2024-2025 Schuylkill County Football Scholar Athletes
The 2024-2025 Schuylkill County Football Scholar Athletes have been named.
Every school year, the Schuylkill Chapter No. 25 of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame holds their annual scholar athlete banquet. This year's list marks the 64th anniversary of the Schuylkill Chapter 25 Scholar Athlete program.
Each school district was instructed to select their athlete based on the criteria of outstanding football ability and performance, outstanding academic application and performance, and outstanding school leadership and citizenship.These athletes will be recognized at a banquet ceremony to be held on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit #29 in MarLin.
The following are the Schuylkill County athletes that were chosen from each the 14 school districts that will be recognized at the banquet.
Tyler Stahley - Blue Mountain
Tyler Stahley showcased dedication and excellence throughout his four seasons with the Blue Mountain football team, serving as a key contributor and leader on and off the field. As a running back and outside linebacker, Tyler’s senior season was marked by standout performances. His senior year statistics included 183 carries for 1,161 rushing yards, a 6.3-yard average per carry, and 1,431 all-purpose yards. His consistent effort resulted in an impressive 105.5 rushing yards per game, solidifying his position as a cornerstone of the Eagles' offense and earning him a selection to the SCFCA 1st Team Big School Offense at running back.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Tyler is a multi-sport athlete, competing in basketball, baseball, and track and field during his high school career.
Academically, Tyler maintains a 3.7 GPA, with coursework that includes AP Government. He is an active member of the Varsity Club, All Things Business Club, and Senior Planning Committee, demonstrating his commitment to both his studies and the school community.
Tyler's leadership extends beyond the classroom and playing field. He has volunteered at football camps and worked as a delivery driver, cashier, and dishwasher.
As Tyler looks toward the future, he is exploring college opportunities and plans to continue his academic journey.
Tyler is the son of Kurt and Carrie Stahley and resides in Schuylkill Haven.
Kyle Pollack - Mahanoy Area
In addition to his success on the football field, Kyle is a member of the Golden Bears Track and Field and Wrestling teams, further demonstrating his athletic versatility and commitment.
Off the field, Kyle’s academic achievements are equally impressive. With a GPA of 98.44, he ranks 11th in a class of 81 students. He has pursued a rigorous academic curriculum, completing AP courses in Computer Science, Literature, U.S. History, Calculus, and Chemistry, as well as dual enrollment courses in English and Emerging Engineering & Technology. Kyle is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Interact Club, Future Business Leaders of America, and Stage Crew for Theatre Arts.
Kyle’s dedication extends beyond academics and athletics. He has contributed to his community through initiatives like Helping Harvest and Meals on Wheels. Additionally, he has gained work experience at Mountain Valley Golf Course and White Birch Golf Course, where he worked as a dishwasher and on the grounds crew.
As Kyle nears graduation, he plans to pursue college opportunities with a planned major in engineering.
Kyle is the son of Marci Pehanick and Chris Pollack and resides in Barnesville.
Aidan Milkovits - Marian Catholic
Aidan’s athletic versatility extends beyond football, as he competed in wrestling and track and field.
Academically, Aidan ranks fourth in his class of 57 students with a 96.83 GPA. His rigorous coursework includes AP English Language and Composition and AP American Government and Politics. Aidan has received the President’s Award for Academic Excellence and subject awards for the highest averages in chemistry, American cultures, and algebra. He is a member of the National Honor Society and a two-time recipient of the PA Football News All-Academic Gold Team.
Aidan’s leadership and dedication are evident in his community involvement. He serves as a Marian mentor, has volunteered at youth football and basketball games, and has work experience as a dishwasher and landscaper, balancing his academic and athletic demands while serving his community.
Aidan plans to attend college to major in Criminal Justice, with acceptances to multiple institutions.
Aidan is the son of Stephen Milkovits and resides in Tamaqua.
