25th Annual Banquet

 

INDUCTEES

BOB ZAVARICK

Bob was elected to the Hall in 1986 and was unable to attend, We are glad to be able to induct him to our ranks as member of the class of 2003

If Lesanski's Barber Shop was still located on Third Street In Mount Carmel, one of the conversations might center around who was the best all around athlete to ever graduate from MCA? Without a doubt, Bob Zavarick would be mentioned as a likely candidate. Bob has left his name splattered throughout the record books in football, basketball, and baseball. As the quiet captain of all three sports in his senior year, Bob let his actions on the field speak for themselves.

When Bob graduated in 1978, he was the holder of 48 individual football marks at MCA, including his six touchdown performance against North Schuylkill in 1976. He also returned 6 kicks for touch down in 76 - more than any team in MCA history - and 8 in his career, He is the only player in school history to return kicks for more than 1000 yards in a season and remains the only player to score points in every possible way. His versatility is reflected in the fact that he is still the career interception leader with 21 and managed to punt for a 38.1 yard average. His 54 career TD's averaged 32.2 yards , while he averaged 9.7 yards each time he touched the football. He was named a first team defensive back by The Associated Press and was selected to play in the Big 33 game. In that game, Robert played both ways - a real rarity in all star competition - and scored on a 56 run from scrimmage as well as an interception in the East's 28-6 victory.

From the field to the court, Robert never missed a beat. He started for three years for Coach Paul Bartko's basketball team and along the way became the school's all time leading scorer with 1,319 points - a mark that still stands today. He had 33 games over 20 points and 5 games over 30, including three in a row. He led the team into district playoffs in 1977 and 1978, while averaging 19 points per game over his career. Bob also has the distinction of scoring the first varsity points in the new MCA gymnasium in 1977 in a win over Berwick as the team remained undefeated at home during that inaugural season..

As if all that wasn't enough, Bob saved his best for the baseball diamond. As a three year starter for Coach Ed Kaczmarek, Bob led the Tornadoes to three consecutive Schuylkill League Division Titles and the overall championship in 1978. As a shortstop, Robert batted over .500 during his junior and senior seasons and finished his career with a .495 batting average; knocking out 87 hits and 75 RBI's. He also tossed at least 6 one-hitters during his time on the mound as well as pitching all 14 innings in a 77 playoff loss to Blue Mountain.

Bob accepted a baseball scholarship to the University of Maryland and became a four year starter at shortstop. He batted .356 over his four- year career and was part of a 35 game home winning streak - the longest in the nation at the time. He was fortunate enough to play in a game against the Baltimore Orioles at The University's Shipley Field. That game included future Hall of Famers Jim Palmer, Eddie Murray, and Cal Ripken.

Bob has worked for Xerox Corporation from 1983-90 and Oce-USA from 1990-93 and currently works for IKON (HQ-Malvern, PA) from 1994 to the present as a Major Account/Federal Sales Manager in Washington, DC.

 

ROBERT FRANK YORK

As the years pass, the game of football seems to change every year. There are specialists for everything - pass rushers, third down receivers, nickel backs, run stoppers, short yardage backs, and all types of kickers. In the late 60's Bob York became one of the first-ever specialists at Mount Carmel Area. He brought new attention to kickers. He led the way for many others - Brokenshire, Noreen, Adams, Soboleski - in finding their niche in what was Tornado football.

In 1968, York would kick 43 of 54 extra point attempts as the Tornadoes made their way through their first undefeated regular season since 1954 and would go on to their first of three straight Southern Division Championships. The 43 points represented the most by a kicker at Mount Carmel since the great Wally Diehl had kicked 41 in 1921. It was also the most points by any kicker in the Anthracite Region that year. During the season, Bob went 7 for 7 against Minersville and Shenandoah. The only player who ever kicked for more was Diehl. York also established new career marks at MCA with 72 PAT's surpassing Diehl's 60. His season total of 43 still ranks 4th today, while his career total is 3rd on the MCA all time list.

He was named to the Reading Eagle All Anthracite team and Harrisburg Patriot News All Star team following the 68 season.

Bob took his kicking abilities to East Stroudsburg University where he won four letters as the varsity kicker and punter. Bob helped his teams to a 21-18 record over 4 years with his 17 career field goals. He had a long of 42 yards and a 35 yard game-winner against Lafayette. He finished second in the Pennsylvania Conference in punting in 1972 with a 40.2 yard average.

Realizing that specialties could work for him, Bob participated in track for coach Gerry Breslin while at MCA. He established a new school and stadium record with his 6'2" high jump and was the Southern Conference Champion in 1969. He placed second in District IV and won the first-ever State Indoor Championship in 1969

He continued participating in track at East Stroudsburg with bests of 6'61/2" in the high jump, 21'4" in the long jump, and 43'8" in the triple jump. At the conclusion of the track season, Bob was awarded his 8th varsity letter as a member of the East Stroudsburg football and track teams. His specialties have now made him special - an Ed Romance Chapter Hall of Famer.

Bob lives is West Chester with his wife Janice and son Cody,16 and is the Sales Manager for Zep Manufacturing. He is a huge Red Tornado fan, and although he lives 2 hours away, gets to see most of the Tornado action. He and his son, Cody, and fellow hall of famers Gary Howanec and John Halcovich are responsible for the sign depicting the Tornado wins atop the press box at the Silver Bowl.

