7th Annual Banquet

 

INDUCTEES

DR. KENNETH JOSEPH DIMINICK

Ken led the Tornadoes during its most successful two-year term. In his senior year he led the Tornadoes in rushing, pass receiving, scoring, punt and kickoff returns and pass interceptions. The team went undefeated for two consecutive seasons and won the Eastern Conference Championship both years. During his career he had 3048 All-Purpose yards. He scored 29 touchdowns, and his average TD run was an amazing 42.3 yards. He averaged 10.4 yards every time he touched the ball.

He attended Villanova University on an athletic scholarship, where he lettered three years for the Wildcats. He led the team with a 5.2 yards average his junior year. He holds the single season and career kickoff and return yardage records at Villanova despite the fact that he graduated in three years and chose to forego his final season of eligibility. He entered Temple University of Dentistry in 1977, and after earning his Degree there he spent three years as a Naval Officer. He is currently in his final year of Orthodontic Residency at Temple. He is married to the former Lori Ann Liszewski of Pennsauken, New Jersey.

Ken Diminick’s Accomplishments

• 1974 honor graduate (10.220) Mt. Carmel High School

• National Honor Society and National Athletic Honor Society

• 1973 AP All State Defense (4rd Team)

• 1972 AP All State Offense (Honorable Mention)

• Pennsylvania Big 33 Team

• Prep All American Team 1973

• Mike Terry and Len Eshmont Awards 1973

• 14 Interceptions; ranked second on MCA All-time List

 

JOHN ZUKOWSKI

John Zukowski was only the second Mount Carmel wreslter to win a State Championship. He was coached by Alfred Morse, who had also developed the Tornadoes’ previous state champion, Ed Rakocy.

He was certainly no one year flash. He dominated District IV for three consecutive years, winning the Championship easily all three times. In his sophomore year, John went all the way to the State Quarterfinals before losing a tough match. In 1941, as a junior, he was undefeated right up until the State Championship final. He lost the Championship match to Clearsfield’s Frank Shirey.

In his final season, the tough 145 pounder dominated his weight class completely. He was undefeated for the entire season, and ran through the State Championship Tournament with no trouble. He beat Tom Smith of Kingston 12-2 in the quarterfinals, and Smith was the last wrestler to score a point on him that season. He defeated Richard Lape of Boswell in the semifinal match and then completed the whitewash with an 8-0 decision over George Yates of Cannonsburg. Another MT. Carmel wrestler did not win a State Title until Hall of Famer Attorney Bob Sacavage was able to turn the trick in 1969.

Zukowski now resides in Chester, Pennsylvania. He is a retired employee of Scott Paper Company and spends much of his time rooting for a grandson Keith, a contender of the PIA 145 pound championship in 1986.

 

BILL “LOLLY” FRACALOSSI

From the Mid-20’s to the beginning of World War II in 1941 there was a “Golden Era” in sports which may never take place again. Ruth, Gehrig, Jack Dempsey, Bill Tilden, Joe Louis, Connie Mack…all names that captured the imaginations of the nation’s sports fans in a country crazy over sports. Little town had their own sports legends, too. Of course, statistics were not kept the way they are now…so many of the local heroes had their exploits repeated over and over by sports writers and fans. Whenever you’d talk sports with an old-time fan one name would constantly creep into the conversation; Bill “Lolly” Fracalossi. Lolly grew up in Atlas and played football, basketball and track for the Mt. Carmel Township Golden Bears. He letterd all four years he was eligible tin football and basketball and two years in track.

Newspaper stories for the period 1931 through 1934 when Lolly led the Golden Bears to 18 wins against 5 losses and 2 ties, are filled with his exploits. One writer said “Fracalossi rose to great heights, throwing the Maroons for two consecutive losses, forcing a punt, which he then blocked.” He later forced another punt, which he blocked for a safety. Then he moved to fullback and displayed his talents by the greatest line plugging and broken field running of the game, “a 40-yard run in which he straight armed, dodged and squirmed until he was over.”

Consider how rarely you see a punt locked in today’s football, then consider this; During the 1934 season he averaged two blocked kicks per game!2 Additional, he averaged 45 yards per punt, a figure which would lead the NFL today. He played 60 minutes per game at center, linebacker or fullback, wherever he was needed most.

 

PAUL BARTKO

Paul Bartko was a four-year varsity performer at Mount Carmel Catholic High and Lourdes Regional. During his freshman year he was first line reserve on the team which won the Anthracite Catholic League Championship. The following year he became a starter and led the team to a repeat of the Catholic League Championship.