Logan Rizzardi - Minersville Area
Logan Rizzardi was a warrior on the field and a leader in the classroom for Minersville Area High School, excelling as a student-athlete and role model. As a two-year starter and four-year varsity letterman, Logan’s contributions to the Battlin’ Miners football team have been invaluable. Playing as a running back and linebacker, Logan earned SCFCA Small School Honorable Mention Linebacker honors and was selected as a Schuylkill County All-Star. Known for his strength, commitment, and leadership, Logan consistently inspired his teammates and coaches.
In addition to football, Logan is a four-year baseball player, earning three varsity letters, further showcasing his athletic versatility and dedication.
Logan’s academic accomplishments are equally impressive. With a remarkable GPA of 106.9, he ranks first in his class of 71 students. A Distinguished Honor Roll student throughout high school, Logan has excelled in advanced courses, including AP Language and dual-enrollment classes such as Intro to Psychology, Research and Composition, and Speech & Debate. He is the recipient of Minersville Area’s Student of the Month for October 2024, the Minersville Area Academic Achievement Award, the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence, and the Eastern PA Football Officials Association Scholarship.
Logan’s leadership extends beyond the classroom. As the National Honor Society President, he is involved in numerous extracurricular activities, including Student Council, Diversity Club, Spanish Club, Aevidum Club, Schuylkill County’s Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board, and the Schuylkill County Youth Ambassador Program. His commitment to community service is evident through his involvement in events such as Minersville Spirit Day, Carwash for Cancer, the Minersville Little League, and St. Joseph’s School for Special Learning. Outside of school, Logan has worked as a lifeguard.
Logan plans to pursue higher education, with applications and acceptances to numerous colleges.
Logan is the son of Jeff and Jamie Rizzardi and resides in Minersville.
Samuel Spolski - Nativity BVM
Beyond football, Sam competed in varsity track & field for four years and played one year of basketball, further showcasing his athletic versatility and dedication.
Sam’s academic achievements are exceptional. With a GPA of 4.29, he ranks first in his class of 60 students. His rigorous coursework includes AP classes such as Calculus, Literature and Composition, U.S. History, Language and Composition, and Biology, as well as dual-enrollment courses in Anatomy, Criminology, Public Speaking, and Physics. Sam has earned numerous awards, including the First in Class Award, the AP Scholar Award, and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Award. He has also received the Highest Achievement Awards in multiple subjects: AP Biology, AP Language and Composition, Advanced Chemistry, Advanced Precalculus, Advanced Christian Morality, Academic Writing, Spanish I & II, Advanced Algebra II & III, Advanced Physical Science, Theology, Advanced English, and Microsoft Word.
Sam’s leadership extends throughout the school, where he is a member of the National Honor Society, Evangelization Team, National Science Honor Society, Chess Club, and Math Club. He also serves as a Student Council Class Representative and was honored as a Rotary Student of the Month.
In addition to his academic and athletic pursuits, Sam is deeply committed to serving his community. He has volunteered with the United Way, Salvation Army, Special Olympics, the Green and Gold Golf Tournament, and at St. Ambrose Church as a lector and greeter. He served as a tutor for his classmates in STEM and Theology. Sam also led a six-week locker room renovation project at Nativity BVM and serves as a youth fitness leader at The Jungle Fitness. In addition to his volunteer experience, he has work experience at Ebinger Iron Works and SFM Woodwork Company.
Sam will continue his academic journey while serving his country at the United States Naval Academy, where he plans to major in Robotics and Control Engineering.
Samuel is the son of Steve and Mindy Spolski and resides in Schuylkill Haven.
Gavin Mentzer - North Schuylkill
His career statistics are equally remarkable. Gavin successfully converted 198 of 211 extra-point attempts and 21 of 31 field goal attempts, including a career-long 51-yard field goal. On kickoffs, he recorded 114 touchbacks and successfully executed a self-recovered onside kick. As a punter, he averaged 40.6 yards per punt, with 47 of his 83 punts landing inside the 20-yard line. Gavin also converted a fake punt into a first down, further demonstrating his versatility and game awareness.
