INDUCTEE Mount Carmel Area has played close to 1100 baseball games since 1909, and in that time, there have only been 14 no-hitters thrown by Tornado hurlers. Jim Moncavage is responsible for 2 of those, as well as, 5 one-hitters. To say that he has been one of the best pitchers to ever graduate from MCA would be totally accurate. Moncavage would play for Coach Tufky Andrulevich from 1960-1962 and would throw his first no-no against Kulpmont. In that game, Jim would also strike out 17 batters while walking only one. He would duplicate that performance with his second no-hitter against first place Frackville by a 7-0 score. When not on the mound, Moncavage was either at short stop or behind the plate for teammate Tom Hodrick. Together, they formed one of the best pitching combinations in the area at that time. Jim had numerous multi hit games for the Tornadoes, including 3 hit games versus Frackville, Shenandoah, Ashland, St. Clair and a grand slam against Mahanoy Area. He was named a co-captain in 62 after leading the Tornadoes with a .400 batting average and leading the league in home runs. Jim would also pitch for the Shenandoah and Shamokin American Legion teams as was selected to play on the All Star team for both squads in 1961 and 1962. He was then drafted by the New York Mets in June of 1962. After returning home, Jim would continue to play as an outfielder in the Intercity East Pitch Softball League for Shuda Cafe and Faust Cafe. He won numerous batting titles and was fortunate enough to play on a number of teams qualifying for the state championships. One shining moment was when he had 2 grand slams in one inning while playing with Faust Cafe. He was the 1973 MVP for Shuda Cafe, the 1977 MVP for Faust Cafe, and the Intercity League Home Run King in 1978. Jim was also an outstanding football player for legendary coach Mike Terry at MCA. He was an outstanding punter and hard-nosed halfback, who happened to be on the field at Shamokin when coach Terry died. Moncavage is a veteran of the US Army where he served in 1967-1968. He was an engeineer assigned to Special Forces during the Vietnam TET Offensive when he was wounded in action and received the coveted Purple Heart. Jim was employed with PPL for 30 years and is now retired and living in Elysburg. He has been married for 34 years to the former Janet Shinskie, and has two children: Michael of Conshohocken and Jamie Lyn of Pittsburgh.

INDUCTEE Walter Ray Williams, Earl Anthony, Pete Weber, and Don Carter are not just a few names that aren’t easily recognized to the average sports fan. They have all earned millions of dollars as members of the Professional Bowlers Association, and have won numerous PBA titles that have made them the best in their sport. Although Tom Kondisko hasn’t earned the millions, he is recognized as being one of the most outstanding keglers ever to come out of our region. Tom has participated in bowling for 50 years, competing in A.B.C. sanctioned leagues, state tournaments, and tournament bowling on the local level. Your accomplishments mainly go unnoticed except by your fellow bowlers and the American Bowling Congress. Tom has bowled 9 sanctioned 300 games – to be sanctioned, the lanes have to be certified by the American Bowling Congress. In addition, he has received 8 awards for throwing 11 strikes in a row, and has made the difficult 7-10 split on three different occasions. Kondisko has thrown many 700 series, including a best of 796. He has bowled on the team that had the first 1200 game and 3400 series ever in the Shamokin Bowling Association. In doing this part, Kondisko threw 29 out of a possible 36 strikes, helping his team to that magnificent achievement. On the strike level, Tom won the Elks State Championship in 1991 at Befdord, and two Moose State Titles in Shampkin in 94 and Lewistown in 2005. He has also won a Multiple State Tournament, including singles, doubles, team, and all-events. Tom has been able to maintain his success, even though the game has changed over the past 40 years. Lanes have gone from wooden to urethane, while the balls have changed from rubber t0 reactive balls. All of these changes have required the bowler to make adjustments to his game if he wanted to stay competitive. Tom has managed to keep his composite average above 200 in each of the last 20 years. Tom has also served as the president of the Shamokin Bowling Association for 6 years and has presided over several local tournaments, including the Moose State Tournament. He serves his community as a 40-year member, and past president, of the Mount Carmel Lions Club, an 11 year administrator of the Shamokin Moose Lodge, and as a member of the Elks Lodge and Knights of Columbus. He is a 1965 graduate of Mahanoy Area High School and is married to his wife, Pauline, for 41 years. He opened K’s Cleaners in Mount Carmel with his brother, John, in 1967.

