The 2021-2022 Schuylkill County Football Scholar Athletes have been named.
Every school year, the Schuylkill Chapter No. 25 of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame holds their annual scholar athlete banquet. This year's list marks the 61st anniversary of the Schuylkill Chapter 25 Scholar Athlete program.
Each school district was instructed to select their athlete based on the criteria of outstanding football ability and performance, outstanding academic application and performance, and outstanding school leadership and citizenship.These athletes will be recognized at a banquet ceremony to be held on Sunday, March 20th, 2022, at Hillcrest Hall in Minersville, PA.
The following are the Schuylkill County athletes that were chosen from each the 14 school districts that would have been recognized at the banquet.
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Blue Mountain
ROSS BOBBIN – 6’3, 270 lb. - OL/DL – 4 Year Member, 3 Year Letterman, 3 Year Starter Bio: Under the supervision of first year Head Coach Tom Gallagher, Ross Bobbin was a starter at both the offensive and defensive tackle positions and was a valuable asset on special teams. Ross earned SCFCA Dream Team honors in both his junior and senior year, 1st Team All Area as a Junior, and 1st Team Republican-Herald All-Area as a Senior. He was also selected to participate in the SCFCA North South All Star Game. As a multi-sport athlete, he is a four-year letterman for the Track and Field team. Off the field, Ross volunteered with the Blue Mountain Youth Football Program, the Rhoades Foundation, and was a guest reader at the Blue Mountain Elementary Schools. He is a member of the Varsity Club and International Club. Academically, Ross holds a 3.01 GPA. He has been accepted and plans to play Division 1 Football at Robert Morris University where he will major in Secondary Education/History. Ross is the son of Vince and Jill Bobbin.
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Mahanoy Area
CADEN BURKE – 6’1, 160 lb. – RB/DB - 4 Year Member, 3 Year Letterman, 2 Year Starter Bio: Under the guidance of Head Coach Paul Babinsky, Caden Burke started as a running back and defensive back for the Golden Bears. He was awarded SCFCA North 2nd team RB and DB honors, Standard Speaker All-Area Honors, and was a member of the North All Star Team. Caden was also elected as a team captain. A multi-sport athlete, he is a member of the baseball team where he held the position of team captain. Off the field, Caden participated in service projects through Meals on Wheels, St. Lukes Miners Jr. Volunteer Program, Action Youth Group, and is an Altar Server at St. Teresa of Calcutta church. He is also a member of Theater Arts, Interact Club, and the Emerging Health Professionals Program. Academically, Caden holds a 3.8 GPA and is ranked 9th in a class of 45 students. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Vo-Tech Honor Society. He has been accepted to York College, Alvernia, and Bloomsburg. He plans to major in Nursing. Caden is the son of Jim and Cathy Burke.
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Marian Catholic
JACOB FENSTERMAKER – 5’10, 185 lb. - WR/RB/DB - 2 Year Member, 2 Year Letterman, 2 Year Starter Bio: Under the leadership of Head Coach Stan Dakosty, Jake Fenstermaker played multiple positions for the Colts, including free safety, linebacker, cornerback, wide receiver, running back, and kick returner. For his outstanding 189-yard, 3 TD performance vs Shenandoah Valley in 2020, Jacob was awarded Player of the Game. A multi-sport athlete, Jacob is a four–year member and team captain of the Track and Field team. He was a state medalist in the 4x100M relay and was Schuylkill League runner up in the 100M. He also is a member of the basketball team. Off the field, Jake participated as a volunteer at the Carbon County Fair. He is a church Altar Server, a member of the FBLA club, and participates in the Green Club. Academically, Jacob holds a 3.0 GPA, ranking him in the top 50% of his class of 59 students. His academic awards include the Honor Roll and the Bishops Annual Appeal Award. Jacob has received acceptances to DeSales, Moravian, Scranton and Kutztown where he has been offered awards including the Royal Resent Award Scholarship and Trustee Scholarship. His future plans include a major in Business Administration with a minor in Data Analytics. He hopes to continue his athletic career in college. Jake is the son of Chris and Diane Fenstermaker
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Minersville Area
