Three Pennsylvania high school football players highlight the final roster additions for the 44th Big 30 Charities Classic all-star game at Parkway Field.
Johnsonburg’s James Winslow highlights the additions, along with Eisenhower’s John Bortz III and John Hummel and Frewsburg Central’s Hunter Whippo.
New York holds the edge in head-to-head wins over Pennsylvania, 22-19-2, despite the Keystone state winning last year’s contest, 38-20. Proceeds benefit area charities and, to date, $1.6 million has been donated to local causes.
The four additions bring the roster totals to 89 players, with 45 on Pennsylvania’s team and 44 for New York. Practices begin July 20, while press and photo day is set for May 21.
Winslow, a 5-foot-9 fullback-linebacker who played for Ridgway with the two team’s cooperative agreement, is an honor student and two-year letterman in football and wrestling who helped the Elkers to the Class A District 9 championship last fall.
“It will be an awesome experience that will give me a chance to put the pads on one more time and play alongside some off my opponent’s I’ve had to play against for so long,” Winslow said about playing in the Big 30 game.
Winslow’s hobbies include playing guitar and all types of sports as well as lifting weights. A fan of Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Winslow plans to attend the Pennsylvania College of Technology and major in electrical technology.
Bortz III, a 6-foot-1, 220-pound lineman and linebacker, is a three-time all-region selection, a team captain and was Eisenhower’s defensive MVP. Also an honor student, Bortz III is looking forward to playing in “one more game with my teammates and I’m happy to be a part of the charity aspect of the game.”
His most memorable moments on the gridiron include Ike’s game against Seneca when his team came back to win after being down two touchdowns with two minutes to go. He plans to enter prep school for a year and then pursue a career in business marketing or entrepreneurship, as well as lead a life that helps others and without regret.
His hobbies include golfing, training, enjoying nature and spending time with good people.
John Hummel, a 5-foot-10, 205-pound lineman is a two-time all-region player, including a Region 3 defensive lineman of the year in 2015. An Eagle Scout and merit honor roll student at Eisenhower, Hummel is looking forward to the game because of his love of football and giving back to his community.
His hobbies include football, wrestling, lifting weights and video games. Hummel plans to attend college and major in biology/pre-med and then enter medical school to become a doctor. He would also like to pursue a collegiate sport.
Whippo is the last addition to the New York roster.
A 6-foot, 235-pound lineman, Whippo’s favorite moment playing football was when his team played at Ralph Wilson Stadium in the playoffs. A fan of the Buffalo Bills, Whippo plans to enter Jamestown Community College.
More information about the Big 30 Charities Classic can be found at Big30Football.org.