 

ANTHONY MAZZATESTA

In speaking of the great Mount Carmel Area running backs, a certain style or particular trait usually associated with a particular back. For instance, "power" usually reminds you of Henry Hynoski. "Vision" can easily be associated with Jon Veach. "Speed" often brings up the name of Nick Sebes. "Shiftiness" most definitely reminds one of the great Gary Diminick. "Quickness" - How about Bobby Joe Niglio? "Balance" Ah yes, balance! Can anyone compare to Tony Mazzatesta? Tony wasn't big, he wasn't overly strong, he wasn't fast; but boy did he have balance! That balance was what helped to make Tony one of the all-time great running backs in Mount Carmel Area history.

It didn't start out that way for Tony, as coach Diminick thought about making him an offensive guard and nose guard, After all, his size and relative quickness put him in the mold of other great MCA guards. But Tony wouldn't have any of it - He worked harder and harder and found a way to keep himself in the backfield - He wound up starting for three years as the tail back and would churn out 2,587 yards rushing -still good for 7th place on the all time MCA list. He excelled as a kick returner for coach Diminick and ended up being the all time kick return leader in history with 1,624 yards. On the way, Mazzy established a new season mark for kick off returns with 455 yards in 1988 and a new career mark with 1,023 yards. Both marks still rank number one today. His 601 yards in punt returns still ranks 4th today while his all-purpose yardage total of 4,846 still ranks 5th on the all time Tornado list.

Mazzy's abilities helped the Tornadoes produce a number of good football teams in the late 80's. The 88 team lost in the District II final to eventual state champion Bethlehem Cartholic, while the 89 team lost an Eastern Conference semi to the great Tim Ruddy-led Dunmore Bucks. The 86 team lost to the great Gary Brown team in the Eastern Conference Championship. Following the 89 season, Tony was named to the Reading Eagle All Anthracite team, was a Big 33 nominee, won the Mike Terry Award in 1988 and 89, and served as co-captain of the 89 squad. The "guard" also was named a third team running back by the Associated Press in the Big School category. He also forced the Breakfast Club (now Supper Club) to change its rules after he was a 10 time Player of the Week in a 12 game season.

Following graduate, Tony went to Lycoming College where he immediately became a letter winner as a kick returner - That 1990 team ended up being the Division III National Runer-Up. Mazzatesta then transferred to Wilkes University and led the MAC in punt returns until injuries cut short his career - He was named a First Team MAC Scholar Athlete in 1992.

Tony graduated from Wilkes in 1995 with a BS in Materials Engineering. He attended John Hopkins University in Baltimore where he received a Masters Degree in Materials Science and Enginieering. He currently works for Lucent Technologies/AGERE Systems in Allentown as a Process Engineer/Technologist. He is married to the former Patti Spears and has one child, Maci - 2.

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FEMALE SCHOLAR ATHLETE

ASHLEY SHAMANSKY

Just reading her goals for her future make you immediately take notice - "attending Bucknell University to major in Biochemistry with the intent of attending medical school and becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine." The amazing thing is not that she has put herself in the position to achieve her dream, but has done it while competing in three sports, cheering for three years, and be involved in as many school activities as you can imagine.

Ashley ranks second in a class of 123 with an amazing GPA of 99.7 and SAT scores of 1220. She is a member of the National Honor Society, a recipient of T-102 scholar athlete award, a member of the National Honor Roll of the United States Achievement Academy, and a member of Student Government.

Ashley has attended the Pennsylvania Governor's School of excellence for Health Care, has attended Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week, and was the Mount Carmel Area representative of the Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Forum as a sophomore. She is a Developmental Swim Coach, a coach for Olympics for Special Needs, and is a member and vice president of S.A.D.D. She is involved with Peer Mediation, Pennsylvanians Against Underage Drinking, the Science Club, Odyssey of the Mind, Spanish Club. Lions Club and school choir. She also finds time to write for the Tornado Times and has been a cast member of "Annie', "Once Upon A Mattress', and "Damn Yankees'.

Athletically, Ashley is a four-year member of the Soccer team and served as co- captain in both her junior and senior seasons. She is a two-year member of the track team and has been a varsity cheerleader for three years. It was as a member of the swim team where Ashley has left her biggest impression. A four-year letter winner and two-time captain. Ashley is a member of school record holding 200 yard Medley relay - 2:04.03, 200 yard freestyle relay - 1:49.06, and 400 yard freestyle relay - 4:10.26 teams. She is a four time District qualifier and owns four district medals - two silver and two bronze. She is one of only a few girls to earn over 1000 points for her team.

Obviously, Ashley has learned to budget her time at Mount Carmel Area. We are sure that she will continue her efforts at Bucknell and make the Ed Romance Chapter proud as it looks at its impressive list of scholar-athletes. Ashley is the daughter of Barbara and Mike Shamansky of Mount Carmel.

 

MALE SCHOLAR ATHLETE

STEVE MATZURA

Like others before him, Steve Matzura has been able to find the balance necessary to combine athletics and academics at a level high enough to be named the scholar athlete of the Ed Romance Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports hall of Fame.

