INDUCTEE Bob Chuprinski becomes the latest Red Tornado football player to be inducted into the Ed Romance Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Bob was an outstanding offensive lineman during Mount Carmel’s “Golden Era” of football from 1966-1974. During that time, MCA won 91 games, while only losing 10 and posting one tie. They also won 5 Southern Division titles and three Eastern Conference Crowns. “Churper” joins 12 other teammates to achieve the honor. During his time with the Red Tornadoes from 1967-69, MCA would win 33 games, while losing 2 by a total of 16 points. They would win the 68 Southern Division Championship before losing to Blakely 13-0 and would be the dominant team in Eastern Pennsylvania by going 12-0 in 1969. They not only won the Southern Division, but proceeded to defeat Valley View 47-6 to win its first Eastern Conference Championship since 1954. Chuprinski was considered the “doorman” of the 1969 offensive line that paved the way for backs Gary Diminick, Henry Hynoski, and Carm DeFrancesco to run for 3849 yards and 63 touchdowns. They averaged 7.29 yards per carry for the season, 320.7 yards per game and scored 504 points – 42 points per game. The 320 yards per game and 42 points per game are the best ever in the Red Tornadoes 120 year history. Coach Diminick was quoted as saying that “Chuprinski was the best blocking tackle I’ve ever had at Mount Carmel.” Churp also contributed 48 tackles and 3 fumble recoveries to a defense that allowed 89 points in 12 games, mostly after the games were essentially over. Following the season, Bob was named to the Associated Press all state team and was given honorable mention to the UPI all state team and Pennsylvania Big 33. Following graduation, Chuprinski would entertain many offers and chose to attend C.W. Post College in New York on a full athletic scholarship where he played freshman football for Coach Dom Anile and was a team co-captain. Chirp then decided to transfer to Temple University where he would join former teammate Henry Hynoski and the Temple Owls. He would remain on scholarship from 1972-1974 along with future pros Hynoski, Joe Klecko and Nick Mike-Meyer. He graduated in 1975 with a BS in Sociology. He later received a Masters in Public Administration (Health Care) from Penn State in 1985. In 1992, Bob moved to Butte, Montana to pursue a health care administrative position and is currently the CEO of the Flathead Orthopedic Center in Kalispell, Montana. Churpinski and his wife, the former Diane Marcinek of Shamokin, are the proud parents of two children: Patrick, a sophomore at the University of Montana, and Annie, an incoming freshman at the University of Montana.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT Nearly 55 years after he began an era in local music that remains unmatched today, Paul Semicek is still earning accolades for his inspiration and dedication to making music relevant to so many local students. Today’s recognition comes from a very unlikely source – the Ed Romance Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. He is being recognized for bringing so much attention to the Mount Carmel Area School District and this section of Pennsylvania. A native of Mount Carmel, Paul’s career began at age 13 playing the trumpet in pick-up bands and orchestras. His tremendous talent earned him a scholarship to Susquehanna University. He was drafted into the army, where he spent two years touring Europe with the U.S. Army 3rd Armored Division Band, which was George Patton’s Division. After his military service and graduation from Susquehanna, Paul began teaching at Mount Carmel High School in 1958. Bringing the drum corps style to his marching band (the first in the country to do so), he would change the name of the band to the “Mounties.” In 1964, the Mounties became the first American band to play at a Canadian Football League game. In 1963 Semicek began the “Festival of Stars” drum corps show. It attracted top drum corps to the area and brought along a host of famous musical guests to perform with the Mounties. They included Gene Krupa, trumpeter Maynard Ferguson, Tonight Show band leader “Doc” Severinsen, Tommy Newsome, Ed Shaughnessey, and others including Miss America and Miss Pennsylvania. In 1976, Semicek moved on to Danville, where the Festival would continue. Combined, both bands would appear at over 110 NFL games, the Prekaness in Maryland, and at the final career game of international soccer star, Pele and the Chicago Bear’s legend Brian Piccolo. His bands also made appearances at major league baseball games, including the Phillies, Pirates, Yankees and Orioles. For all of his accomplishments, in 2011, he was honored with his induction into the Pennsylvania Drum Corps Associates Hall of Fame. Some have estimated that, in his career, Paul’s bands performed for more than 1 million spectators. Ed Romance, the founder of the local hall of fame once said: “Paul Semicek is an outstanding individual, a person who excels in creating musical extravaganzas with young people. He is a man with dedication and desire that matches or exceeds the best sposrts coaches in the entire region.” Paul continues to write and arrange music from his home in Kulpmont. He is the father of three daughters; Lynne Zsido, Leslie Savage, and Lisa Jaschick.