LUKE TOBIN – 6'0, 190 lb. - OL/FB/DL - 3 Year Member, 3 Year Letterman, 3 Year Starter Bio: Under Head Coach Justin Frantz’s guidance, Luke Tobin played multiple positions for the Miners, including offensive lineman, defensive lineman, linebacker and fullback. For his efforts on and off the field, Luke was chosen for the Eastern PA Football Academic Gold team. A multi-sport athlete, Luke participated as a four-year member of the varsity track and field team, and was a member of the basketball team. Off the field, Luke’s community service projects included Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Miners Track Project as a youth track coach, and the American Red Cross Blood Drive. He is also a member of the Academic League. Academically, Luke holds a 100.965 GPA, ranking him 4th in a class of 77 students in a curriculum which includes AP Classes in Biology and Calculus. He was awarded the Presidential Award for Academic Achievement and the Minersville Area Academic Achievement Award. He is a member of the National Honor Society. He has been accepted to East Stroudsburg, Bloomsburg, Kutztown, Slippery Rock, and Lebanon Valley. He plans to study Biology with a minor in Economics. Luke is the son of Tiffani and Brian Tobin.
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Nativity BVM
STEPHAN SPOLSKI – 6'2, 205 lb. - RB/QB/LB/DB - 4 Year Member, 4 Year Letterman, 3 Year Starter Bio: Under the guidance of Green Wave Head Coach Pat Mason, Stephan Spolski, a two-year Captain, played running back, quarterback, wing, strong safety, and linebacker. A multi-talented football player, his efforts earned him selections to the SCFCA 2nd Team Offense, SCFCA 2nd Team Defense, the SCFCA All-Star Game, Eastern PA Football Academic Gold Team, and was a three-year selection to the PA Football News All-Academic Team. Stephan led the Green Wave in rushing yards (720) and receiving touchdowns (3) during his Senior year. A multi-sport athlete, he was a three-year participant on the Track and Field team where he earned a District XI silver medal in the 4x100M. He was also a two-year member of the Basketball team. Off the field, Stephan is an active member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church as greeter, lector, and sacristan. His community service projects include participating with the United Way, the Schuylkill Haven food pantry, THON, The Salvation Army, and with Nativity BVM. He is a member of the Interact Club, Math Club, STEM Team, Student Ambassadors, a Lector at school mass, and is a school tutor. Academically, Stephan holds a 3.91 GPA, ranking him 10th in a class of 57 students in a curriculum that includes AP Classes of Biology, Calculus, English Language, English Literature, and US History. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society. He was named Pottsville Rotary Student of the Month, was honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award in Spanish, and is a Distinguished Honor Student. He has received multiple scholarships to, and has been accepted at Penn State, Villanova, University of Mississippi, and Albright. He plans to major in Biology/Pre-Med. Stephan is the son of Mindy and Steve Spolski.
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North Schuylkill
JACOB HALL – 5’11, 210 lb. - QB/WR/LB - 4 Year Member, 4 Year Letterman, 4 Year Starter Bio: Under the direction of Head Coach Wally Hall, Jake Hall led the Spartans to three District XI AAA Championships playing quarterback, wide receiver, and linebacker. Most notably playing at quarterback, he holds school records in career passing TD’s (56), single season passing TD’s (30), single game passing yards (370), and single game passing TD’s (6). A two-year team captain, Jake was voted Football Writers AAA All State QB and PA Football News All State QB in 2020 and 2021. He was the 2020 and 2021 Pottsville Republican and Standard Speaker Offensive Player of the Year. He was also voted SCFCA Offensive Player of the Year in 2020 and 2021. He holds multiple 1st team quarterback honors, including recognition from Eastern PA Football and the SCFCA. He was a semi-finalist for Pennsylvania’s Mr. Football Award and was selected to the WNEP-16 Dream Team. A multi-sport athlete, Jake was a 4-year starter and 3-year captain on the Spartan baseball team. Off the field, Jake participated in community service projects through St. Ann’s Church, William Penn Fire Company, North Schuylkill Elementary, Ringtown Community Park, and Ashland Community Park. He also participated as a member of Teens Against Tobacco, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Friends Forever, STEM Club, and Schuylkill County Junior Advisory Drug and Alcohol Board. Academically, Jake holds a 101.88 GPA, ranking him 11th in a class of 153. His curriculum includes AP Classes in Calculus, History, and Literature. He is a member of National Honor Society, and the English, Math, Science, and History Subject Honor Societies. He is accepted at Shippensburg, Wilkes, Susquehanna, Widener, and King’s. He plans to study Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Economics. Jake is the son of Jill and Walter Hall. Jake will continue his academic career at King’s College where he plans to play football.
