Brady Quinn and Josh Beal Receive Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete Awards

Above image – National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Logo

The Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame held their 27th annual Scholar Athletes Awards Banquet Sunday, March 17th at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, in State College.

Central Clarion’s Brady Quinn, received the Wildcats team award and Keystone’s Josh Beal who has wrestled for Clarion Area and for the Central Clarion Wildcats, in this their inaugural season won the Panthers’ award.

Both also won special awards, which came with $1,000 in scholarship money. Brady, the son of Jess and Heather Quinn, of Sligo and attends Clarion Area, received the Thrivent Mutual Award. Josh, the son of Jon and Elizabeth Beal of Knox, received the First Citizens Community Bank Award.

The criteria for a student athlete to be named their team’s scholar athlete include: academic achievement – forty percent of the score, athletic achievement – forty percent and extra curricular/community service participation – twenty percent. 

According to the national website: “Our mission is to promote and develop the power of amateur football in developing the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, competitive zeal and the drive for academic excellence in America’s young people.”

This year’s Featured Speaker was Trace McSorely, who was the Penn State Nittany Lion’s starting quarterback from 2016 to 2019. PSU won the Big10 Championship in 2016 and played in the Rose Bowl. In 2017, McSorely was the Fiesta Bowl MVP.

He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens. In addition to the Ravens he played for the Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers.

McSorely was the NFF Scholar Athlete in 2018.

Central Clarion Coach Dave Eggleton said, “Brady has a high motor that few can match. Though undersized, he plays with an intensity that is unmatched. He is the ultimate team first guy, that is willing to do whatever it takes for the team to win.

“His heart and desire on the field is unmatched by any player I have coached. Brady is a second year Captain. He is the vocal leader of our football team. He has become a great example to all of our younger players through his hard work and dedication, on and off the field.

“Having Brady on the field is the equivalent of having a coach on the field.”

Brady’s parents shared, “It was special to know that all six varsity coaches were present in support of Brady. Each and every one of our coaches has played an incredible role in helping to shape and mold Brady into a young man of character. As a parent, I’m grateful for Coaches Eggleton, Louder, Ferguson, Hindman, Kirkland and Knepp for the time, energy and love they poured into my son.” 

Brady’s Community Volunteerism includes: Central Clarion Wildcats Youth Camp Leader, volunteers at Sligo Presbyterian Bible School, delivers flowers to shut-ins at Easter, volunteers laying flowers at Wreaths Across America.

His Academic Highlights include: National Honor Society, High Honor Roll since ninth grade, Clarion Area High School Math Award 2022/2023, Pennsylvania Football News All-Academic Team.

Brady’s Athletic Highlights include: Playing Slotback, Wide Receiver and Safety, All-Conference Safety in 2022 and 2023, Central Clarion Sophomore of the Year and Junior of the Year, also participated in baseball, basketball and track.

Brady plans to attend Triangle Tech’s Electrician program.

Keystone Coach Todd Smith shared, “Josh has a been a solid all-around-player for us, playing offensive line, defensive line and kicker. He has especially excelled on Offense, where he has been one of the top linemen in our district for two years. He also set the school record for career field goals, with five.

“Josh brings enthusiasm for the game each day to practice and games, that rubs off on the other players. We will certainly miss him. He has made a huge impact to our program.

“Josh was a team captain and vocal leader on our team. He cared about team attitude and effort and always worked to keep us moving in the right direction. He is an excellent example for the other players on our team, both on the field and in other avenues, such as his church, where he volunteers and in Scouts where he is an Eagle Scout candidate.

“Josh’s dad, Jon, was on our staff at Keystone. Josh comes from a wonderful family. I am super proud of Josh and all he has accomplished, he has a bright future ahead of him.

“Josh is a top-notch human being.”

Josh’s parents shared, “It was such an honor for Josh to be recognized among this outstanding group of young men. Listening to the incredible accomplishments of the 52 boys nominated brought home just how hard-working the student-athletes of Central Pennsylvania are. They have already contributed so much to their communities.

“We appreciate Coach Todd Smith’s support of Josh and his teammates these past two years–he is a remarkable role model for the boys and encourages them to strive always to be their best on and off the field.”

Josh’s Community Volunteerism includes: Volunteering at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Fryburg and Boy Scouts.

His Academic Highlights include: National Honor Society, Principal’s List, Pennsylvania Football News All-Academic Gold Team 2023-2024.

Josh’s Athletic Highlights include: Keystone Football: Team Captain 2023, District Nine Football League Region 2 All-Conference Offensive Lineman 2022-2023, All-District Nine Team – First Team Offensive Lineman and Second Team Kicker 2022; First Team-Region 2 Offensive Lineman 2023.

Central Clarion Wildcat Wrestling: Second at Districts and third at Regionals, advancing to the State Tournament 2023.

Clay Dusters’ Trap Shooting Team (Keystone-Clarion-North Clarion High Schools): Member since 2018, Pennsylvania State Sporting Clays Tournament Champion in 2023 (Overall and Male Varsity).

Josh plans on attending Slippery Rock University to further his academic career, pursuing a master’s degree in exercise science – Pre-Athletic Training. He also plans on trying out for the football team next winter. 

District Nine Committee member and former Redbank Valley Football Coach received the lifetime achievement award from the Central Pennsylvania Football Chapter – National Football Foundation.

Congratulations to former Redbank Valley head football coach, Bob Tonkin, for receiving a lifetime achievement award from the National Football Foundation.

(Congratulations to Josh, Brady, Coach Tonkin and their families!!!! Thanks to all who contributed photos!!)