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT Christina Perles will become the 10th name on the list of Lady Tornado Basketball players who have surpassed the 1000-point plateau. Her journey to the mark was different than most as she played her first three seasons for the Lourdes Regional Red Raiders. While there, Christina totaled 979 points in helping the Red Raiders to three consecutive District IV Single A Championships. Before the start of the 2012 school year, Perles transferred to Mount Carmel Area where she surpassed the 1000-point mark in fer first game for the Tornadoes, scoring 22 points in MCA’s 65-40 victory over Sunbury Christian. She has led the Tornadoes in scoring during the 2012-13 season on the way to a fine 19-3 regular season record. The girls also nabbed their third consecutive Heartland Division II Championship and the top seed in District IV play. Christina’s monster 21-point game led the Tornadoes to a 66-43 victory over Southern for its third consecutive District Title. Perles also accomplished the rare fete of winning District Championships at two different schools. She has averaged 17 points per game and is shooting close to 80% from the free-throw line. Her career total of more than 1400 points ranks 5th all-time on MCA’s list. Her play on the court led her to being named the Chapter’s Athlete of the Month for December. Christina was also selected as the 2012-13 Pre-Season Player of the Year by the Daily Item and received the Black Diamond Discovery Award as a freshman. Christina is the daughter of Deb and Rick Perles of Kulpmont and is planning to continue her playing career at a four-year college.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT Eric Joraskie has certainly done more than his share in bringing national recognition to the Mount Carmel Area School District and community. Eric recently became the 42nd player in MCA history to be named First Team All State by the Associated Press. He also becomes only the seventh player in history to be a two-time First Team All State selection. Joraskie burst onto the scene as a sophomore for Coach Carmen DeFrancesco as a defensive tackle and dominated the position for the next three years. He amassed a total of 184 tackles, including 59 for loss during his career. He was also credited with 18 QB sacks for 124 yards lost, placing him 7th on the all-time list. He would also register 30 quarterback hurries as the dominate defensive player that he was. Eric also showed his versatility this past season as he also lined up at tight end and full back for the Red Tornadoes. He helped his team into the District IV playoffs in all three of his seasons, winning the gold medal in 2011 and the silver in 2012. Joraskie was also named the Joe Grey Award winner as the “Outstanding Lineman” for the Tornadoes in each of his three seasons. He has also been named the Chapter’s Athlete of the Month for August. He was selected to the Pennsylvania Big 33 Team and will play in the game in June of 2013. After weighing a number of Division I offers from schools such as Pittsburgh, Syracuse and Maryland, Eric has signed a letter of intent to attend and play for the Northwestern University Wildcats.

RUSS AND JO ANN CESARI SCHOLARSHIP “Ivy Leaguer!” That term simply describes this year’s Cesari Scholarship winner. Tyler has the look, the athletic ability, and most importantly, the academic wherewithal to attend an Ivy League School. He has earned an athletic scholarship to Columbia University in New York City and will enroll in the fall. Tyler has been a three-year letterman for Coach Carm and the Red Tornadoes of Mount Carmel Area. He has started at tight end for two seasons and has been very productive as one in four catches has resulted in a touchdown. His terrific blocking also enabled the Tornadoes to run for more than 200 yards per game and score 38 rushing touchdowns. Only 8 Tornado teams have ever rushed for more TD’s. He also contributed 72 tackles – 17 for loss – from his defensive end position. Tyler has been an integral part of the Tornadoes having appeared in the District IV playoffs for three consecutive seasons; winning the Championship in 2011 and finishing as the runner-up in 2012. He was selected a co-captain by his teammates for the 2012 season. Tyler was named to the Heartland Conference and Sunbury Daily Item all star teams following the 2012 season. He was also the recipient of the Joseph F. Greco Scholar Athlete Award presented by the Greco Family. Tyler was recruited by Coach Pete Mangurian to play outside linebacker for the Lions. He also received walk-on offers from Richmond, Delaware and Lafayette. Kwiatkowski has also been a three-year member of John Lazicki’s basketball team at MCA and has served as a captain for two years. He helped the Tornadoes to a fine 14-10 record and a spot in District IV play for the first time in 3 years. He also throws the discus and javelin for the Tornado track and field contingent. Tyler is a member of the National Honor Society and the prestigious 700 club. He is currently ranked 4th in his class and is a member of the Interact Club, Spanish Club, Future Teachers of America and the Chemistry Club. In his spare time, he has volunteered for Relay for Life, Nate’s Mates, and the Special Olympics. He is also a member of Our Lady’s Parish in Mount Carmel and has been an Altar Server for 10 years. Tyler is the son of Kevin and Cheryl Kwiatkowski of Mount Carmel.