Catholic High and Lourdes merged just prior to his Junior year; and that team was remarkably successful. They won the Central Penn Catholic League Championship and the PCIAA Eastern State Class B Championship. They lost a heart-breaking 1-point decision in the State Championship final. He captained the 1966 Raider squad which repeated as Harrisburg Diocese Class B Title and went all the way to the Eastern Final again before losing to Scranton Prep.

He continued his career at Bloomsburg University. After graduation, he entered the U.S. Army. In 1973 he returned to Mount Carmel High School as teacher-coach, and began to resuscitate the Tornadoes basketball program. His teams improved each year…and in his last year as coach in 1979, his team qualified for the SIAL Championship Playoffs advanced to the District IV Class B Finals, losing a heartbreaker to Montoursville in the championship game. He resigned as coach at the conclusion of that season. He presently is a teacher in the Mount Carmel Area School System.

 

FRANK “DABBY” NIGLIO

A “shooting star” is a star that for a brief period shines so brightly that is lights up the whole heavens. For two years, Frank Niglio, was that kind of star as a receiver for the Red Tornadoes. Dabby, played 21 games as a Tornado wideout, and caught at least one pass in every game. Before his career ended he led the Tornadoes in 11 career pass receiving categories; and in the remaining category, career receptions, he finished number two with 62. For that one year, 1966, you couldn’t imagine a better pass catcher. He broke records for most single season receptions…43; single game receptions…8; single season receiving yardage…178; single season receiving touchdowns….16; single game receiving touchdowns….3. He caught at least one touchdown pass in very game he played. Additionally it seemed that every pass he caught was spectacular. Football fans would talk about his catches, compare them with others he’d made, argue about which were more spectacular. You can still get a good conversation going by bringing up the catch and run for a touchdown in the Carlisle game in 1966.

These were glory days for Tornado Football, and Baddy and Greg Dovial who threw the passes he caught has a great deal to do with kicking off a 10-year period when the Tornadoes dominated Coal Region Football.

Dabby was All Citizen, All Anthracite, All Eastern Conference, All Susquehanna Conference, and All State. He went on to Yankton College where he was a 3-year letterman and led the team in receiving two years. He was an All Conference Selection as a college receiver and played in the 1970 Copper Bowl. He is presently a teacher-coach at North Schuylkill High School.

 

FELIX “SOLDIER KING” ZAHAR

Felix “Soldier King” Zahar of Atlas was the son of a soft coal miner, born in Wheeling, West Virginia. His family moved to Atlas while he was a young boy and he grew up there. AS soon as he was old enough, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. His natural size and strength did not go unnoticed, and he was recruited as a boxer.

He took to boxing easily, and became All Army Lightweight champion. After his discharge he returned to this area…then decided to pursue boxing as a career.

Taking bouts wherever he found them, he compiled a record of 160 wins against only 5 losses. He rose to become one of the top contenders for the light-heavyweight championship of the world. He fought most of the big names in boxing that day. Some of the more notable were; Jack Delaney, Harry Greb, Young Stribling, Mike McTigue and others.

After hanging up the gloves he came home to Mount Carmel for retirement. He died there at the age of 76.

 

PAUL KOTCH

Back in the days when educators would frown on pool shooting as a sign o “of a misspent youth”…and shooters themselves were not recognized as the great athletes they are, Paul Kotch was head and shoulders above everybody else. But as if to prove that a good pool shooter could also be interested in education, Paul Kotch was an honor graduate of Mount Carmel High Schoool and went on to earn a Degree at Bloomsburg State College.

Between 1948 and 1955 there were a number of excellent pool shooters in the Mount Carmel Area. There were enough to form a league which drew hundreds of spectators to each match. When word would get out that Paul Kotch would be shooting Johnny Patrick the match-sites would be overflowing…it was difficult for a 13-year old to sneak in to watch without being chased.

 

DR. JAMES T. MCHALE, JR.

Dr. Jim McHale was a mainstay of one of the finest teams ever to represent Mount Carrmel Catholic High School. The 1946 squad, which he captained, lost only one game…a 6-0 loss to McSherrystown Catholic in which the winning touchdown was scored on a trick play. He letteed for four years with the Rams as a two-way tackle.

After graduation he enrolled at Villanova University. He transferred after one year and moved to the University of Scranton. During the three years he lettered at Scranton, he was a dominant force both offensively and defensively. He made Little All American during his final year at Scarnton.

After graduation he attended Buckenll University form where he received an M.S. in Chemistry. He then began medical school at Georgetown University….receiving his M.D. from there in 1957.

He went on to become a general surgeon and then a thoracic surgeon, obtaining these specialties while serving in the U.S. Navy for 16 years. He was in private practice in Gaithersburg, Maryland when he died in 1980 f a brain tumor following a 10 month illness. He left a wife and five children.

