Central PA Players Honored at NFF Banquet

Written by: EasternPAFootball.com Staff on Monday, March 23rd, 2015. Follow EasternPAFootball.com Staff on Twitter.

Former Penn State and NFL offensive lineman Jeff Hartings had a message for the 54 Senior High and former High school players that attended the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Central Pennsylvania Scholar Athlete Awards Banquet: “Be a man and play football for as long as you can,” Hartings said. “It is an unbelievable experience.”

Hartings recalled his post-football experience in Pittsburgh during his speech at the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Central Pennsylvania Chapter scholar-athlete awards banquet Sunday.

Kyle Datres, Loyalsock

“When I thought about today and I thought about what did football mean to me, it actually occurred to me that, that period in my life helped me realize how important football was in my life, and the things that I learned from all of the coaches along the way and what it means to be a man because when you play football, a lot of times you’re forced to either become a man or to go find something else to do.”

He also challenged those in attendance to “be a champion without the rings” he said as one by one he produced his team rings from his high school championship, Penn States 1994 undefeated season and his super bowl ring. “I have these rings but I usually don’t bring them out unless I have company and they want to see them.”

Gabriel Shope, Danville

In addition to listening to the former NFL great, several players were given special awards and scholarships. Among them was Bishop Guilfoyle RB Sam McCloskey. McCloskey was awarded the Community Service Award in Honor of Joe Sarra, presented by Sarra’s Grandson Joe, for the devotion he’s shown to fellow classmate Jordan McClure, who suffers from Larsen’s Syndrome and was a team co-captain. “He means a lot to me. I need him just at much as he needs me. He needs me for support and I need him to bring me back to reality” he said in a news interview for WTAJ TV. That interview can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qGTznGwyQg.

Dubois quarterback Gabe French was also among those honored. He was the recipient of the Shaner Scholarship. This honor is a true testament to the hard work and dedication I put in throughout my high school career. I feel like I’ve come full circle.”

Dominec Loffredo, Jersey Shore

Also receiving scholarships were:

Gabriel Shope, Danville

Curtis Wentz, Tussey Mountain

Jacob Stiles, Curwensville

Colton Ruggery, Hollidaysburg

Tyler Shaw, Williamsburg

Trent Donlan, Southern Columbia

Logan Aikey, Lewisburg

Jordan Wagner, Mifflinburg

Jacob Makdad, Tyrone

Stephen McLoughlin, Homer-Center

John Weakland, State College

Matt McMillan, Bellwood-Antis

Nominees:

James Metzgar Altoona Area HS
Jarrett Shreffler Bald Eagle Area HS
Jeremiah Bingham Bedford HS
Zachary Stephens Bellefonte Area HS
Matthew McMillan Bellwood-Antis HS
Dan Dunchack Bishop Carroll Catholic HS
Sam McCloskey Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic HS
Sam Clowes Brookville Area HS
Aaron Ransdorf Bucktail Area HS
Clayton Schinkle Cambria Heights HS
Brandon Saline Cameron County HS
Christopher Carder Central HS
Ethan McGill Central Mountain HS
Shane Davis Chestnut Ridge HS
Jacob Troutman Clarion Area Jr. – Sr. HS
Erik Sellers Clearfield Area HS
Jacob Stiles Curwensville Area HS
Gabriel Shope Danville Area HS
Gabe French DuBois Area HS
Joseph Donoughe Forest Hills HS
Nate Litvin Greater Johnstown HS
Colton Ruggery Hollidaysburg Area HS
Stephen McLoughlin Homer-Center Jr/Sr HS
Zachary Dail Huntingdon Area HS
Dominic Loffredo Jersey Shore Area HS
Edward Hampton Juniata HS
Allen Long Juniata Valley HS
Logan Aikey Lewisburg Area HS
Kyle Datres Loyalsock Township HS
Jared Michaels Mifflin County HS
Jordan Wagner Mifflinburg Area HS
Curtis Miller Montoursville Area HS
Ryan Thomas Moshannon Valley HS
Kole House Mount Union Area HS
Aaron Batzel Northern Bedford HS
Michael Eckenrode Penn Cambria HS
Lucas Bitsko Penns Valley Area HS
Royce Bish Purchase Line HS
Dominic Farina Richland HS
Ben MacDonald Ridgway Area HS
Zach Adams Selinsgrove Area HS
Trent Donlan Southern Columbia Area HS
John Weakland State College Area HS
Curtis Wentz Tussey Mountain Jr/Sr HS
Jacob Makdad Tyrone Area HS
Kristopher Smeal West Branch HS
Tyler Shaw Williamsburg HS
Jed Chestnut Williamsport Area HS
Derek Maurer, Bucknell University
Mathew Sasson, Indiana University of PA
Scott Benkovic, Lock Haven University
Kyle Sullivan, Lycoming COllege
Ryan Keiser, Pen Sttate University
Franklyn WIliamson, St. Francis University
Pat Murtha, Susquehanna University