Big 33 cheerleaders to receive heart screenings thanks to Americhoice Federal Credit Union
WHAT: Pennsylvania’s 40-member Big 33 team for the 69th Football Classic will hold its first
practice and receive FREE heart screenings by The Peyton Walker Foundation and UPMC, thanks to the generous support from Renewal by Andersen of Central PA and The Birner Group. Also, Big 33 Cheerleaders will receive FREE heart screenings, thanks to AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union.
WHERE: Cumberland Valley High School, 6746 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
ATTENDING:
Garry Cathell, Executive Director, PSFCA Big 33 Football Classic
Nicole Whitmire, COO, PSFCA Big 33 Football Classic
Coach Josh Oswalt, Associate Executive Director, PSFCA
PA Big 33 Coach Don Holl from Gateway High School, Monroeville, PA
PA Big 33 Coaches
Big 33 PA Team players
Big 33 Cheerleaders
Julie Walker and The Peyton Walker Foundation
UPMC Heart & Vascular medical team
Linda Johnston, Chief Culture Officer, Renewal by Andersen of Central PA/The Birner Group
AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union volunteers
SATURDAY, April 25, 2026 PA TEAM & CHEERLEADER HEART SCREENINGS & PA FOOTBALL TEAM PRACTICE SCHEDULE:
FOOTBALL PLAYERS –
9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. ***Big 33 PA Players Arrive, PA Team Heart Screenings by PWF and UPMC, Physicals, Helmet Fittings, Photos. PA Team Heart Screenings sponsored by Renewal by Andersen of Central PA and The Birner Group
Cumberland Valley High School Field House, Cumberland Co.
11:30 p.m. – 1:30p.m. ***PA Football Players & Coaches Practice #1
Cumberland Valley Chapman Field, if raining held on Indoor Turf, Field House
2:30 – 4:30 p.m. *** PA Football Players & Coaches Practice #2
Chapman Field, if raining held on Indoor Turf, Field House
CHEERLEADERS –
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Big 33 & East/West Cheer Teams Heart Screenings, Photos
CV Field House, Cheerleader Heart Screenings sponsored by AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union
SUNDAY, April 26, 2026 PA TEAM PRACTICE SCHEDULE:
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ***PA Football Players & Coaches Practice#3
Cumberland Valley Chapman Field, if raining held on Indoor Turf, Field House
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ***PA Football Players & Coaches Practice #4
Cumberland Valley Chapman Field, if raining held on Indoor Turf, Field House
The Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association (PSFCA) proudly presents the 69th Big 33 Football Classic, presented by Renewal by Andersen of Central PA. This highly anticipated game will take place on Sunday, May 24 at Cumberland Valley High School’s Chapman Field in Cumberland County, PA, with kickoff at 6:30 p.m.
The day’s events begin with the Big 33 Girls Flag Football Games at 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., followed by the 3rd Annual Big 33 Girls Flag Championship Game at 3:00 p.m. Fans can then enjoy a Free Fan Fest from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., featuring exciting activities for all ages including a 65 foot inflatable obstacle course, food trucks, music, the Army’s Climbing Wall and meet Miss Pennsylvania Victoria Vespico. The Big 33 Pre-Game Ceremonies and Military Recognition will take place at 5:45 p.m., honoring those who have served our country. This year, Big 33 will welcome special guest Dave Bray, USN/USMC Veteran, who is an American musician known for his patriotic themes and country genre, to perform The National Anthem. In appreciation for their service, active military members and veterans will receive FREE admission to Girls Flag Games, the Big 33 Football Classic and East/West games.
“This weekend some of the very best of high school athletes will come together bringing their elite talent from across the state to hit the practice field, while fostering friendships that will last a lifetime. We are honored to welcome this year’s exceptional Big 33 PA football all-stars, along with their dedicated coaches and high-spirited cheerleaders, for a truly memorable weekend which creates enduring bonds for all,” said Garry Cathell, Executive Director of PSFCA and the Big 33 Football Classic.
“Equally important is our unwavering commitment to the health and safety of our student-athletes. We are deeply grateful to The Peyton Walker Foundation, UPMC, Renewal by Andersen of Central PA/The Birner Group, and AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union for their generous support of our heart screening initiative. Through their partnership, we can provide free screenings that play a critical role in potentially detecting hidden heart conditions and safeguarding the well-being of these young athletes.”
“We value our partnership with the PSFCA Big 33 and we’re grateful that they continue to prioritize the health and safety of their athletes. Given the fact that Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the number one killer of student athletes, it’s imperative to screen these athletes to identify any hidden heart issues that could lead to cardiac arrest. Our UPMC Heart & Vascular medical partners will provide a heart murmur check, a baseline electrocardiogram (“EKG”) and if needed, an echocardiogram. We are so appreciative of Renewal by Andersen of Central PA and AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union for underwriting this heart screening of Pennsylvania’s top football players and cheerleaders. Both sponsors have been incredible partners in our efforts to check hearts and save lives the past several years,” added Julie Walker, Peyton’s Mom and President of The Peyton Walker Foundation.
The Peyton Walker Foundation is one of the country’s prominent heart screening advocates and leaders in providing CPR and AED training and equipment donations. For more information on The Peyton Walker Foundation, their life-saving work and Sudden Cardiac Arrest, go to PeytonWalker.org.
BACKGROUND:
Under the leadership of the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association, Cumberland County, the Commonwealth of PA and various sponsors are partnering to support the PSFCA Big 33 Football Classic presented by Renewal by Andersen of Central PA. This exciting football match up has been described as “one of the best All-Star High School Football Games in the country” and has chosen a team since 1957.
Some Notable Big 33 Alumni and NFL Greats:
Joe Namath, Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, Tony Dorsett, Ricky Waters, Ben Roethlisberger, Kyle Brady, Jordan Hill, Garry Gilliam, and Damar Hamlin.
The Big 33 Buddy Program pairs individuals with special needs with a Big 33 football player or cheerleader. Buddies participate in the halftime routine and enjoy time with their teammates throughout Big 33 weekend. The program also offers year-round special Buddy events, thanks to UPMC.
TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION:
For tickets now on sale or for more information, visit www.Big33.org or follow the Big 33 on social media:
- Facebook: @Big33FootballClassic
- Instagram: @PFSCABig33FootballClassic
- Twitter: @psfcabig33
- LinkedIn: PSFCA Big 33 Football Classic
Proceeds from the Big 33 Football Classic help support all PSFCA Big 33 programs, including the Big 33 Buddy Program, military appreciation and recognition, and Big 33 Girls Flag Football during Memorial Day Weekend.
The Big 33 Host Family Program pairs Big 33 football players with local families, creating meaningful lifelong relationships. For more information to become a Host Family, contact Jillian Brubaker at [email protected]. Big 33 PA and MD Players will stay with host families again this year. Any potential Buddies can contact Leslie Frey at [email protected]. Any interested sponsors can contact Nicole Whitmire at [email protected]
The Titan Threadz PSFCA East/West All-Star Games will take place on Sunday, May 17 (1-3A Small Schools Noon / 4-6A Big Schools 5 p.m.) at Cumberland Valley High School Chapman Field.