https://clarionsportszone.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Will-Staub-2016-5-1050x806.jpg

Will Staub Concludes Stellar Bobcat Football Career In Inaugural Frank Varischetti All-Star Game (07/09/160

Recently graduated Clarion Area senior Will Staub completed his high school football career participating in the Inaugural Frank Varischetti All-Star Game, on Friday, July 1st, at Brockway Area High School’s Frank Varischetti field.

(Photos submitted by Staub family) Will, bearing the "Stars and Stripes," leading the KSAC All-Stars onto the field

(Photos submitted by Staub family) Will, bearing the “Stars and Stripes,” leading the KSAC All-Stars onto the field

The game, which matched All-Star Teams from the Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference (KSAC) and the Allegheny Mountain League (AML) coincided with Brockway’s 50th Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration.

Will, the son of Kenn and Susan Staub, played center for the KSAC  All-Stars, having a strong game in the close 27-20 loss to the AML Team.

Will was also introduced as one of the eight scholarship winners at halftime. Each scholarship was worth one-thousand dollars. Will’s award was sponsored by Guardian Elder Care. The scholarships were presented to four players from each conference, “who are pursuing post secondary education or technical training at an accredited school.”

Will receiving scholarship from representative of Guardian Elder Care

Will receiving scholarship from representative of Guardian Elder Care

The entrants for the scholarships “submitted academic information, along with their school and community involvement, and wrote an essay answering the question, ‘what role has football played in your life and how has it prepared you for the future.’ The entries were reviewed by a selection committee (from game program).”

Will was a two year starter at center, for coach Larry Wiser, at Clarion Area. He played center, defensive tackle and long snapper for the Bobcats. He was a three-time Pennsylvania Football News (PCN) Academic All-Star (2013-2015). Will was a member of two KSAC Small School Championship Teams 2013, 14; the 2013 District Nine Class-A Champion and PIAA Class-A Final 4 team.

Will has a number of coaches that he felt led to thank for his success. Will said, “I want to thank all my coaches, but a few in particular, Coach Wiser for giving me the opportunity to start as a junior and for nominating me to play in this game.

Will with Clarion Head Coach Larry Wiser

Will with Clarion Head Coach Larry Wiser

“I’d also like to thank my offensive line coach Nate McClaine. Coach McClaine worked with me during the off-season between my junior and senior years to improve my agility and speed. He also played a big part in helping improve me during my high school career as a lineman.

“Todd Smith is also a coach who contributed quite a bit, particularly giving of his time and helping me have confidence in my abilities.

“Coach Don Skunda helped with my confidence as a player, allowing me to assume some leadership responsibilities on the line.”

And for those involved in the All-Star Game and the scholarship, Will said, “I also want to thank the Varischetti Foundation for their generosity and staging this game, which gave me one final opportunity to play football, and Guardian Elder Care for the scholarship. Finally, I’d like to thank my parents for the support they have given me on and off the field.”

On winning the scholarship, will said, “I was honored to receive the scholarship from Guardian Elder Care. Only four players on each team got a scholarship so it was pretty special. It will definitely help cover some of my college expenses this coming year.”

Will with his parents Kenn and Susan Staub

Will with his parents Kenn and Susan Staub

Will’s family also shared their thanks for his sponsor, “The Staub Family would like to thank the Clarion Area Football Boosters for being Will’s program sponsor (they paid there $100 fee).”

What are some of Will’s special memories from the week? He said, “The highlight for me was getting to practice and play with kids from other schools that I’ve always played against. I’m friends with a lot of the Union guys so being teammates with them was pretty cool. Another highlight was running with the American flag to lead the KSAC out for the start of the game.”

Coach Wiser had this to say about his student athlete, “Will represented to Clarion Area, and Clarion football well. He works very hard at everything he does. I am especially proud of him receiving the scholarship.”

Will and Clarion Area Line Coach Nate McClaine

Will and Clarion Area Line Coach Nate McClaine

And Will’s line coach Nate McClaine had this to say about his starting center for the past two seasons, “It was a pleasure coaching Will over the last three years. I’m Really proud of all the hard work he has done, on and off the field, to improve each year as a football player. Will’s work ethic will werve him well as he continues his academic career at Clarion University. I wish Will nothing but sucess in the future.”

(Congratulations to Will on a fine career and all the best in your future endeavors!!!!)