Big 33 Mission
The Big 33 Scholarship Foundation’s Mission is to produce the premier high school all-star football game in the United States that is much more than a game, that showcases and develops excellence in students and the community, and raises funds for academic scholarships and other charitable activities. History
Founded in 1957, the PNC Big 33 Football Classic is one of the nation's f
inest scholastic All-Star Football Games Pennsylvania and Ohio's outstanding high school athletes. Now entering its 52nd year, the classic is often described as “The Super Bowl of High School Football.” It features the top players from Pennsylvania and Ohio, two states with rich high school football traditions. The Classic also boasts that many players are recruited by Division I colleges and universities and go on to professional careers in the NFL. There has never been a Super Bowl without a Big 33 Alumnus. Some of our most well-known alums include: Tony Dorsett, Matt Millen, Joe Montana, Joe Namath, John Cappelletti, Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, Rocket Ismail, Kerry Collins and more recently Kyle Brady, Orlando Pace, Ricky Watters, Antonio Freeman, Ed McCaffrey, Marvin Harrison, Sean Gilbert, Curtis Martin and 2006 Super Bowl Champion, Ben Roethlisberger. Big 33 is more than just a game; it’s about the spirit of giving and changing lives 365 days a year through:
• Academic Scholarships: over $4,000,000+ in academic scholarships to Pennsylvania & Ohio schools
• The Buddy Program: Players from PA and Ohio are matched with a member of the “Buddy” team, a group of people with special needs. We also have the same program for the Cheerleaders. Together, players/ cheerleaders and buddies enjoy memorable experiences which will last a lifetime by sharing lunch, the banquet and the game.
• Developing our Youth through players, cheerleaders and buddies
• Community Involvement
o Volunteers: Over 250 volunteers offer their time to support the Big 33 activities including the scholarship selection, game operations, drivers for hospital visits, golf outings, and host families to name a few.. o Host Families: During Big 33 week, players from both teams join a local PA host family. Relationships are formed which endure beyond the collegiate career of the player, creating a new “home away from home.”
o Corporate Sponsorships/Community Partners: Provide vital financial support
• Giving Back to the Community
o Annual Food Drive – Our annual food drive is organize to get local schools involved by helping the Central PA Food Bank bring in food donations leading into the Holidays. o Youth clinics: Our youth clinics take place during game week and are well attended by local children. Both Big 33 cheerleaders and the PA & Ohio teams mentor, teach and interact with local youth through this interaction.
