INDUCTEE (FRANK MARINOWIC) Simon Merriwell is a name you hear frequently when old-timers want to compare a contemporary sports hero to someone from the past. Not many records were kept in those days, but one thin is unanimously certain. People who say him play say he was Major League Calibre in both football and baseball. He started his baseball career in the early 20’s with the Mt. Carmel Senators in the East Penn League. He also played with the Ashland entry in the North Schuylkill League. As a football player he starred with the Atlas Wolves, the Kulpmont Bears and the MT. Carmel Green Wave. He got the name from another legendary hero in sports literature at that time, but the legend he built was his own.

INDUCTEE Bernie started his football career playing for the Cardinal’s Little League, coached by Bob “Nanny” Miller in 1949 and was selected to the All Star Squad in 1950. He was also selected to play in the Piggy Back Bowl Game. In 1951-52 he practiced with the freshman Football Squad which was coached by Walt Marshall. In his freshman year at Coal Twp. He played varsity Football as a halfback. In his sophomore year he played varsity halfback. In 1955 Bernie was a member of Southern Division Easter Conference Championship Team. He was selected to Associated Press First Team All-State, selected to United Press Second Team All-State selected Honorable Mention All-American, All United States Team, selected First Team All-Southern Division, All Keystone Conference. In 1956 Bernie was selected United Press Honorable Mention All-State (Head coach, Jazz Diminick) and was co-captain of the football team. He married the former Gayle Haddock and they have three children and two grandchildren. He is presently working as a foreman for Penn DOT.

INDUCTEE Dave Ficca was an outstanding athlete, who has become equally successful in the business world. As a standout in Football, Basketball, and Baseball he led the Mount Carmel Township Golden Bears during their most successful sports era. At Township, he was the second leading all-time season and career scoring leader. Only Len Eshmont compiled greater statistics. He holds the record for the longest run from scrimmage; 71 yards against Steelton. The same year he compiled more than 400 yards total offense in a single game against Coal Township. He scored 3 TD’s and an extra point in a virtuoso performance. As a three-year varsity halfback at Fordham University, he continued his winning ways. He as awarded the Madow Trophy for an outstanding game against NYU and also caught a pass that set up the winning score against Dan Francisco University. That team at San Francisco included more than a half dozen players who later starred in the NFM, most notably Olli Matson and Geno Marchetti. He attended Law School at Georgetown University and George Washington University. He joined the Walter Kidde Company in 1967 as a staff counsel. In 1969 he was names a corporate secretary, in 1972 vice president, senior vice president in 1977 and executive vice president in 1982. He was named a director of the corporation in 1983.

INDUCTEE Butch Boslego was the stuff legends were made of. Always an adventurer he served in the Army in Mexico from 1915 to 1920. After his discharge he became a professional boxer. Although no records are available “old timers” speak of him as a crown pleaser and tough puncher. He played professionally with the Pottsville Maroons, whose exploits as pioneers in a league which is now the NFL, are documented in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Boslego was a member of the Maroon team which is recognized as League Champion in the Hall.

SCHOLAR ATHLETE John is the latest in the family who has done such an excellent job of combining excellence in sports with classroom success. Among his successes are Big 33 team, AP All-State Team; WNEP Sports Star of the Week; District 4 Champion in 82 and 83 for 100 meters; District 4 Champion in 82 for high hurdles; Harrisburg Patriot News and Reading Eagle All Anthracite teams, Len Eshmont Award; Brian Piccolo Award; National Honor Society; President, National Athletic Honor Society; Rotary Service Award; babe Ruth Award. John is presently at Lafayette College majoring in Biology. A leg injury suffered in the Big 33 Game prevented his football participation this year; however, he will join the Lafayette varsity this fall.

SCHOLAR ATHLETE Rich is one of five children born to Richard and Mary Tarr of 520 West Mulberry Street, Shamokin. Rich graduated in 1983 from Shamokin Area High School and is presently enrolled at Lasalle University, Philadelphia on a full 5-year NCAA Basketball Scholarship. Tarr’s school activities included, Varsity Club, Student Council Representative and Photography Club. His high school basketball career included, four years on the varsity team, Being picked for Honorable Mention by the Reading Eagle in his sophomore year, making the All0Anthractie First Team by the Reading Eagle and Keystone Big 9 All League First Team in his junior year. Rich has the honor of being the only basketball player to have his jersey retired by the Shamokin High School Board after his senior year. His other honors included, Associated Press All-State First Team; All Anthracite Player of the Year; Keystone Big 9 Player of the Year; Keystone Big 9 All League First Team; Single Game Scoring Record (45 points); School Career Scoring (1,965) and Averaged 29.6 in 1982-83 to lead all area scorers.