Big 33 Events Going on Today, with Everyone Invited

Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association and Big 33 are pleased to announce the special 63^rd Big 33 Football Classic and Virtual Watch Party and 2020 Tribute on Thursday, June 18, at 8 PM on Facebook LIVE and Big 33’s YouTube through their website.  The live-streamed football event will feature special guests and football greats, and honor all stars from Pennsylvania and Maryland, along with cheerleaders, buddies, and host families, plus include football highlights, special greetings and more! Details are at www.Big33.org and fans can watch the program there as well on June 18^th.

Big 33 Executive Director Garry Cathell stated, “We value the amazing young men and women who were chosen as part of this year’s Big 33 football and cheer teams and want each of them to know how extremely proud we are that they are now part of our Big 33 family and its rich history. We are all wishing our extraordinary student athletes the very best on the next chapter of their illustrious journeys.”

“Even though we were unable to play our spectacular game and host a weekend of exciting festivities and our traditional military celebration due to this challenging pandemic, we are excited to host our ‘Virtual Tribute and Facebook Watch Party’ and YouTube Celebration. There’s never been a Super Bowl played without a Big 33 Alum, and we couldn’t be prouder to showcase this year’s outstanding athletes!”

The Watch Party will highlight those who were selected to participate, as well as the amazing legacy of Big 33 Football, which dates back to 1957, plus will include many football greats.

It’s easy to join – go to Facebook, click on the livestream that night, and enjoy! You can also start your very own Watch Party while it’s on.  Or go to www.Big33.org and watch!

Big 33 Honorary Chairman Coy Wire reminds this year’s players, “What I’ve found is that tough times make us tougher and changing circumstances can change us for the better, as we are forced to adapt and grow. Football taught me that. Some things can never be taken from us like being part of the Big 33.”

“Thank you to our Big 33 Alum and sponsors for their continued support of this incredible program, of our special needs Buddy Program, Military events, Big 33 Festivities, and of our players, cheerleaders, and region.

Many memories are developed through the opportunity our exceptional kids share on and off the field.  Our buddies are big hearted young people and it’s heartwarming to witness the interaction between the players, cheerleaders and buddies. We look forward to bringing you the 64th annual Big 33 Football Classic in 2021,” added Cathell.

This year’s sponsors include: Dauphin County, U.S. Marine Corps, Capital Blue Cross, Webster Fitness, Chicago Bears, 1847 Financial, GK Elite, and KSA Events.

A special commemorative souvenir book is being produced for this year’s Big 33 participants, along with a special edition Big 33 t-shirt, with proceeds from both going to support the Big 33’s programs, including the Buddy Program, which teams up special needs youth, players and cheerleaders. To order either, visit www.Big33.org or call 717-200-3378.

Earlier this year, Big 33 partnered with the Marine’s Great American Rivalry Series to launch a “Fan Favorite Contest” with nearly 20,000 votes from fans in Pennsylvania and Maryland.  The U.S. Marines are presenting $1,000 donations to the high schools of this year’s talented winners, Noah Palm, PA and Jacob McIlvaine, MD.

The 2020 Big 33 Football Classic was cancelled due to COVID-19 and was scheduled for Memorial Day, May 25.

ABOUT BIG 33: This “Super Bowl of High School Football” Classic has been played since 1957.  Currently, Pennsylvania and Maryland face off for the iconic game at Landis Field, Harrisburg, PA on Memorial Day weekend, complete with a pre-game fan experience and community festival, military Murph competition, and free USA Football Youth Clinic.

Some well-known Big 33 alumni and NFL greats include: Joe Namath, Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, Ricky Waters, Ben Roethlisberger, Kyle Brady and Jordan Hill.

The Big 33 Buddy program is designed to partner a special needs child with a Big 33 cheerleader or football player.  Cheer buddies participate in the halftime routine.  All buddies enjoy additional time with their players and cheerleaders during Big 33 week, including a fun photo session, Pep Rally, games and more.

For more information, go to www.Big33.org.  For updates, follow Big 33 on Facebook @Big33FootballClassic, Instagram @PSFCABig33Football Classic or on Twitter @PSFCABig33.