INDUCTEE The Mount Carmel Area football program, in addition to having the most wins in the state of Pennsylvania (785), has generally been recognized as a forerunner in things needed to make a program successful. Weightlifting, off-season conditioning, and booster club involvement were all important to the success of the program. The use of film also became an important ingredient in the success of Tornado football, and no one was more instrumental than George McFee in making it available to Tornado coaches. McFee began filming games for Jazz Diminick in 1962 and used the “Crow’s Nest” to give Diminicl a perspective that very few coaches had available to them. George also gave the Mount Carmel Area program a “face” when he began broadcasting games in the fall of 1968. The first cable-cast was made from the cable system’s antenna head-end building atop Locust Mountain. It was a game between MCA and Tamaqua, and used the team’s analytical film with commentary by Coach Jazz Diminick. The broadcast gave the Mount Carmel Area school district the distinction of being the first high school in the United States to have its own cable casting station to provide educational and sports programming via television cable. Under the direction of McFee, the station – WJPM-TV – would grow to provide educational and informational programming such as school board meetings, borough council meetings and local election results. The station has also broadcast special events, such as the Annual Rotary Football banquet, art festivals, proms, graduations, and band concerts. Sports coverage would also expand to include boys and girls basketball, wrestling and track. With the completion of the new high school in 1977, a state of the art color TV studio was located on the campus of the Mount Carmel Area High School. As a result of an agreement between MCA and Service Electric, WKMC-TV was established on the Service Electric Cable System, where subscribers in a fifty-mile radius can now receive programming. Because of McFee’s effort and guidance, many students have gone on to careers in engineering, electronics, movie production, photography, computer programming, and teaching as a result of what they learned at WJPM and WKMC. During the 1999 graduation, a plaque was presented by the school board to the McFee family in memory of George, who had taught at MCA since his graduation from Kutztown University in 1956. The work started by Mr. McFee continues today under the capable direction of his son David, and the students and residents of Mount Carmel Area are the true beneficiaries. McFee’s induction today recognizes his 40 year contribution to the sports programs at Mount Carmel Area.

INDUCTEE The 2009-2010 school year will be remembered for a long time by Mike Kogut. It was the year that his Tri Valley Bulldogs won the District XI Single A Football Championship and made it as far as the Eastern Final. Michael was also recognized as the Reading Eagle Coach of the Year, and, today Mike Kogut gets inducted into the Ed Romance Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Michael’s playing career was highlighted by his being a 4-year letter winner and 3-year starter at Bloomsburg University as a defensive end. Mike would lead the defensive line in tackles in 1995 with 41, and was second on the team in sacks with 4. He was the recipient of the Unsung Hero Award in 1994 and would play on three PSAC Championship football teams. The 1996 Danny Hale-coached squad was an NCAA Playoff Team with a fine 10-2 record. Kogut began his playing career at Mount Carmel Area for Coach Jazz Diminick where he was a four year letter winner and a rare four-year starter. He put in time on the offensive and defensive lines, center, linebacker, and long snapper. He was an All Anthracite selection in 1991 and 1992 and was the Offensive Lineman of the Yaer in 1992. In addition, Michael was a two time Mike Terry Award winner and finished his playing career with 209 tackles – good for 9th on the all time list at the time. Kogut was also named to the Reading Eagle’s All Anthracite Team of the 90’s as an interior lineman. As a track performer for Coach Mike Woyotowich, Mike won the District XI Shot Put title in 1993 with a toss of 50’7” and followed that up with a fourth place finish at PIAA State Meet with a toss of 52’1” 3/4”. Michael would also serve as the team captain of both the football and track teams in 1992-93. Michael’s coaching career started at Bloomsburg University in 1997-98 before joining the staff at MCA in 1999. Michael would coach the offensive and defensive lines, linebackers, and wide receivers before taking over the Defensive Coordinator position in 2006. Mike also served as MCA’s Athletic Director from 2003-2007. It was then that Michael got the call to begin his head coaching career with the Bulldogs and after only two seasons, winning the District Title in 2009. He also serves as the Athletic Director at Tri Valley. Michael currently lives in Mount Carmel with his wife Tara and daughter Amber and son Aiden.

