MICHAEL FRANCIS MYCHAK TORNADO HERITAGE AWARD The first-ever recipient of the Michael Francis Mychak Tornado Heritage Award is Lauren Hause of Den Mar Gardens. Lauren is currently a senior student at Mount Carmel Area High School and is positioned in the top ten of her class of 2014. Lauren, not surprisingly, used athletics as a means to challenge herself and to give her the confidence to become more involved in school activities she may have avoided. Lauren first became a member of the cross country team as a freshman and found something that she really enjoyed – running. For Lauren, running was an escape from reality, but it also taught her a lot about herself. She discovered self-motivation and a drive that would carry over to other aspects of her life. As with other athletes, Lauren experienced the failures and hard times, but found that perseverance would pay off, as she became one of the best runners in the area. After missing qualifying for the state meet as a junior by two places, Lauren realized that with a little more work, she could reach a goal she had thought about for 3 years. It was very gratifying as a senior to finally qualify for the state championship meet as a result of her 7th place finish in the District IV meet. She did manage a116th place finish at the 2013 State Cross Country Championship. She credits coach Ben McConnell for the work he put in to allow her to become the competitor she is. Lauren also attributes her time at Mount Carmel Area for giving her the opportunities to learn about herself and helping her to become the individual she is now. Lauren also runs with the Red Tornado track team for Team-Farronato and Ana Ditchey. She participates in the 800, 1600 and 3200 meter runs as well as the 4 x 800 meter relay. She was a district qualifier for three years with a 9th place finish in the 1600 as a junior. Lauren also medaled at District’s in the 200 free relay for the MCA swim team and Coach John Backes. With all of the drive, determination and sacrifices that she made as a cross country athlete, it is no surprise that she is an excellent student and a distinguished honor roll student. She also is involved with the Art Club, Interact Club, Future Nurses of America, Future Teaches of America, Students Against Destructive Decisions, the Chemistry Club and the Latin Club. Lauren was also chosen as MCA’s Homecoming Queen during the 2013 football season. In addition, Lauren serves as the senior class Secretary, as well as, the secretary of the Future Nurses of America. Her future plans are to attend Misericordia University to major in nursing. Not surprisingly, Lauren will continue to run cross country and track for very successful Coach Chris Wadas and his Cougars. The Cougars are annually in the run for the MAC Championships. She is the daughter of Mike and Susan Hause.

JAMES M. BACH SCHOLAR ATHLETE The 2014 recipient of the James M. Bach Scholar Athlete Award is Rachel Schultz. Rachael is a senior at Our Lady Of Lourdes Regional School, where she has been a member and captain of both the soccer and basketball teams. She has also been an integral member of the track and field program at Mount Carmel Area High School through the very successful cooperative sports program. Rachel has been a mainstay for the last for years for Coach Mike Klembara’s girls basketball program, which has won four of the last 5 District IV championships. She has led the Red Raiders in scoring for the last two years. She was a recipient of the Black Diamond Award and was named to the News-Item All Area Basketball Team. Rachel ended her career just shy of the 1000 point mark with 968 points. Rachel has also been a member of the OLOL Red Raider Soccer Team under the tutelage of Coach Jessica Trell, where she has placed herself as the leading scorer in school history with 51 career goals. She was named to the News Item All Area soccer team for 4 years. Also among her athletic credits, Rachel is a member of the Mount Carmel Area Tornado Track and Field team for Coach Angela Farronato and Ana Ditchey. She has qualified for District competition in each of the last three seasons, medaling in the 4 x 400 in her sophomore and junior years and in the 200 M during her junior year. Aside from athletics, Rachel is an exemplary student, maintaining honors status throughout her high school academic career. At Lourdes, she currently ranks second in her class and is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. Her other extracurricular activities include being class treasurer during 10th and eleventh grade, Student Ambassador, Math and Science Clubs, Respect Life and involved in Students Against Destructive Decisions. Rachel is a member of Holy Angels Parish, where she assists with church picnics, breakfasts, and dinners, She also volunteers with the Mount Carmel Area Youth Track Camp as an instructor. She is employed by the Valley Gun and Country Club, Elysburg, where she is a scorekeeper. She is the daughter of Thomas and Michelle Schultz of Mount Carmel. Her plans are to attend Elizabethtown College to major in accounting and to participate with the NCAA Division III Blue Jay Women’s Basketball Program.

