Class of 2016 - Class of 2020
Class of 2016
Greg Cunningham- was a three-time District 10 Champion and a two-time PIAA State placewinner as an independent swimmer for Mercer High School. His competitive swimming career began at the age of 11 with the Mercer Community Swim Team at Brandy Springs Park. He later trained with both the Slippery Rock Slippery Eels Community Swim Team & the Shenango Valley Swim Team before beginning his high school swim career. Greg swam independently while at dual meets with the Sharon High School swim team and their coach, Eric Wenger, a standout swimmer at Villanova University. During his high school career, Greg won three (3) District 10 Championships and was runner-up on one (1) other occasion. Qualifying for the PIAA State Championships during both his junior & senior seasons, he was the state runner-up in the 100 Butterfly and finished 4th in the 50 freestyle during the 1987 season. Greg was also a 3-time PIAA State All-American Award winner and a 3-time National Interscholastic State Top 10 Award winner while competing in the United States National Swim League. Following high school, Greg received a full scholarship & joined the Clarion University swim team from 1988-1991. Under head coach Bill Miller, he helped the Clarion swim team to a 3rd place finish in 1988, a 5th place finish in 1989, a 7th place finish in 1990, and a 3rd place finish in 1991 at the NCAA Division II National Championships. During his four (4) year career, Greg obtained the following awards while competing in the 50, 100, & 200 Freestyle; the 100 & 200 Butterfly; the 200, 400, & 800 Freestyle Relay; and the 200 & 400 Medley Relay:
· Five (5) time Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Champion
· Twelve (12) time PSAC Runner-Up & seven (7) time PSAC 3rd Place finisher
· Nineteen (19) PSAC & NCAA Divison II All-American Awards
· Five (5) 3rd place & three (3) 4th place finishes at the NCAA Division II National Championships
· Twenty-two (22) Top 15 finishes in the 26 events that he competed in at the NCAA Division II National Championships.
After graduating with a degree in business management, Greg went on to the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in Pittsburgh & obtained a degree in funeral directing. He then joined the family business, Cunningham Funeral Home Inc., and became a 6th generation funeral director. He currently operates the business with his sister, Jill McCandless. He & his wife, Jennifer, who was a swimmer for Sharon High School where Greg swam independently during his high school career, currently reside in Mercer with their two (2) sons, Cole (age 10) & Jake (age 7).
Class of 2017
Shelah (Bolyard) Guenther (class of 2003) was a three-sport standout in Volleyball, Girls’ Basketball, and Track & Field during her time at Mercer High School.
A four-year letterwinner for the Lady M’s Basketball program, Shelah scored 1,359 points in her career. This ranks her 2nd all-time in girls’ basketball history and 4th overall in school history. During her freshman season, Shelah scored 240 points and was a 2nd team all-MCAC selection as the Lady M’s finished the season 2nd in the MCAC with a 15-11 record. The following season, she scored 280 total points and was again a 2nd team all-MCAC selection as the Lady M’s won the MCAC League Championship and qualifed for the PIAA State Playoffs with a 69-61 victory over Cranberry in the District 10 3rd place game. During her junior season, Shelah led the team in scoring with 351 points and was named to the all-MCAC 1st team as the Lady M’s won a 2nd consecutive MCAC League Championship and finished the season with a 15-11 record. As a senior, she led the MCAC in scoring with 488 points, including a school record 35 points in one game. She was named Most Outstanding Girls’ Basketball Player and a member of the Sharon Herald “Fab 5” team. Shelah also received team MVP honors, the Mike Erme/Sharon Lion’s Club Award, and was selected to play on the Western PA squad in the Pennsylvania High School Girls’ Roundball Classic at the University of Pittsburgh’s Fitzgerald Fieldhouse.
Shelah was also a four-year letterwinner in the sport of Track & Field and helped lead the Lady M’s to MCAC Division II Championships during her freshman, sophomore, & junior seasons. During her freshman year, she finished 3rd in the Discus at the MCAC Invitational, 2nd at the District 10 Championhips, and took home 5th place honors at the PIAA State Track & Field Championships. She was also a member of the 1600m relay team that finished 3rd at the MCAC Invitational and 5th at the District 10 Championships. As a sophomore, she was a member of the 1600 meter relay team that finished 1st at the MCAC Invitational, 2nd at the District 10 Championships, and qualified for the PIAA State Championships. She also finished 7th in both the Shot Put & Discus at the District 10 Championships this season. During her junior season, Shelah finished 4th in the Discus, 5th in the Shot Put, and was a member of the 2nd place 1600 meter relay team at the MCAC Invitational. The following week, she finished 8th in the Discus and the 1600 meter relay team took home 4th place honors at the District 10 Championships. As a senior, she finished 3rd in the Discus and 5th in the Shot Put at the MCAC Invitational. Shelah earning her a 2nd trip to the PIAA State Championships with a 3rd place finish in the Discus at the District 10 Championships. She also took home 8th place honors in the Shot Put.
Shelah was also a member of the Lady M’s Volleyball team. She earned three (3) varsity letters and was an All-MCAC selection as a middle hitter during both her junior (2nd team) and senior (1st team) year.
A member of the Top 10 of her graduating class, Shelah continued her basketball career at Clarion University and obtained her bachelor of science degree in Nursing. She & her husband, David, live in Mercer with their three (3) children, Jenna, Whitney, & Troy.
Steve Forrester (class of 1988) was a two-sport standout in both Cross Country and Track & Field for Mercer High School.
