On Friday, September 28, State High hosted its Third Annual Football Alumni Night. Football alums returned to Memorial Field for an evening of football and fellowship. Former State High coach Jim Williams said that the evening "brought back a lot of great memories."

The evening began at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church with a reception that gave alums a chance to catch up with former teammates and coaches. The alums then attended State High’s game with Central Dauphin East, urging the Little Lions on to victory from the sidelines. Penn State head football coach James Franklin also stopped by to cheer on the Little Lions.

Alumni Night was established to allow football alumni to reconnect with their alma mater, teammates and coaches. The event also gives the current players an opportunity to appreciate the proud tradition of State High football and to connect with past players. As former State High football coach Ron Pavlechko notes “I was most impressed by the breadth and depth of endeavors of the former student-athletes after their high school football careers ended.  They are great representatives of the SCASD.”

 As part of this proud tradition, each year the SCASD Education Foundation uses Alumni Night to honor someone who has contributed to the legacy and success of the State High Football Program.

This year, the SCASD Education Foundation honored five of State High’s head football coaches: Jim Williams (Head Coach 1969-1976), Ron Pavlechko (Head Coach 1977-1996), Dave Lintal (Head Coach 1997 - 2003), Al Wolski (Head Coach 2004 - 2013) and Matt Lintal (Head Coach 2014 - Present). The honorees were recognized during the first and second quarters of the game.

Each of these coaches has made valuable contributions to the State High Football Program and has inspired generations of young players to strive for success both on and off the field. Williams added, "I hope this is continued with recognition for former coaches who have passed -- T.R. Kemmerer, Sr., Joe Yucika, Bill Leonard, Bill Corman and others."

Current coach Matt Lintal says that it was valuable to the current Little Lions to have the former players and coaches in attendance. He notes, “It was humbling to have the last four head football coaches on the field with us… They are the reason for the incredible history of success for State College Football and they have positively impacted so many people through their relentless efforts.  We are grateful that our current team had the opportunity to reconnect with so many past players and we are proud that we were able to get a win.” Former coach Dave Lintal agreed with his son, "I am both honored and humbled to have been part of the State High Football Alumni Night. I was especially proud to be able to stand with my son Matt, the current head football coach, during the recognition ceremony.  Very few coaches have such an opportunity." 

Former coach Al Wolski summed up the evening best: “It was great returning to State College, and watching the Little Lions…When I was the head coach we had a saying: ‘We play for those before us, for those beside us and for those who follow us.’ It’s great to see that Matt [Lintal] and the State College Area School District is keeping this philosophy alive.”

Watch the SCASD Education Foundation’s website for details about next year’s alumni night event!