The Don Raabe Big 30 Charities Classic continued its yearly
tradition Thursday night with the 33rd annual banquet held at the
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
Highlighting the night’s festivities was the announcement of the
2006 Fred Sica and Joe Errera Scholarship winners.
Picking up the Sica Scholarship from New York was
Ellicottville’s Mandela Elom and Port Allegany’s Willie Bova was
the Pennsylvania recipient.
Earning the inaugural Joe Errera Scholarships were cheerleaders
Amber McAllister (Elk County Catholic) and Rachel Askey (Olean
High) and players Brian Mickle (Port Allegany) and Elom.
In a fashion similar to years past, Classic Committee president
Ken Coffman and Master of Ceremonies Kevin Kelley emphasized their
thanks to everyone that has contributed to the Raabe Classic and
its ongoing activities in the community.
Coffman recognized in particular the effort of the Bradford Area
School District, Northwest Savings Bank and Pitt-Bradford.
“When these kids take the field Saturday night (at Bradford’s
Parkway Field), it will look like they’re playing in a college
stadium and that doesn’t happen overnight,” Coffman declared.
“Every year the school district opens its building, its field and
its facilities to us and they do it without question.
“Northwest Savings Bank is sponsoring this banquet and the
jerseys for the game Saturday, which the kids will get to keep as a
souvenir from the game.
“UPB has opened its facilities to us,” Coffman remarked. “We’ve
given them some difficult tasks to get ready for us and they’ve
been a gracious host.”
Coffman underscored that, without all of the participants, there
would be no Classic. He went on to ask that actors in the 2006
episode not forget the Raabe Classic and what it stands for.
“Remember us in the future,” he said. “Don’t play Saturday, walk
away and forget about us. Send us a check or if you need help, come
to us. If you know someone in your community who needs help and
doesn’t have anywhere to turn – we’ll be there.”
A slideshow put together by Bradford High students captured a
similar message – be excited for the game coming up and take it all
in, remember this. For so many of the game’s participants, this
will be a last chance to take the field and be a teammate.
Guest speaker Mike Ruzzi, sports director for WICU-TV Erie,
carried this theme still farther.
“The last couple of weeks I’ve learned how exciting it’s been to
be a part of this game and to experience the tradition of this
game,” Ruzzi stated. “This game is about being on a team – being a
part of a team – and about charity.
“This is another chance for you to enjoy your senior year. Take
advantage of this opportunity and every day you have,” Ruzzi
stressed. “Take the time to recognize everyone that has supported
you throughout your careers. Take the time to say thank you.”