JAMES M. BACH SCHOLAR ATHLETE The 2013 recipient of the James M. Bach Scholar Athlete Award is Tyler Holleran, a son of Dennis and Kathy Holleran of Kulpmont. Tyler is a senior student-athlete at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School where he has been a member of the football, basketball and baseball teams. For the past two years, he has been an integral part of the varsity football and track and field teams at Mount Carmel Area through the very successful cooperative sports programs. As a freshman and sophomore, Ty played football at Our Lady of Lourdes under Head Coach Mike Klembara and was an important member of the 2009 All-American Football Conference Championship team. During the past two seasons, Holleran played for MCA’s Red Tornadoes under the direction of Coach Carmen DeFrancesco. Tyler contributed greatly on special teams or the Big Red and also saw plenty of playing time in the defensive secondary at cornerback. He received the Ed Romance Award following the season recognizing him as MCA’s Most Improved Senior football player. Tyler helped the Tornadoes to a District IV Championship in 2011 and a District IV silver medal in 2012. In addition to football, he has been a guard for coach Pete Long’s Red Raider basketball team. His hard work and determination has helped the Red Raiders secure a spot in the District IV Single A playoffs. He has also contributed to Red Raider baseball for Coach Dave Olsheski’s Red Raider baseball team as a catcher and second baseman. His athletic versatility became apparent as he has run track for Coach Mike Farronato and Tornado track team. In addition to athletics, Tyler is an exemplary student who has maintained honors status throughout his high school career. He serves as the treasurer of the National Honor Society and is a member of the Spanish Honor Society. He is also involved as a Student Ambassador, Student Council Vice-President, Boys Service Club, Respect Life Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions and is active with the Prom Committee. He has volunteered his time for Children’s Miracle Network and Manna for the Many. He is an active member of Holy Angels Parish, where he has been an altar server for 10 years and assisted with various parish fund raising projects. In addition, he has been bestowed the 2nd Degree from the Knights of Columbus. Tyler is employed at Walmart Pharmacy, Elysburg Gun Club, and Knoebel’s Amusement Resort. Following graduation, Tyler plans to attend Wilkes University School of Pharmacy to pursue a doctorate in pharmacy.

