The National Football Foundation Lehigh Valley Chapter honoring football scholar-athletes March 3rd

Written by: David Mika on Tuesday, February 5th, 2019. Follow David Mika on Twitter.

The 59th annual National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Lehigh Valley Chapter will host its Scholar-Athlete dinner at the Northampton Banquet and Event Center honoring scholar-athletes on Sunday, March 3rd.

A total of 39 schools (33 high schools and six colleges) will be represented. Here’s a look at each school’s scholar-athlete:

William Allen High School – Anderson T. Cox

A 5’11” 160 lb. running back and linebacker, he ranks 219 out of 523 students. He is a NJROTC Commanding Officer and a Drill Team Commander. He serves as a Caring Place tutor for elementary and middle school students. He is also active in his community.

Allentown Central Catholic High School – Justin Michael Pasquale

A 5’9” 165 lb. wide receiver and kick returner, he ranks 23 out of 173 students. He is an Honor Roll student and member of the National Honor Society. He is an academic tutor and member of the Inspiring Hearts Program at Sacred Heart Hospital. He is a Lehigh Valley Zoo volunteer. He plays varsity lacrosse and is committed to playing lacrosse at Elizabethtown College.

Bangor Area High School – Douglas Thomas Toth

A 5’10” 175 lb. center and defensive tackle, he ranks 46 out of 228 students. He is a member of the National Honor Society and a Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Award recipient. He is the Student Government treasurer, Class Cabinet member, Ecology Club secretary, Weatherman for the School’s News Team, and participates in varsity wrestling. He is a “Gearing Up for Kindergarten” volunteer, and an Alumni Association and Slate Belt Heritage Tour Guide volunteer. He is a Bangor Park volunteer train driver, a “Cleanup Days” volunteer for the park and his church, and a marathon volunteer.

Bethlehem Catholic High School – Dalton Jack Daddona

A 6’3” 270 lb. offensive lineman and defensive end, he is in the top 25 percent in a class of 178 students, with a GPA of 3.42. He is an Honor Roll student, and earned First Team All-State and First Team All-Conference offensive honors. He is a member of the Debate Team and serves as a Hawk Ambassador. He is active in his community.

Catasauqua High School – Bradley J. Panto

A 5’9” 160 lb. offensive center and linebacker, he ranks 35 out of 103 students. He is an Honor Roll student and a 2017 Eisenhower Award Winner from the United States Military Academy. He is a Student Government member, editor of the School Newspaper, and Student Forum and Student Council member. He participates in the Varsity ‘C’ Club, wrestling, track, Scholastic Scrimmage, the Digital Media Club, and Debate Team. He is a Good Citizenship recipient of the Daughters of American Revolution, a Fellowship of Christian Athletes member, and Borough Council representative.

Louis E. Dieruff High School – Gabriel A. Cruz

A 5’6” 165 lb. running back and linebacker, he ranks 35 out of 415 students. He is an Honor Roll student and member of the National Honor Society. He is a Student Government member, a Math academic tutor, and participates in varsity wrestling and track. He is President of the Husky Leaders Academic Program and a 2018 football team captain. He volunteers at the Allentown Soup Kitchen monthly, and performs various community activities with his church.

East Stroudsburg High School North – Dejon J. Richardson

A 5’7” 138 lb. slotback and cornerback, he ranks 5 out of 239 students. He is an Honor Roll student and member of the National Honor Society. He participates in varsity track. He is also active in his community.

East Stroudsburg High School South – Ryan James Clark

A 5’10” 200 lb. tailback, he ranks 38 out of 345 students. He is an Honor Roll student and a National Merit Scholar Award recipient. He earned First Team All-Conference offensive honors. He participates in varsity wrestling and varsity track. He is active in his community.

Easton Area High School – Daniel C. Hynes

A 6’ 195 lb. outside linebacker, he ranks 29 out of 683 students, with a GPA of 4.23. He is an Honor Roll student, member of the National Honor Society, and earned First Team All-Conference defensive honors. He is a Student Government and Yearbook staff member, and serves with Students against Destructive Decisions. He volunteers with the Miracle League, is a youth football coach, flag football referee, church usher, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes member.

Emmaus High School – Sone A. Ntoh

A 5’11” 215 lb. running back and linebacker, he is in a class size of 730 students. He is an Honor Roll student and member of the Curricular Honor Society. He participates in varsity track and volunteers with Special Olympics. He is active in his community.

