The Big 33 Scholarship Foundation, which is responsible for putting-on the Big 33 Football Classic, which is scheduled to celebrate its 60th anniversary this year, is closing its doors. According to multiple media reports, the foundation is shutting down because of declining contributions and mounting debt.
“We no longer have the capacity and resources to continue operating the Big 33 organization” Jeanne DeDay, President of the Big 33 Foundation Scholarship Foundation, said in the statement.
So what happens to the Big 33 game that has had an alum play in all 50 Super Bowls?
According to PennLive.com, the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association will take-over the game that is played annually in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Garry Cathell, executive manager of the PSFCA, told the media outlet, “The PSFCA is going to take the Big 33 game over and we’re going to continue to run this thing like a first-class game. I feel like we have such a great, outstanding plan with this, and the big thing is it’s going to remain in Dauphin County.”
The Big 33 Classic is considered by many, including myself, to be America’s best all-star high school football game that is played annually in Hershey. Over the years, Pennsylvania all-stars have squared-off against all-star teams from Maryland, Ohio and Texas. On other occasions, Pennsylvania has faced an all-USA team. Currently Pennsylvania is in a five-year deal playing Maryland all-stars. The current series began in 2013, ending a 19-year series between PA and Ohio.
