The ceremony took place during the thrilling Spartans game against Northern Lehigh, creating a memorable night for both the inductees and the fans.
Class of 2023
The Class of 2023 included four distinguished individuals who left their mark on the North Schuylkill football program and beyond. Here are the honorees:
Aaron Bolinsky
A standout graduate of the Class of 2018, Aaron Bolinsky's journey in football began when he transferred to North Schuylkill from Blue Mountain. Bolinsky quickly became an integral part of the Spartans, playing key roles as center, defensive lineman, and long snapper during his senior season. His exceptional skills earned him recognition on multiple fronts, including being selected to the Republican-Herald All-Area first-team, Schuylkill County Football Coaches Association Dream Team, and the prestigious title of Offensive Lineman of the Year. Bolinsky's athletic prowess extended beyond the gridiron, as he also earned varsity letters in baseball.
Following his high school graduation, Bolinsky continued to excel at Syracuse University, where he snapped for three different All-American specialists, amassing an impressive streak of 55 consecutive games. During his senior year at Syracuse, he not only captained the team but also earned a nomination for the esteemed Wuerffel Trophy, which recognizes college football's most impactful leaders in community service and leadership achievement, both on and off the field. Bolinsky's academic pursuits were equally impressive, culminating in a bachelor's degree in accounting/finance and a master's degree in accounting. Currently, Bolinsky is actively pursuing a professional football career, a testament to his dedication to the sport.
Scotty Grigas
Another member of the Class of 2018, Scotty Grigas made his presence known as a wide receiver for North Schuylkill. In his senior year, Grigas led the Schuylkill League in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, setting records for receptions in a season and a game with an astonishing 13 catches. His outstanding performance earned him recognition as second-team All-State by PA Football News, as well as spots on the first-team Schuylkill County Football Coaches Association Dream Team and North All-Star team, Hazleton Standard-Speaker All-Area first-team, Republican-Herald All-Area first-team, and News-Item All-Area first-team. Grigas wasn't limited to just football, as he also earned varsity letters in baseball, soccer, and track.
Grigas continued his education at Muhlenberg College, where he pursued a degree in computer science and ran track for four years, ultimately serving as captain in his senior year. He has found success in the corporate world, currently employed by the Hearst Corporation in Manhattan, New York, where he serves as an optimization manager.
Doug Weist
A graduate of the Class of 2018, Doug Weist made his mark as a versatile athlete, starting at quarterback and cornerback during his time at North Schuylkill. As a junior quarterback, he received News-Item and Standard-Speaker All-Area honorable mentions. In his senior year, Weist's talents earned him spots on the Republican-Herald All-Area and Schuylkill County Football Coaches Association All-Star second-teams, both as a quarterback and cornerback. He also secured a place on the Hazleton Standard-Speaker All-Area team. Weist's senior year was filled with accolades, including the T102 player of the game award against Notre Dame Green Pond and the Schuylkill League football sportsmanship award. He was also honored as North Schuylkill's scholar-athlete recipient.
Weist's achievements extended to the basketball court, where he earned varsity letters. He continued his education with distinction at Wilkes University, graduating with honors with a degree in environmental engineering. Weist is currently employed as a designer at Alfred Benesch and Company.
Honorary Inductee: Jim Gross
Jim Gross, a 1992 graduate of North Schuylkill, was celebrated as an honorary inductee for his enduring contributions to the school's football program and hall of fame. Gross's high school career included earning varsity letters in golf, basketball, and baseball, with his basketball accomplishments earning him a spot at Susquehanna University. After college, Gross spent a decade as an on-air sports anchor for the Pottsville Broadcasting Company. For the past 17 years, he has served as the North Schuylkill School District's athletic director, where he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the growth and success of student-athletes.
Gross's dedication to his role as athletic director has not gone unnoticed, as he has received accolades such as the Robert Stimmel and Frank P. Ulicny Memorial Awards and the Donald Bricker Schuylkill League Athletic Director of the Year award. Furthermore, he has been inducted into the Jerry Wolman, Northern Anthracite Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Gross's impact on the Spartan football program and the athletes he has mentored over the years remains a testament to his leadership and administrative excellence.