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Panther Valley
RICHARD ZABROSKI – 6’0, 260 lb. - OL/DL - 3 Year Member, 3 Year Letterman, 2 Year Starter Bio: Under the leadership of Head Coach Rick Jones, team Captain Richard Zabroski was the leader of the Panther offensive and defensive linemen playing Guard, Tackle, Center, Defensive End, and Nose Guard. His effort on the gridiron earned him the 2021 Schuylkill League Football Sportsmanship Award. He was also selected to the Schuylkill League All-Star team on both Offense and Defense his senior year. A multi-sport athlete, Richard was a member of the Baseball and the Track and Field teams. Richard has participated in community service projects with Toys for Tots, Meed’s Church Food Drive, St. Joseph Parish of Panther Valley, Nesquehoning Fire Company, Cleaning Up Lansford, and Panther Valley Harmony Scholars Program for the American Cancer Society. He is also a member of Student Council and was voted as his Class President. Academically, Richard holds a 97.3 GPA which ranks him 11th in his senior class of 79 students. His curriculum includes AP Classes of US History, Calculus, Literature, and Computer Science. He is a member of the National Honor Society and was on the Distinguished Honor Roll each semester of his high school career. He was awarded the St. Andre Bissette Award Scholarship, and was accepted to King’s College, Penn State, and University of Pittsburgh. He plans to major in Engineering with a minor in Robotics. Richard is the son of Stacy and Richard Zabroski.
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Pine Grove
COLIN IBARRA – 5'8, 185 lb. - RB/OL/LB - 4 Year Member, 4 Year Letterman, 3 Year Starter Bio: Under the direction of Head Coach Frank Gaffney, team Captain Colin Ibarra set the Cardinals school record for career tackles with 371 from the middle linebacker position. Offensively, he excelled playing running back before anchoring the offensive line at guard. He rarely came off the field, as he also played on all special teams. Colin was voted Team MVP and Team Defensive POY. Colin earned game honors of Lineman of the Game and 4th Down Player of the week during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He was also voted SCFCA Defensive 2nd Team LB and was selected to participate in the 2021 All Star Classic as a member of the South team. A multi-sport athlete, Colin also participated in Basketball, where he was voted a team captain. Off the field, he volunteered as a youth football coach for the Little Cardinals Football program, and volunteered on committees for the Pine Grove Parade, Pine Grove Youth Sports Banquet, and Pine Grove High School Sports banquets. He also participated as a member of SADD and Varsity Club. Academically, Colin holds a 95.595 GPA, ranking him 19th in a class of 121 in a curriculum which includes AP US Government. He was selected as a member of the National Honor Society. Colin was offered and has accepted an academic scholarship to Penn Tech, and will study Automotive Technology with a minor in Collision Repair. Colin is the son of Becky and Mike Ibarra. Family member Dawson Ibarra was selected Pine Grove Area’s 2018 Football Scholar Athlete.