INDUCTEE Ed Kaminsky’s induction into the Ed Romance Lower Anthracite Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame is long overdue. Ed was one of the premier athletes of his time as a football star at Kulpmont High School. Ed’s credentials include a number of firsts, established during his athletic career. He was the first person in Kulpmont sports history to be named first team all state by the Philadelphia Record. All state teams were first recognized in 1939 and Edward was named to the 1940 team as a first team tackle. His selection is even more noteworthy since the Wildcats of coach Mike Terry suffered through a 2-9 record during the ‘40 campaign. In his release of the all-state team, Philadelphia Record sportswriter, Here Good, stated that most Anthracite coaches rated Ed above the previous year’s all state tackle and then placed him ahead of the number one tackle out of western Pennsylvania, Charley Davidson. After that season, Ed is believed to be the only person from Kulpmont to be offered a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame. He was recruited by first year coach Frank Leahy, who would be one of the most productive coaches in Fighting Irish history with his 5 National Championships. Red’s playing days were cut short because of World War II, but, after his discharge found his way to the University of San Francisco. It was there, as a senior for first-year coach Joe Kuharick, that he was recognized as one of the finest players in the country during the season of 1948. He was there at the beginning of the Dons finest years that culminated in the 1951 team being touted as one of the best in the country. Players like Gino Marchetti, Ollie Matson, and Bob St Clair, were part of the Green and Gold revitalization under Kuharick. Kuharick’s camp was generally believed to be the toughest in the country, with those who made his team called “Kuharick’s Survivors”. Following that ‘48 season, Ed was invited by the Westwood Sporting Club to participate in the East-West Hawaiian Benefit Classic in Hawaii where they played two games. Following graduation, Ed was drafted by both the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears of the National Football League, but chose to enter the work force. Ed was employed by the law firm of J. Francis Shirley and as a private investigator. He made his home in Dale City, California with his wife Gen, where he also coached at Westmoor High School. He would help them to 4 North Peninsula League titles. After retirement, Ed would settle in Lucerne, CA and enter politics. He served 3 terms on the Lake County Board of Directors for Parks and Recreation before his death in July of 2001.

INDUCTEE David Dallabrida has distinguished himself over the last four decades as one of the area’s most outstanding golf instructors. During that span, Dave has done two stints as the head golf coach at Mount Carmel Area totaling 17 years, as well as, two years as an assistant with Lourdes Regional. Dallabrida has compiled an outstanding 86-33 record in medal play. His teams were crowned Division Champions in the Schuylkill League in 1997, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, and 2005. One of his golfers, Josh Spieller, won a Schuylkill League individual crown in 2005, while students Mark Costello and Billy Ditchey were crowned Schuylkill League Dual Champions in 2007. Dave also has the distinction of coaching three District IV Champions in Glenn Adams (1974), and Doug Delaney in 1995 and 1996. In total, Dave has had 8 golfers (Adams, Delaney twice, Zosh, Spieller, Mike Paulson, Damian Dallabrida, Costello, Ditchey) advance to the final round of District IV competition and one (Costello) proceed to the Regional Championships. For his efforts, Dave was selected as the Local High Schiil Golf Coach of the Year in 2000 and 2006. Three of his golfers – Glenn Adams, Doug Delaney, and Mike Zosh – later became PGA Professional Golfers. As a golfer himself, Dave was a member of the Bloomsburg College Golf Team in 1968 and 1969. He won the Fountain Springs President’s Cup in 1969 and Shamokin Valley Country Club First Flight Championship in 1971. He was a Public Links Tour Participant from 1974-1976 and recently was a three-time Championship Flight Club Champion at Three Ponds in 1995, 1997, and 2001. He also won three consecutive Rotary Championship titles from 1993 to 1995. He has had 5 holes-in-one during his playing days and has held a 1-2 USGA Handicap. David is a 1967 graduate of Mount Carmel Area and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Bloomsburg College in 1972. He secured a post graduate degree from Penn State University and taught school at Mount Carmel Area for 32 years. He is married to the former Diane Mirarchi for 30 years, and has two sons, David – 28, and Damian – 20. Today he joins his father Ed “Secky” Dallabrida (1986) as a member of the Ed Romance Lower Anthracite Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

