Feola, Simpson Honored for Football, Academics
Brady Feola was chosen twice as a Conference Of New England all-star.
By KEN HAMWEY,
Bulletin Sports Writer
Blake Simpson displaying his Defensive Player of the Year plaque.
Brady Feola and Blake Simpson, who both excelled on Bellingham High’s 2020 unbeaten football team (5-0) that won the Tri Valley League’s Small Division championship, qualified for recognition in The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame’s Hampshire Honor Society.
The Hampshire Society recognizes graduating seniors who attained a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.2 (4.0 scale) and have been starters or contributors throughout the 2024 season.
The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) announced a record number of members for the 2025 Hampshire Honor Society, which comprises college football players from all divisions of the NCAA, NAIA and sprint football who each maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college careers.
Feola played middle linebacker, tight end and fullback at the University of New England (Bidderford, Me.) and Simpson competed aa a running back and linebacker at Westfield State University. Feola majored in environmental science and Simpson was a business administration major.
“My parents always stressed that academics come first,’’ Feola said. “That priority paved the way for me to play football, and I’m honored to be considered for this award.’’
Simpson also was honored to be selected. “It’s humbling to be selected for this recognition,’’ he said. “Football and academics are areas that help sharpen one’s discipline and lead to achieving educational goals. I’m pleased with how my four years at Westfield State turned out.’’
Both players were also selected for impressive gridiron awards. As a junior and senior, Feola was chosen as a Conference of New England all-star, and Simpson was named Westfield State’s Defensive Player of the Year, leading the Owls with 52 tackles (10 of them for losses).
A total of 2,529 players from 340 schools qualified for membership in the College Hall of Fame’s Hampshire Honor Society, marking the largest class in the program’s 19-year history. Since its inception, the initiative has honored 20,943 student-athletes. This year’s members represented six divisions: 689 from the FBS, 532 from the FCS, 212 from Division II, 991 from Division III, 58 from the NAIA, and 47 sprint football players.
“In today’s era of NIL and the transfer portal, we firmly believe that education remains the key to long-term success,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “These results reaffirm that academics are still top of mind for today’s student-athletes. We salute the schools, coaches, and administrators who continue to champion education as a core part of the student-athlete experience. We’ll keep doing everything we can to promote those academic ideals and ensure education stays central to the development of every student-athlete.’’
At Bellingham High, Feola played tight end and linebacker while Simpson competed at running back and linebacker. During the 2020 COVID-shortened season, both captured top-notch awards as BHS seniors. Simpson was chosen the Offensive Player of the Year, and Feola was selected as Defensive Player of the Year.
Dan Haddad, who coached both players in high school, had high praise for them, not only for their football prowess, but also for their efforts in the academic arena.
“We are super proud of both men!’’ Haddad said. “Blake and Brady were superb football players for us but, as always, they were ones to take it to the next level with their education. What a fantastic honor to be recognized for football and for excelling in the classroom. You will not find two more humble and kind men than Blake and Brady. They deserve this honor because I know they worked hard for it.’’
