He was persistent. He was loyal. But most of all he was a friend of Pennsylvania High School football. "Stokes" was involved in football across the state. He was an active member of the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches’ Association. He was a major partner in the Lezzer Lumber All-Star Game and he was extremely active in the District 6 Football Coaches' Association. As a member of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame (PA Chapter), Gawen was one of the hardest workers on the Board. He was proud of the area athletes who distinguished themselves on the field and in the classroom. Stokes made a name for himself as an innovator in high school football, perhaps being the first to bring the 'polecat' to our area. He coached at Bald Eagle Area, Trinity (Washington, PA) and more recently at Indian Valley High School (now part of the Mifflin County jointure).

Frank Rocco, executive director of the Central PA Chapter says, "J. Gawen Stoker was a leader of men and boys and a great friend to many, many people. As Executive Director of the Pa. Scholastic Football Coaches Assoc. and a valued member of the Central Pa. Chapter of the National Football Foundation board of directors, his leadership and organizational skills were invaluable. Neither organization will ever be the same without him and he is missed by many."

YEAR NAME SCHOOL
2024 Scott Smeal
Jacob Ott
West Branch
Hollidaysburg
2023 Eric Myers
Gavin Musser
Clearfield
Juniata Valley
2022 Jake Johnson
Brecken Rex
Juniata Valley
Central Clarion
2021 Trevor Mauk
Aiden Palilla
Bellefonte
Altoona
2020 Asher Burkett Bald Eagle Area
2019 Blake Roberts
Garrett Funk
Bald Eagle Area
Juniata
2018 Davis Wagner
Luke Lambert
Mifflin County
Bellefonte
2017 Matthew Yeckley Glendale
2016 Levi Frailey
Nathan Hagg
Curwensville
Bishop Guilfoyle
2015 Jason Jones
Michael Biddle
Bald Eagle Area
Williamsburg
2014 Cameron Tobias
Zach Emerick
Penns Valley
Central
2013 Cole Long
Jack Wagner
Bald Eagle Area
Mifflin County
2012 Josh Weakland
Ben Fowler
State College
Mifflin County
 
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