SAINT PAULINE VISINTAINER SCHOLAR The Saint Pauline Visintainer Scholar for 2014 is Bryce Fiamoncini, son of James and Justine Fiamoncini of Mount Carmel. Bryce is currently a senior at Mount Carmel Area and plans to attend Bloomsburg University and enroll in its’ nursing program and eventually becoming a nurse anesthetist. Bryce currently ranks second in his class of 112 students and maintains a 102.6984 average. Bryce has enrolled in a rigorous but rewarding academic path including Advanced Placement Courses, Honors Courses and Luzerne County Community College Courses. Fiamoncini has been chosen annually since his freshman year to be a speaker at the Veteran’s Day Program and has represented MCA in The Scholastic Scrimmage and the Lock Haven University Math Competition. Bryce was also chosen the treasurer of the senior class and has received multiple perfect attendance awards. He was selected as the Junior High Pride Award winner, the Elks Junior Teen of the Month, the Elks Teenager of the Month, the Rotary Student of the Month, and most proudly, the Elks Teenager of the Year. He has also been a member of the Junior High National Honor Society and the National Honor Society and was chosen as MCA’s representative to the National Youth Leadership Program in his junior year. Most of his community service stems around his church, Sts Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church and their sister parish Assumption of the Blesses Virgin Mary. He is a weekly lector and altar server and volunteers at all of the church fundraisers. He also serves every Lenten service during the week and teaches religion classes on a weekly basis to the youth of the parish. Athletically, Bryce has been a member of the golf team at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional through the cooperative program with MCA. He has qualified for the District Tournament in each of the last two years, placing 13th and 10th respectively and missed moving on to the state meet by four places. It was a very unique and rewarding experience as a senior as he was the only golfer on the team. Since he didn’t have to worry about winning, he and coach William Chesney worked to become the best golfer that he could be. He posted a low score of 74 and maintains a 12 handicap. Bryce also participated in baseball and basketball earlier in his career and is currently a basketball referee and baseball umpire for youth sports in the Mount Carmel Area. He is also the statistician for the very successful Mount Carmel Area girls basketball team. Fiamoncini’s character and work ethic make him a perfect choice for the St Pauline Visitainer Award, as does his spiritual character.

JOSEPH D. WASILEWSKI FEMALE SCHOLAR ATHLETE In what may have been the most lopsided vote since Tom Seaver received 98.84% of the baseball writer’s Hall of Fame votes, Alison Varano has been chosen MCA’s Joseph Wasilewski Female Scholar Athlete. Ali has excelled at everything she has attempted, both on the athletic playing fields and in the class room. Ms. Varano ranks number one in her class and has earned 13 varsity letters in 4 different sports. As to which is her best, just pick the one that is in season. Ali, along with her mother Lisa, has been an integral part of the remarkable success of the Tornadoes basketball program over the last four years. The Tornadoes have won an unprecedented four consecutive District IV Championships and have gone 97-14 over that span. Her Tornadoes have won four consecutive PHAC Division II Championships and added the overall PHAC Championship this season. The 97 wins are the most ever in a four year period surpassing the 77 from 2009-2012. The 27 wins registered in 2012 are the most ever in school history as is the 27 game win streak. Ali recently became only the 11th female in school history to score 1000 points in her career while adding a more than 450 steals to go along with it. She was part of the schools 500th win in the thrilling OT win over Warrior Run in 2013 and had a career high 29 points in a win over Shikellamy. She was named to PHAC conference first team all star team the last two years. As the captain of the MCA soccer team, Ali became only the second athlete in MCA history to score over 100 goals during her career (101). In 2012, she helped her 8th seeded District IV team to a third place medal and a trip into the state tournament. They would make it to the 1/4 finals, the best finish ever for MCA girls soccer. She was also a PHAC first team performer for three years running. She also participates with the CSSC Legends and BTSC Teal Waver Soccer Clubs and has won numerous awards and championships. As a track athlete, Ali broke the school record in the 200 meters with a time of 26.34 and qualified for the state meet in the long jump. She has earned 8 District IV medals in a variety of events including the 100M, 200M, 400M, 4 x 100M relay, 4 x 400 M relay, long jump and 300 meter intermediate hurdles. It comes as no surprise that she may eventually compete in the women’s heptathlon on the collegiate level. Ali was also chosen as the Sunbury Daily Item Female Athlete of the Year in 2013. In the classroom, Ali is the senior class president, a member of the National Honor Society, National Athletic Honor Society, and Future Teachers of America, She also participates in the Spanish and Interact Clubs, and was the Rotary Student of the Month for October. She is a member of the Hope Community Church in Mount Carmel and is the daughter of Robert and Lisa Varano. Her future plans are to attend Bucknell University and major in Biology. Alison plans to run track for the Bison.

