INDUCTEE There is no question that Aaron Jayman’s name should appear on the list of best-ever three-sport athletes to come out of Mount Carmel Area High School. Jay earned 11 varsity letters, was the captain of three sports, and was the Babe Ruth Foundation Award Winner and was voted most athletic by his class of 1993. Aaron was a three-year starter at tight end for Coach Joe Jazz Diminick and helped to provide terrific balance to the Tornado attack with his pass catching ability. Jayman had his biggest game on the biggest stage as MCA defeated Blue Mountain by a 33-0 score in the 100th Anniversary game at the Silver Bowl. He would nab 5 passes for 61 yards and 2 touchdowns. Aaron would also grab 3 passes in his last game vs Shikellamy giving him the all-time reception record at MCA, surpassing the 76 established by Len Guarna in 1983. The Shik game was also Coach Diminick’s last game coaching at MCA and ended in a 7-7 tie. His 77 receptions still rank 5th as does his 1.175 receiving yards – only 10 players have surpassed the 1000 yard mark in MCA history. He was named the Joe Grey Award winner and was named to the Press Enterprise and Reading Eagle all star teams following the season. Aaron also excelled in Coach John McKay’s system on the basket ball court, He was a starter on the 1991 District XI Championship basketball squad, the first ever in MCA history. That team defeated Northwestern Lehigh by a 41-36 score to win its title and would continue to the Eastern semi’s before losing to Archbishop Kennedy by a 61-62 score. That team also was the only team to defeat Shamokin on its 22-1 run deep into the playoffs and was part of the 700th win in MCA history – a 56-52 win over North Schuylkill. Aaron was also part of the team to be the first ever MCA team to beat rival Our Lady of Lourdes. Aaron would go on to score 823 points and pull down 375 rebounds. He was a two-time selection to the Knights of Columbus All Tournament team. Jayman was also a three-year starter for Coach John Lepley’s baseball squad. He started at short stop but also excelled on the mound. He threw one of only 15 no-hitters in school history as a sophomore in a 12-0 win over Lourdes Regional. He also had three-hit wins over Shamokin and North Schuylkill twice. He also tossed a two-hit win over Mahanoy Area. The Tornadoes made the District XI playoffs in 1992 and would eventually lose to Williams Valley in the playoffs. He was a two-time Press Enterprise All-Star selection. Following graduation, Aaron played three years as a tight end at Susquehanna for Steve Briggs and local assistants Bob Pittelo and Mike Klembara. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1997 with a B.A. in Political Science and with department honors. He then received his J.D. from Widener School of Law in 2000, cum laude. He is currently a shareholder of Dickie, McCarney & Chilcote, P.C. He concentrates his practice in the area of medical Malpractice defense and insurance litigation. He resides in Dillsburg, Pa. with his wife, Erin and daughters Leah and Kate. He is also the son of Linda and Francis Jayman, formerly of Shady Acres. He is currently a PIAA football official and has been credentialed as an NCAA football official effective 2013.