SAINT PAULINE VISINTAINER SCHOLARSHIP It should come as no surprise that this year’s St. Pauline Visintainer Scholar Athlete is Eric Joraskie, senior student-athlete from Mount Carmel Area High School. Eric’s total accomplishments on the athletic fields, in the classroom, and in his church enabled him to earn the award. Joraskie has certainly distinguished himself as a three-year player for Coach Carmen DeFrancesco’s Mount Carmel Area Red Tornadoes. He established himself as one of the most dominant players in our region and the state of Pennsylvania. Eric’s play helped the Tornadoes into the District IV playoffs three times, winning the District IV Championship in 2011. He totaled 184 tackles, including 59 for loss during his career as a defensive tackle and registered 18 quarterback sacks for 124 yards lost – good for 7th place on MCA’s all-time list. His play allowed him to be a two-time Associated Press first team selection in 2011 and 2012. He is only the 7th player in MCA history to be so honored. He also became MCA’s 22nd Big 33 player since its inception in 1957. He will play in this year’s game in Hershey in June. Eric was also tabbed to play in the 3rd annual Chesapeake Bowl in Landover, Maryland, but declined due to game restrictions. In addition to being named to every local all-star team, Joraskie was also named to the prestigious WNEP-TV Dream Team. After being recruited by schools such as the University of Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Maryland, West Virginia and many others, Eric has decided to accept a scholarship to play for Coach Pat Fitzgerald at Northwest University in Evanston, Illinois. Eric also participates for MCA track in both the shot and discus, where he has was a District medalist in 2012. Suprisingly for someone 6’4” and 260 lbs, Eric was quite the swimmer as a freshman and sophomore and was a District IV qualifier in the butterfly. Eric has also been a distinguished honor roll student and is a National Honor Society member. He is very involved with the WKMC TV studio and is a member of the Spanish Club. Eric has the lead roll of Jesus in Godspell and will assume the roll of Danny Zuko in this year’s MCA production of Grease. Joraskie is also a member and altar server at Grace Lutheran Church in Shamokin. Eric is one of 4 Joraskie brothers, who have played for the Red Tornadoes; Bill, a student at Carnegie Mellon, Adam, a student at Bucknell University, and Austin, currently a sophomore at MCA. He is the son of Nancy and William Joraskie and the grandson of Marie and William Joraskie and Dorothy and the late Harry Przekop.

JOSEPH D. WASILEWSKI FEMALE SCHOLAR ATHLETE Cathy Fletcher, a senior student at Mount Carmel Area Jr/Sr High School has been named the Joseph D. Wasilewski Female Scholar Athlete for 2013. She is the daughter of Michael and Susan Fletcher of Kulpmont. A four year varsity letter winner, she has participated in cross country, swimming, and track and field. To date, she has earned 10 varsity letters. She has traveled each year to the district level of competition in all three sports. Cathy has served as captain of the Cross Country team for coach Ben McConnell and has been recognized as a First Team All Star for the Heartland Conference during her junior and senior years. She earned an 11th place finish in 2011 and a 12th place spot in 2012 at the District IV Track Meet. In addition to cross country, she has been awarded the “second in points earned” and “first in points earned” awards among female swimmers at MCA for coach John Backes. Cathy has earned points at the District IV Championship meet in the 100 free, 200 free and 200 meter freestyle relay. Cathy also participated in Powder Puff Football during her junior and senior years, serving as captain her senior year. Cathy currently serves as vice president of the senior class and participates in the Advanced College Experience (ACE) program at Bloomsburg University. She has participated in Odyssey of the Mind, a worldwide creative problem solving competition, for three of her high school years. Her team made it to the World’s level of competition during her sophomore and junior years. Cathy has participated in the Young Scholar Program at Luzerne County Community College, and has taken college courses at MCA and the Shamokin LCCC campus. She is a member of the SAT 1300 club, a National Honor Society member, and is a consistent Distinguished Honors student. She participates in the Developmental Studies Program at Mt. Carmel Area and is currently ranked 3rd in her class. Outside of school, Cathy is an alter server at Holy Angels Church in Kulpmont. She also serves as a volunteer each year at Holy Angels’ annual church picnic. During July, 2012, she attended the University of Pittsburgh’s Health Career Scholars Academy, an advanced summer program focused on providing student learning opportunities in various health fields. As her senior project, Cathy has collected, sorted, labeled, and data-based over 500 books in support of the Kulpmont Lending Library. Over the past three summers, she has worked at Knoebel’s Amusement Park. In the fall of 2013, Cathy will attend a four-year college to major in Biomedical or Mechanical Engineering.