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Pottsville
RAEFF DICELLO – 5’10, 165 lb. - WR/CB/K - 4 Year Member, 4 Year Letterman, 4 Year Starter Bio: Under the leadership of Head Coach Tom McGeoy, team Captain Raeff DiCello contributed at offense, defense, and special teams for the Crimson Tide. At kicker, he holds the school all-time record for consecutive extra points. Offensively, he led the Tide in both receptions and receiving yards during his Junior and Senior years. During his tenure with Pottsville, Raeff helped his team to District XI AAAA championships in 2019 and a Schuylkill League Co-Championship in 2020. His Junior year, he was named to the Eastern PA Football 1st team at Defensive Back, the 1st Team SCFCA Dream Team at Defensive Back, and the SCFCA South 1st team at both defensive back and wide receiver. His senior year, he was selected to the South Senior All-Star team. A multi-sport athlete, Raeff is a team captain on a two-time Schuylkill League Championship winning basketball team. Off the field, he volunteers with the TKD Service Fraternity, the Knights of Columbus, Pottsville Winterfest, the John S. Clarke Egg Hunt, and with holiday food basket deliveries. He is also a member of the German Club and Key Club. Academically, Raeff holds a 3.75 GPA, ranking him 48th in his class of 251. He is a member of the German National Honor Society. Raeff plans to attend either Penn State or University of Colorado Boulder, where he will study Sports Journalism with a minor in Sports Management. He is the son of Kevin and Allison DiCello.
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Schuylkill Haven
KEVIN FITZPATRICK – 6'1, 185 lb. - RB/WR/DB/LB - 4 Year Member, 4 Year Letterman, 4 Year Starter Bio: Head Football Coach Mike Farr considered Kevin Fitzpatrick a valuable asset at multiple positions on the offense, defense, and special teams. As senior captain and Team MVP, he led his team in tackles (79), tackles for loss (11), kick return yards (271), and pass deflections (6). He ended his career with 157 career tackles. His efforts gained him recognition to the SCFCA All Star Team and the Mini Max Honorable Mention Award. During his senior season, he was voted as Player of the Game and Defensive Player of the Game on multiple occasions. A multi-sport athlete, he was a two-year member of the 2021 AA State Champion baseball team. Off the field, Kevin volunteers with First United Methodist Church, Grace Free Church, Schuylkill Haven Borough Day, Salvation Army, and as a mentor in the special-needs classroom. He is also a member of Spanish Club, Biology Club, Trout Committee, Veterans Committee, and the school musical. Academically, Kevin holds a 3.8 GPA, ranking him 25th in his class of 83, with a curriculum including AP Statistics. He has made the Distinguished Honor Roll each of the last 4 years. Kevin plans to attend and continue his football career at Lebanon Valley College. He expects to major in Secondary Education/Health and Physical Education. Kevin is the son of Dr. Shawn and Kirstin Fitzpatrick.
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Shenandoah Valley
OWEN KOSAR – 6'0, 170 lb. - QB/DB/K - 3 Year Member, 3 Year Letterman, 2 Year Starter Bio: Under the direction of Head Coach Ed Moran, Owen Kosar starred on offense, defense, and special teams for the Blue Devils. A two-time team captain, Owen had 2100 career passing yards and 15 career touchdown passes. Defensively, he intercepted 6 career passes. For his skill on the gridiron, he garnered honors of Schuylkill League Athlete of the Week, T102 Player of the Game, Standard Speaker All-Area 1st Team, SCFCA North 2nd team Defensive Back, Republican Herald All-Area Honorable Mention, and 2A All EasternPAFootball.com Honorable Mention. He was selected to the SCFCA All Star Game. A multi-sport athlete, this 1000-point scorer excelled on the basketball court, gaining 1st team and 2nd team All-Area recognition from multiple media outlets. He was also a productive member of the Baseball team. Off the field, Owen volunteers with Shenandoah Valley Elementary field day, Shenandoah Valley youth football camp, and Shenandoah Valley Elementary Christmas shops. Academically, Owen holds a 98.73 GPA, ranking him 11th in his class of 72 students. He is an honor roll student, and a member of the National Honor Society. Owen is accepted to Shippensburg, Millersville, Bloomsburg, and the University of Mississippi. He plans to major in Biology. Owen is the son of George and Marsha Kosar. Owen’s brother Evan was Shenandoah Valley’s 2019 football scholar athlete.