INDUCTEE Bob Delbo would distinguish himself as one of a long line of “coal region” athletes to excel at the collegiate level. Delbo became the starting middle linebacker for Coach Joe DeMelfi and the Wilkes University Colonels as a sophomore. He and his teammates would help to turn around a Wilkes program that had won only 1 game in 1991 to a powerhouse that would go 24-4-1 over the nest three years. In fact, the 1993 team would post a perfect 10-0 record on the way to the Middle Atlantic Conference Championship, as well as, a spot in the Division III National Championship Playoffs. It was the first perfect season for Wilkes since 1968 and only the 5th team in history to accomplish the fete. The Colonels would eventually lose to Frostburg State by a 25-25 score in overtime. Bob and his MCA teammate Jake Cole would lead the team to a number one rank in Division III takeaways and a second spot in scoring defense. As a senior, Bob would again lead the team to a terrific 9-2 record and an Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Southeast Championship in a win over Stony Brook by a 28-21 score. He would be named to the MAC 1st team all star team, an ECAC Division II all star, a Freedom League first team player and a second team spot on Don Hansen’s Division II All South Region All-American Squad. During his senior campaign, he led the Colonels with 120 tackles and was named ECAC Defensive Player of the Week for his 19 tackle performance against rival Kings College, as well as, the MAC Defensive Player of the Weeks with his 12 tackle performance against Pioneer Valley. Following the season, he was chosen to play for the Division III All Stars in a game against the Ohio Division III Stars. He received the Dedication and Commitment Award at Wilkes in 1994 and continues to hold the Wilkes Dead Lift record at 600 pounds Bob began his football career for Coach Jazz Diminick at MCA and was a three-year starter in the offensive line, He added linebacker duties in 1989 and helped that team to a fine 9-3 record with the season ending loss to eventual AAA State Champion Dunmore by a 14-12 score. The other 5 losses during Bob’s junior and senior seasons at MCA were to Berwick – AAA State Champ in 1988, Pottsville, Southern Division Champ in 88 and 89, Bethlehem Catholic – AA State Champion in 1988 and Williamsport. He was named All Anthracite and was given an honorable mention to the 33rd Big 33 classic. Delbo graduated from Wilkes in 1995 with a B.S. In Political Science/Administration of Justice and is currently employed as an Administrator at Emmanuel Home Personal Care Facility in Northumberland. He is married to the former Kim Bridy and resides in Elysburg along with three children Robert, Gabriel, and Gabriella. Bob has been a volunteer at MCA and has coached C and B midget football team for the Shamokin Little Indians, and at the A level with the Ralpho Raiders. He is currently a volunteer weight coach for the SCA football Tigers.

INDUCTEE The era between 1968 and 1973 has generally been considered the “Golden Era” of MCA football. The Tornadoes during that time won 5 Southern Division Championships and 3 Eastern Conference Crowns while winning 63 games and losing only 8. 1994 thru 2002 has to be considered the “Platinum Era” when the Tornadoes would win 5 State Championships, 6 District Championships and 2 Eastern Conference Crowns while going 110-16. The ‘face” of Tornado football during that era was Joey Costello, and it is only fitting that he be recognized as the first player from that era to be honored by the Romance Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Costello immediately made his presence known when he became a freshman starter at defensive end in 1993. He would go on to start 54 consecutive games in his career, surpassing the previous best of 50 by Michael Higgins. Joey’s tenacious attitude and physical type of play rubbed off on his teammates and made the Tornadoes a very difficult opponent during that time. That team in 1993 was Head Coach Whitey Williams first at MCA and would end up in the District XI AAA Championship game, losing to eventual state champions Allentown Central Catholic. Costello would establish freshman record with 68 tackles and 8.5 QB sacks on the season and 15 tackles in a game with Pottsville. 1994 saw the Tornadoes drop down to the PIAA AA classification and began their decade of success. Costello would take over one of the linebacker spots and helped his team to a 14-1 record and the first ever modern-era AA State Championship in a thrilling double over time win over Forrest Hills. Casty saved his best for the games with Dallas and Forrest Hills, where he recorded 10 tackles. In 1995, the Tornadoes would lose to 3 AAA teams, while going 7-3, but would roll through the Eastern Conference in wins over GAR and Panther Valley, with Joey again leading the way with 2 – 12 tackle performances when it counted the most. The records show that he posted double-digit tackles in 10 of the 13 playoff games that his teams played; winning 12 of them. As a team captain in 1996, Joey would guide the Tornadoes to a perfect 15-0 record and the second state championship in school history. He posted 138 tackles with 35 for loss and would establish a new school record with 406 tackles for his career. He would become only the 2nd two-time first team all state player in school history and was the Reading Eagle Defensive Player of the Year. Joe also managed to run for 1,144 yards in his career and punted 88 times for a 36.0 yard average with a long of 67 vs Naticoke . It was in that Naticoke game where Joe averaged 26.4 yards per carry – a new school record at the time. Joey will always be remembered for the goal line stand against defending state champion Bishop McDevitt at Kemp Memorial , an 18-7 win that vaulted the Tornadoes into the state championship game with Tyrone. His will to “never give in and never give up” provided the Tornadoes with the credo that led them through the late nineties. Joe also started as a shortstop for 2 years as a freshman and sophomore and led the baseball team in home runs. As a junior, Joey switched to track and won League and District Championships and placed seventh in the PIAA state meet in the javelin. His senior season was cut short with an elbow injury. He attended Bloomsburg University and was the punter and played on special teams as a freshman. He was working for Kinsley Construction when an unfortunate accident on June 28, 2004 took him from us way too soon, He is the son of Jan and Joe Costello and the father of a son Tanner, 12. Today, he joins his brother Jeff as a member of the Ed Romance Chapter.

