One of the stars of the Tioga Bulldogs’ high school athletic program, senior Greeley McAden, signed his letter of intent to continue his athletic career at the next level Feb. 18.
The multisport athlete was honored in front of his family, friends, coaches and peers as he committed to playing football at the University of Villanova.
“It’s an unbelievable day for him,” said Zach Birdwell, Tioga athletic director and head football coach. “Greeley is the brand. Everything we’re trying to build here in this program, he embodies those characteristics, so for him to roll into his senior season knowing the level he wants to play at, play different positions, battle injuries and still get to that destination of playing at the Division I level, that just sums up who he is.”
During his time with the Bulldogs athletics program, Greeley was a threetime all-district football player, a three-time academic all-district selection, a one-time academic all-state selection and a member of Tioga’s 2025 2A State Championship track team.
Once his senior year in Tioga is completed, Greeley will make the 1,473.2mile trip to Villanova, Pennsylvania, to join the Wildcats football team under head coach Mark Ferrante, who led the program to a 12-3 finish last season. “I’m really excited to be a part of the culture and environment they have there,” he said. “It seems like an incredible place with a really great brotherhood, high academics and a high level of football, and I can’t wait to be a part of something like that.”
Greeley said he was able to get on the Wildcats’ recruiting radar after showcasing his talents in a football camp hosted at the University of Villanova during a circuit of events he participated in last summer.
“They reached out to me in January, and we talked a little more, and they loved my film,” he said. “They had already met me in person, but they invited me up for an official visit, and I had an incredible time there, met some [amazing] people and really got to see how special the environment is.”
Greeley thanked God, his parents J.B. and Rachel McAden, his brother, his coaches, and his teammates for their guidance and support.
“I wouldn’t be here without them,” he said.
J.B. shared the pride he felt during the event.
“I had the opportunity to coach him and watch him grow and develop,” he said. “He really shined at times, but then he had setbacks from injuries, so for him to go through that and achieve his goals of playing at a high level of football, as well as getting a strong academic education, it makes me very
proud.”
Rachel also expressed her joy to see Greeley forge his own future, even with that being at a university far from home.
“I’m excited for him,” she said. “I went far away when I went to college, and I’m [happy] he gets to do that as well. I have no doubt that it’s going to be the best experience of his life, and I know he’s going to make the most of it.”
