Times Observer Photo by Steve Younger Michael Vanatta and father Bill.

The Big 30 All-Star Football Game selection process has begun and the first Eisenhower player named to the Pennsylvania squad is offensive and defensive tackle Mike Vanatta. Vanatta, a 5-foot-10, 240-pound senior was a two-way player for the Knights.

Vanatta was a big part of Eisenhower’s success the last four years, serving as a two-year starter on the offensive line and a three-year starter on defense.

Knights head coach Jim Penley “Mike was just an outstanding player to have on any team,” Knights head coach Jim Penley said. “Physically, he was one of the strongest players we have ever had and one of the best three-technique defensive tackles ever to play here. In his three years as a defensive starter, I could count on one hand the number of times anyone has double-teamed him off the ball. It just didn’t happen. He just pushed blockers backwards and was excellent at collapsing the pocket. I’m happy for him. This is well deserved.”

“It’s just a big honor,” Vanatta said. “It’s a charity game for Pennsylvania and New York, which makes it even better.”

The run of success that Eisenhower football has had during his varsity career allowed Vanatta to start thinking about the possibility of playing in the Big 30 at the end of his junior year.

“I would be lying if I said I didn’t think about it. It’s a big honor to represent Eisenhower. We have a reputation as a good football school that plays bigger schools, so it is nice to be recognized.”

Vanatta has ended his recruiting process by choosing to sign with Juniata College and join its defensive line.

One thing unique about his playing in the Big 30 will be the fact that he will be joined by his father, Bill, who has been a longtime assistant coach at Eisenhower under Penley. Penley has been selected as the head coach for the Pennsylvania squad and has selected the elder Vanatta to be on his staff.

Bill Vanatta has been an assistant in this game once before — in 2006 — but this being his son’s final game has a special meaning for him.

“Knowing that this will be Michael’s final high school game is bittersweet,” he said. “I look forward to living in the moment until the last second ticks off the clock.

“To have the opportunity to coach Michael and potentially other Knight players from last year’s team one last time is unbelievably exciting, but I want this game to be all about Michael and his teammates and the hard work it took to receive this honor.”