INDUCTEE Bob was born in Mount Carmel and was a standout football player for the Rams of Mount Carmel Catholic High School. He as known for his outstanding speed and was once timed in 9.9 for the 100 – in pads. Following graduation in 1952, Bob moved to Philadelphia and was employed for 14 years by the Sylvan Seal Milk Corporation. Bob was then diagnosed with MS in 1964 and it eventually confined him to a wheelchair in 1967. His first words to the doctors wee “I don’t have MS, People who have MS are bedridden and they die young, That’s not me.” Interestingly enough, Burns may have been right in listening to his doctors diagnosis. When he finally passed in August of 2013, Bob was 78 years old, not young. He and his loving wife, Rose, fought the dreaded disease for nearly half a century, He refused to become bedridden and would go on to become one of the best swim coaches in the Delaware County region, impacting 1000’s of lives of young people he coached. In the summer of 1969, Bob was sitting by the pool at the Briarcliffe Swim Club when he was asked to judge diving. After a crash coarse in judging, Bob moved on to become a swimming-diving instructor at Briarcliffe and the Chester YW. It scared him and he thought “how am I going to teach because as he watched other coaches they would actually demonstrate the skill. He became an excellent coach by explaining what he wanted leading to his biggest asset – communication! Bob’s life was a long, drawn-out sacrifice, but he would always have a smile on his face. It wasn’t just that indefatigable Mount Carmel resolve that made him persevere through his physical challenges. His deep and abiding faith also helped him transcend his limitations. He was described by one of his swimmers as “The Terrible Mr. Burns.”, because he always expected them to give their very best. He got in the water with the kids, using his powerful arms and shoulders to pull him through the water. He became a role model for even though he was intense, he always had a soft spot for those less talented youngsters who gave it their all. He taught people not to underestimate another person’s power or ability because of any limitations Bob would coach the Briarcliffe Swim Team for 15 years and would record a 52-23 record. He also coached the Chester YWCA Swim Team from 1970-1972 and a best-ever second place finish in the Penn-Del Winter League. He would be remembered for more than wins and losses as he touched the lives of so many young people in the Del-Co area. His philosophy of “every athlete counts regardless of the skill set” and to coach with intensity, but at the same time, give the kids a nod or a smile to let them know that you care about them. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Rose Marie (nee Bernot) and four children, Bob, Jr (Lori) of Allentown, Kathleen (Paul) Moran of Midlothian, VA, David (Cheryl) of West Chester and Angela of Springfield and four grandchildren.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT The Hall of Fame recognizes Robert “Bob” Veach for his 30 years of commitment and dedication to the Mount Carmel Area Football Program. Bob has served as an assistant football coach from 1985 thru the 2012 football season. Bob began as a freshman football coach under Head Coach Jazz Diminick and would move up to the varsity level in 1993 under Coach Whitey Williams. Bob worked mostly with the defensive backs during his tenure and with the running backs. Bob is one of the few folks who have been on board for all of the state championships in 1994,96,98 2000, and 2002. Bob’s calm demeanor and quiet way of getting his message across to the players was a special gift and definitely served the position of “good cop.” Bob’s knowledge and expertise were certainly a great part in the Tornadoes success during his years with the varsity. MCA football had a team in the playoffs in 18 of the 20 years between 1993 and 2012. Bob’s knowledge of injury, physical therapy and rehab played a great roll with the team, as he was there at every practice and was able to aid athletes on the spot Bob also helped the Tornadoes as the starting running back from 1966 thru 68. His team would win 31 games, while losing only 3 and earning one Southern Division Championship. He rushed for 1,203 yards druring his senior season and 2,138 in his career. His 3,372 all purpose yards placed him 5th at the time. He then went on to start at Susquehanna University and established 15 career records led by his 3,524 all purpose yards. He was the Clyde R. Spitzner Memorial Award winner in 1973 and was 1971″s Outstanding Offensive Player. He was an honorable mention college all state player in 1972 and was inducted into the Susquehanna University Sports Hall of Fame in 1983. and the Ed Romance Chapter Sports Hall of Fame in 1987. Perhaps Bob’s biggest contribution to MCA football were his three sons, Bob, Brett, and Jon -all of whom have records throughout the MCA Football Record book. He is married to the former Donna Kuzo and still maintains his home in Mount Carmel.