Since 1982, the Harrisburg Lions Club has been honoring the top student-athletes in central Pa. each year with the John Travers Award. The 2024 finalists have all excelled as athletes, students and strong voices in their communities.
Today, we shine a spotlight on the five male finalists. The winner will be announced May 13 along with the A.I. Garner Outstanding Coach Award winner.
Jeff Lougee, Mechanicsburg
Mechanicsburg's Jeff LougeeEric Epler, PennLive
Varsity sports: Baseball (4 letters), Football (2 letters)
College choice: Duke University
Accomplishments: Lougee made his commitment to Duke and its baseball program as a 14-year-old. He’ll pursue a Statistical Science degree and hopes to someday work as a quantitative analyst for a professional sports team. That’s after his playing days are over, which may be a while. Lougee has been among the state’s best since his commitment, helping the Wildcats win a District 3 5A title last season. He’s currently hitting better than .400 with 14 RBIs and three home runs for the unbeaten Wildcats. Lougee, a 2024 Rawlings/Perfect Game All-American, is a potential MLB Draft pick in July. A three-year member of Mechanicsburg’s Orchestra, Lougee also has volunteered for the Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church and Caitlin’s Smiles, assembling craft kits for children in local hospitals.
Aidan Mahaffey, Palmyra
Palmyra's Aidan MahaffeyPennLive photo
Varsity sports: Tennis (4 letters)
College choice: Lafayette University
Accomplishments: Mahaffey will major in economics and continue his budding tennis career at Lafayette. Law school and a career in politics are high on Mahaffey’s list of priorities, as well. As a player, Mahaffey entered his final season with a combined record of 117-6, becoming just the second player in Palmyra history to reach 100 wins. PennLive’s two-time MPC player of the year, Mahaffey also is a three-time District 3 doubles champion, partnering with his twin brother Tyler, and is a two-time state champion. He’s also won a pair of district singles titles and is heavily favored for a third. The National Honor Society member also is involved in multiple school initiatives, such as Student Council, Student Government and he’s been a graphic design intern for Palmyra athletics. First aid and CPR trained, Mahaffey has worked as a lifeguard at Hotel Hershey, tennis coach for the Lebanon Valley Community Tennis Association, and logged more than 130 hours assisting various political campaigns.
Alex Sauve, Cumberland Valley
Cumberland Valley's Alex SauvePennLive photo
Varsity sports: Football (4 letters), Baseball (4 letters)
College choice: Shippensburg University
Accomplishments: Sauve continues to excel on the baseball field but his future is on the gridiron at Shippensburg. The big-hitting, fearless linebacker earned All-State honors by Pa. Sports Writers and the Pa. Coaches in his final season after pacing the Eagles with 130 tackles, including eight for loss. The Commonwealth Division defensive player of the year also earned a national Mini Max Award and will compete in the PSFCA East-West game next month. Off the field, Sauve is part of the Big Brother Big Sister program, encouraging CV students to mentor elementary students. Sauve also volunteered his time at CV’s youth football and baseball camps, and helps New Hope Ministry’s Food Drive. He and his teammates also keep CV’s campus clean by picking up trash.
Stefan Verbeek, Hershey
Hershey's Stefan VerbeekPennLive photo
Varsity sports: Soccer (4 letters)
College choice: Colby College
Accomplishments: Verbeek will take his love of soccer and nature to Maine to pursue a major in Environmental Studies. Earning All-State honors last season, Verbeek guided the Trojans to three straight District 3 3A titles and a 2022 state title, leading the team in goals (13) and assists (9). A PennLive first team pick over his final two seasons, Verbeek was a four-year starter. Verbeek serves as a mentor for Hershey’s Link Crew and Best Buddies, helping a special needs student throughout the school year in events like Track and Field Olympics and Prom. He’s also coached middle school soccer and with Eagle FC Soccer Club. Verbeek also owns C&S Lawn Service, generating more than $10,000 in revenue. Part of two Honor Societies, Verbeek is an AP College Board Scholar and earned Distinguished Honor Roll status for every marking period.
Garrett White, Northern York
Northern York's Garrett WhitePennLive photo
Varsity sports: Soccer (3 letters), Golf (3 letters), Track and Field (2 letters)
College choice: Liberty University
Accomplishments: White has taken dual enrollment courses at Messiah and Harrisburg Area Community College to better prepare himself to study mechanical engineer at Liberty. A two-time Mid-Penn Colonial Division player of the year, White also banked All-State honors by the Pa. Soccer Coaches Association. He also qualified for the District 3 golf championships and helped the Polar Bears win a district title in track and field. A former member of Model United Nations, White is actively involved in his church youth group and participated in Kiwanis Club as a junior. A member of the National Honor Society, White also remained on the school’s Distinguished Honor Roll throughout his four years.
Follow Eric Epler on X - @threejacker
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