INDUCTEE Last year, Mount Carmel Area Wrestling welcomed three new member into its 100 win club. The president of that club would be David Fantini, the first ever MCA wrestler to win 100 matches in the course of his career. David would not post that 100th victory during the Southeast Regional Championship in 1990. Dave would proceed to a third place finish at the State Championship Wrestling Tournament and would culminate his career with a 105-17 record. Fantini wrestled from 126 to 140 pounds during his career ad would win 50% of his matches via pin. In addition to his 3rd place finish in 1990, David also earned a 5th place medal in the 1989 State Tournament. H would win three Schuylkill League Wrestling Championships, to go along with two Southeast Regional Championships. He was recognized as a first team Reading Eagle All Anthracite selection, and was given the D’Angelo Award as MCA’s Outstanding Wrestler. He was also the Lou Grayson Most Valuable Wrestler, as well as, the Mattucci Award winner, given to the most dedicated wrestler. David would take his talents to Wilkes College, a Division I wrestling program at the time. Fantini began his athletic career at MCA playing football for Coach Jazz Diminick. A four-year letterman, Fantini would use his takedown skills as the second lead tackler in both his junior and senior season. He would register 164 tackles for the Red Tornadoes in being named to the second team by the Reading Eagle. David would garner the Breakfast Club Award as the Tornadoes outstanding player of the week and would win the Mike Terry Award during the 1989 season. David would play on the Eastern Conference Wold Card team in 1986, The District XI Silver Medal team in 1988, and the 1989 Eastern Conference Runner-Up. During his time at Wilkes, David was a member of Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology and Delta Mu Delta National Honor Society in Business Administration. He participated in a graduate assistant program in the Universities’ Nursing program. He receive a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Masters Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Health Care & Marketing. He now makes his some in Dowingtown, Pa. With his with his wife Cathy, and sons, Nicholas (8), and Zachary (6). He currently works for Phase Forward as a Business Development Manager: Phase Forward is a leading provider of integrated data management solutions for clinical trials and drug safety,

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.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION At a time when Mount Carmel Area wrestling is experiencing anew found notoriety, it seems only fitting that we recognize one of the teams from the Golden Era of MCA wrestling. The 1968-69 team would go on to win the first-ever District IV PIAA Southern Sectional Championship and would retire the Northumberland County Supremacy Championship. While wrestling an independent schedule, the Tornado wrestlers did not win a league title, but would defeat two teams who did win league championships. They defeated Mid State Champion, Line Mountain, 24-23; and Tri-County Champion, North Schuylkill, 26-18, snapping the Spartans 23 dual meet winning streak. They also placed third at the District IV Team Championships with close to 60 teams competing. This team was also a major part of two of the schools longest win streaks: 20 consecutive dual meet wins and 25 consecutive home meet victories. This truly was a team asking to be challenged. The team was led by Head Coach, Frank Pecaitis and assistant, Joseph Iwanski. The starting line-up usually consisted of Mickey Stello – 95, John Ownes – 103, Robert Hornberger – 112, Robert Howell – 120, Robert Prezlomski – 127, John Cortellini – 133, Joe Lapotsky 138, James Skinner – 145, Mark Sassani – 154, Bob Sacavage – 165, Mike Semicek – 180, and Ed Prezlomski – HWT. Other contributors were Joe Chimmel, Paul Karwacki, Jim Lentini, John Mazur, Joe Meyer, Ron Miller, Ira Wolf, Robert Yastishak, and Greg Shoffler. It was a team of true technicians, scoring 118 takedowns to their opponents 44 and out-pinned their opposition 38-5. In addition, Bob Sacavage won MCA’s third state championship, winning at 165 lbs. Remember that this was at a time when there was only one class and no wrestle-backs – lose and you were out! Bob also set a national record for the fastest pin in the country – 4 seconds. Sassani registered the only pin in the Sectional Finals and would earn a District IV runner-up trophy. In the Sectionals, Ed Prezlomski was not even seeded and had to wrestle a preliminary round match before eventually winning the championship. Howell, Sassani, and Sacavage were undefeated in dual meets on their way to Sectional Titles. It is without a doubt, a team to be remembered. Those wrestling Tornadoes accomplished a great deal individually, but it was Pecaitis’s TEAM CONCEPT that made this squad so special.