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT Ali Varano is also being recognized today for achieving the 1000 point mark in girls basketball. She is only the 11th female to surpass the plateau in MCA history. She joined the elite club on 1/15/2004 in a game against rival Montoursville. Ali has surpassed 1200 points in her career and has recorded over 400 steals, 500 rebounds and over 225 assists, making her one of the most complete basketball players ever at MCA. In addition to her individual achievements, Ali was a vital part of MCA’s unprecedented four consecutive District IV Championships in 2011,2012, 2013 and 2014. During that time, the team has also won four consecutive PHAC Division II Championships and rounded that out with the overall PHAC Championship this season. She has been named too the first team PHAC all star team the past two seasons, and was named the Sunbury Daily Item Female Athlete of the Year as a junior. Varano, and her mother, Head Coach Lisa Varano, have also won 97 games, while losing only 14 during their time together. The 97 wins represent the most wins ever in a 4 year period for either girls or boys basketball. She was also on the floor as her mother recorded her 100th coaching victory in a game against Warrior Run this past season. Ms. Varano has achieved her success through hard work and a grit that is uncommon in today’s athlete, and she has done it while totally being a team player. She is the daughter of Rob and Lisa Varano.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT Marcus Wasilewski has certainly continued to make the folks at Mount Carmel Area proud. Marcus was named the Gold Helmet Player of the Year and found himself on the FCS All New England Football team. As the quarterback of the Maine Black Bears, Marcus guided them to their first ever CAA Championship with a terrific 10-2 record. It allowed the Bears and Coach John Cosgrove to host their first home post season game ever. He was also the recipient of the Chuck Boone Leadership Award, given to the outstanding player in the CAA. During the season, Marcus threw for 3,238 yards and 25 touchdowns. He was only the second Maine QB to throw for over 3000 yards. He also ran for 660 yards and 2 TD’s. For his career, Marcus was 484 of 749 for 5,612 yards and 46 TD’s. As a senior at Mount Carmel Area, Marcus was 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 was one of only 7 underclassmen in the 116 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.. He is the son of Mark and the late Lisa Wasilewski. Marcus initially received his undergrad degree in kinesiology and is currently at Maine working on a master’s degree in exercise physiology. He is also working in preparations for Maine’s Pro Day to be held sometime in late March.  He currently is an assistant strength and conditioning coach and would like to pursue a career in physical therapy or physical training.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT Chris Steck has managed to etch his name in the Bloomsburg University record books during his tremendous four-year career with the Huskies. A four-year starter and two-time captain, Steck played his first collegiate game against Ashland University and hasn’t missed a game since. He has started all 48 games in his time with the Huskies and has posted a 39-9 record, the second best 4 year period ever at Bloomsburg. He has been named to a number of post season all star teams including Datonics Super Region One and PSAC East following the 2013 season. He also earned Don Hansen Division II honors in 2012. He was also named to the top 100 players in Division II football prior to the 2013 season. Steck anchored an offensive line that had the pleasure of blocking