JOSEPH “JAZZ” DIMINICK MALE SCHOLAR ATHLETE Over his four-year career at Mount Carmel Area High School, Rob Varano has built a strong resume that has earned him the Jazz Diminick Male Scholar Athlete for 2013. He is a three sport student athlete who has participated in football, basketball, and track and field. Robert has excelled at a number of positions for Coach Carmen DeFrancesco’s Red Tornadoes. He has played quarterback, wide receiver, safety and punter. During the 2012 season, Robert smashed a 46 year old receiving record with his 6 catch, 227 yard performance in the win over North Schuylkill. The old record was held by Dabby Niglio in that famous 178 yard performance vs Carlisle in 1966. Only four players in MCA history had more receptions in a season than Rob’s 46 during 2012. Rob also averaged 37.4 yards per punt and was named to the First Team of the Pennsylvania Football News AA All State team for his efforts. He was also named to the Heartland Conference, Daily Item, News-Item, and Press Enterprise all star teams. Robert also earned the Chapter’s Athlete of the Month Award for October. On the hardwood, Rob helped the basketball team back into the District playoff picture for the first time in 4 years. Rob served as co-captain and is a three-year letterman. In tack and field, Rob is a three-year District qualifier in the javelin. He added the pole vault to his resume in 2012. He jumped 13’6” in 2012 and won the silver medal at the District IV meet. This qualified him for the PIAA state meet where he finished tied for 11th place in the state. Following the season, he was named to the Heartland Conference II First Team. Rob currently serves as the president of the senior class and was also a member of Student Council. He is currently enrolled in the Advanced College Experience (ACE) program at Bloomsburg University, where he attends class full-time. He also has completed classes as part of the Young Scholar Program at Luzerne County Community College. He was a member of the MCA Odyssey of the Mind Team that advanced to the World’s level of competition in his junior year. He is a National Honor Society member and currently ranks 5th in his class. He is also a 6-year member of the MCA marching band and Symphonic band as a trumpeter. Outside of school, Robert is active in Hope Community Church where he serves as the video coordinator. In the fall of 2012, he will attend a four-year college to major in Business/Pre Law. He is the son of Lisa and Rob Varano.

INDUCTEE To establish yourself as the first person to achieve a milestone in athletics is always something special. To stand alone as the only athlete in a 40-year period to accomplish a particular feat is truly extraordinary. That is exactly where Sue Humphrey Yucha stands as a Mount Carmel Area girls’ basketball standout. Sue is the only Lady Tornado to go over 1000 rebounds during her illustrious career as the center for MCA basketball. Her total of 1134 was achieved during a four-year career from 1986-87 through 89-90. Under Coach Deb Oerles, Sue was a four-year started for the Lady Tornadoes. As a freshman, she helped lead the team to its 6th consecutive District IV playoff berth, which included victories over Shamokin, Lourdes, Southern and Williamsport before losing to Towanda in the District IV playoffs on a buzzer-beater. As a sophomore, Sue would establish a new single game record with her 24 rebound performance in a 51-49 victory over arch rival Shamokin. That win was also significant in that it was Coach Perles’s 100th win as the coach of the Lady Tornadoes. In her junior season, following the loss of teammates Shannon Guinan, Kim Little, and Peg Scicchitano, the girls would suffer through a 0-24 season in 1988-89. As she entered her senior season, Sue qould become the ultimate leader and “mother hen” with 3 freshman starters in Lesley Gilotti, Marie McDonald, and Jill Gonzalo. She would lead that team to 10 wins in the always tough Division I of the Schuylkill League, which included perennial powers, North Schuylkill, Pine Grove, Pottsville, and Blue Mountain. The girls did earn great wins over Lourdes, Shamokin, Tamaqua and Southern, a game in which Sue ended her career with a fantastic 23 point, 30 rebound performance to cement her status as one of the greats in girls basketball history. Sue would be named to the Christmas Tournament all-star team at Willamsport and was given the VFW’s Auxiliary Award as the team’s Most Valuable Player for the second time. In addition to leading the team in rebounds and blocks, Sue also scored 12.3 points per game, scoring over 900 in her career. It was her leadership that season that would go a long way in making girls basketball competitive once again. Sue also lettered for four years in track and field, throwing the shot, discus, and javelin, qualifying for District IV competition in the javelin during the 1990 track season. For all of her efforts at MCA, Sue was given the Babe Ruth Foundation Award as the school’s outstanding female athlete during her graduation ceremonies in 1990. Sue had been employed by Shamokin Area Community Hospital for 19 years and, following the merger, currently works as a Patient Access Representative for Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital. Susan lives in Shamokin with her husband, Mike, and their two children, Mariah and Michael Jr. She is the daughter of Michael and Charmaine Humphrey and the granddaughter of Sandra Popson.