This week’s six additions bring the count to 36 players who have
agreed to take part in the 34th annual Don Raabe Big 30 Charities
Classic.
Bradford’s E.J. Moore is among this week’s players accepting
invitations for the Pennsylvania squad, as are Chad Schatz from
Cameron County High School and Andy Eckstrom from Kane Area High
School. Joining the New York side are John Hastings from
Allegany-Limestone Central School, Clifton Krotz from
Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School and Cory Pace from
Wellsville Central School.
Moore, a 6’2″ 210-pound running back and linebacker, was
Bradford’s player of the year for 2006. In addition, he was named
to first team for the District 9 Football League and won numerous
player of the week awards.
Moore plans to attend either Clarion or Slippery Rock University
to study physical education or sports medicine.
Moore wants to play in the Big 30 Game because “I love to play
football and this gives me one more chance to play with my
teammates and players from other schools. Also, it’s nice to part
of raising money for charities.”
Moore believes his biggest thirll was winning the District 9
championship in double overtime.
Moore enjoys playing football, being on the computer, snow
skiing and hanging out with friends in his spare time.
His favorite team is the Atlanta Falcons, and his favorite
player is LaDainian Tomlinson.
Schatz is a 6’1″, 235-pound guard/tackle and defensive end.
He was named to the AML all-star team two years, won the “54”
award for football, was named outstanding wrestler and received
awards for most improved and fastest pin. Schatz was also named to
the “At large” AML wrestling all-stars.
Schatz has not decided on his plans at this time.
He wants to play in the Big 30 Game “to play some more football
before college.”
Schatz says his biggest thrill was “the chance I get to play a
game I love and the hitting I get to do on the line.”
His hobbies include hunting, fishing, shooting pool, paintball
and PlayStation.
Schatz says his favorite team is the Philadelphia Eagles and his
favorite player is Jevone Kearse.
Eckstrom, a 6’3″, 270-pound guard and defensive tackle, rounds
out Pennsylvania’s additions for the week.
He was a three-year letterwinner in football.
Eckstrom is unsure of his education plans at ths time.
He wants to play in the Big 30 Game because “it’s another chance
to strap on the pads and play football. Also, it’s a chance to meet
the players I played against.”
Eckstrom’s biggest thrill was “having fun. I always had fun
playing football.”
Eckstrom’s hobbies include working out and hanging out with
friends.
His favorite player is Brett Favre, while his favorite team is
the Pittsburgh Steelers.
For the New York squad, Hastings is a 5’11”, 190-pound guard,
fullback and linebacker on defense.
He was on the high honor roll, was named team defensive MVP and
was twice selected to the All-Class C Section VI team.
Hastings plans to attend SUNY Brockport and major in physical
education.
He says, “It has been a long dream of mine to play in the Big 30
Game.”
Hastings says his biggest thrill was the “comeback win over
Salamanca my junior year.”
He enjoys weight lifting in his spare time.
Hastings says his favorite team is the Florida Gators, and his
favorite player is Mike Singletary.
Krotz is 6′ and 170 pounds. He plays guard and linebacker.
Krotz was named to the Olean (N.Y.) Times Herald Big 30 team and
also was second team all-state and Section VI co-MVP in a Class D
playoff game. He was also nominated for the WNY Trench Trophy.
Krotz plans to attend Alfred State College, with a major in
construction management.
Krotz wants to play in the Big 30 Game because “of the
tradition. Also, I know the great honor that it is just to be
picked and lastly I want to play as part of the New York Team.”
Krotz says his biggest thrill was beating the defending state
champions, Randolph, to make it to Ralph Wilson Stadium to win the
section title. “That was the greatest moment ever,” he said.
Krotz enjoys hunting, fishing, snowboarding and playing football
with friends.
His favorite team is Ohio State and his favorite player is A.J.
Hawk.
Lastly, there’s Pace, a 6’1″ 255-pound center/nose tackle.
Pace was named most improved player and received the Lions Pride
Scholarship.
He plans to study heavy machinery operating at Alfred Tech.
He wants to play in the Big 30 Game because “I love the game and
have played it for many years and will love the experience.”
Pace says his biggest thrill was “being able to play side by
side with my younger brother at the varsity level before I
graduated.”
Pace’s hobbies include football, riding dirt bikes and playing
Halo on Xbox.
He roots for the Baltimore Ravens, and his favorite player is
Ray Lewis.
This year’s game will be played at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 4 at Bradford
High’s Parkway Field.
The game pits graduated seniors from Pennsylvania against
graduated seniors from New York.
New York holds a 17-14-2 advantage.
The first 33 games produced over $1,150,000 donated to numerous
charities and personal causes throughout the Twin Tiers.
Press day will be May 20 at Pitt-Bradford.