Beyond football, Gavin excelled as a varsity swimmer for four years, serving as senior captain. He is a three-time All-Area honoree and achieved notable accomplishments, including two runner-up finishes in the District 11 100-yard backstroke and additional top placements in freestyle and backstroke events at the Schuylkill League and District levels.
Academically, Gavin maintains a 4.1 GPA, ranking in the top 15% of his class of 157 students. His rigorous coursework includes AP Physics, AP Biology, AP History, and dual-enrollment Calculus. A Distinguished Honor Roll student throughout high school, Gavin is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, the History Honor Society, and the Science Honor Society.
Gavin’s leadership extends across the school and community. He serves as Treasurer for Student Council and is an active member of Friends Forever, Pep Club, Aevidum, Teens Against Tobacco, and Students Against Destructive Decisions. His dedication to service is evident through his volunteer work, which includes mulching playgrounds, repainting parking spots, and participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters programs. Gavin also works as a lifeguard, balancing his academic, athletic, and community responsibilities.
Gavin has been accepted to numerous colleges with scholarships and plans to continue both his academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level, with a planned major in Exercise Science.
Gavin is the son of Greg and Tara Mentzer and resides in Ashland.
Frank Shubeck - Panther Valley
In addition to football, Frank is a multi-sport athlete, competing in track and field and demonstrating his commitment to athletic excellence.
Off the field, Frank has excelled academically, maintaining a 3.8 GPA while ranking ninth in a class of 85. His rigorous coursework includes AP English and AP Calculus, and he is a member of the National Honor Society.
Beyond academics and athletics, Frank is actively involved in his community. He volunteers with the New Columbus Fire Company and Char-Wills German Shepherd Rescue, and he has work experience at Narrow Valley Sportsplex.
Frank’s academic achievements have earned him multiple college acceptances and scholarships, and he plans to pursue a major in aerospace engineering at Penn State University.
Frank is the son of Frank and Wendy Shubeck and resides in Nesquehoning.
Brayden Lyons - Pine Grove Area
In addition to his football accomplishments, Brayden has been an active participant in basketball and baseball, showcasing his athletic versatility.
Academically, Brayden has maintained a GPA of 96.73 and ranks in the top 20% of his class of 132 students. His coursework includes advanced studies such as AP U.S. Government and dual-enrollment classes in U.S. History to Reconstruction and U.S. History Since Reconstruction.
Brayden’s leadership extends beyond the classroom and playing field. He served as an Accountability Group Leader, setting a standard for his peers and representing what it means to be a student-athlete.
In the community, Brayden has volunteered at Pine Grove Area Youth Baseball Camp, Pine Grove Youth Basketball, and Little Cardinals Football, demonstrating his dedication to mentoring younger athletes and giving back to his community. Brayden balances his athletic, academic, and community responsibilities with work experience at BG’s Value Market.
Brayden plans to pursue a college degree in business finance and is currently exploring his options for higher education.
Brayden is the son of Sean and Jessica Lyons and resides in Pine Grove.
Luke Schane - Pottsville Area
Luke Schane exemplifies commitment, versatility, and leadership as a student-athlete at Pottsville Area High School. A four-year varsity player and two-year starter, Luke demonstrated remarkable adaptability by excelling in multiple positions, including center, offensive guard, offensive and defensive tackle, tight end, defensive end, outside linebacker, and special teams. His senior season accolades include being named the 2024 Team Offensive Lineman of the Year, AMVETS 2024 Offensive Lineman of the Year, and earning SCFCA Big School First Team Defense and Second Team Offense recognition. Over his career, Luke recorded 95 tackles, 52 solo tackles, 13 tackles for loss, two sacks, three batted balls, and one forced fumble.
In addition to football, Luke has earned varsity letters in baseball and track and field, further showcasing his athletic versatility. He also participates as a Unified Partner on Pottsville's Bocce Ball team.