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Tamaqua
JACOB WASSERLEBEN – 6'0, 200 lb – OL/DL/LB - 4 Year Member, 3 Year Letterman, 3 Year Starter Bio: Under Coach Sam Bonner’s direction, two-time team Captain Jacob Wasserleben played a key role anchoring the offensive and defensive lines on the 2019 District XI Champion and state semi-finalist Blue Raiders squad. Playing tackle, defensive end, and linebacker throughout his career, he holds multiple awards including T102 Lineman of the game, 2020 2nd Team North offensive line, 2020 All-Area Honorable Mention offensive line, 2021 1st Team North offensive line, and Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network All-Star offensive lineman. He also participated in the North vs. South All-Star game as a member of the North squad. A multi-sport athlete, Jacob participated as a member of the track and field team where he was a league meet qualifier. Off the field, Jacob volunteers as an active member of the United Church of Christ. He is a member of the Tamaqua Area Student Government Association, Tamaqua Area Step Up, Physics Club, Chemistry Club, and World Language Club. Academically, Jacob holds a 98.51 GPA which ranks him 10th in his class of 160. His curriculum includes AP classes in Calculus, Chemistry, European History, and Spanish. He is a member of the National Honor Society, and the Spanish, English, Math, and Science Subject Honor Societies. He serves as president of the Math and Science honor societies. He has been accepted to Drexel, West Chester, Widener, and Villanova. He plans to major in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Aerospace. Jacob is the son of Karen and Randy Wasserleben
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Tri-Valley
MASON BOLTZ – 5’11, 152 lb. - WR/LB - 4 Year Member, 3 Year Letterman, 3 Year Starter Bio: Under the supervision of Head Coach Jeff Sampson, Mason Boltz played a vital part of the 2020 District XI Co-Champion and 2021 District XI Runner-Up Tri-Valley teams. A team captain as a senior, he helped the Bulldogs at multiple positions, including wide receiver, outside linebacker, and contributed on special teams. Mason made an impact with 9 receptions, 182 yards receiving, and 1 touchdown on offense. On defense, he had 51 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 sack. His efforts gained him selection to the SCFCA All Star Game. A multi-sport athlete, Mason was a star on the wrestling mat where he was selected two-time team captain and wrestling scholar athlete. He also is a member of the baseball team, where he contributed to winning the 2021 District XI Championship. Mason volunteers with Hegins Park Association, Valley View Gun Club, Friedens United Church of Christ, God’s Chuck Wagon, Youth Group, and with Elementary Wrestling. He is a member of Athletes for Christ, and holds the FFA Hand Degree and FFA Chapter Degree. Academically, Mason is a Distinguished Honor Roll student. He has a 94.598 GPA, ranking him 20th in his class of 67 students. He has been accepted at and plans to attend the Pennsylvania College of Technology. Mason is the son of Dave and Kelly Boltz. Mason’s brother Dawson was Tri Valley’s 2017 football scholar athlete
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Williams Valley
JACKSON YODER – 5'11, 175 lb. - OL/FB/LB - 4 Year Member, 4 Year Letterman, 4 Year Starter Bio: Under the leadership of Head Coach Tim Savage, Jackson Yoder was an integral member of a senior class that won three District XI Championships. A two-time team captain, Jackson played center, fullback, and linebacker during his Viking career. A skilled blocker, he led the way for three 1000+ yard rushers and two area leading passers. On defense, he amassed 233 career tackles, with a team leading 121 tackles as a senior. As a senior linebacker, he also recorded 3 sacks and 9 tackles for loss. For his efforts on the football field, he was voted as Williams Valley’s lineman of the year three times, T102 Player of the Game two occasions, and was selected Republican Herald 1st Team in 2021. Defensively, he was voted PASFCA All-State linebacker in 2021. Academically, Jackson holds a GPA of 88.95, ranking him 12th in a class of 60. An honor-roll student, he was the recipient of the Tower-Porter Rotary Student of the Month award. He holds college acceptances from Lock Haven, Slippery Rock, and Mansfield, where he plans to major in Criminal Justice. Jackson is the son of Bart and Jodie Yoder
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