Freedom High School – Tristan Jacob Wheeler

A 6’2” 225 lb. fullback, tight end, and linebacker, he ranks 209 out of 475 students. He is an Honor Roll student and earned First Team All-State and First Team All-Conference defensive honors. He is the editor of the school newspaper and participates in THON. He is a member of the Black and Gold Gridiron Club and is a youth football camp volunteer. He volunteers at two local elementary schools, Musikfest, and is active in his church.

Jim Thorpe Area High School – Nathan Michael Rosahac

A 6’5” 225 lb. defensive end and wide receiver, he ranks 9 out of 131 students. He is an Honor Roll student, member of the National Honor Society, where he serves as Treasurer, and earned First Team All-Conference defensive honors. He is a Student Government member, serving as Class President, and participates in varsity basketball and baseball. He is a Student Rotarian, Student Council Treasurer, Student Forum, PA Junior Academy of Science, and FBLA member. He volunteers with the National Night Out program, a local blood drive, Trees for Troops, a local retirement home, and various youth sports programs.

Lehighton Area High School – Chris Jacob Whiteman

A 5’7” 151 lb. quarterback and strong safety, he ranks 15 out of 153 students. He is an Honor Roll student and member of the National Honor Society. He is a Class Officer, an academic tutor and participates in varsity wrestling and baseball. He is a member of the FBLA and SADD Clubs. He volunteers with the PALS Program working with elementary students, the Lehighton Lions Club, soup kitchens in Panther Valley, and various sports fundraisers.

Liberty High School – Michael Stanley Warner

A 5’10” 250 lb. center and defensive lineman, he ranks 92 out of 641 students. He is an Honor Roll student and carries a GPA of 4.17. He participates in varsity rifle and the Science Olympiad. He volunteers coaching youth football and participates annually in the cleanup of the Bethlehem Steelworkers Memorial.

Nazareth Area High School – Thomas Manos

A 6’ 180 lb. wide receiver, he ranks 180 out of 372 students. He is an Honor Roll student and earned First Team All-State and First Team All-Conference offensive honors. He participates in varsity wrestling. He volunteers with Eagle Olympics, the Nazareth Youth Football Camp, and the Nazareth Midget Wrestling Tournament.

Northampton Area High School – Ethan Charles Deater

A 6’ 190 lb. fullback and linebacker, he ranks 47 out of 461 students. He is an Honor Roll student and carries a 4.174 GPA. He is a member of the Physical Education Club and participates in DECA. He is active in his community.

Northern Lehigh High School – Aaron C. Rudolph

A 5’9” 170 lb. wide receiver and defensive back, he ranks 3 out of 142 students. He is an Honor Roll student who has attained a 4.63 GPA. He participates in varsity baseball, is a member of the SADD and Science Clubs, and is President of the Spanish Club. He volunteers with his church youth group and is active in his community.

Northwestern Lehigh High School – Christopher John Hippensteel

A 5’7” 155 lb. linebacker, he ranks 4 out of 186 students. He is an Honor Roll student and member of the National Honor Society. He is a Student Government Class Officer, School Newspaper editor, Spanish academic tutor, and plays varsity lacrosse. He serves as a tour guide for freshman orientation and contributed food, while helping to organize the teacher luncheon. He volunteers by organizing the charity advertising campaign with the school newspaper to raise funds for the Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley.

Notre Dame High School – Ethen Damian Aquino

A 5’11” 175 lb. cornerback and wide receiver, he ranks in the top 20 percent in his class of 127 students. He is an Honor Roll student, National Honor Society, and Curricular Honor Society member. He earned Second Team All-Conference offensive and defensive honors, participates in varsity baseball, photography, and is an academic tutor. He volunteers with the Miracle League, ASPCA, Children’s Home of Easton Christmas Donations Pledge Drive, Homeless Shelter Clothing Drive, and the Notre Dame youth football camp.

Palisades High School – Adam Ryan Marsh

A 5’11” 185 lb. fullback and linebacker, he ranks 18 out of 160 students. He is an Honor Roll student, National Honor Society, and Curricular Honor Society member. He earned First Team All-Conference defensive honors. He participates in varsity wrestling and baseball. He also participates in the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards Ceremony. He volunteers with local community breakfasts and spaghetti dinners, the Lord’s Pantry, and a youth wrestling tournament.

Palmerton Area High School – Tanner William Burnett

A 5’10” 180 lb. tailback and middle linebacker, he ranks 24 out of 108. He is an Honor Roll student and carries a GPA of 3.57. He participates in varsity baseball and is a member of the Grid Iron Club. He is active in his community.