Academically, Luke maintains a 3.995 GPA, ranking in the top 10% of his class of 210 students. His challenging coursework includes AP Language and Composition and AP Government. He has earned Distinguished Honors and is a member of the German National Honor Society, Key Club, and Mini-THON. Luke serves as President of Tau Kappa Delta, contributes to TideTV News, and is active in Student Council.
Luke’s dedication to his community is equally noteworthy. He has volunteered with the City of Pottsville Recreation for various events, participated in cleanups at local schools and cemeteries, and served as an altar server and sacristan at St. John the Baptist Church. His work experience includes roles as a lifeguard at JFK Pool, a Water Safety Instructor, and an intern with the Highway Safety Network.
Luke plans to continue his academic pursuits with an anticipated college major in Communications.
Luke is the son of Tara DeStefano and Derek Schane and resides in Pottsville.
Leyden Hertz - Schuylkill Haven Area
Leyden Hertz was a standout leader for Schuylkill Haven High School, excelling both on the football field and in the classroom. A four-year varsity starter and two-time team captain, Leyden’s contributions to the Hurricanes football program have been nothing short of remarkable. Playing as a wide receiver and defensive back, Leyden earned numerous accolades, including First-Team All-County, First-Team All-Area, and First-Team All-State honors during his junior and senior seasons, as well as a selection to the WNEP Dream Team and the Mini Max Award during his senior campaign. He was a key contributor to two division championships during his time as a Hurricane.
Leyden’s career stats highlight his impact on the field, with 14 career interceptions, four pick-six touchdowns, two kickoff return touchdowns, one punt return touchdown, five defensive touchdowns, three forced fumbles in his senior year, and eight career receiving touchdowns. He also amassed 151 career tackles while playing defensive back.
In addition to football, Leyden competed in basketball for three years, helping his team win two division championships and earning recognition as a Schuylkill League Athlete of the Week.
Academically, Leyden excelled with a 4.24 GPA, ranking 12th in his class of 82 students. He has taken AP and dual-enrollment courses, including AP Environmental Science, AP U.S. History, and College Credit Accounting, while maintaining Distinguished Honor Roll status, membership in the National Honor Society, and participation in the Honor Guard.
Leyden is also committed to his community, volunteering at the Schuylkill Haven Youth Football Camp, Borough Day cleanup, SPCA donation drives, and through the BIO Club. He balances his academic and athletic responsibilities with work experience in landscaping.
Leyden plans to continue his academic and athletic journey on a full scholarship to East Stroudsburg University, where he will major in business.
Leyden is the son of Jodie Hertz and resides in Schuylkill Haven.
Brayden Lutz - Shenandoah Valley
Brayden Lutz was an exceptional leader for Shenandoah Valley High School’s football program and an exemplary student-athlete. As a senior captain and three-year varsity starter, Brayden’s leadership and work ethic were critical to his team’s success. Playing multiple positions, including center, linebacker, defensive line, and defensive end, Brayden recorded impressive career stats: 95 total tackles, 50 solo tackles, four sacks, 15 pancake blocks, three forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries.
In addition to football, Brayden is a multi-sport athlete, excelling on the baseball field and showcasing his athletic versatility.
Off the field, Brayden’s academic achievements are outstanding. He maintains a 98.85 GPA, ranking in the Top 10 in his class of 81. His coursework includes AP U.S. History and dual-enrollment classes in English and Sociology. Brayden is a member of the National Honor Society and has earned perfect honors, reflecting his dedication to academic excellence.
Brayden also gives back to his community, volunteering with Junior Blue Devil football games, assisting with mulch laying at Memorial Park, and participating in class cleanup projects around Shenandoah. He balances these commitments with work experience as a delivery driver for Francesco’s Restaurant and as a summer employee at Shenandoah Valley.
After graduation, Brayden plans to pursue a trade school education, focusing on automobile mechanic repair or becoming an electrician.
He is the son of Robert and Holley Mummey and resides in Shenandoah.
