In Canton, Ohio, exciting news is brewing for high school football fans as three commendable figures from the WPIAL (Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League) are set to be inducted into the National High School Football Hall of Fame. This prestigious event will take place on June 14, 2025. Among the honored inductees are longtime Upper St. Clair coach Jim Render, former Steel Valley quarterback Charlie Batch, and Jeannette’s running back Zack Washington Sr..
This year’s induction class features a total of 33 remarkable individuals, including other big names like Michael Vick, Ray Lewis, and Warren Moon, highlighting the depth of talent being celebrated. The list represents incredible achievements and contributions to high school football’s rich history.
Coach Render is a legendary figure in the football community with an impressive record of 406 wins, 141 losses, and 6 ties over his 49-season career, during which he secured five WPIAL titles and two PIAA championships. He made a lasting impact on his players and teams, leading his squads to 38 playoff appearances.
Batch, who played for Steel Valley in the early 1990s, not only led his team to the WPIAL semifinals but also made a successful transition to college football, culminating in his selection in the second round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. After spending time in Detroit, Batch became a crucial part of the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he won two Super Bowl championships.
Zack Washington Sr. was known for his outstanding speed and strength on the field, recognized as a significant playmaker in Jeannette’s history. He was an all-conference selection during his high school career and left a noticeable legacy.
The announcement of the inductees coincides with exciting developments for the National High School Football Hall of Fame, including plans for a new $5 million facility located just three miles from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This new building aims to celebrate the history of high school football, which marks its 150th anniversary this year, with the first game played on May 12, 1875.
Tickets for the enshrinement ceremony are available online if fans want to witness this momentous occasion.
