Pittsburgh, Pa.- The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) has announced the nominees for the 2026 James Collins Scholar-Athlete Award, marking the program’s 35th year.
This year’s candidate pool includes 151 student-athletes, with 20 recipients (10 male, 10 female) to be announced on the morning of Wednesday, April 16.
LINK: 2026 WPIAL James Collins Scholar-Athlete Award Nominees
WPIAL member schools may nominate one male and one female student-athlete for the award. Nominees are evaluated by the WPIAL Scholarship Committee based on athletic achievement, academic excellence, and school/community involvement.
Each of the 20 winners will receive a $1,000 scholarship toward the college of their choice.
The 151 nominees represent the seventh-highest total since 2000, including 76 female and 75 male student-athletes.
This year’s group highlights strong multi-sport participation:
- 82.1% competed in multiple sports
- 46.4% played at least three sports during their high school careers
In total, nominees participated in 21 different sports, ranging from football and basketball to unified bocce and gymnastics. Track & field, basketball, and soccer had the highest participation rates.
Academically, the group also stands out:
- 53.5% rank in the top 10% of their class
- 41.6% are in the top five
- 14.9% (15 students) are ranked No. 1 in their class
The WPIAL Scholarship Fund supports student-athletes across PIAA District VII. Since 1992, the league has awarded $739,000 in scholarships through the James Collins Scholar-Athlete program.
About the WPIAL
Founded in 1906, the WPIAL serves as PIAA District VII, representing schools across 10 counties in Western Pennsylvania. The league promotes academics, sportsmanship, safety, and leadership while organizing championships in 27 sports
#WPIAL