Steve not only took his game to another level, he established a new one as he became the school's all-time leading tackler with 425 stops in his four year career, Steve did it consistently by going over the 100 mark in each of three seasons - only the third player in MCA history to accomplish the fete. But his game wasn't one dimensional as he also established a new season record for receptions with 53. His career totals of 113 catches for 1650 yards ranks second on the MCA top ten list. Steve's efforts did not go unnoticed as he was named first team All State by the Associated Press as well as Pennsylvania Football News. He was named defensive player of the year by The Reading Eagle, Shamokin News Item, and Pottsville Republican. He was named player of the year by The Sunbury Daily Item and Linebacker of the year by the Bloomsburg Press Enterprise. Steve is one of only a few three- time Mike Terry Award winners and was a Fox TV Athlete of the Week.

Steve has also lettered for 4 years in baseball, playing as a utility player on the team that went to the Dist IV final in 2000 and as a starter on the Dist IV playoff team in 2001. Steve has played all outfield positions, shortstop, second base, caught, and pitched; showing his versatility as an athlete.

Academically, Steve ranks 10th in a class of 123 with a 96.4 GPA and 1130 on his SATs. He is the Vice President of Student Council and is a vice president of the Ski Club. Steve has been recognized by Who's Who Among American High School Students, Who's Who Among High School Athletes and as The Ed Romance Chapter Athlete of the month for September. Matzura is the President of the Chess Club and the 2001 Tournament Champion. He was also named to the Pennsylvania Football New All Academic Team in 2000,2001, and 2002.

Steve is active in his church and community as a member of the Holy Name Society at Holy Angels Church in Kulpmont, as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4281. Steve will continue his football career at Bucknell University for coach Tim Landis. Steve is the son of Steve and Marsha Matzura, Kulpmont.

 

CHERYL KENT

In the mid 70's, girls varsity sports had just begun to appear at high schools in the Anthracite Region. Girls track was started by Coach AL Santos in 1971, while varsity basketball took to the hardwood in 1973-74 under the leadership of Coach Nancy Bobkoskie. In order to take their game to the next level, young girls needed a role model. Enter Cheryl Kent! Over the next four years, Cheryl would become one of the best female athletes to ever come out of Mount Carmel Area. Her tough, aggressive attitude on the court and her work ethic on the track took her and girls sports to a new level of competition.

Cheryl became a starter in her freshman year for Coach Bobkoskie and over the next four years helped to make the Tornadoettes a respected team throughout the region. She would become the first girl in MCA history to go over the 1000 point mark as only a junior. As a senior, Cheryl broke the boys and girls career scoring marks at MCA by posting 1,557 points. She led the Schuylkill League in scoring during her junior and senior season with a 19.4 point average. Her 1977-78 total of 486 points was the single season record at the time , as was her 36 point single game performance in 1978 vs Williamsport. Her overall ability is reflected in the fact that she took down 979 rebounds in her career - a mark that would stand until Sue Humphry took down 1000 in 1990. She also registered 108 assists and 390 steals . Following the '70 season, she was named to the Pottsville Republican ALL Star Team as well as the first-ever Reading EagleAll Anthracite Girls Basketball Team. She was the first girl to ever have her number - 23 - retired in Mount Carmel Area history.

In the spring, Coach Santos thought that he had a sprinter; that is, until he saw her throw. She would go undefeated in dual meets for four years in the discus. She placed in the top six - 6th in 1976 in AA and AAA combined, 3rd in 1977 in AA, 4th in AAA in 1978 and 6th in AAA in 1979.- at the State Meet in each of her four years with the Tornado track team. She held District IV records in the javelin - 114'2" and discuss - 120'9". She held school records in the javelin - 120'3", discuss - 127'8", shot put - 36'3" and 80 yard shuttle hurdle relay - 47.4 seconds. She posted meet records at The Harrisburg Invitational, Dickinson Invitational, Mount Pocono Invitational, and the Chester Invitational. Her javelin record stood until 1998, when broken by Ana Ditchey; while the discuss record still stands.

Cheryl was the first female from MCA to be named a scholar athlete by the Ed Romance Chapter in 1979. Following graduation, Cheryl went on to Brigham Young University to play basketball. She then transferred to Penn State, where she completely shifted gears and became a starter on two teams that made it to Nationals. Kent graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Administration of Justice. Cheryl continues to play softball competing in the California Police Olympics.

The 70's were over, but one thing surely changed at Mount Carmel Area - Female athletes had their role model. And because of her, women's athletics would go on to win district championships in track, softball, basketball, and cross country. Today, Cheryl is an 18 year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, serving with a status of detective/sergeant in West LA.

