Michael Bergamo
- Post by: mcalibrary
- January 11, 2024
- Comments off
INDUCTEE
Unfortunately, Michael passed away on March 3rd of this year. The Ed Romance Chapter wishes to offer its deepest sympathy to his wife, Bernadette, and son, Michael. Mike will be inducted today, and shall forever be a part of the Class of 2009.
Mike Bergamo established himself as the anchor of one of the best Mount Carmel Area football teams to ever take the field. As the center of the ‘76 edition of the Red Tornadoes, Bergamo helped Big Red to a 10-1 record. Their only loss that season was to the Ernie Haynes-led Pottsville Crimson Tide by a 34-29 score. The game would go down in history as one of the best games ever played at the Silver Bowl. That team also defeated Berwick and avenged losses to Shenandoah and Shikellamy, incurred during the 1975 season. The Tornadoes also ended Shamokin’s bid for a second consecutive Southern Division crown with a 36-6 victory to end the season. After two years as a starter, Bergamo would earn Big 33 honors and become only the 11th MCA player to be recognized by the Big 33. Michael was also named to the News-Item all star team on defense as well as offense. He was named to the All East Central Region team, All Anthracite team, and the Southern Division first team. He was also chosen as the Lineman of the Year by the Susquehanna Valley Conference, and was presented as the Mattucci Award winner as MCA’s outstanding lineman.
Although mainly known for his offensive prowess, Bergamo was fifth on the team with 58 tackles – 47 solo – from his defensive tackle position. Following graduation in 1977, Bergamo accepted a grant in aid to play football for the Aggies of Delaware Valley College. Mike would go on to be one of the first-ever four year starters to ever play at Delaware Valley. After helping the Aggies to reach new heights, Bergy and his team mates were recognized as the Middle Atlantic Conference Champions following the 1980 season. Bergamo would graduate from Delaware Valley in the spring of 1981 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Mike last worked for Alltel in Sterling, Virginia, specializing in telecommunications and networking. He and his wife, the fromer Bernadette Hodrick, are the proud parents of one son, Michael Jr., age 10.