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT Marcus Wasilewski has been named the second team quarterback on the AA All State football team by the Associated Press. He was also recognized by the Pennsylvania Football News as the third team quarterback and was named to the WNEP TV 16 Dream Team. Marcus completed his career as MCA’s all time leader with 408 completions and 64 touchdown passes. He also finished his playing days with 23 consecutive 100 yard games and 36 – 100 yard games in his 41 career starts. He also registered 9 – 200 yard games, 14 consecutive games throwing a touchdown pass, and 28 touchdown passes during the 2008 season – all new school records. Washy would also establish new marks with only 1 interception per 40.5 attempts during the ‘08 season and 1 per 24.3 attempts during the course of his career. His 6,145 passing yards ranks second only to David Shinskie’s 6,334. Marcus is one of only 7 underclassmen in the 166 years of MCA football history to serve as a co captain as a junior. As a senior co-captain, Marcus led the Tornadoes to 13 consecutive wins and its 7th District Championship before losing to Lancaster Catholic in the Eastern semi-final. Marcus will represent Mount Carmel Area well, when he takes his talents to University of Maine on a football scholarship. He is the son of Lisa and Mark Wasilewski.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT Chris Steck has recently been named the 38th first team all-star player in Mount Carmel Area’s 116 year storied history. Steck has anchored the Red Tornado offensive line for the last four seasons from his center position. He has started every game in his high school career (46) joining Mike Higgins, Joe Costello, and Jon Veach as other modern era players to accomplish the fete. Chris was also named to a first team slot by the Pennsylvania Football News and was named by WNEP TV 16 to its annual Dream Team. Chris also found himself as a first team selection to all-star teams named by the Reading Eagle, Sunbury Daily Item, Bloomsburg Press Enterprise, News-Item, and the Heartland Conference. As a team co-captain, Chris would lead the Tornadoes to 13 consecutive wins before losing to Lancaster Catholic in the Eastern semi final. The team would average over 360 yards per game in offense and would establish a new school record for points scored with 539. He also contributed 68 tackles – 18 for loss – from his defensive tackle position, as well as, 7 quarterback sacks. Chris is the son of Karen and Mark Steck, Mount Carmel, and will continue his football career at Bloomsburg University.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT Mike Brennan recently ended his nine-year stint as head football coach at Mount Carmel Area High School by winning his 3rd District IV Championship and MCA’s 7th. Big Red would also win the Inaugural championship of the new Heartland Conference. He led the Tornadoes to a fine 13-1 record, eventually losing to Lancaster Catholic in the Eastern semi-final. The 2008 Red Tornadoes would establish a new season record for points scored with 539 and would be one of only 6 teams in MCA’s 116 year history to win 13 games. Brennan would win 84 games at MCA, good enough for 3rd place behind Jazz Diminick and Mike Terry. He was named the AP Small School Coach of the Year following the 2000 season, as well as, then AA Coach of the Year by the Pennsylvania Football Coaches Association in 2000 and 2002. He has served as an assistant for the PA Big 33 game in 2006 and was an assistant in the PA East-West all-star in 2005. Michael is a 1993 graduate of Temple University with a BS Degree in Health Education. Mike will now move on to Blue Mountain High School where we wish him the best of luck – as long as he is not playing the Red Tornadoes. ​

