Football scholar athletes to be honored at banquet

MAR LIN – Schuylkill County’s newest class of football scholar athletes will be recognized at a ceremony next month.

For more than six decades, the Schuylkill County Chapter No. 25 of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame have recognized student-athletes who exemplify excellence on the field, in the classroom, and within their school communities.

“These young men represent the highest ideals of the National Football Foundation,” the Schuylkill County Chapter said in a statement. “They are leaders among their peers, dedicated students, and committed athletes whose hard work and integrity set a standard for our schools and communities.”

A banquet is set for Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Schuylkill Intermediate Unit #29 in Mar Lin. Doors will open at 4:00 p.m., with the banquet beginning promptly at 5:00 p.m.

Shenandoah Valley – Sam Mentusky

A three-year starter at placekicker and punter, junior Sam Mentusky has been a standout for the Blue Devils football program.

He has completed 35 of 41 PATs and 6 of 9 field goals, 6 of 6 from 40 yards or under.

Despite an ACL injury sidelining him for much of the season, he made critical contributions in the Shenandoah Valley v. Mahanoy Area football game to conclude the season.

In addition to football, he plays varsity soccer for the Blue Devils, where he was a first-team All-County selection and a two year varsity captain.

Academically, he currently has a perfect 4.0 GPA, ranking third in a class of 87 and has completed dual enrollment courses as well.

He volunteers at the annual Shenandoah Rescue Hook and Ladder Co. block party and is a member of the Shenandoah Valley National Honor Society, Student Council, and Diversity Club.

The sun of Mark and Kim Mentusky, he plans to attend college and major in business or finance.

Mahanoy Area – Kyler Quick

Kyler Quick was an explosive asset for the Golden Bears as a four year starter at running back and linebacker.

A senior captain, he earned first-team all-county honors at linebacker in 2024 and 2025 and first-team running back honors in 2024.

He was also 2025 Defensive Player of the Year for the Hazleton Standard~Speaker.

Quick set the Mahanoy Area record for 332 yards in a game and eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards in the 2024 season.

He also was a two-year captain on the wrestling team and a two-year qualifier at the PIAA state championships, earning multiple District XI medals.

He has a perfect 4.0 GPA and stands sixth in a class of 75 and is actively involved in the National Honor Society, FBLA, Student Council, Interact Club, Envirothon, and Theatre Arts.

Through FBLA, he earned a Regional First Place finish and qualified for state competition.

He was also named Elks Student of the Month in October.

Quick is deeply involved in community service, volunteering with the Action Youth Group, Meals on Wheels, Helping Harvest, and Mahanoy Area Youth Wrestling. He also serves as anacolyte and usher at Faith United Church of Christ.

The son of Samuel and Tracey Quick, he has been accepted to Misericordia University, Bloomsburg University, Wilkes University, King’s College, Messiah University, Ursinus College, Elizabethtown College, and Lebanon Valley College, and plans to major in Biology with a pre-physical therapy focus.

North Schuylkill – Cadyn McGraw

Cadyn McGraw was a two-way contributor and senior captain for the North Schuylkill Spartans football program, excelling at running back and linebacker.

He earned SCFCA Honorable Mention honors at both fullback and defensive end, while his dedication, toughness, and consistency were frequently praised by his coaches.

Cadyn’s work ethic and team-first approach made him a steady presence on both sides of the ball throughout his four-year varsity career.

In addition to football, Cadyn was a four-year varsity wrestling starter and team captain. During the 2025 season, he earned Schuylkill League and District XI individual gold medals and placed sixth at the Southeast Regional Tournament.

His efforts helped lead the Spartans to a Schuylkill League Team Championship.

Academically, Cadyn maintains a 102.44 GPA, ranking 15th in a class of 173 students. He has completed dual-enrollment coursework in Intro to Physics, Public Speaking and Research, Medical Terminology, and Psychology.

As President of the National Honor Society, Cadyn is also a member of the Science, Math, English, and Social Studies Honor Societies, along with SADD, TAT, Friends Forever, Diversity Club, Pep Club, and Aevidum Club.

Cadyn’s commitment to service is extensive. He serves as a Big Impact mentor to an elementary student through weekly activities, participates in town cleanups, mulching and beautification projects, and community book mailbox installations, and volunteers with Ashland Black Diamond Youth Football and The Spartan Games.

He has also collaborated on Schuylkill County Youth Summit initiatives focused on addressing community needs.

Cadyn balances his service commitments with seasonal landscaping work. Cadyn has been accepted to Lebanon Valley College, Wilkes University, Duquesne University, Moravian University, and Lycoming College, and plans to pursue a career in the medical field.

He is the son of Heather McGraw and Todd Reismiller and resides in Ashland

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