Declan Coleman - Tamaqua Area
Off the field, Declan’s academic achievements are exceptional. With a 4.0 GPA, he ranks 11th in his class of 155 students. Declan has taken a rigorous course load, including AP Biology, AP Spanish, AP Calculus, and dual-enrollment Anatomy. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society), Biology Club, Environmental Club, FBLA, and the Schuylkill County Youth Conference.
Declan’s leadership extends beyond academics and athletics. He is actively involved in community service, volunteering at the Southward Playground, assisting elderly individuals with daily tasks, participating in a gifting organization for families in need, and helping at Koch’s Turkey Farm. Additionally, he works during the summer in landscaping and tree trimming and removes snow from sidewalks in the winter.
He has been accepted to multiple colleges with plans to pursue a major in pre-med or pre-dentistry when he enrolls.
Declan is the son of Sarah Coleman and Brian Bittner and resides in Tuscarora.
Ryan Colahan - Tri-Valley
Ryan Colahan was a hardworking leader of Tri-Valley High School’s football program and a role model on the field and in the classroom. As a three-year varsity starter and senior team captain, Ryan’s leadership and resilience were instrumental to the team’s success. Over 43 games played, Ryan recorded 140 tackles, three sacks, one touchdown, five forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. He earned recognition as an SCFCA Small School Honorable Mention Offensive Lineman and First-Team Linebacker. His contributions on the gridiron helped lead Tri-Valley to a District Championship and two District Runner-Up finishes during his Bulldog career.
In addition to football, Ryan is a multi-sport athlete, competing in track and field, further highlighting his athleticism and commitment.
Ryan also excels academically, maintaining a 96.75 GPA and ranking in the top third of his class. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, AV Club, and FFA, where he serves as Historian.
Beyond academics and athletics, Ryan is an engaged member of his community. He participates in the Big Brother/Big Sister Program and volunteers through NHS and Student Council activities. He has also worked as a lifeguard manager at Tri-Valley Community Pool, as well as an employee at All-Star Ice Cream Shop and Hegins Fuel and Deli.
Ryan’s achievements have earned him acceptances to multiple colleges, where he plans to pursue a major in civil engineering.
Ryan is the son of Christy and Chris Bolich and resides in Hegins.
Sage Smeltz - Williams Valley
Sage holds the distinction of being the first female football Scholar Athlete nominee in both Williams Valley and Schuylkill Chapter #25’s history.
In addition to her success on the football field, Sage has competed at a high level in other sports. She has been a standout in soccer, where she was named First Team All-County and Team MVP in both her junior and senior years, setting school records and leading Schuylkill County in save percentage. Sage has also excelled in softball, contributing to two District 11 title victories and earning First Team All-County and First Team All-State honors. In basketball, she was recognized with the Unsung Hero Award as a freshman and was named Team MVP as a sophomore.
Academically, Sage’s achievements are exceptional. With a GPA of 4.20, she ranks first in her class of 67 students. She has taken rigorous coursework, including AP U.S. History and AP English Literature, as well as dual-enrollment classes in Reading and Composition, Speech, Education, Education Careers, and Special Education. Sage has received numerous academic accolades, including Distinguished Honor Roll, National Honor Society (President), and Business National Honor Society. She also holds several leadership positions, serving as President of Student Council, FBLA, the International Travel Club, and the Domestic Travel Club, in addition to being Senior Class President.
Sage’s commitment to her community is equally impressive. She volunteers as a bell choir member, church greeter, usher, scripture reader, and vacation Bible school teacher. She has participated in youth softball and basketball camps, Big Vike Little Vike, Red Cross blood drives, and local food drives, as well as elementary school events. In addition to her volunteerism, she has work experience at Sterman Masser Inc. Sage also works as a pitching coach for young athletes and as a teaching intern at Williams Valley Elementary School.
Sage plans to continue her academic journey with a planned college major in history and religious studies.
Sage is the daughter of Sally and Greg Smeltz and resides in Tower City.