SAINT PAULINE VISINTAINER SCHOLARSHIP Eric Jepko of Mount Carmel has been named the second-ever recipient of the Saint Pauline Visintainer Scholarship award by the Bob Greco family. Eric is a senior at Mount Carmel Area High School and has qualified for the award by participating in athletics, by participating in activities that benefit his community, and by showing strong Christian Leadership and participating in some type of church related activity. Eric has been a four-year member of the Mount Carmel Area football team and was a part of the 7th District Championship in school history in 2008. Eric was a wide receiver, and, although he didn’t play as much as he would have liked, was a very important part of the success of the Red Tornadoes. His dedication was evident in the he never missed a practice and was committed to the weight room. It was truly refreshing to find an athlete that did put his team first. Jepko also enjoys being a part of the Interact Club at MCA. He felt that it allowed him to help those less fortunate and was very glad to be able to make someone else smile. He was involved with the food drive at Thanksgiving and helped to collect toys for the needy children at Christmas. He also was very active in collecting food for the animals at the Hillside SPCA. Eric was also a very active participant in a project with the Mount Carmel Area Rotary Club in the downtown tree-planting project on Oak Street in October. Eric, very enthusiastically and with the help of some of his teammates, showed up early on a Saturday morning after a game, and helped with the planting of 22 new tress to help beautify the downtown. As a member of Divine Redeemer Church in Mount Carmel, Eric has helped on many occasions with the parish picnics and festivals. He has also been very involved with the Relay for Life and is committed to remembering those who have lost their battles with cancer. He and his family have called on Mother Pauline for help when his sister was battling her own cancer when she was only four years old. His sister, Jessica, is now 22 years old and doing very well. Eric believes totally in the powers of Mother Pauline and her spiritual connections to the world, and is especially grateful for the gift she has given to his own family. Eric plans to attend the Pennsylvania College of Technology to major in HVAC. He is the son of Kathy and David Jepko of Mount Carmel.

JOSEPH D. WASILEWSKI FEMALE SCHOLAR ATHLETE Chrissy Candelora is this year’s unanimous choice as the Joseph D. Wasilewski Female Scholar Athlete, recognized by the Ed Romance Lower Anthracite Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Candelora’s number one ranking out of 128 students in the Class of 2009 at Mount Carmel Area has earned her this honor. Candelora currently serves as the president of the National Honor Society and Secretary of Student Government at MCA. She has been named a Rotary Student of the Month, as well as, the School Board Merit Award Recipient in March, 2008. She has taken over the presidency of the Interact Club and the Science Club. She is involved with the Science Olympiad, the Iditarod, and the Northumberland County Envirothon. Candelora earned a Second Place finish at the Science Olympiad Northeast Region as a freshman in 2006 in Water Quality and Genetics. As a sophomore, she earned a first place finish in Ecology: repeating the award as a junior in 2008. Candelora also participates in Spanish Club, S.A.D.D., peer mediation, and S.O.D.A clubs at MCA. Candelora is also very active with the MCA Band, serving as the Vice-President of the Marching, Symphonic, and Jazz Bands. Chrissy has been chosen to represent MCA as a PMEA District 8 Band participant in 2007, 2008 and 2009. She has also been a Susquehanna Honors Band Participant in 2008 and 2009. She has also been a member of the MCA Operetta and Pit Orchestras. Athletically, Chrissy has played basketball since elementary school, earning a varsity letter as a member of the MCA Lady Tornado basketball team as a junior while playing the forward position. It was her hustle and determination that earned her considerable playing time for coach Mark Moyer. As a senior, Candelora turned to Coach Tina McClay and the Lady Volleyball team. While not successful record-wise, the team became more competitive each week and finished the season with 2 victories. Candelora is the daughter of Anthony and Diane Candelora of Mount Carmel, and is planning to continue her education at the University of Pittsburgh, Albright, USP, or Lebanon Valley College. She plans to major in biology with the hopes of continuing on to dental school.