SILVER BOWL HISTORY (1932-2021)
       (Researched by Jose Gonzalo, MCA Sports Historian, 2021)
            The Silver Bowl was built in 1932 by a committee of Mount Carmel businessmen headed
by Hal Grossman and other community leaders including: George Wardrop, Elmer Williams,
Harold Schaefer, Harry Jones, Walter Levine, Charles Lucas, Herman Ludes, Dr. Charles Feifer,
Albert Landis, Ray Williams, William Ruffing, Ira Roadarmel, and Hal Anthony.
            The fact that it was built was a monument to dedication as the process began almost 10
years prior as a move to build a real athletic field. They didn’t only talk about it but they laid
plans starting with the selection of the sight. What they chose was a swamp – a neighbor of Old
Lake De Stink, which was for many years one of the areas few eyesores. Negotiations were held
to acquire the field, followed by a campaign to gather the funds necessary to level the property.
All of the progress whetted the wishes and wants of the sponsors, leading them to gather more
funds to build a fence, bleachers, and a fine playing field. The money began to roll in and the
momentum of the community enterprise greatly increased. Total cost of the initial endeavor
was $24,413.
            The original planners chose an 8-foot fence, built with western fir, one of the most
durable woods known at the time. A wire fence would have cost considerably more. The
directors also chose the wood as it would give employment to Mount Carmel men and would
also permit the sale of advertising space.
    The original stands, which seated 6,600, where constructed of wood. The 80 feet high steel
light towers were erected for the opening game of the 1932 season. The lighting system was
installed by a team of technicians from General Electric’s headquarters in Schenectady, New
York. The team was so impressed with the facilities they boosted it was the most beautiful high
school sports complex in existence and it would be the best lit high school stadium anywhere,
actually only rivaled by Temple University stadium in Philadelphia.
            The dedication was held on October 7, 1932, prior to the first game at the facility with
William Penn of Harrisburg. Penn won the contest by a 13-0 score.
    In the mid-1930’s, stands were constructed in both end zones and painted silver. The new
bleachers gave the stadium a bowl-like appearance. Thus, a sports scribe called the stadium the
“Silver Bowl,” the name which is still used today. At this time, the stadium could accommodate
10,000 fans.
            One of the largest events of the time was when 10,000 people attended the stadium to
do honor to the name of Jesus in September of 1937. The event was sponsored by the Holy
Name Societies of churches in Northumberland, Montour and Columbia counties, at the call of
the most Reverend George L. Leach, Bishop of Harrisburg
            On October 29, 1938, John L. Lewis, President of the International Mine Workers Union
spoke at “Michell Day” to members of the local mine workers from three local counties  
            In June of 1940, the wooden stands on the visitor’s side (west) were replaced with all
steel grandstands, increasing the capacity to over 10,000. Also at this time, the home side was
switched from the east side stands to the west side stands.
            Also, Mount Carmel purchased a new public address system form RCA and was first used
in a game with Minersville in 1940. Bill Hodrick, a member of the high school faculty, was at the
mike to give a play-by-play of the action as well as other announcements.
    In 1946 the end zone stands were removed and replaced with a permanent set of bleachers
in the south end zone accommodating 1500 additional spectators. This brought the actual

seating capacity to 7695 (3,564 – west – 2,631 – east – 1500 end zone). The new home side press
box was completed in 1972 and in 1977 the east visitor’s stands were replaced with the current
steel grandstands. Also completed at the time was work on the light standards, construction of
new concession stands, a visiting team locker room, concrete sidewalks, and painting of the
fence. This project cost in excess of $500,000.  And gave the stadium a seating capacity of 7,202.
            It was in 1946 that the largest celebration of its kind was held following World War II and
had the Silver Bowl at its center. The “Victory Celebration” was held from August 11 to August
14 and featured a Memorial Service, and Ball, a Variety Show with 10 different acts, and
culminated with a fireworks display. Mount Carmel was fortunate enough to have its own
General Jim Gavin present following the parade,
            The original cinder track was extensively improved in the summer of 1984, as it was
replaced with a polyurethane surface (all-weather track) at a cost of $150,000.The original field
house, built in 1969, was replaced in 2012, as was the main entrance,  and the track was
resurfaced in 2013.  In the next year the field was officially renamed ‘The Joseph ‘Jazz’ Diminick
Field in honor of Mount Carmel’s legendary former football coach.  Later in the same year the
track was rededicated to Mr. Gerald Breslin, former MCA Track Coach who compiled a record of
29 years without a dual-meet loss.
The famed Creature Bleachers were deemed unsafe for the 2014 season and eventually
dismantled in June of 2015. The open space led to the development of Tornado Alley in 2018. It
was conceptualized by Jose Gonzalo, MCA Sports Historian, and put into motion by Gonzalo and
then Principal Pete Cheddar. Cheddar has been spearheading the project ever since along with
Gonzalo and are looking for expansion in 2023.