for 2- 1000 yard running backs in Franklin Quieteh and Eddie Mateo in 2011 and 2012; the first PSAC team to ever accomplish the fete. Quieteh was also named the Harlon Hill Award winner as the outstanding player in Division II after running for 7,523 yards and registering 42- 100 yard rushing games. Chris would lead the Huskies to the PSAC Championship in the 2013 season, their first season since the 1985 season. Co-incidentally, their captain that year was Frank Sheptock, another former MCA great. While at MCA, Steck became the 38th first team all state player in Mount Carmel Area’s 116 year storied history. Steck anchored the Red Tornado offensive line for four seasons from his center position. He also started every game in his high school career (46) making it a total of 94 consecutive games at a high level. 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. Also a team co captain, Chris would lead the Tornadoes to 13 consecutive wins and it’s 7th District Championship, before losing to Lancaster Catholic in the Eastern semi final during the 2008 season. The team would average 360 yards per game in offense and would establish a new school record for points scored with 539. Chris is the son of Karen and Mark Steck, Mount Carmel and is currently doing an internship at Penn Sate University with the Nittany Lion football program.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT Expectations entering the 1994 football season at MCA were obviously high. The Tornadoes, under second year head coach Whitey Williams, were returning 20 lettermen, no less than 12 starters at 17 positions, record-breaking pass-catch combo Mike Higgins and Joel Gonzalo, and an attitude and mindset to succeed. They had lost the District XI AAA championship game to Allentown Central Catholic and were going to compete at the AA level for the first time. They began their season with three consecutive wins through the “Valley Tour” in wins over Tamaqua, Panther Valley and Marian Catholic by a combined scored of 132-14. The Tornadoes then got by traditional rival Shamokin by a score of 21-18 for their first win over the Indians in 5 seasons. What happened next came as a total surprise, but may have been the catalyst to the rest of their season. The Tornadoes lost a slugfest to Montoursville by a 13-12 score in a hot, misty, cramp-filled night. That lead to a meeting organized by the seniors that continued to be known as “Pride Night” – where the players vowed to not lose another game. Big Red followed it up with a 34-7 shellacking of Hanover Area and set up the meeting with rival North Schuylkill. The Spartans entered the game at 6-0 and had only given up 33 points in the season. The Tornadoes took care of business and had scored 29 by halftime on the way to a 42-0 rout. The Tornado defense, upstaged most of the season by the Spartans, held North Schuylkill to minus 54 total yards and prompted Coach Rick Geist to say that they were ‘just beat up physically.’ The Tornadoes then dismantled Shikellamy by a 24-7 score and set up one of the closest wins of the season, a 14-10 win over Blue Mountain highlighted by a Mike Higgins to Brett Veach 70 yard touchdown pass late in the game. A six-turnover, 11-penalty sleep-walk win over Townada set up the District Championship game with Catasauqua., The Rough Riders had only allowed 64 point during their 10-0 season and were playing at home The Big Red defense again paved the way, holding Catty to 78 total yards, including -7 rushing, as the Tornadoes prevailed by a 19-0 score. It was the first Mount Carmel Area Championship since the 1973 15-8 win over Dunmore( the Tornado in the sky game). The Tornadoes would then win their first-ever state playoff game with a 41-22 win over the District I champion Lansdale Catholic. That set up what is often considered the most pivotal game in MCA history against Dallas, They were the defending AA state champions and were riding a 24 game winning streak. The Mountaineers had only given up 29 points all season, but ended up giving up 21 in the first half as Higgins hit Gonzalo with a 38 TD on the opening series. Then came one of the most famous plays in Tornado lore as Higgins ht his brother Eric with a 15 yard touchdown toss on a fake field goal with one second on the clock in the half. It was set up with Brett Veach’s 34 yard gain on a shuffle pass and stepping out of bounds