Salamanca’s Ira John, Zach Helms named to Big 30 NY roster

BRADFORD, Pa. — Two more Salamanca High School seniors joined the roster for the Big 30 All-Star Charities Classic this week, bringing the Warriors’ representatives on New York to three so far.

Zachary Helms and Ira John will both join New York, a week after Zariah Armstrong was included on the initial list last week. The 46th Big 30 game is set for Saturday, Aug. 30, at Bradford (Pa.) High’s Parkway Field. Gates open at 5 p.m. with kickoff at 7.

Helms, a 5-foot-8, 150-pound wide receiver/defensive back, plans to attend college and pursue a sports management degree and would also like to play sports.

His achievements include being a Scholar Athlete, named All-League Honorable Mention in 2017, Second Team All-League in 2018, High Honor Roll in 2017-18, team most improved player in 2017, winning the Chuck Funke Bowl in 2017, most improved in track and field in 2016 and the sportsmanship award for basketball in 2017. Helms said he wants to play in the Big 30 game because he enjoys playing football and wants to represent his state in the game.

Helms’ most memorable football moment was beating Maple Grove on a game-winning field goal. His hobby include watching and playing sports. His favorite NFL team is the Chicago Bears and his favorite player is the late Walter Payton.

John, a running back/wide receiver/linebacker, was listed at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds. He hopes to play high collegiate football at the next level and graduate from college. His athletic accomplishments include two-time team offensive MVP, two-time All-League at running back, Big 30 All-Star at linebacker, All-WNY Honorable Mention, High Honor Roll student and a two-time Scholar Athlete. He was named to the all-academic team and Warrior of the month.

John said he is looking forward to playing in the Big 30 Charities Classic with his friends and the best players around one last time. His most memorable time playing has been the opportunity to play with his two cousins (Asa John and Sam John), his brother Leland John and his best friend, Tyler Hedlund, all at the same time. It is something he will never forget. His hobbies are hanging out with Carter Crane and playing 2K. His favorite team is the Ohio State Buckeyes and his favorite player is Carter Crane.

This week, John and Helms are joined by Pioneer quarterback/running back/wide receiver/safety Dillon Giboo and tight end/outside linebacker Brian Wittmeyer as the Week 2 New York additions.

Joining Pennsylvania are defensive tackle Nathan Gehm and running back/cornerback Donny Pattison and Otto-Eldred wide receiver/quarterback/safety/cornerback Chase Sebastian and guard/defensive end Charles Lee.

http://www.salamancapress.com/sports/salamanca-s-ira-john-zach-helms-named-to-big-ny/article_168f03ba-453a-11e9-b0b9-afba445a313b.html?fbclid=IwAR29a-jB-_TST8Ri3346VIF2qvAFH7AT2Gci3t0z4Ycdu7BsWlwaDJrFEVc