On Saturday, September 21, 2024, Marian Catholic High School welcomed back members of their 1984 PIAA Class “A” Girls State Championship Basketball Team during the school's Homecoming and Alumni Weekend.
The Marian community gathered at Men of Marian Stadium to honor the Fillies' squad in a special ceremony between the first and second quarters of the Homecoming football game.
The Marian Fillies made history on March 30, 1984, under the leadership of late Head Coach Elsie Tolan and Assistant Coach Dot Demmer. The team clinched a gold medal in the state tournament after defeating Kennedy Christian at Hershey Park Arena. On Saturday, several team members returned to Marian to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their championship victory and to reconnect with their alma mater.
In a gesture symbolizing the bond between past and present, the 2024-2025 Marian Fillies, led by Head Coach Damian Fritz, presented the returning champions with a commemorative gift. The ceremony not only honored the legacy of the 1984 team but also bridged the gap between generations of players in the program.
“Our current girls’ basketball program is built around the idea of 'Run as One.' This means we are one family, working together toward our goals. We wouldn’t have missed the opportunity to celebrate these women who are part of our Fillies basketball family,” said Coach Fritz.
Dr. Erin Marek, Marian Catholic’s Director of Advancement, who organized the reunion, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, saying, “We are always thrilled to have our alumni back home to visit campus, but it’s twice as exciting when we have the opportunity to recognize a special anniversary of such a memorable event in our school’s history.”
Following the ceremony, members of both the 1984-1985 and 2024-2025 Fillies teams gathered for a group photo, capturing the spirit of unity that transcends time within Marian Catholic athletics.
Pictured (Left to Right): Emily Carone, Olivia Serfass, DeAnna Pugh, Alexis Gelatko, Cheryl (Chiao) Stanitus, Robin Lewis, 1984 Assistant Coach Dot Demmer, Gracia Perilli, Addy Marek, Jean (Kuhn) Rowan, Addison Fritz, Carley Hasara, Diane Decker, Olivia Thomas, Sophia Serfass, and Brooke Hannis-Miskar.
The Marian Fillies made history on March 30, 1984, under the leadership of late Head Coach Elsie Tolan and Assistant Coach Dot Demmer. The team clinched a gold medal in the state tournament after defeating Kennedy Christian at Hershey Park Arena. On Saturday, several team members returned to Marian to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their championship victory and to reconnect with their alma mater.
In a gesture symbolizing the bond between past and present, the 2024-2025 Marian Fillies, led by Head Coach Damian Fritz, presented the returning champions with a commemorative gift. The ceremony not only honored the legacy of the 1984 team but also bridged the gap between generations of players in the program.
“Our current girls’ basketball program is built around the idea of 'Run as One.' This means we are one family, working together toward our goals. We wouldn’t have missed the opportunity to celebrate these women who are part of our Fillies basketball family,” said Coach Fritz.
Dr. Erin Marek, Marian Catholic’s Director of Advancement, who organized the reunion, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, saying, “We are always thrilled to have our alumni back home to visit campus, but it’s twice as exciting when we have the opportunity to recognize a special anniversary of such a memorable event in our school’s history.”
Following the ceremony, members of both the 1984-1985 and 2024-2025 Fillies teams gathered for a group photo, capturing the spirit of unity that transcends time within Marian Catholic athletics.
Pictured (Left to Right): Emily Carone, Olivia Serfass, DeAnna Pugh, Alexis Gelatko, Cheryl (Chiao) Stanitus, Robin Lewis, 1984 Assistant Coach Dot Demmer, Gracia Perilli, Addy Marek, Jean (Kuhn) Rowan, Addison Fritz, Carley Hasara, Diane Decker, Olivia Thomas, Sophia Serfass, and Brooke Hannis-Miskar.
Photo by J. Reed / Skook News