 

GEORGE “NUBBER” DELCAMP

George “Nubber” Delcamp was an all around athlete who was one of the Mount Carmel Area’s best. But his greatest contributions were not as a player; they came as a result of his interest in sports and the way he communicated that interest to young people. He played baseball and football for Mount Carmel Athletic High from 1902 through 1905. He was a crack quarterback and pitcher. Later he played as a sandlot player with both the Old Mount Carmel Athletic Association and the West End AC. He was a pioneer runner, too. He frequently competed in marathons, which made him special for that time.

“Nubber” returned to Coach the Tornado football squad from 1915 through 1922. During that period his teams won 39 games, lost 12 and tied 11. After his retirement as Coach of the Tornadoes he remained on as trainer for a number of years, so that he could keep in contact with the squad.

In 1947 he was one of the group of men responsible for the formation of the Mount Carmel Little League. He coached the Star Lane Sox from the formation of the League in 1947 up until the time of his death in 1962. His teams were known for their knowledge of the fundamentals of the game. He as a patient, thoughtful instructor who played more emphasis on knowing the game than in winning. He had a profound effect on many youngsters in that 15 year period.

 

SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD

MICHAEL DIMINICK

Jazz and Ann Louise Diminick had 5 terrific boys who turned out to be great athletes, excellent students and model citizens. They were achievement oriented kids who were a credit to their family and the community. Gary, the oldest, became a Civil Engineer; Kenny, a dentist now specializing in Orthodontics; Joe, a successful, rising young business executive; Eddie , a Petroleum Engineer and John, now an Honor Student at Lafayette University. Then with their sixth boy Jazz and Ann Louise got really serious.

It is no slight to the others to say that Mike was the Masterpiece. His older brothers take as much pride in Mike’s achievements as He does. But in a family of Achievers, Mike Diminick is the quintessential achiever.

Despite his outstanding Academic and Athletic Credentials, School Superintendent Joseph B. Warner told a group of people gathered to honor Mike as the Nation’s Outstanding Scholar Athlete, that His biggest contribution to the School District was neither in Athletics or Scholastics. He felt his biggest contribution was in the inspiration he provided to other, younger students. And the importance he attached to becoming active in student activities.

Mike will continue his studies at Duke University on a football scholarship. He will major in Pre-Med and wants to become and Orthopedic Surgeon. Duke University tested its 1200 incoming freshmen and invited 60 of them to the Durham Campus for a weekend of further testing and personal interviews. From those 60 they chose 20 as Angier Biddle Duke Fellows. These 20 Fellowships are the most prestigious awards given by the Duke Foundation. As an A.B. Duke Fellow, Mike will have an opportunity to be an Exchange Student with Oxford University in England and also with two other American Universities which he may choose.

 

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD

DANNY GLOWATSKI

When Dan Glowatski left Mount Carmel for Delaware Valley College four years ago, he had compiled a solid, if not spectacular, career as a Tornado wideout. He was really getting started, though. Gaining additional size and strength, as well as maturity, in that extra year; he went from very, very good to spectacular. He was a star from the very first game at Delaware Valley. He leaves behind a record which will be difficult to match, He holds eight all-time receiving records for Delaware Valley; Career Yardage….2645; Career Receptions…154; longest scoring reception….78 yards; reception for season…53; single season yardage….867; single game receptions…11. He caught at least one pass in 35 consecutive games.

He also led the team as its captain in 1984. He was honored by both the Philadelphia Football Writes and the Maxwell Club during his senior year. He made All Middle Atlantic Conference and All Eastern College Athlete Conference for three years running. His final two years he was selected to both the Pizza Hut Division III All American Team and the Associated Press Little All American Team. He was the obvious choice as the team’s Most Valuable Player in 1984.

As dominating a player as he was on the field, however; his greatest exploits were in the classroom. He was names to the NCAA Academic All American Team in recognition of his 3.827 Grade Point Average on a 4.0 scale. He received one of twelve Post Graduate Scholarships awarded by the NCAA. He’s a future Hall of Famer for sure; and a young man we’re proud of now.

 

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD

ERIC MILLER

In describing Eric Miller, you must go beyond the record, evcen though the statistics he compiled are very impressive. But when you talk to people who are involved with him, a common thread winds through the conversation; Hard Work, Discipline, Dedication, Top Physical Condition, Role Model.

His coach, Bucky McCollum called him “the most dedicated wrestler I have ever worked with. The perfect model for the rest of the wrestlers on the squad and someone everyone looked up to.” High School Principal Rich Beierschmitt says “a role model for younger kids. Someone who achieves by outworking his competitors.”

