Cameron County’s Maxx Newton spoke for PA during the Big 30 All-Star Charities Classic Banquet Thursday at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. (Era photo by Wade Aiken)

The Big 30 All-Star Charities Classic banquet was held Thursday night at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, celebrating this year’s group of talented players, cheerleaders, queens and band members, as well as the committee who works hard each year to see the event come together.

Big 30 Committee President Brian South opened the evening with a few notes, thanking the Pitt-Bradford for hosting the banquet, as well as Media Day earlier this year. He also thanked Northwest Bank, who has been a longtime sponsor of the Big 30 and sponsors both the jerseys and the banquet. He expressed gratitude for the coaching staff, who sacrificed their time and noted that specifically knowing PA Coach Troy Cook and NY Coach Chad Bartoszek, “there couldn’t be two more outstanding gentlemen to lead the game Saturday.”

He reminded the players to keep in mind what they play the game for, noting that money raised from the game helps as many people as possible in the communities the players, cheerleaders, queens and band members represent.

“Play with passion and commitment and remember the bigger cause,” South said.

PA Coach Troy Cook spoke, reminding players that being involved is a tribute to the dedication and character of every person in the room. More than just statistics, he said, participation is about how each individual carries themselves both on and off the field.

“Take pride in what you’ve accomplished and the relationships developed the last couple of weeks,” Cook said. “Once Saturday is over, you are woven into the fabric of this game.”

NY Assistant Coach Paul Furlong advised the players to avoid getting caught up in the refs and any bad calls.

“There will be bad calls,” he said. Just play and don’t complain about it. Enjoy yourselves, it will make the experience way better.”

He also noted that, rather than tears, parades or fireworks, the outcome of the Big 30 is simply a win or a loss. The players are just playing in this game for the love of being in it.

“You chose to be here,” he said. “That is a big credit to you as the young gentlemen you are.”

This year’s cheerleaders, meanwhile, showcased unwavering determination and the strong desire to help one another. According to Advisor Audrey South, they were quick to assist others to reach success before the advisors could do so.

The band this year meshed well, Band Director Cole Palmer noted, saying the students were playing together after one practice like they had been playing together for a long time.

Maxx Newton of Cameron County spoke for PA and brought humor to the evening’s remarks. He shared anecdotes about his youth football memories and a fellow player he shared the field with for a different charity game. Taking a mishap at the microphone in stride, he encouraged players on both teams to enjoy themselves on the field and wished everyone luck on Saturday.

Nate Hahn of Randolph spoke for NY, noting the Big 30 is a great opportunity to continue to participate in the game of football and that it was “a pleasure having the chance to play with talented players and coaches.” He noted the players who had previously taken the field as rivals had a rare chance to become teammates and friends and would share that bond of playing together for the rest of their lives.

This year’s Don Raabe Scholarships were awarded to Salamanca, NY, and St. Marys. The $1,000 award will be given to any deserving student at each school, the recipient of which will be announced at a home game during the 2026 regular season.