 

JED KARPINSKI

Being a small school, Mount Carmel Area has always had to rely on its athletes participating in more than one sport. During the late 70's, Ed Diminick, Paul Szymanski, Bob Zavarick, Dan Glowatski, and Bobby Joe Niglio were a few of those three-sport stars. Jed Karpinski is surely another that can be added to that list. Jed was a three-year letterman and two- year starter at wide receiver and defensive back for Coach Jazz Diminick. As a senior, he led the team with 31 receptions for 715 yards and 6 TD's and a remarkable 23.2 yard average. For his career, Jed pulled down 49 receptions for 1,070 yards and 11 TD's. At the time he became only the second player in school history to register over 1000 yards in receptions. He had a streak of 21 consecutive games with at least one pass reception. He was named to The Reading Eagle, Harrisburg Patriot, and News-Item All Area football teams, as well as being named Unico's first-ever Brian Piccolo Award winner. Jed earned Associated Press All State honorable mention and was chosen to play in Pennsylvania's Big 33 game in the summer of 1979.

During the winter, Karpinski led Paul Bartko's Tornado basketball team to the District IV final for the first time ever during the 78-79 season; losing to Montoursville by a 48-47 score. Jed established a new season scoring record at MCA with his 556 points and became only the fourth player in school history to score over 1000 points in his career.

Jed continued his contribution to MCA sports by participating in track - and boy did he contribute! During his career, Jed ran the 100,220,440 yard dashes, the 880 yard relay, the mile relay, the pole vault, high jump, triple jump, and long jump with best of 6'2" in the high jump, 42 feet in the triple jump and 20 feet in the long jump. Jed captained all three sports during his senior season.

Following high school, Jed walked on at Rutgers University: turning down scholarship offers at smaller schools in order to fulfill a life-long dream. Jed became a special teams player and back-up receiver for most of his career. His hard work and diligence paid off when he became a starter for the last three games of his career against West Virginia, Auburn, and Pittsburg. His time at Rutgers was highlighted by a four catch game against Auburn and Bo Jackson. Another highlight was playing in front of 93,000 people at Penn State against Curt Warner, Todd Blackledge and Kenny Jackson. He also played against Doug Flutie, Dan Marino and Jeff Hostettler.

Jed received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics in 1984 from Rutgers. He is the owner of Karpinski and Associates, Inc, an insurance brokerage agency in Lancaster. He lives in the Lancaster Area with his wife Tammy and two sets of twin boys - Kody and Kyle-12, and Troy and Tyler - 8.

 

BOB GRECO

Most of Bob Greco's life has been devoted to local sports, particularly basketball. For over fifty years he has played, coached, and officiated local sporting events on the youth, high school, and amateur athletic levels. Bob has always stressed dedication, commitment, and hard work as staples of his teams. After all, he was asking no more than he was willing to give. And give, he did! Bob has never been paid once cent in all of his years coaching local sports teams. Bob's reward was developing players with winning attitudes based on fair play, hard work and teamwork. According to Bob, his greatest enjoyment and reward has been from what his players have gone on to accomplish in their lives, rather than what he has accomplished. He is also proud of the fact that 99% of the girls basketball players at Mount Carmel Area went on to higher levels of education.

Bob is a 1953 graduate of Mount Carmel Catholic High School, where he played basketball as a guard and small forward. He went on to Susquehanna University and graduated with a BS degree in 1957. He later went on to play with Diamond Coal's Intercity Championship Softball Team as a pitcher and catcher. He also played on a number of semi pro basketball teams including the Locust Gap Apollos during the 50's and 60's. When the opportunities to play dried up, Bob turned to coaching as an outlet.

He coached St. Peter's CYO boys from 1960 through 1965, and then the Holy Spirit Spiritans from 1966 through 1980. Consistency and fundamentals were always trademarks of his teams as they had winning records in 19 of 20 years. His teams went on to win two Harrisburg Diocesan Championships and were able to finish second and third in the State CYO Championships.

Bob joined his daughter Debbie in 1981 as she took over the girls basketball program at Mount Carmel Area. Together, they made the program competitive in the always tough Schuylkill League. Their teams qualified for District playoffs on 5 different occasions and won Mount Carmel Area's only Girls District Basketball Championship in 1985. They coached the state's all time leading scorer in Maria Fantanarosa, and coached 4 of MCA's 7-1000 point scorers in Fantanarosa, Shannon Guinan, Leslie Gilotti, and Carolyn Darrup. They also tutored the school's only 1000 rebounder in Sue Humphrey and coached the only 500 assist guards in Margot Guinan and Jill Gonzalo.

Greco has also given to his community as Past President and current Secretary of Mount Carmel/Kulpmont Kiwanis Club. He is a Life member, Unity Committee Chair, Finance Committee member of the West End Fire Company, and is a past president of the American Heart Association .Greco has been employed since 1972 at the Shamokin Area Community Hospital and is a Licensed Pennsylvania State Nursing Home Administrator. Bob and his wife Jean, who passed away in 2002 after 45 years of marriage, are the proud parents of three children. Dr. Robert Greco, Debbie Perles, and Attorney Edward Greco, and have 8 grandchildren. Today Bob joins his brother Joe - a member of the inaugural class of the Ed Romance Chapter - as a perfect set of bookends to the Chapter's first 25 years.