INDUCTEE Mount Carmel’s pile-driving fullback, Norb Bonjo, certainly did everything to live up to his description. When called upon by head coach, Mike Terry, Bonjo came through time and time again. Norb would score 15 offensive touchdowns in his time with the Tornadoes and only one was over 5 yards. Third and short was also the time when Terry looked to Bonjo to “keep the chains moving”. Norb would be one of only a handful of players to score over 100 points during that era and was given honorable mention all-state by the United Press International wire service. He was also a hard-nosed linebacker who led the Tornadoes to a 16-4-2 record in his final two years. He also happened to be the captain of the Tornado squad that came back to overcome a good Shamokin team by a 19-13 score on the day that coach Mike Terry would succumb to a heart attack. Bonjo was also a three year letter winner and captain for Coach Gerald Breslin and was a consistent winner in the shot, discus, and javelin. His senior season found the Red Tornadoes at the top of District IV after a three year absence. Norb would win the Southern Division Javelin Crown in ‘61 and ‘62. Norb’s athletic career began when he was the only freshman on the Schuylkill League Championship baseball team, coached by Tufky Andrulevich in 1959. During his graduation in 1962, Norb was named winner of the coveted Babe Ruth Award, as the outstanding male athlete. Norb would then move on to Fork Union Military Academy coached by R.L. “Red” Pulliam, where he was named co captain of the football team in the fall of 1962. He would then earn a full football scholarship from Head Coach Hanley Painter to Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, N.C., where a serious knee injury forced him to leave the Bear football team. Bonjo would then find himself employed by the Federal Government Department of the Army and would move on to the Department of the Interior and the United States Park Police in Washington, D.C. He was eventually promoted to and served as Sergeant of the Horse Mounted Training Staff, where he supervised and trained the United States Secret Service Horse Mounted Detail for President Ronald Reagan. In 981, Norb was assigned to the Secretary of Interior Protection (Bodyguard) Detail, and from 1981-1999 was assigned to protect four Secretaries of Interior. He would spend the better part of his career in and around the top level of the federal government from the White House on down. During that time, he received an Associated Degree in Administration of Justice from American University. Norb married his high school sweetheart, Donna Strawn; and together, wold have two children, Denise and David. They are also grandparents to five including: Rachel, 11; Matthew, 9; Timothy, 4; David Jr, 4; and Andrew, 2. Today, Norb joins Jim Moncavage as the only graduates of the class of ‘62 to be inducted into the Ed Romance Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

INDUCTEE “Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to WKMC-TV, broadcasting from the Silver Bowl on the campus of the Mount Carmel Area School District, where, tonight, the Red Tornadoes will take on…” When you hear the words, you immediately know the “voice” – that of Warren Altomare, football anchor of WKMC-TV sports for 23 years. Just like Phil Rizzuto of the Yankees, Vin Scully of the Dodgers, and Harry the K of the Phillies, Warren is MCA football. Warren has “called” games since the 1987 season, when the District’s cable broadcast went digital and were able to be seen over a 50 mile radius. Who can forget his excitement when Jon Veach broke his 94 yard run against Lakeland in 2000 – “He’s out!, he’s out!” – as Veach ran towards the end zone. How about his brutal honesty when opposing coaches refused to play subs when the game was obviously over, or the condition of some of the opponent’s venues when they were less than standard. What stands out most is his passion for the game of football and his love for Mount Carmel Area and its student athletes. Warren is an original founder of the Breakfast Club/Supper Club, begun in 1983 and serves as its only treasurer. The club has provided weight equipment, clothing, shoes, video equipment, and a venue for student athletes to hone their communication skills. Warren is also the JV football public address announcer. His own athletic career found him as a member of the 1972 Eastern Conference Championship football team, as well as, playing fast pitch softball for Pinamonti Cafe and West End Fire Company. He is also the chairman of the Mount Carmel Lions Teener League Baseball team, the most successful team in Teener history. Altomare has served for 10 years as a member of Borough Council and was a member and Chairman of the Mount Carmel Recreation Authority. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Keystone Energy Technology Enterprise, the Board of Directors of Central Susquehanna Sight Services, and is a Regional Vice President of the Brush Valley Chamber of Commerce. He is a 29 year member of the Mount Carmel Lions Club and a member of the Professional Advisory Board of Clear Channel Radio. Warren was the manager of Altomare Wast Disposal from 1974-1999 and was involved with the management of Meldot’s Children’s shop with his mother Mary, during its time on Oak Street. In January of 2005, he purchased Family Home Medical and Family Home Medical Support Services and currently operates both companies out of offices in Mount Carmel. He currently in lives in Aristes with his family; Kathleen, Joshua, and Nicole.