Charities Classic celebrating 50 years
For 50 years, the Big 30 Charities Classic has positively impacted thousands and donated over two million dollars to groups and individuals in need in Pennsylvania and New York.
The 49th edition of the contest between this year’s PA and NY graduates kicks off on Aug. 5 at Parkway Field in Bradford. Unfortunately, there was no game in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but teams were selected.
While the Big 30 Committee celebrates its 50th year, it does so with heavy hearts. Long-time president Bob South, active since Don Raab and the Bradford Jaycees held the first game in 1974, passed away on Apr. 3.
“I can say Bob South’s shoes are tough to fill this year,” said the Classic’s game chairman Shawn Llewellyn, who has been involved with the contest for 25 years. “We found Bob did more for this game than we ever knew, so we’re picking up the pieces to make it happen. Fortunately, we have Bob’s son Brian who was elected president, especially since he’s been directly involved his whole life.”
The son of the legendary president is happy to carry on his father’s work.
“I’m really proud of the Committee and how things are continuing. Obviously, losing our president right in the middle of planning things hits all of them and me personally, but at the same time, dad wanted this to happen,” Brian South said at the recent media day. “He’d be so proud it’s the 50th year and proud of all the student-athletes and participants. He really loved the Big 30, loved what it stood for, loved the dream of it, and I knew he’d be looking down today just proud the Committee is going to continue to raise money to help people who need it while having a heck of a football game.”
The Keystone State, led by Port Allegany head coach and 1998 Johnsonburg High School graduate Justin Bienkowski, won last year’s game 27-13 to take the lead in the series for the first time - 43-42-3.
Among local players wearing the PA red jerseys will be Johnsonburg senior Marcus Crowe, the Elkers’ only representative; Elk County Catholics David Anderson, Brock Barnett, and Joe Tettis; Lucas Burrs, Landon Darr, Addison Plants, Aaron Smith, Scott Szysmanski, and Ricky Zampogna from Kane; and St. Marys Dutch, Carter Chadsey, Charlie Coudriet, Clay Grazioli, Logan Mosier, and Carter Price.
Llewellyn talked about the impact he hopes to see the game have on the players.
“We know these guys can play football and do amazing things on that field. But it’s not about making the game bigger than yourself. For some, it may be just a game, but we look at it as a means to an end, and the end is to be able to help a lot of people in need. So it’s a big deal to us knowing the players understand that.”
South loves seeing the commitment from all involved and feels it’s a great way to give back.
“Through their commitment to community service, honor, and leadership, all the men and women involved carry a little bit of this game with them while going forth and contributing back to their communities and those that need it. After all, that’s what this really is all about.”
The Big 30 area covers Elk, McKean, Cameron, Potter, and Warren counties in Pennsylvania and Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties in New York. Llewellyn talked about the amount of money donated since the first game.
“Surpassing two million is amazing. It’s one of those things you really have a hard time fathoming that that much money has gone in and back out. But, again, it’s the difference we can make by helping those that need it.”
South reflected on the Big 30 Committee and the Charities Classic.
“It’s a huge family and growing up with it and seeing how big it is today kind of makes me step back for a second and realize that it’s something bigger than all of us.”