 33 Head Coach Matt Ortega, Coatesville HS
Linda Johnston, Title Sponsor Renewal by Andersen of Central PA
Big 33 PA Team and Big 33 Cheerleaders from across the state
2025 Big 33 Buddy Captains
Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC)
The Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau
Football and Cheer Coaches, Host Families, Sponsors
WHEN/WHERE:
Monday, March 24, 10:30 a.m. / PA STATE CAPITOL, MAIN ROTUNDA, Harrisburg
***Brief Program plus Presentations to Big 33 Players and Cheerleaders attending from across the state along with photos with State Lawmakers.
***To arrange media interviews, please RSVP to Lucy Gnazzo in advance.
“We take great pride in celebrating our exceptional Big 33 student-athletes, cheerleaders, and buddies at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, where they are honored by their state lawmakers and distinguished guests. It is truly a cherished tradition for these young athletes from across the state to become part of the Big 33 Family. We are deeply grateful to Senator Dawn Keefer, her staff, and all legislators leading this special PA Capitol Celebration, recognizing the dedication and extraordinary achievements of these outstanding student-athletes,” said Garry Cathell, Executive Director of PSFCA and the Big 33 Football Classic.
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND:
The Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association (PSFCA) proudly presents the 68th Big 33 Football Classic, presented by Renewal by Andersen of Central PA. This highly anticipated game will take place on Sunday, May 25, at Cumberland Valley High School’s Chapman Field in Cumberland County, PA, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
The day’s events begin with the Big 33 Girls Flag Football Games at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., followed by the 2nd Annual Big 33 Girls Flag Championship Game at 4:00 p.m. Fans can then enjoy a Free Fan Fest from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., featuring exciting activities for all ages and meet Miss Pennsylvania. The Big 33 Pre-Game Ceremonies and Military Recognition will take place at 6:45 p.m., honoring those who have served our country with a very special guest performing The National Anthem. As a token of appreciation, active military members and veterans receive FREE admission to Girls Flag Games, the Big 33 Football Classic and East/West games.
BACKGROUND:
Under the leadership of the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association, Cumberland County, the Commonwealth of PA and various sponsors are partnering to support the PSFCA Big 33 Football Classic presented by Renewal by Andersen. This exciting football match up has been described as “one of the best All-Star High School Football Games in the country” and has chosen a team since 1957. This year’s PA Big 33 Team sponsor is Titanium Fabrication.
Some well-known Big 33 alumni and NFL greats include: Joe Namath, Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, Tony Dorsett, Ricky Waters, Ben Roethlisberger, Kyle Brady, Garry Gilliam, Jordan Hill, and Damar Hamlin. The Big 33 Buddy Program is designed to partner youth with special needs with a Big 33 cheerleader or football player. Cheer buddies participate in the halftime routine. All buddies enjoy time with their players and cheerleaders during Big 33 weekend and participate in year-round special Buddy events, thanks to UPMC.
TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION:
For more information, go to www.big33.org or follow them on Facebook @Big33FootballClassic, Instagram @PFSCABig33FootballClassic or on Twitter @psfcabig33. Money raised from the game helps support all PSFCA Big 33 programs, including the Big 33 Buddy Program. Proceeds also assist in supporting Big 33 Girls Flag Football and military appreciation aspects of the Memorial Day Weekend. Big 33 PA and MD Players will stay with host families again this year. Any potential host families or Buddies or interested sponsors can contact Nicole Whitmire at [email protected].
The Titan Threadz PSFCA East/West All-Star Games will take place on Sunday, May 18 (1-3A Small Schools Noon / 4-6A Big Schools 5 p.m.) at Cumberland Valley High School Chapman Field.