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION The 1962 Mount Carmel Catholic High School Anthracite Catholic Conference Championship football team will forever be recognized as one of the best teams ever to take the field representing Catholic High. What makes the championship more astounding is that the Rams were led by rookie coach Bob Oravitz, who took over for long-time mentor Frank Ulicny. The Rams entered the season with high hopes considering 13 lettermen were returning including: Frank Callahan, Marty Wynne, Russ, Cesari, Dennis Bender, Joe Lubeskie, John Davis, Mike Petroskie, Frank Walnock, Jim Sheehan, Tony Martino, Tom McDonald, Jim Bach, and Ron Merlavage. The Rams would open the season with 1 47-2 pounding of Tri Valley, led by touchdowns from Lubeski, Bender, Davis, Callahan, Kalinoski, and Connaghan. Lubesko would lead the team with 134 yards rushing – the first of 6-100 yard games in ‘62. In their second win, Catholic High topped the once mighty Lansford Panthers by a 27-6 score with Lubeski and Bender topping the 100 yard mark. The Rams had their toughest early test in a 7-0 squeaker over the Lourdes Red Raiders. The win was set up by freshman Bob Schoopy’s interception and runback leading to a Denny Bender TD. The Rams lost four fumbles and had 3 passes intercepted allowing the Raiders to stay in the game. The Blue and Gold racked up 352 yards in total offense in win number four over St Francis Prep by a 24-7 score. Catholic made everyone stand up and take notice in a 46-0 whitewash of the Shenandoah Blue Devils. Jim Connaghan paced the Blue and Gold with 3 tallies on 38 and 50 yard tosses from Davis, and a 27 yard TD from Marty Wynne. The Rams went over the 400 yard mark in total offense, while Petroski added a punt block and Bach rushed for an extra point. The Rams then had a mid-season showdown with undefeated Marion Catholic and came away with a 14-6 win, paced by an interception by Davis, a TD pass from Davis to Bender and a plunge from Lubeski. The Rams then overwhelmed the Blue Jays of Central Columbia up front with Bach, Petroski, Cesari, Walnock, and Sheehan leading the way for 17 first downs in a 19-13 win. In a struggle with defending Catholic Leage Champoon Nativity, Russ Cesari kicked the game winning extra point giving the Blue and Gold a 7-6 victory. Catholc High’s winning streak was stopped at 8 by a powerful Lebanon Catholic team in a sea of mud at Lebanon. Catholic would close out the 62 campaign with a 19-13 victory over Frackville with Lubeskie running for 155 yards in his finale. The 62 team would put up 216 points and only give up 73 with Lubeskie (66), Bender (60), Connaghan (30), David (24) and Cesari (22) leading the way. Following the season, Jim Bach was named to the Pennsylvania Big 33 squad, the first such honor ever accorded a Catholic High gridder. Walnock, Cesari, Lubeskie, and Bach were given All-Anthracite Catholic League honors. More importantly, this Catholic High squad would set the standard for future Ram teams to measure themselves by.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION Trevor Demko has twice distinguished himself by being named to the Associated Press All State Football Team. As a junior he was recognized as a second team performer and, as a senior, was able to move up to the first team. Trevor began his career as a quarterback for Coach Mike Brennan, but was moved to defensive end as a sophomore. Demko would again sacrifice for the team when he voluntarily moved to offensive tackle as well as a junior. Trevor became an integral part of the 13-1 District Championship team as a junior and was rewarded after the season with a scholarship to the University of West Virginia. He is only the 7th MCA gridder to receive a Division I football scholarship in the last 20 years. Although hampered with an injury as a senior, Trevor battled back to significantly contribute to MCA’s Eastern Conference Championship run. Trevor would finish his career with 135 tackles – 30 for loss – and was in on 13 ½ quarterback sacks good for 74 yards lost. He also forced 19 quarterback hurries and recovered 3 enemy fumbles. Trevor will continue his athletic career for the Moutaineers of West Virginia in the fall. He is the son of Tom and Peg Demko of Kulpmont.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION Ahmad Abuomar has grown as a football player as much as anyone ever has at MCA. He began as a raw rookie three years ago and has progressed where he was named to the Associated Press Second Team All State Football Team as a defensive lineman following the 2009 season. Abuomar first saw quality playing time last year on the 13-1 District Championship football team as an offensive guard. He became the mainstay offensive lineman this year and helped MCA running backs run for around 200 yards per game. As the season went on, Ahmad contributed more defensively and would finish as the sack leader with 9 for 45 yards lost and would wind up with 65 tackles – 20 for loss. He was also named to the Reading Eagle All Anthracite team, Heartland Conference all star, News-Item, and Sunbury Daily Item all star teams. He was the recipient of the Joe Gray Award as the most outstanding lineman, Lions Club outstanding lineman, and the Ed Romance Most Improved Player Award. Ahmad is being recruited by Ivy League Schools, including Colgate, Brown, and Princeton. He is the son of Mustafa and Eman Abuomar of Mount Carmel.