JOSEPH JAZZ DIMINICK MALE SCHOLAR ATHLETE Zach Wasilewski has earned the distinction of being 2014’s Joseph Jazz Diminick Male Scholar Athlete for the Ed Romance Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Zach has been a three-sport athlete for four years at Mount Carmel Area, starring in football, basketball, and track. Zach’s greatest successes have been with the Red Tornado football program. Zach took over the quarterback duties midway through his sophomore season in 2011. He play helped the Tornadoes to their 8th District Championship with a 28-0 victory over Bloomsburg. In 2012, Zach again took the Tornadoes to the championship game before losing to eventual winner Danville. Wasilewski paced the young Tornadoes of 2013 into the District playoffs for the third consecutive year, losing in the quarter-finals. Zach has positioned himself throughout the Tornado record book as a result of his 262 completions for 3653 yards and 35 touchdowns. The completions rank 4th one the all-time list behind hus brother Marcus (408), Dave Shinskie (400) and Mike Higgins (355). The 3653 yards passing and 36 touchdowns rank 5th on the all-time list. Zach also set the single game mark of 315 yards passing in a game against North Schuylkill in 2012, surpassing the 309 by brother Marcus against Chichester in 2007. His 4 TD passes vs North Schuylkill ties as the second best game in MCA history. Zach’s toughness is born out with his 700 plus yards rushing, the most by a quarterback at MCA since Nick Sebes. Zach was the named the Mike Terry Award winner in the season’s finale with Shamokin, MCA’s 18th consecutive victory over its arch rival. Zach was also named the Len Eshmont Award winner, the Glenn “Bonesey” Adams Award winner, and the Joseph F. Greco Kiwanis Award winner. Zach was also a three-year letter-winner for Coach John Lazicki’s basketball team, appearing in playoffs the last two seasons. He is also a three-year letterman for MCA baseball. In the classroom, Zach is a member of the interact club and is the Vice President of the Spanish Club. He is a distinguished honor roll student and a member of the National Honor Society. In addition, he is an altar server at his church and enjoys outdoor activities including fishing, snowboarding, and golfing. He is the son of Mark Wasilewski and the late Lisa Wasilewski of Denmar Gardens. Zack will be attending Penn State University.  He has been accepted into the college of Health & Human Development as a Kinesiology major and currently has an interest in Physical Therapy

INDUCTEE Bob Witowski joins his brother Joseph (1993) and brother-in-law Stave Zarlinski (1984) as an inductee into the Ed Romance Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. His induction has been long overdue, especially considering hid many accomplishments for Kulpmont High School basketball. Bob was a three-year starer for Coach Ed Stavenski’s Wildcats, playing in the old Keystone League. Even though his teams were only 27-27 over his three years, Bob did as much as anyone could to allow them to be successful. The 1958-59 team managed a nice 11-7 regular season record, eventually losing to a great Shamokin team by a 60-58 score in the Keystone League playoffs. Witowski finished his career with 875 points and established himself as the all-time leading scorer, surpassing Joe Hanlon’s 727 from 1949-51. In 1957-58, Bob led all area scorers with a 17.3 point average. As a sophomore, Bob set a new point record for sophomores at Kulpmont, surpassing Kayo Poniatowski’s record from 1936. He also established a new free throw record by making 84 percent of his attempts, besting brother Joe’s 68 percent in 1953. His efforts earned him Associated Press and United Press International All State Honorable Mention following the 58-59 season. Bob also played football for Coach Stavenski as a quarterback, tackle and safety. Following graduation, Bob would play at Independence Community College in Independence, Kansas and played on the Kansas Junior College Champions. He then went on to play at Yankton College on a team good enough to earn a spot in the NAIA National Championship Tournament in Kansas Citry. Bob earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Yankton and a Masters of Science Degree from Iowa State University. Witowski has worked at the University of Northern Iowa, the Iowa Communications Network, Carroll Community School District as an Economics and Government teacher and has also coached basketball and football. As an educator, his areas of study and experience have been diversified to include many facets in research planning, promoting new programs, developing and implementing curriculum materials, coordinating and directing in-service workshops, and designing and analyzing survey questions. Bob is the proud father of three daughters; Susan Hansen, Jill Witowski-DeLio, and Amy Robert. Bob and his wife Sherry make their home in Ames, Iowa.