Class of 2023
The Class of 2023 included four distinguished individuals who left their mark on the North Schuylkill football program and beyond. Here are the honorees:
Aaron Bolinsky
A standout graduate of the Class of 2018, Aaron Bolinsky's journey in football began when he transferred to North Schuylkill from Blue Mountain. Bolinsky quickly became an integral part of the Spartans, playing key roles as center, defensive lineman, and long snapper during his senior season. His exceptional skills earned him recognition on multiple fronts, including being selected to the Republican-Herald All-Area first-team, Schuylkill County Football Coaches Association Dream Team, and the prestigious title of Offensive Lineman of the Year. Bolinsky's athletic prowess extended beyond the gridiron, as he also earned varsity letters in baseball.
Following his high school graduation, Bolinsky continued to excel at Syracuse University, where he snapped for three different All-American specialists, amassing an impressive streak of 55 consecutive games. During his senior year at Syracuse, he not only captained the team but also earned a nomination for the esteemed Wuerffel Trophy, which recognizes college football's most impactful leaders in community service and leadership achievement, both on and off the field. Bolinsky's academic pursuits were equally impressive, culminating in a bachelor's degree in accounting/finance and a master's degree in accounting. Currently, Bolinsky is actively pursuing a professional football career, a testament to his dedication to the sport.
Scotty Grigas
Another member of the Class of 2018, Scotty Grigas made his presence known as a wide receiver for North Schuylkill. In his senior year, Grigas led the Schuylkill League in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, setting records for receptions in a season and a game with an astonishing 13 catches. His outstanding performance earned him recognition as second-team All-State by PA Football News, as well as spots on the first-team Schuylkill County Football Coaches Association Dream Team and North All-Star team, Hazleton Standard-Speaker All-Area first-team, Republican-Herald All-Area first-team, and News-Item All-Area first-team. Grigas wasn't limited to just football, as he also earned varsity letters in baseball, soccer, and track.
Grigas continued his education at Muhlenberg College, where he pursued a degree in computer science and ran track for four years, ultimately serving as captain in his senior year. He has found success in the corporate world, currently employed by the Hearst Corporation in Manhattan, New York, where he serves as an optimization manager.
Doug Weist
A graduate of the Class of 2018, Doug Weist made his mark as a versatile athlete, starting at quarterback and cornerback during his time at North Schuylkill. As a junior quarterback, he received News-Item and Standard-Speaker All-Area honorable mentions. In his senior year, Weist's talents earned him spots on the Republican-Herald All-Area and Schuylkill County Football Coaches Association All-Star second-teams, both as a quarterback and cornerback. He also secured a place on the Hazleton Standard-Speaker All-Area team. Weist's senior year was filled with accolades, including the T102 player of the game award against Notre Dame Green Pond and the Schuylkill League football sportsmanship award. He was also honored as North Schuylkill's scholar-athlete recipient.
Weist's achievements extended to the basketball court, where he earned varsity letters. He continued his education with distinction at Wilkes University, graduating with honors with a degree in environmental engineering. Weist is currently employed as a designer at Alfred Benesch and Company.
Honorary Inductee: Jim Gross
Jim Gross, a 1992 graduate of North Schuylkill, was celebrated as an honorary inductee for his enduring contributions to the school's football program and hall of fame. Gross's high school career included earning varsity letters in golf, basketball, and baseball, with his basketball accomplishments earning him a spot at Susquehanna University. After college, Gross spent a decade as an on-air sports anchor for the Pottsville Broadcasting Company. For the past 17 years, he has served as the North Schuylkill School District's athletic director, where he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the growth and success of student-athletes.
Gross's dedication to his role as athletic director has not gone unnoticed, as he has received accolades such as the Robert Stimmel and Frank P. Ulicny Memorial Awards and the Donald Bricker Schuylkill League Athletic Director of the Year award. Furthermore, he has been inducted into the Jerry Wolman, Northern Anthracite Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Gross's impact on the Spartan football program and the athletes he has mentored over the years remains a testament to his leadership and administrative excellence.
