Few people in the Big 30 area have quite the vantage point as Frank Williams does.
The veteran radio man is in his fourth year as the president of the Big 30 Charities Classic, which kicks off its 44th edition tonight at 7 o’clock.
The gravity of being the president of an organization like the Big 30 has not been lost on Williams.
“It gives me excitement that we can bring this talent together on both sides of the border and raise money for around 30 charities and individuals,” Williams said.
As the WESB sports director, he’ll have the call from Bradford High’s Parkway Field as the Pennsylvania all-stars hope to start a winning streak against New York and inch closer in the overall series.
The Empire State has a 22-19-2 advantage in the first 43 games, but is coming off a 38-20 drubbing after former Smethport coach Jim Berlin’s Pennsy side broke loose early and often to win last summer’s game.
Tonight, Elk Catholic’s Tony Gerg and assistants will lead the Pennsylvania side, while Gowanda’s Sean Gabel takes the reigns as head man for New York. By virtue of winning last year’s game, Pennsylvania players and fans are assigned the press-box side of the field, while New York will be on the far sideline.
New York officials will referee the game tonight, as Pennsylvania officials worked it last year.
Lexianne Riley of Bradford will sing the national anthem.
Williams said there’s not much new for Classic this summer.
“Just the same Big 30 excitement and hopefully a lot of touchdowns, but a tie or close game,” Williams said.
The Classic, which over the years has raised more than $1.65 million area individuals, families, groups and organizations. In October for the organization’s annual giveaway day, 33 individuals and organizations received a combined $27,500 from the Big 30. That money went to assist with medical bills, scholarship funds and even allowed for one person, Jacob Meister, to have a service dog.
In recent years, Williams has been angling to put more emphasis on the Classic’s charitable contributions.
“We are giving away two checks at halftime this year –– one on each side of border,” Williams said. “Plus we are making it a point to help sick and handicapped kids who need a boost when there isn’t any monies elsewhere.”
Two Pitt-Bradford students have been interning with the Classic, the second year in a row the Big 30 has had student help. Ashly Colosimo –– who was an inaugural intern last year with Dahmir Noel –– and Ben Thompson have been helping out in all facets of the game.
Noel, who graduated in May from Pitt-Bradford, has been helping at practices this year as well.
“The interns bring a hunger to the game and we give them hands-on experience so they can go out into the world with confidence after college,” Williams said.
