Wildcats’ Hayden Hindman And Keystone’s Jake Henry Receive Central Pennsylvania Chapter Of The National Football Foundation And College Hall Of Fame

Photos Courtesy of CPFCA/NFF

The Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame held their annual Scholar Athletes Awards Banquet on Sunday, March 22nd, and the Central Clarion Wildcats’ Hayden Hindman and Keystone’s Jake Henry, who also wrestled for the Wildcats in addition to playing for the Panthers, received their respective program’s honor.

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.”

The Central Pennsylvania Chapter is made up of the schools in the Central Pennsylvania Football Coaches Association, which conducts the Lezzer Lumber Classic Football All-Star Game.

Wildcats mentor Davey Eggleton said, “I am incredibly proud of Hayden. Many people see his toughness on the football field, but what often goes unnoticed is the young man who gives his time to volunteer with youth and support students with special needs.

“It’s especially meaningful to see him recognized with this award—not just as a football player, but as an outstanding person of character.”

Panthers head coach Todd Smith, who is in his thirtieth year as a teacher at Clarion-Limestone, shared, “Jake has set an example as a 4 year starter of what hard work, dedication, and leadership is all about. He has been unselfish and team first without question.

“He has played just about every position on the field, going “all out” whether he was getting the ball, blocking, or tackling. He is everything you want in a high school football player.

“He will further his football career at Waynesburg. 

“I couldn’t be prouder of Jake and the wonderful person he become.”

Both were also given $1,000 Scholarships from Thrivent.

As you can see Thrivent Awards are beautiful display pieces of art. Ron Stuck, now deceased, and Board Member was major scholarship sponsor for Thrivent

Hull had an inspiring message on sticking to your dream, even when others don’t and about his faith and how faith is a key…

He was a walk-on at Penn State, he eventually earned a scholarship, became a starter his Junior year and led the team in tackles his Senior year. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams and played 5 years in the NFL. He is now the CEO of an oil company.

(Congratulations to Hayden and Luke on these Fine Honors!!!!)

Below are the player bios from the for both from their player page in the CPFCA/NFF program:

CENTRAL CLARION HAYDEN HINDMAN

HOMETOWN: Clarion

PARENTS: Kristen & Mike Hindman

Head Coach, Davey Eggleton says, “Hayden has been one of those rare, dominant players throughout all four years of his career. He’s a relentless competitor—never willing to be outworked—and has set a high standard for effort and commitment. More than just a standout athlete, Hayden has been a tremendous role model for our younger players, both on and off the field. Hayden consistently demonstrates strong leadership and a deep sense of responsibility within his school and community. He leads by example through his actions, showing initiative, reliability, and a commitment to serving others. His peers and teachers view him as a respectful, compassionate, and trustworthy individual. Hayden is a positive role model whose integrity and character make a lasting impact on those around him.” SCHOLASTIC HONORS: Principals List, Honor Roll, PFN All-Academic Team. POSITIONS: OG/DL FOOTBALL HONORS: 2024 All-State Guard; 2023, 2024, 2025 District 9 Region 1 Defensive Line of the Year; 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 District 9 Region 1 All-Conference Defensive Lineman; 2024, 2025 All-Conference Offensive Line. ACTIVITIES: Hayden is an involved and accomplished student. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Youth Council, and the Unified Bocce Ball Club. In addition, he competes in both wrestling and track and field, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics. Outside of athletics, Hayden is deeply committed to service and inclusion. He works closely with students with special needs, is a member of the Unified Bocce Ball team, and regularly volunteers at youth football camps and community events such as Wreaths Across America and Carried the American Flag in a local Memorial Day parade. He’s also active in his church, supports life skills programs, chaperoned the Life Skills dance, and helps with food distribution for families in need. Hayden’s selfless involvement and leadership are a true testament to his character. COLLEGE/FUTURE: Slippery Rock or PennWest Clarion. MAJOR: Business.

Josh Hull was a walk-on at Penn State, he eventually earned a scholarship, became a starter his Junior year,
and led the team in tackles his Senior year. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams and played 5 years in the NFL.
He is now the CEO of an oil company.

KEYSTONE JACOB HENRY
HOMETOWN: Knox

PARENTS: Andrew and Jill Henry
Head Coach, Todd Smith says, “Jake has been an outstanding player for us for 4 years and exemplifies everything you would hope for in a high school football player. He is hard nosed, team first, a leader, and his work-ethic is unmatched. He is what Keystone Football is all about. And as good as he was on the field, he is even a better person. The only player that I have ever coached that came in the coaches office and thanked me and shook my hand after every game, win or lose. Jake comes from a wonderful family that is super involved in the community. He has grown up working on his family’s 107 year old farm, Henry Farms of Knox PA. He is involved in activities in his church from volunteering to youth group to mission trips. He has also done community service projects through his involvement with 4-H. In school he is the President of the Spanish Club, a member of FCS and the National Honor Society, holds a 4.0 GPA, and is also a standout wrestler. It would be hard to imagine that anyone has done more than Jake at such a young age.”

SCHOLASTIC HONORS: National Honor Society – 2 years, Principal 4 years, PA Football News All-Academic Team – Gold Team – 4 years.

POSITIONS: LB/RB FOOTBALL HONORS: Team Captain – 2 Years, 1st Team All-Conference – LB and TE – 2023, 1st Team All-Conference – LB – 2024, 1st Team All-Conference – LB – 2025, PA Football News – 1st Team All-State LB – 2024,
First Team All-State Defensive Athlete – 2025, School record 315 tackles,

ACTIVITIES: Spanish Club – 2 years (Current President), National Honor Society – 2 Years, Musical – involved in 4 musicals, Choir – 4 years, Fellowship Christian Students – 6 years, Wrestling Team – 4 years, Captain, 3-time district qualifier, 2-time regional qualifier, Track Team – 4 years, Captain, 3-time district qualifier. Church: 2 mission trips, nursery and children’s volunteer, youth group, and church camp, 4-H: 2 clubs – American Made and Venango’s Edge – 6 years, Showed animals for 10 years, Fishing Project 2 years, Community Service Projects: baskets for State Police, wreaths on graves for Christmas, flags on graves for Memorial Day, holiday parties, work projects on fair grounds.

(The school record for tackles is actually 317, not the 315 shown above.)