Parkland High School – Adam S. Piston

A 6’ 215 lb. center and defensive end, he ranks in the top 10 percent in his class of 800 plus students. He is an Honor Roll student and member of the History Curricular Honor Society. He earned First Team All-Conference offensive and defensive honors. He participates in varsity track and powerlifting. He volunteers as a youth basketball coach and referee, is an altar server and is active in his church.

Pen Argyl Area High School – Tadd Alan Barr

A 6’ 170 lb. wide receiver and safety, he ranks 25 out of 141 students. He is an Honor Roll student, member of the National Honor Society, and earned Second Team All-Conference defensive honors. He participates in varsity basketball and track. He serves in Character Education, Aevidum, and Peer Mediation. He volunteers as Special Olympics coach at Penn State, and is a Mini-Thon participant.

Phillipsburg High School – Mark James Zgoda, Jr.

A 5’11” 195 lb. middle linebacker, he ranks 28 out of 395 students. He is an Honor Roll student and National Honor Society member, with a 5.29 GPA. He earned First Team All-Conference defensive honors. He is a Class Officer, Treasurer of the Multicultural Club, and participates in varsity lacrosse. He volunteers with the Miracle League, Salvation Army, and Battle Borne Veteran Recovery Resource Program. He serves as a volunteer coach with the youth recreational program, and has been an acolyte/server with his church for ten years.

Pleasant Valley High School – Benjamin Anthony Henwood

A 6’1” 180 lb. strong safety, he ranks 103 out of 398 students. He is an Honor Roll student and Curricular Honor Society member. He is a member of the Key Club, Leo Club, Future Business Leaders of America, serves on the Mini-Thon Committee, United Nations, Mock Trial, and participates in varsity track. He volunteers with a local Food Pantry, the Salvation Army, Rho Kappa winter coat drive, and is a Pleasant Valley Cubs Coach and youth basketball coach.

Pocono Mountain East High School – Sean Michael Myron

A 6’2” 210 lb. offensive tackle, he ranks 11 out of 326 students. He is an Honor Roll student and member of the National Honor Society. He carries a GPA of 97.9726. He participates in varsity track and is active in his community.

Pocono Mountain West High School – Ryan Matthew Krisiak

A 6’1” 165 lb. wide receiver, he ranks 58 out of 374 students. He is an Honor Roll student and carries a GPA of 93.0. He participates in the Big Panther Little Panther Program, the Weightlifting Program, and is a literary partner for elementary students. He volunteers as a Salvation Army bell ringer, a youth football coach/mentor, and is an altar server in his church.

Salisbury High School – Jacob Dylan Kamp

A 6’3” 205 lb. quarterback, halfback, outside linebacker and punter, he ranks 24 out of 136 students. He is an Honor Roll student and National Honor Society member. He is an Algebra and Chemistry academic tutor, editor of the School Yearbook, member of the Key Club, FBLA, Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, and participates in varsity basketball and track. He has a Black Belt in karate, is a flag football referee, basketball coach, and is involved in the Light the Night Walk. He volunteers with St. Luke’s Hospital as an escort/transporter, Special Olympics, Cops & Kids Program, and Touchdowns Against Cancer, serving as a team leader recognized as an All-American Team.

Saucon Valley High School – Ian Christopher Csicsek

A 5’10” 185 lb. running back and outside linebacker, he ranks 52 out of 167 students. He is an Honor Roll student with a GPA of 3.75. He earned First Team All-State offensive honors and First Team All-Conference offensive and defensive honors. He is active in his community.

Southern Lehigh High School – Quinn A. Schmidt

A 6’1” 205 lb. tight end and defensive end, he has a GPA of 3.934 in his class of 250 students. He is an Honor Roll student and National Honor Society member. He is a Student Government member, Student Council Historian, School Newspaper editor, member of the Varsity Club, Head Usher for Class Plays/Musicals, and participates in basketball. He volunteers with Betty Lou’s Food Pantry, the Parkettes, is a Camelot for Children Junior Board member, Angel 34 Student Board member, flag football referee for the Spartan Touchdown Club and the Spartan youth football and basketball camps.

Stroudsburg High School – Tyler Alexander Slomiak

A 5’11” 175 lb. defensive back, he ranks 12 out of 512 students. He is an Honor Roll student, member of the National Honor Society, and an academic tutor. He is a member of the Mini-Thon Public Relations and Event Fundraising Committee, Aevidum, Future Business Leaders of America, Sports Club, and participates in varsity track. He volunteers with St. Luke’s Hospital and At-Home Elderly Care.