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SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT

DAVID BROWN

David Brown truly represented the character and unselfishness of the 2002 Red Tornado State Championship Football Team. Dave became a starter at nose guard during his freshman year under coach Whitey Williams as the Tornadoes became the PIAA AA State Silver Medalists. Browny then started 15 games at nose guard as the Big Red went on to a State Championship during his sophomore season for coach Mike Brennan. As a junior, Dave volunteered to move to offensive guard to help the team and then was switched to fullback, where he became a devastating blocker as the Tornadoes won an Eastern Conference Crown in 2001. As a senior, David helped the Tornadoes to an undefeated 15-0 record by running for 577 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also contributed 87 tackles - 28 for loss - and 8.5 sacks from his nose guard position.

David finished his career with 283 tackles and 16 sacks for 97 yards lost. The 283 tackles rank 9th on the all time MCA list and represent the second most ever for a down lineman in MCA history behind Jay Malakoski. David's tough, aggressive attitude helped the Tornadoes to a 48-9 record during his 4 years; allowing the Tornadoes to win three District Championships, one Eastern Conference Championship, two State Championships, and one State Runner-Up. For his efforts, David was recognized as a first team all state defensive lineman by the Associated Press as well as Pennsylvania Football News .PFN also named him defensive player of the year. He is the son of Judy McCollum and David Brown.

 

STEVE MATZURA

Steve Matzura will certainly be remembered as one of the best all around football players to ever don the red and white. Steve led the Tornadoes with 155 tackles - 16 for loss - 4.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries, 7 passes broken up and 3 blocked kicks. On the way to a perfect 15-0 record, Steve became the all time leading tackler with 425 stops during his 4 year career He also joined Mike Diminick and Vince Yasenchak as the only players in MCA history to record three consecutive 100 tackle seasons. On offense, Steve caught 53 balls for 739 yards and 6 touchdowns, The 739 yards ranks as the 4th best season ever at MCA. He also ran the ball 30 times for 200 yards and 5 touchdowns. His 53 receptions established a new single season record at MCA, surpassing the 52 by Joel Gonzalo in 1994. His career total of 113 receptions for 1650 yards ranks second to Gonzalo's 123 for 1850.

Steve's versatility and quiet leadership helped the Tornadoes to a 48-9 record during his career. He started 42 consecutive games as the Tornadoes won two State titles, one Eastern Conference Crown, and three District Championships. Steve was named small school first team all state by the Associated Press as well as Pennsylvania Football News. Steve is the son of Steve and Marsha Matzura of Kulpmont.

 

RANDY SWANK

At 6,0" 270 pounds, Randy Swank joined Dave Williams and Jon Else as three year starters at the center position for MCA. Randy's toughness and strength allowed him to become a starter as a sophomore as the Tornadoes went on to state title number 4 in 2000. 42 starts later, Randy concluded his career in Hershey as the Tornadoes won their fifth state title in 2002 This year, Swank anchored an offensive line that had three new starters as the season began. As the season progressed and injuries mounted, Randy remained the one constant in a revolving door of linemen. His leadership was pivotal in the success of the Red Tornadoes as they rolled to a 15-0 record and established a new team record for passing yards with 2,573 and went over the 5000 yard mark in total offense for only the 4th time ever During his tenure as a starter, Mount Carmel Area teams gained over 14,000 yards in total offense while winning 37 games and losing 5.

Defensively, Randy contributed 63 tackles - 21 for loss - and 4 sacks for 24 yards lost. During his four-year career, Swank totaled 163 tackles and 10.5 sacks. His was a part of two State Championships, three District Titles, one Eastern Conference Crown, and one State Runner-up. He was named small school first team all state as an offensive linemen by the Associated Press and Pennsylvania Football News. Randy has also won two District Four Championships in the shot and placed eight in last year's PIAA State Meet. He is the son of Tammy and Barry Gedney and Randy Swank.

 

DAVID SHINSKIE

Dave Shinskie has rewritten the record books during his four year career as the quarterback for the Mount Carmel Area Red Tornadoes. Shinskie became the starter in his freshman year during the playoff run following and injury to Nick Sebes. During his tenure, David has compiled a 41-6 record as the starting QB, more than any other QB in MCA history. During the 2002 season, Dave completed 160 of 250 passes for 2,524 yards and 26 touchdowns. All are new marks at MCA, except the TD's which are one away from Joe Buchinski's 27 in 1965. Shinskie also established new career marks with 400 completions in 711 attempts for 6,334 yards and 57 TD's. Dave also connected on 16 passes in a game 3 times, had 14 consecutive completions at one point, and 94 passes without an interception. He had a streak of 11 consecutive games with a TD pass and threw for TD's in 14 of 15 games this season. He has racked up 28 100 yard passing games, 8 - 200 yard passing games, and has the 2nd- 283, 5th - 273, 7th - 267, and 8th - 264 yard passing games in MCA history. His career total offense of 6,072 yards is second only to Jon Veach.

Shinskie was honored as MCA's fourth Small School Player of the Year in 2002 and was named as the first team quarterback by the Associated Press and Pennsylvania Football News. PFN also named him offensive player of the year. After offers from Temple, Iowa, Indiana, and Toledo, Dave has accepted an athletic scholarship to The University of Delaware, where he will also play baseball. He is the son of Joann and Dave Shinskie, Kulpmont.