Of course, hard work can take you only so far if you are not also talented; and he is very talented. This year he established new records at Mount Carmel Area High School for most career victories (85), most victories in a single season (35), most takedowns in a single season (104), and most pins in a single season (16). It is noteworthy that most the new records he established eclipsed records previously set by Bob Sacavage, himself a member of the Hall of Fame.

He finished his scholastic career with a record of 85-31-2. But over the last two seasons he was 62-7-1. He recently won the Middle Atlantic Athletic Union 112 pound championship; and finished 3rd in the PIAA Championships. He is also an outstanding student, ranking 11 out of 157 in his class. He is a member of the National Leadership Award. Eric will attend the U.S. Military Academy on an athletic scholarship this fall.

 

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD

MARIA FANTANAROSA

On November 23, 1981, Maria Fantanarosa, a very nervous freshman with an already considerable reputation as a basketball player, began her record breaking career. That first night she scored 28 points in a game against Minersville. A little more than 4 years later she broke Tom McMillen’s All-Time Pennsylvania High School Coring record in the same gymnasium in a game against Pottsville, In between she provided as much fun and excitement for area fans as you would consider possible.

Despite he individual records, Maria constantly referred to teams goals when questioned. He goal to be the first District Basketball Champion in the School’s History was realized in 1984 in a thrilling 71-71 victory against Middleburg. Thinking back over the four-year career, her play produced many sparkling memories; but none more incandescent or poignant than her effort in a losing cause against Kutztown in her final game. She had always seemed, despite her numerous scoring records, to be an almost reluctant shooter. But in this game, with her team seemingly hopelessly out of the game trailing by 13 points at half time, she lit up the gymnasium. She made 13 of 17 field goal tries in the second half. Practically all of them came while double and triple teamed. With 30 seconds to play and the game lost, coach Debbie Greco substituted for her. It game local fans one more opportunity to applaud and show their appreciation for the thrill she had provided. Soon the opposition fans joined in, and there was minute-long standing ovation in which the entire gym demonstrated their respect for her performance. It was one of those moments that make sports such a special part of American Life.

Some of Maria’s accomplishments include becoming the All Time State Leader with 3,823 points, previous record 3,608 by Tom McMillen of the Baltimore Bullets; Finalists; Converse All Stars All American Team in 1984; All Time State Single season scoring record-1,318 points in 1983.

 

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD

MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM

About three quarters of the way through the current season, Marie Fantanarosa sprained her ankle and was forced to miss several games. At the time, with the Lady Tornadoes needing to win practically every game to qualify for post-season play, their prospects seemed dim. But instead of collapsing, the Team discovered it had more talent than it realized; and began to blossom. Lisa Balichik, particularly, began to assert herself and became a solid force both as scorer and floor leader. Lori Adamcik, began to play a bigger role as rebounder and made her presence felt. Cheryl Darrup got more playing time and as a result was a seasoned player when the playoffs rolled around making contributions not normally expected from a sophomore. Margot Guinan was a solid, stabilizing presence throughout. She ran the offense as point guard, and played consistently fine defense. Lil Cole provided excellent support coming off the bench for both Adamchik and Balitchick.

Melissa White had played very well whenever she got the opportunity; and now she was joined by four young players, Kim Little, Shannon Guinan and the Schicchitano twins Mary and Peggy all of whom made important contributions along the way. When Maria returned they were a much better team. And their goal of winning the District Championship became a realistic one.

 

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD

FRANK SHEPTOCK

Frank Sheptock went on from establishing All-Time Defensive records as a linebacker at Mount Carmel Area High School to doing the same thing on the College level at Bloomsburg State College.

In his freshman year, Sheppy made the ECAC Honor Roll 3 times enroute to becoming First team All PSAC Linebacker.

As a sophomore he began to roll. He made the Honor Roll 5 times and repeated as First Team All PSAC Linebacker. He was also All Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Linebacker, Bloomsburg University Undergraduate Athlete of the Year and Associated Press First Team All American Linebacker. He obliterated every individual defensive record for the Huskies. In a move that reflected how much esteem he was held in by his teammates, HE WAS elected Captain of the team in his sophomore year.

Last year, as a junior, he again captained the Bloomsburg Squad, He was named All ECAC Player of the Week four times. At the end of the season he was once again named All Eastern Athletic Conference Fist Team Linebacker and repeated as Associated Press All American First Team Linebacker.

As he begins his final year this fall, he has an opportunity to be the School’s first three-time All America. He also has an almost certain opportunity to be drafted by the NFL or USFL at the completion of his college career.