INDUCTEE In the fall of 1988 when Mike was approached by the Mount Carmel Area administration and the athletic office about the head coaching position with the girls/softball team, he was rather hesitant about the task. After conferring with outgoing coach Bruce Wanzie and longtime, legendary assistant coach Ed “Tay” Taylor, he decided to accept the challenge of guiding the MCA Lady Tornadoes. He began his career in 1989 leading the Tornadoes in the always tough Division I of the Schuylkill League. After that first season, Mike and “Tay” re-established the JV program and 2 years later in 1991 had the team in the District XI playoffs, laying the groundwork to what would become a banner year. The 1992 season would prove to be the finest season in the history of the girl’s Softball program. That team moved to its new field at the high school complex and put up numbers and achievements that would have yet to be matched. It would include the team’s first victory over North Schuylkill and a tense 2-1 win over Pottsville that ended the Tide’s 58 game winning streak. The team posted a 14-2 regular season mark and then recorded 4 victories in the District XI tournament, including a 4-3 semi-final win over former state champion Northern Lehigh and a 4-0 district championship win over perennial power Minersville. Mike would go on to lead the Lady Tornado softball program for 21 years, finally retiring at the conclusion of the 2009 season. He coached over 300 girls during his tenure and traveled to and made many friends against all of the Schuylkill League teams and some new teams in the Heartland Conference. Trocki was named the Schuylkill League Coach of the Year in 1992 and had 4 of his players named First Team League All-Stars. He was also selected by the news media as the region’s Coach of the Year on 2 occasions and had the honor of seeing his 1992 District XI Championship team honored by the Ed Romance Hall of Fame in 2012. He is a 1969 grad of Mount Carmel Area and a 1972 grad of Kutztown State College where he earned a BS degree in Secondary Ed with a concentration in languages. Mike lives in Mount Carmel with his wife Linda. They are the proud parents of three children; Eric, who passed away in July of 2010, Jeff and his wife Nicki, and Stacy, who is married to Greg Fenix. They have 6 grandchildren. Mike always had a simple coaching philosophy no matter what sport he was coaching – to provide leadership and lend stability. He always wanted his teams to practice hard, play hard, and ultimately to have fun. He always told his players to carry the three D’s with them ti every game: Diligence, Dedication, and Determination, something Mike certainly carried in the way he has lived hi life.

INDUCTEE Al Tuefel was one of those rare three-sport competitors who would contribute greatly to the success of Mount Carmel High School Athletics back in the late 40’s. That was the time when Bonesey Adams, Dave Ficca, Mike Bernot, and Len Wisnewski received most of the publicity. Al, the last of the Tuefel brothers to compete for Mount Carmel, made a name for himself in football, basketball, and track. Sammy played for coach Joe Ambrose as a lineman and linebacker in 1946 and helped the Tornadoes to a fine 7-2-3 record. When Mike Terry took over in 1947, Al was a starter at center and at linebacker, complimented by coach Terry as “one of the best linebackers I ever coached.” Al helped the Tornadoes to a terrific 9-3 record in 1947 and would lead the defense to 7 shutouts and only 58 points given up. That Tornado Eleven opened up the season with a 6-0 win over Erie Academy. The victory was the only win in school history over Erie and was the farthest opponent ever on the Tornado schedule. Following the 1947 season, Sammy was named the “Outstanding Defensive Player” in the region. Al also lettered twice for Coach Tufky Andrulevich’s basketball teams at Mount Carmel in 1947-48. He was an important cog on the 1947 team that would post a 19-4 record – at the time the most wins ever for a Mount Carmel basketball squad. Only 1980 (26), 1995 (21) and 1999 (20) teams had more wins. Sammy excelled on the track for coach Jerry Breslin as a three-year letterman. All three teams were undefeated in dual meets, with the 1947 and 1948 teams capturing the District IV team championship. Sammy would win the 880-yard run and the mile run District IV Championships in 47 and 48. He was also a part of the mile relay team that competed at the prestigious Penn Relays. Following graduation, Sammy enlisted in the Navy where he was a Navy Cook. His tour lasted four years and ended up at the Philadelphia Naval Yard where he met the love of his life Carol Ritchie. He and Carol had 5 children, Bruce, Jim, Ron, Terri, and Tom, all of whom were involved in athletics. Sam volunteered much of his time at the Essington Swim Club. He worked at Westinghouse in Essington for 39 years and also worked as a bus driver for the Interboro School District until retiring in 1989. Today, Sam spends his time cooking and spends summer in Sea Isle, New Jersey.