 

DAN GLOWATSKI

During the 25 years of its existence, the Ed Romance Chapter has inducted over 200 men and women into its halls. All have excelled at the local level. Many have distinguished themselves on the state level by being named all state or winning a state championship. Very few have brought national recognition to their school, their town, and to themselves. Dan Glowatski is one of those few. During his junior and senior seasons, as a member of the Delaware Valley College Aggies, Dan was named a LittleAll-American by the Associated Press. Dan was also selected as the team's Most Valuable Player during the 1984 season. Following the 84 campaign, Dan was recognized by the Philadelphia Football Writers and the Maxwell Club of Philadelphia. He was also named to the All Middle Atlantic Conference and All Eastern College Athletic Conference football teams for three consecutive years.

Dan's honors were all hard-earned as a receiver at Delaware Valley College. At the conclusion of his career, Dan held eight all-time receiving records at Del Val, including career yardage-2,645, career receptions - 154, longest reception for TD - 78 yards, receptions in a season - 53, single season yards - 867, single game receptions - 11, and also caught at least one pass in 35 consecutive games. Most of those records have held up until this last year, when Richard Gear - another Del Val All American - broke many of the marks in a pass- oriented offense.

As dominating as he was on the field, Dan really excelled in the classroom, where he was named to the NCAA All Academic team as a result of his 3.827 GPA. He was named the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete in 1984. He received one of 12 Post Graduate Scholarships awarded that year by the NCAA. Dan caught the eye of the New York Jets and was given a free agent tryout in the summer of 85.

Dan's athletic career was honed on the fields of Mount Carmel Area where he was an outstanding receiver and defensive end for Red Tornado teams in 1978,79,and 80. His 23.9 yards per reception is still one of the best seasons ever at MCA. As a basketball player, Dan was a starter on the 1979-80 team, coached by Ken Kline, that went 27-8 and made its' way to the eastern semi-final against Lourdes Regional. The 27 wins represent the most in school history. Dan ran the hurdles in track and was a part of the team that won three consecutive Schuylkill League titles.

After his career had ended, Dan continued to bring recognition to himself by being inducted into the Delaware Valley College Hall of Fame in September, 1994. Dan currently resides in Mount Carmel with his wife Lisa and sons, Danny-15, and Brett-11. He is a self employed paper broker.

 

MIKE DOVIAK

Mike Doviak graduated from Kulpmont High School in 1964; he last graduating class before its merger with Mount Carmel in 1965. Mike earned 10 varsity letters for the Wildcats; four in basketball, three in football, and three in baseball. He was an end in football, pitched and played the outfield in baseball, and was the center on the basketball team for coach Ed Stavinski. He also served as president of his class during his junior and senior years.

Doviak was awarded a basketball scholarship to Alfred University and began his studies there in the fall of 1964. He played basketball for four years for the Saxons and also threw the javelin on the track team. Mike graduated in 1968 as the all time leading rebounder in school history and left himself as the second leading scorer in the Saxon record book. He averaged over 20 points per game as a senior. He was voted to the weekly "all-east" team on four separate occasions during his career. Mike was inducted into the Alfred University Sports Hall of Fame in 1995.

Following his graduation from Alfred in 1968. Mike attended graduate school at Bucknell University, majoring in mathematics. While at Bucknell, he renewed relationships with several local athletes who were also attending Bucknell, including his brother Greg, who was a sophomore at the time. While at Bucknell, he continued playing basketball recreationally and spent more time than he should have on the university golf course.

Mike attended the University of Florida from 1970-1975, and received his Ph.D in statistics in March of 1975. As a graduate assistant in the Department of Statistics at Florida, he had the opportunity to do some teaching, enjoyed it and decided to make teaching his career.

After completing his graduate work at Florida, Mike accepted a position in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, where he is currently employed. It was there that he met his wife Sue, an instructor in the Department of Economics. They currently reside, with their daughter Meaghan, about a mile from the Old Dominion University campus.

Today, Mike joins brother Greg as an inductee in the Ed Romance Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

 

JOE BUCHINSKI

Just mention #19 to a long time football fan and they will probably tell you about Johnny Unitas, the Baltimore Colts All Pro quarterback and NFL standout. Mention #19 to a veteran Mount Carmel Area fan and they will tell you about Joe Buchinski. For the last four decades, Joey was the standard by which all future MCA quarterbacks were measured. At a time before passing was looked at as a way to move the football, Buchinski established marks that stood for over 30 years. As a senior, Buchisnki led the Red Tornadoes to a record of 8 and 2 while throwing for 1963 yards and an incredible 27 touchdowns. His career record of 3,763 yards stood until broken by Mike Higgins in 1994, while the 1963 yards stood until 2002 and Dave Shinskie's record breaking season. Buchinski's average of 10.8 completions per game and 196.3 yards per game remain as standards of excellence. Joe's 284 yard - 5 touchdown performance vs Shenandoah in 1965 still ranks as the best game in MCA history. Joey also three for 4 TD's in a game on three occasions and over 200 yards 3 times. For his efforts, Joe was named first team all state by the Associated Press and to the third team by United Press International. He also became only the second player in MCA history to be named to the Big 33 team and played against Texas in the summer of 1966.

Buchinski then took his talents to the University of Miami where he was a member of the varsity football from 1966 thru 1969. He played most of his career behind George Mira - a future All American and NFL player. Joe did, however, get to play in the Liberty Bowl in 1966 and the Blue Bonnet Bowel in 1967.Joe graduated from the University of Miami in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education.

