While Mt. Lebanon’s football season didn’t finish the way the team had hoped, the future is bright for four seniors heading to the collegiate level to play Division I football. For Grayson Beck, Joe Malone, Patrick Smith and Jackson Kraemer, the opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without their experience in Lebo football.
Senior quarterback and captain Patrick Smith will attend the University of Pennsylvania next fall. Leading the team both on and off the field his senior year has been an experience he says he will cherish for many years to come.
“It means everything to me,” Smith said. “I love the team so much, and having their back and them having mine is a very special feeling that I’m blessed to experience.”
Throughout his years in the program, Smith said the most important lesson he learned was that success requires giving 100 percent effort all the time.
“Whether you are the best or not, going as hard as you can affects both the players on your team and your own performance,” he said. “This completely shaped the way I worked because I used to think I had to be the best, but if you go as hard as you can, you’ll end up being great.”
Senior captain and defensive end Joe Malone is committed to Cornell University, where he plans to enroll next fall. He agrees with Smith that giving your best effort is crucial to playing at the next level.
“Whatever you think you’re doing right now, you can always do more and learn more,” Malone said. “If you really want to get to that D1 level, there are sacrifices you’ll have to make that most people don’t even realize. You must be mentally strong and not let outside noise distract you from your goal. Always have that competitive mindset because someone out there is working just as hard, trying to take what you want.”
Malone credits his team-first mindset for allowing him to succeed. He plans to bring the same mentality to the next level — one that he said has grown and developed throughout his years at Mt. Lebanon.
Senior linebacker Grayson Beck plans to attend Princeton University next fall. After a standout junior season that earned him all-section first-team honors, Beck tore his ACL in the offseason, sidelining him for his senior year. The setback gave him a new perspective while supporting his teammates from the sideline.
“My mindset never really changed, whether I was on the field or the sideline,” Beck said. “The goals were always the same — to help the team get better and win every Friday night. I think from my injury, I learned most how to lead from the sideline and still have a voice on the team, no matter if I couldn’t play.”
Beck said the injury also taught him to be grateful for every opportunity. To younger players, he urged them to take advantage of every moment.
“I tell all the players below to really enjoy the time you have and play every play like it’s your last,” Beck said. “I finished last season thinking, ‘Oh, well, I still have another season to play and get better,’ but I never even ended up being able to practice, so I really wish I took advantage of the three years I had prior.”
During his time with the program, Beck learned how to face adversity. The Class of 2026 seniors had three coaches in three years, forcing them to adapt to new systems and personalities.
“That situation taught me how to adapt and stay disciplined no matter the circumstances,” Beck said. “I know the challenges we faced here will help guide me through college.”
Senior defensive end Jackson Kraemer will attend Villanova University next fall. He chose Villanova for its mix of football, academics and faith — something he said was very important to him. He credits Lebo football for preparing him for the next level.
“I’m most excited about the academics and the opportunity to meet new people,” Kraemer said. “Lebo football has helped shape me as a player through its rigorous program. I’ve grown so much as a person, and I’ve learned a lot about life just by playing football.”
While the four players will head in different directions next fall, they share deep gratitude for the memories and lessons learned as part of Mt. Lebanon’s football tradition.
“Always have fun,” Smith said. “There’s really not much time to play high school football, so when you have the chance to play, enjoy the game you love with the people you love. Going hard at everything you do and taking pride in your actions will lead to success down the line.”
Kraemer agreed, adding that the relationships he built through football are ones he’ll cherish forever.
Malone echoed the sentiment, saying the senior season meant everything to him both as a player and a person.
“It’s been about brotherhood and creating those relationships that go far beyond football,” Malone said. “It’s crazy to think it’s finally over — that I’ve played my last game with these boys I’ve grown up with. We’ve put in so much together over the years, and knowing it’s come to an end is emotional, but it’s also something I’ll never forget.”