INDUCTEE Larry Czeponis joins two other Mount Carmel Area football linemen as members of the 35th class of the Ed Romance Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Larry was certainly the biggest with his 6’4” 280 pound frame while playing for the Bison of Bucknell University. Czeponis was a member of the Bison from 1987-90 and worked his way into a starting guard position during his junior and senior seasons. Bucknell football would go 12-9 during Larry’s 2 years as a starter under head coach Lou Maranzano, who succeeded George Landis after his resignation following the 88 season. Larry was part of a very athletic offensive line that was nicknamed the “Beast” based on their style of physical play. Larry chose to attend Bucknell after having interest from schools such as Rutgers, Duke, Lehigh and William and Mary. Larry began his playing career at Mount Carmel Area for Head Coach Joe “Jazz” Diminick as a rare 4 year player at the time. Larry was a three-year starter at offensive tackle and two-year starter at defensive tackle for the Red Tornadoes. Larry served as a co-captain of the 1986 team that would win a wild card slot and defeat the 11-0 Valley View Cougars by a 21-14 score. Big Red would eventually lose in the Eastern Conference Championship game to Gary Brown’s Williamsport Millionaires. That 86 team would be the first Tornado squad to play 13 games in a season. Larry was named to the Reading Eagle All Anthracite team following the season. He was also awarded Honorable Mention Associated Press All State following his junior season. MCA football appeared in 4 playoff games during Larry’s career in 1983, 1984 and 1986, after not having achieved that status since 1972. Larry also participated in track at MCA, qualifying for the District IV championships in both the shot and discus. Following graduation from Bucknell in 1991, Larry served as a graduate assistant football coach at California University of PA from 1991-93. He coached running backs, tight ends, special teams and helped establish the strength and conditioning programs. Czeponis completed his MBA at Cal and eventually took a position with Nationwide Insurance, where he works as a Field Casualty Claims Specialist. He also serves as an adjunct professor in the Business/Economics Department at Luzerne County Community College. He and his wife Ann (Polites) make their home in Mount Carmel and are the proud parents of four children, Larry (Bip), 14, Frances (Yummy), 12, Meryl (Bizzy), 9 and Jelena (Jelly), 6.

INDUCTEE Wilkes University football experienced one of its’ most successful eras during the early 90’s and Mount Carmel Area’s Jeff Costello was an integral part of that success. In 1993, along with fellow MCA grads, Bob Delbo and Jake Cole, Casty helped the Colonels to a perfect 10-0 season in 1993 and a Middle Atlantic Conference Championship. The undefeated season was the first since 1968 and only the 5th in Wilkes history. Coach Joe DeMelfi and the Colonels advanced into the National Division III playoffs. The following season in 1994, the Colonels tallied a 9 and 2 record, winning the Eastern Atlantic Conference Southern Division Championship. As a three-year starter at offensive guard, Casty helped pave the way for the Colonels first 1000 yard rusher in Jason Smith. To date, three of the Colonels top ten rushing seasons occurred with Jeff in the offensive line. In 1994, he was a three-time Academic All-MAC performer, as well as, an Academic All American. He graduated in 1995 with Magna Cum Laude accolades and B.S. in Biology. Casty’s football career began at MCA for Coach Jazz Diminick where he started at guard as a sophomore, at center as a junior, and at center and linebacker as a senior and team co-captain. His 1988 Red Tornadoes went 8-3-1, losing only to AAA State Champion Berwick, AA State Champion Bethlehem Catholic and Southern Division Champion Pottsville. It was the first MCA team to qualify for District play. His 1989 team would lose to eventual State Champion Dunmore by a 14-12 score in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Jeff’s play earned him the Reading Eagle All Anthracite “Lineman of the Year” and Honorable Mention All-State Honors. He was given the Joe Grey Award as MCA’s finest lineman and the Kiwanis Club’s Dr. Joseph Greco Scholar Athlete Award. Jeff comes from a long line of Red Tornado stars, with his father Joe and brother Joey, recognized as two of the best linebackers ever to play the position at Mount Carmel Area. Jeff and his wife Kim have three children, Kaedryn, Jack and Jake and make their home in Annville. Jeff is the President of Costello Realty Inc and Black Diamond Energy Consultants Inc.