Joe then took a position at Miramar High School in Florida and worked his way up to being the head track coach and head football coach from 1979 -1987. He recorded a 56-38 record as the head football coach and won District Championships in 1981 and 1982 and a Regional Championship in 1979. He was named Coach of the Year after each of those seasons. During his stint as head coach, Joe was a guest speaker at the University of Alabama Coaching Clinic as well as the University of Kansas Coaching Clinic.

From 1989 -2001, Joe served as the Offensive Co-ordinator-Quarterbacks Coach at St Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale. While at ST Thomas, his teams went 140-30 and won three Florida State Titles and were Runners Up on 5 occasions. Joe works as a Physical Education Instructor and Behavior Management Specialist at Miramar Highs School. He lives in Cooper City, Florida with his wife, Patricia, and step-children Anne and Zachery . Joey also has a son Michael, 30, and Chris, deceased. Today, Joe joins teammates Bob Pizzoli, Steve Zarlinski, Jeff Greco, Bob Hamernick, Frank Niglio, Joe Greco, Ron Lewis, and Tom Beierschmitt as members of the Ed Romance Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

 

SPECIAL HONOREE

1973 EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM

It had begun two years earlier after a heart-breaking loss to Shamokin in 1971. The underclassmen from that team had vowed to never lose another game while representing Mount Carmel Area. The 1972 edition of the Big Red had kept their part of the bargain and completed a 12-0 campaign on their way to an Eastern Conference Championship. It was now up to the '73 team to complete the mission. It would not be easy, for the Tornadoes had lost Big 33 tackle Joe Grey and all state nose guard Rich Ferri. Also gone were offensive linemen, Joe Ahrensfirled, Dave Kijewski, and Mike Molesevich, as well as leaders Dirk Berezovske and John Muolo.

As pre-season practice opened, the focus was on finding offensive line help to go along with returning starter Dave Williams. The call was answered by Girard Miscavage, Bob Muolo, Bob McSurdy, Ed Shuda, Henry Federowicz, and Dave Moratelli. Although not as big as the '72 O-line, this group proved to be very strong, equally as tough, and super quick. Led by returning skill position players Lou Cole,Joe Diminick,Ken Diminick, and Vince Rawa. The Tornadoes opened with a 28 -0 victory over Panther Valley and followed that with a 23-6 win over Tamaqua on the strenght of Rawa's second consecutive 100 yard rushing game.They then survived 51 pass attempts- with the help of 3 interceptions and two fumble recoveries - in getting by Berwick 32-22 and then had their largest margin of victory in a 34-2 rout of West Hazleton, led by Dave Gibboney's 82 yard punt return. The defense began to assert itself in a 29-0 win over Minersville and followed that up with 22-6 and 20-8 wins over Pottsville and North Schuylkill. Lou Cole's 23 tackle effort against Pottsville still ranks as the 2nd best game in school history. The offense took over in 36-6 and 33-7 wins over Shenandoah and Shikellamy. A 45 yard TD pass from Joe Diminick to Ken Diminick vs Shikellamy would prove to be the only one of the year. In a much anticipated first-ever game vs Lourdes Regional, the Big Red defense, led by Bill Joraskie, Frank Strike, Ed Shuda, Sam Skelding, Walt Wywadis, Fred Alba, and linebackers, Cole and Rich Greco, came up big in holding the Raiders to 83 total yards in a 14-0 win. The Tornadoes ended their quest for an undefeated regular season in a bittersweet 20-15 win over Shamokin in the last Thanksgiving Day game ever played. Big Red found themselves behind for the first time during the season until Lou Cole bounced in for the winning score. The Tornadoes were paced by Ken Diminick's 106 yards rushing and Lou Cole's 19- tackle performance. The win gave the Tornadoes their 5th Southern Division Championship in 6 years and put them into the Eastern Conference Championship once again. Led by Ken Diminick's two touchdowns, 73 yard kick-off return and 116 yards rushing, the Tornadoes - with the help of the Tornado in the Sky - capped off the '73 season with a 15-6 victory over Jack Henzes and the Dunmore Bucks

The '73 team, led by captains Ken Diminick and Lou Cole, finished the season with the only 12-0 record in the state; and at the time, had the second longest win streak in Pennsylvania. The Tornadoes had just completed a 24-0 run over the last two seasons and did it without posting big numbers and blow-out wins, all they did was win! They scored 306 points while giving up 78 but recovered 20 enemy fumbles and snagged 19 interceptions Post season honors went to Cole - a first team all state selection and to Ken Diminick, who was named to the Big 33 team and recognized as a third team all stater - Honorable mentions went to Joe Diminick, Rich Greco, Vince Rawa, and Dave Williams

The '73 team's "Refuse to Lose"mentality helped to set the stage for Tornado teams that would follow and certainly helped to establish what is known today as TORNADO PRIDE! They thrived on being physical. They won because they had the mindset that nothing could get in their way. They won because they played the game the way it was meant to be played.