Professional Football Players who have played in the Silver Bowl
Steve Filipowicz (Kulpmont NY Giants))
 Len Eshmont (M.C.Township SF 49er’s))
Sam Brazinski (Kulpmont – Buffalo)
Dan Ficca (Mount Carmel High NY Jets))
Jack Dolbin (Pottsville – Denver Broncos)
Henry Hynoski (mount Carmel High Cleveland Browns)
Chris Doleman (William Penn York Minnesota Vikings))
John Flannery (Pottsville – Houston Oilers)
Carson Long (North Schuylkill – Buffalo Bills)
Bo Orlando (Berwick – Houston – San Diego – Pittsburg)
Henry Hynoski Jr (N.Y. Giants)
Gary Brown (Williamsport _ Houston San Diego NY Giants)
Ron Mattes (North Schuylkill – Seattle)
Al Matuza (Shenandoah –Chicago Bears)
George Somers (St Clair – Philadelphia Eagles)
Steve Maronic (Steelton – Detroit Lions)
Frank Bolick (Mount Carmel High – Major league baseball – Montreal – Los Angeles)
Vic Fangio (Dunmore – Denver Broncos Football Coach)
Wally Diehl (former MC Player welcomed back Kulpmont game 1954 (Frankford Yellow jackets)
Brett Veach 1997 grad and General Manager of Super Bowl winning(2) Kansas City Chiefs 

Others who have been at the stadium
General Jim Gavin (1946 Celebration of end of the war) *2 nd  airborne Div. WW2
Amos Alonzo Stagg (Berwick game 1973)
Nancy Ann Fleming – Miss America 1960 Pottsville game 1960 moved to Thursday to
accommodate
Jacqelyn Mayer – 1963 Miss America attending the inaugural Festival of Stars.
Barney Ewell – Lancaster High and Penn State track athlete who won 3 medals in 1948 Olympic
Games)
Chuck Bednarik (Concrete Charlie) of the Philadelphia Eagles is rumored to have been at a
game but cannot confirm actual date

Other events that have taken place at the Silver Bowl
Boxing – There are records of boxing having taken place from 1938 to at least 1952.Some of
the notables were Joe Baksi, J. Champagne, Ralph “Kid” Gonzalez, Art Henri, Bob Peck, Johnny
Lombardo, Bruce Ubaldo, Frank Sodano, Johnny Saxton, and of course Matt Raymond and Gus
Dorazio
Baseball – : Local teams played in the 30’s into the late 40’s. The city baseball league had teams
such as the Camp towners and General Mine compete at the stadium
Rodeo– A stage rodeo was part of a Columbus Day program in 1937 and was given by the
103 rd  Cavalry of Sunbury. Daylight fireworks were featured as well as a bomb that released a
parachute supporting a horse and rider. The program included a drill, a tug of war, potato race,
Roman riding including hurdling by various members of the troop. The main feature was a
demonstration by George Johnson, a ten-year-old stunt rider who was enjoyed by all. A pistol
exhibition, a manikin race, and mounted wrestling and a sham battle by the entire troop ended
the 2-hour program.
Graduations – The first outdoor graduation occurred with the Class of 1969 with its 254
members and continued for a few years into the 70’s. The Class of 2021 once again held their
graduation at the Silver Bowl and has been continued in 2022 and 2023.
Festival of Stars – Paul Semicek, band director at Mount Carmel Area, held a Festival of Stars
starting in 1963 and lasting until 1976 where he brought in famous drum and bugle corps from
Eastern United States and Canada. It continued for a number of years following Paul’s
departure. Groups include the Hawthorne Caballeros, who were world champions at the time,
The Reading Buccaneers, Yankee Rebels Crusaders of Rochester New York, and the
Westshoremen of Harrisburg. The Matadors of Providence Rhode Island were a later featured
group.  Also performing was the original Glenn Miller Orchestra, Doc Severinsen and Tommie
Newsome from the Tonight Show, Gene Krupa, and Maynard Ferguson.  1963 Miss America
Jacqelyn Mayer was also part of the first Festival in 1963and delighted local band members by
showing her skills on the clarinet. And who can forget local professionals Joe Mosello and
Vaughn Nark with their appearance at the 2015 Alumni Band Reunion with Paul Semicek

The Junior Olympics – track meets for junior and senior high-level athletes were promoted in
the 70’s
Track District Championships – Championships for the entire District IV were held 12 times
from 1936 to 1972 with Mount Carmel winning the district title in 10 of those years

High School Football Dream Game in 1950 – A special all-star contest with athletes from
Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties took place with Mount Carmel, Mount Carmel
Township, Kulpmont, and Mount Carmel Catholic representing the East and players from
Shamokin, Trevorton, Sunbury Selinsgrove, and Mifflinburg representing the West, Scouts from
U of Pennsylvania, Penn State, Lehigh, Maryland, Fordham, Yale, Georgetown, Dickinson,
Ursinas and Dartmouth were in attendance.
Semi Pro Football – The Anthracite Maroons and the Harrisburg Colored Giants – officially The
Trojans – was played on September 15, 1946 – A freshman game between Temple University
and the Naval Academy plebes was played in 1971 with MCA’s Henry Hynoski playing for
Temple It was arranged by Temple’s Coach Wayne Hardin who had previously coached at the
Naval Academy and then went back in the 80’s

College Football – Bucknell University and Scranton University played football in October of
1945 with Bucknell contributing $700 to The M.C. District Veterans Memorial Association.
Susquehanna University also played an intrasquad game in September of 1962,


.   If anyone has anything that they feel should be added to his historical
writing, please feel free to send to Jose at rxmanjag@gmail.com. The intent is
to preserve the Silver Bowl history with as much accurate content as possible.