The Schuylkill Chapter No. 25 of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame recently announced the athletes selected for the 63rd Class of County Scholar Athletes.

Chosen by their respective school districts, these athletes exemplify excellence in football ability, academic dedication, and leadership within their schools. The criteria for selection included outstanding football performance, academic achievements, and demonstrated school leadership and citizenship.

The Schuylkill County athletes selected from each of the 14 school districts will be recognized for their exceptional achievements and contributions. This annual celebration highlights the commitment to both academic and athletic excellence in our community.

From the Times News area, Marian’s Bruce Hopeck, Panther Valley’s Eli Maynard and Tamaqua’s Matthew Welsh were selected as their school’s representatives.

The banquet ceremony to honor the scholar athletes is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 18. The event will take place at the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit #29 in Mar Lin. Doors will open at 4 p.m. with the banquet beginning at 5 p.m.

Following are brief bios on the area selections:

Bruce Hopeck

Marian Catholic

Hopeck, a 6-2, 205-pound quarterback and defensive lineman, was a four-year starter for the Colts.

The senior captain led Marian to a 7-5 record in 2023 and a District 11 Class 1A runner-up finish.

Hopeck passed for over 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns this past season. His 2,375 career passing yards rank ninth all-time in Marian history.

He was named to numerous all-star teams, including the Times News, and was selected to the Schuylkill County Football Coaches Association Small School Second Team.

Also a member of the Colts’ basketball team, Hopeck is an Honor Roll student and ranks in the top half of his senior class with a 3.25 GPA.

He has completed dual enrollment college credit courses in algebra and psychology, and currently boasts a perfect attendance throughout his four years at Marian.

Hopeck is also involved in the Green club, Evangelization team, FBLA, the Immaculate Heart Society, and Students Against Destructive Decisions.

As a volunteer through Marian’s Immaculate Heart Society, he has completed over 300 hours of community service.

After graduation, Bruce plans on enrolling in college or pursuing an opportunity with a trade.

He is the son of Tracey Hopeck and the late Bruce Hopeck.

Eli Maynard

Panther Valley

Maynard, a 6-1, 205-pound versatile player, was a four-year member - and three-year starter - for the Panthers. During his time at PV, he played tight end, center, tackle, defensive end and linebacker.

A captain during his senior season, Maynard was voted Panther Valley’s Lineman of the Year by his coaches and peers. He also earned the Schuylkill/Colonial League’s Sportsmanship Award.

Maynard collected 41 tackles this past season, including two for loss. He also intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble.

The four-sport athlete - he also plays basketball, baseball and is on the track and field team - is a National Honor Society student and is ranked No. 1 in his senior class with a 4.0 GPA.

Maynard participates in a rigorous curriculum with advanced placement classes in literature, calculus, US history, chemistry and computer science.

The PV senior is an active member of his community, with volunteerism through Maple Shades Nursing Home, The American Cancer Society, and events throughout the Panther Valley School District.

Maynard plans to attend college with a decision on his major to be made at a future date.

He is the son of Jennifer and William Maynard.

Matthew Welsh

Tamaqua

Welsh, a 5-9, 235-pound offensive and defensive lineman, was a two-year starter for the Blue Raiders.

He played both right and left guard for Tamaqua on offense, and was a tackle on the defensive side of the ball.

Welsh was a Team Mentor who provided guidance for the underclassmen during his senior campaign, and helped the team earn a berth in the district playoffs.

A multi-sport athlete, Welsh also participates on the track & field team, where he throws both shot put and discus.

In the classroom, Welsh is ranked in the top 15% of his high school class, earning a 96.792 GPA. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and the National English Honor Society.

The senior is involved in his Tamaqua community, volunteering at St. Luke’s sponsored community events. He is also involved as a volunteer at golf tournaments, basket raffles, and cemetery clean-ups. He supports the youth in his community as a youth reader, and participated as Santa at a local day care.

After graduation, Welsh plans to enroll in college to study Finance.

He is the son of Matt and Kristen Welsh.