 

CAPTION FOR 1973 TEAM PHOTO

Row 1-Dave Williams, Bob Muolo, Carl Shoffstall,Dave Moratelli,Dan Skonecki, Ed Shuda, Rich Greco, Lou Cole, Vince Rawa, Girard Miscavage, and Bill Joraskie

Row 2 - Tom Poremba, Bruce Williams, Tom Molesevich, Frank Strike, Joe Diminick, Walt Wywadis, Fred Alba, Henry Federowicz, Bob Mc Surdy, Paul Niglio, Ken Diminick, and Dave Gibboney

Row 3 - Tom Sebastian, Frank Kwiatkowski, Ed Semborski, Pat O'Brien, Tom Gallagher, Jon Greco, Sam Skelding, Marty Robbins, Dave Shoffstall, Dan Chucoski, Joe Girolami and Dom McGinley

Row 4 - Rich Kerestes, Len Zlocki, Tony Mirarchi, Nick Gard, Vic Kocur, Steve Shoffstall, Mark Cress, Dave Chuprinski, Bill Brokenshire, Ed Narcavage, John Lawler, John Tafner and Francis Murin

Row 5 - Coaches Al Santos, Jazz Diminick, George Wrona Missing - James Sheehan

 

SPECIAL HONOREE

2002 MOUNT CARMEL AREA AA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FOOTBALL TEAM

To say that here was a little pressure entering the 2002 season at Mount Carmel Area would be an understatement. After all, it was an even year and the Torndaoes had won a state championship every other year since 1994. Although an experienced group of athletes was returning, some holes had to be filled in key positions. Add a very competitive schedule that included perennial state power Southern Columbia, always tough Marian Catholic, a Pius X team that had defeated MCA in 2001, and a rejuvenated Shamokin team. In addition, Quad A Pottsville and AAA Danville were added to the schedule that already included Selinsgrove, a team that had won three straight from MCA. Much like the '73 team, this group set out on a mission that would take one game at a time.

The season started by avenging the loss to Pius with a 27-7 win on the road and a 49-16 blow out of Panther Valley. The next three weeks would tell whether this team had the goods to be a contender. All they did was go out and beat Southern, Shamokin, and Pottsville by a combined score of 103-0. This is the point where injuries started to mount and the outstanding leadership of the seniors took over. Randy Swank anchored the offensive linethat included freshman Joe Dowkus and junior Rick Greco at guard. Before the season, neither had played one down at offensive guard in a varsity game, Marshal Mirarchi moved to tackle from guard and Jon Skinner returned at tackle. Damian Buggy and Justin Leonowicz would take over a tight end. With Mirarchi and Skinner injured, Scott and Jonathan Novack stepped in and wouldn't miss a beat. Shinskie had started every game at quarterback since the playoffs of his freshman year and had Steve Matzura and Tim Wargo to throw to,.as well as John Darrah and Nate Morgan. Drew Letcavage, Damien Scicchitano, and Mark Koveleski handled the tailback spot by committee aided by fullbacks Dave Borwn and Michael Leshinski. Matt Kufta handled the place kicking duties.

The Tornadoes would finish the regular season with wins over Marian Catholic, North Schuylkill, Shiekallamy, Danville and Selinsgrove. They would go on to defeat Montoursville and Highesville to win their 6th District Championship. This team had now put itself in position to keep the streak alive. Hard-fought wins over Lakeland and Northwestern Lehigh gave the Tornadoes their sixth Eastern Championship and a return trip to Hershey. Ina game that looked closer than it was, Big Red defeated Seton Lasalle for its 5th modern day state championship. Coach Mike Brennan had won his second title and has posted a 37-5 record in three years at the helm. Shinskie became MCA's fourth Small School Player of the Year and was joined on the first team all state by Brown, Swank and Matzura. The fact that 14 players were recognized following the season on different all star teams, proves that it was a TEAM. 45 players had worked together for 15 weeks, one week at a time, to achieve that ultimate goal - a State Championship!

 

Caption for 2002 Championship Team

Row 1 - Dan Evans, John Eremich, John Darrah, Mark Koveleski, Steve Matzura, David Shinskie, Dave Brown, Randy Swank, Mike Leshinski, Pete Kulick, Damian Buggy, Jerry Lupotsky

Row 2 - Rob Varano, Mgr, Tim Wargo, Justin Leonowicz, Rick Greco,John Skinner, Marshall Mirarchi, Jeff Hicks, Sean Paul, Jon Novack, Mike Sosnoski, Bryan Polifka, Matt Kufta, Colim Menapace, Mgr

Row 3 - Michaek Scicchitano, Mgr, Damien Scicchitano,Dave Sebastian, Ray Kraynak, Jason Pachuski, Nate Morgan, Rod Buraczeski, Scott Novack, Adam Croker, Drew Letcavage, Trey Savitski, Joe Dowkus

Row 4 - Jon Shiko, Jason Boyer, Troy Kisela, Rick Litchko, Nick Chapman, Sean Fracalossi, Adam Hepler, Dave Quintero, Kyle Bartol, Josh Jaworski, John Janolek, Allen Homicz

Row 5 - Ryan Geary, Jeremy Winn, Bob Scicchitano, Mike Kogut, Mike Brennan, Rob Varano, Rick Painter, Paul Babinsky, Bob Veach