with one second on the clock. All of the elation came to and end as Cocalico jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the Eastern final at North Schuylkill. The defense, led by linebackers Shawn Sheptock and Joey Costello, down linemen Gratti, Rohrbach, Hepler, Burns and Pultynovich shut down 1000 yard rushers Brubaker and Hall the rest of the way and the Tornado offense went on to score 35 points on 20 plays in 7:08. Altoona was the destination for 1000’s of fans, including 20 bus loads of loyal followers and the Tornadoes in their first-ever modern-day state championship game with Forrest Hills. Coach Williams and his staff finally came to the conclusion that they were watching themselves in studying game film of the Rangers. Tailback #22, wide receiver #88, multiple formations, trips, motion. The weather changed everything for both teams, but in the end – a 7 yards run by QB Mike Higgins in the second overtime – gave MCA its state championship by a 20-14 score. The offensive line of Ryan Geary, John Yastishak, Jamie Rowland, Dave Baksi and Bill Anderson hepled the Tornadoes to 286 yards in offense while the secondary of Joe Wargo, Dave Evans, Veach and Gonzalo set a state championship record with 5 interceptions. Burns, Sheptock, Higgins and Gonzalo earned first team all state honors and Williams was named PIAA coach of the year, as the Tornadoes joined Southern Columbia and Berwick in winning state championships for the “Coal Region” More than anything else, the 94 team would lay down the blue print for future state champions. They did it all on the road, most of the time as underdogs. They did it with balance, running, passing and defense. The defense only allowed 616 rushing in their first 12 games, surpassing the 784 given up by the 1970 championship team. 24 interceptions was the 3rd best ever. Offensively, the 117 completions ranked as the best ever and the 449 points scored was second only to the 1969 team. The 1994 team established many firsts, many memorable games, and a host of iconic plays which will forever go down as one the Tornadoes finest teams to wear the red and white.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT The Ed Romance Chapter is conferring special achievement honors to The Anthracite Steam Fire Company No 1 of Mount Carmel. The Anthracite was one of the original sponsors when the Mount Carmel Area Junior Baseball League played its first baseball game in 1948. Since that time, Anthracite is the only organization to sponsor a team every year since the inaugural season. Other original sponsors were Clover Hose Company, Elks Club, Holy Cross Church, Maurer’s Dairy, Moose, Social Civic Club and Star Lane. The Firemen had the honor of playing in the league’s first game on June 14, 1948 at the Silver Bowl and posted its first league victory in a win over the Social Civic Club by a 6 to 5 score. Anthracite was crowned as the first ever League Champions following its 5 to 4 victory over the Moose in a post season playoff game before an estimated 2500 fans. Since that first season, the junior firemen have won titles in 1950, 1953, 1954, 1956, 1960, 1972, 1982 and 1991. They were silver medalists in 1957, 1967, 1968, 1973, 1996, 2005 and 2006. On March 17, 1950 the Northumberland County Board of Commissioners leased a parcel of land to the Company to be used for recreational purposes. A baseball field and picnic sheds were erected in the northern end of the borough between Market and Oak streets. The first ever game on that field was won by the Anthracite on June 9, 1950 with a win over Beck and Beck. The land was donated to the Borough to be used for recreational purposes in January of 1971. Still known as the Anthracite Field, it is the only ballpark in the borough and is still used today for league games and tournaments. Each year, the Anthracite sponsors offensive and defensive MVP’s of both teams playing in the Junior League Championship Series. The award is named in honor of the Company’s long-time manager Harold “Ducky” Dettrey. Members of the Romance Chapter who have played for the Anthracite include Judge Robert Sacavage, Charles Sacavage, James Bush and the late Dr. Thomas Revak. Coach Dettrey, Paul Semicek and Michael Marlow were honored with special achievement awards. 2014 will mark the 67th year of sponsorship by the Anthracite and that type of commitment is rare and special.