Whitehall High School – Jacob Lawrence Heffner

A 5’8” 165 lb. slot back and free safety, he ranks 143 out of 376 students. He is an Honor Roll student, National Honor Society member, and Curricular Honor Society member. He is a member of the Serve Club, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and participates in varsity track. He volunteers with the St. Stephens Food Bank and is active in his community.

Wilson Area High School – Zachery A. Miller

A 6’ 240 lb. offensive center and defensive tackle, he ranks 13 out of 169 students. He is an Honor Roll student and an academic tutor in both Algebra II and Chemistry. He participates in varsity wrestling and track. He volunteers as a Lions Club helper, a Vacation Bible School counselor, and a Sunday school teacher at his church.

College Scholar Athletes

East Stroudsburg University – Michael Fleming

A 6’4” 305 lb. offensive lineman, he has a 3.478 GPA, majoring in History and is a member of the Dean’s List and History Honors Society. He is a four-year starter and four-time All-PSAC Selection, a Campbell Trophy National Semi-Finalist, and an ESU Scholar Athlete. He volunteers with the Salvation Army, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program, Safe Harbor Program, and is a mentor for the Palmer Panther Football Program. He was Easton High School’s 2015 basketball Scholar Athlete honoree.

Kutztown University – Conor Sullivan

A 5’10” 185 lb. wide receiver, he has a 3.50 GPA, majoring in Criminal Justice. He is a four-time PSAC Scholar Athlete, three-time Dean’s List honoree, and three-time Division II ADA Academic Achievement Award recipient. He was a 2018 Team Captain and a Second Team All-PSAC East selection. He volunteered with the “Get in the Game” Bone Marrow Drive from 2015 to 2019, the Kutztown SAAC Program, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the Kutztown Optimist Club, “Fools Run.”

Lafayette College – Kevin Zataveski

A 6’3” 285 lb. offensive lineman and center, he has a 3.32 GPA, majoring in Math Economics. He is a 2015 and 2017 Patriot League Academic Honor Roll student, a multiple semester Lafayette College Academic Honors student, a 2018 Football Team Captain, and 2015 Offensive Rookie of the Year. He has worked with the Lauren’s First & Goal Camp for Pediatric Brain Cancer for four years, Lafayette Football Youth Camp for three years, Read Across America, Oaks Leadership Academy, and the Hazelton Community Park Cleanup with Joe Maddon. He was Delran High School’s Football Scholar Athlete for the Burlington County Football Club in 2014.

Lehigh University – Harrison Kauffman

A 6’3” 280 lb. defensive lineman, he has a 3.52 GPA, majoring in Finance. He is a three-time Dean’s List student, a two-year Academic All-Patriot League selection, a 2017/2018 CoSIDA Academic All-District selection, a 2018 William B. Campbell Award semi-finalist, and an Academic All-District Google Cloud honoree. He volunteered with Adopt-A-Family for four years, Leadership Legacies for three years, was a Co-Captain of Student Athlete Mentors, and organized a Call-A-Thon Fundraiser. He was Glacier High School’s (in Kalispell, Montana) Scholar Athlete in 2015. He is getting married July 13, 2019.

Moravian College – Nicholas Vincent Zambelli

A 6’ 195 lb. safety and linebacker, he has a 4.0 GPA, majoring in Computer Science & Economics. He is a Dean’s List student for every semester, member of five honor societies, First Team Academic All-American in 2017 and 2018, a 2017 Male Scholar Athlete of the Year, three-year Academic Honor Roll honoree, three-year Academic All-District selection, and a 2018 William B. Campbell Award semi-finalist. He is a two-year Football Team Captain, a mentor in “The Five Star Heart Program”, a CRLA certified tutor, and served as Vice-President of a fraternity for four semesters. He was Parkland High School’s 2015 Scholar Athlete.

Muhlenberg College – Luke Wiley

A 6’ 190 lb. free safety, he has a 3.69 GPA, majoring in Mathematics with a focus in Analytics. He is a two-time All-Centennial Academic Honor Roll honoree, a five-time Dean’s List student, and earned The Mull Award for Excellence in Mathematics, awarded to a junior at Muhlenberg. He was a two-time All-Centennial Conference selection and a 2018 Team Captain. He volunteered with the “Get in the Game” Bone Marrow Match Program in honor of Muhlenberg Head Coach, Mike Donnelly, and also volunteers with the Lauren’s First and Goal Program.

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