Schools

Rowan Elementary Students Punt, Pass and Kick in Local NFL Competition

Two students may qualify for the state championships at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

Students from ’s elementary schools participated Oct. 8 in the NFL's Punt, Pass & Kick competition at Blueberry Hill Park in Franklin Park.

The contest included students from Western Pennsylvania and Ohio. To qualify for the event, students won a PPK contest at their school. Each student from the placed in the top four spots for their age group at the event, said Mike Manipole, Rowan’s physical education teacher.

Rowan’s teams consistently have had top scores over the last decade, Manipole said.

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After they both took home the top prize in their respective age groups, Chris and Brian Hart now are awaiting word from the NFL to see if they qualify to move on to the state championships, which will be held during halftime at the Dec. 4 Pittsburgh Steelers game at Heinz Field.

Students have competed several times at the NFL’s PPK state championship level, Manipole said. Keara Lydon from the school also won the state level competition several years ago, he said.

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The following are this year’s contestants and their final placements.

Age Group Results:

AGE 6-7 Groups:

Luke Lawson: ROWAN:  2nd Place

Danielle Pospistle: ROWAN:  2nd Place

Dillon Gallagher: HAINE: 4th Place

Sophia Spatafore ROWAN: Qualified but could not attend

 

Age 8-9 Groups:

Brian Hart: ROWAN: 1st PLACE—Awaiting word on state championships

Lauren Servello: ROWAN: 3rd Place

Anna Palmieri: ROWAN: 4th Place

 

Age 10-11 Groups:

Daniel Hutchinson: DEER LAKES: 3rd Place

Brooke Lawson:  ROWAN: 3rd Place

Maddy Spatofore: ROWAN: Qualified but could not attend

 

Age 12-13 Groups:

Chris Hart: ROWAN: 1st Place—Awaiting word on state championships

Bella DeFabbo: EVANS CITY: 2nd Place

 

Age 14-15 Groups:

Alicia Hart: ROWAN: 2nd Place

Sean Howley:  ROWAN: Qualified but could not attend


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