As a sophomore, Steve lead the Cross Country team to an undefeated regular season (10-0) and a Mercer County Athletic Conference (MCAC) Championship. The team finished 3rd at the District 10 Championship and qualified for the PIAA State Championships. Steve received a medal for his 12th place individual finish at the state meet and the Mustangs finished in 11th place as a team. During his junior season, the Mustangs repeated as MCAC champions, finishing 2nd at the District 10 Championships and 4th at the PIAA State Championships. Individually, Steve won the Sharon, Neshannock, & Tri-County Invitationals and finished 3rd at the prestigious McQuaid Invitational. He continued his success into the postseason, winning the District 10 Championship and finishing in 4th place at the PIAA State Championships in Hershey. As a senior, Steve helped led the Mustangs to an undefeated regular season (8-0), a 3rd straight MCAC League Championship, and a total of five (5) invitational championships (Pittburgh Central Catholic, Sharon, Neshannock, Tri-County, and Mercer County). He won a 2nd consecutive District 10 Championship as an individual, helping the team finish 2nd at the District 10 meet and 3rd at the PIAA State Championships.
A four-year letterwinner for the Track & Field team, Steve helped lead the Mustangs to an undefeated record in dual meet competitions (38-0) during his four years on the team. The team won twelve (12) Invitational Championships, four (4) Tri-County League Championships, and three (3) District 10 Championships (1986, 1987, & 1988). He is the all-time high scorer in the history of the Mercer Track & Field program and still holds the school record in the 3200 meter run (9:44.80).
As a freshman, Steve was the District 10 Champion in the 3200 meter run and was a member of the 3200 meter relay team that won the PIAA State Championship, edging Holy Ghost at the finish line in the finals. During his sophomore season, the Mustangs secured the 1st of their three (3) consecutive District 10 Championships and Steve qualified for the PIAA State Championships in the 3200 meter run. As a junior, he finished in 5th place in the 3200 meter run and was a member of the 3200 meter relay team that took home 5th place honors at the PIAA State Championships. During his senior season, Steve captured a District 10 Championship in the 1600 meter run as an individual and was a member of the 1st place 3200 meter relay team. At the PIAA State Championships, he finished 9th in the 1600 meter run and was a member of the 3200 meter relay team that finished in 2nd place.
Steve continued his track & field career at the University of Pittsburgh. During his freshman year, he was a member of the 1st place distance medley relay that won the 1989 Big East Championship. He currently serves as the Program Director of the Service Coordination Unit at Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic and is a recipient of UPMC’s most prestigious service award, the ACES Award for commitment & excellence in service. He and his wife, Pam, currently live in Cranberry Township and have one (1) daughter, Hanna.
Dennis (Denny) Mathieson (class of 1967) was a two-sport standout in both Football & Boys’ Basketball for Mercer High School.
Arguably one of the best linebackers in the history of the Mercer Football program, Denny was a three (3) year starter for the Mustangs. His physical, hard hitting play dominated the line of scrimmage and earned the respect of not only his teams, but players & coaches throughout the Tri-County Conference. He was an All-Tri County League selection at both middle linebacker and running back his junior & season year, leading the team in tackles during both campaigns. He led the Mustangs in scoring during his junior season, tallying 5 touchdowns and 2 two-point conversions (34 points). Denny helped lead the Mustangs to a 7-2 record and a share of the Tri-County League Championship during his senior season in the fall of 1966. Due to the fact that the Mustangs were a member of the Tri-County Conference, they did not participate in the postseason.
Denny was also a member of Hall of Fame coach John Dale Swogger’s Mustang Basketball teams that won back-to-back PIAA State Class B Championships in 1966 & 1967. During his sophomore year, the Mustangs won the District 10 Championship and finished the 1964-65 season with a 14-8 record. A top reserve on the undefeated 1966 state title team, Denny filled in for injured teammate Tom Filer during a key stretch at the end of the Tri-County league season and the early part of the District 10 Playoffs. The Mustangs finished the season with a perfect 28-0 record, defeating Darby-Colwyn 55-52 in the State Championship game. A starter during his senior season, Denny, along with Hall of Fame teammates Bob “Posey” Rhoades and Dave Knowlton, as well as Dick “Pickle” Harris & Art Adair, led the Mustangs to a 25-2 record and a 2nd consecutive State Championship with a 61-52 victory over Montrose. He was a double digit scorer on this Mustang team that average over 90 ppg during the season and was a team leader in both field goal percentage & assists.
Dennis Mathieson enjoyed boating, skiing, golfing, racing, riding his Harley, and spending time with family & loved ones until the time of his death in June of 2015. He is survived by his wife, Lori Mathieson, three (3) children, Danielle Griffin, Nicole Benoit, & Robert Truitt, as well as several grandchildren and other beloved family members.
Class of 2018
Justin Angermeier (class of 2008) was a three-sport standout in Football, Wrestling, and Track & Field during his time at Mercer High School.
A four-year letterwinner for the varsity football program, Justin finished his career with 3,000 rushing yards, which is 2nd in school history. During his junior season, he rushed for 891 yards and scored 11 touchdowns as the Mustangs finished the season with a 5-5 record. As a senior, Justin helped lead the Mustangs to an 11-2 record, winning the Region 1 Championship and finishing as District 10 Class A Runner-Up. He finished the season with 1,924 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns on offense and 123 tackles (52 solo) on defense. Selected as the team's Most Valuable Player, Justin was also named the State Farm Player of the Game four times throughout the season. He took home 1st team Region 1 honors at both Running Back & Linebacker, 1st team All-District 10 honors at Linebacker, and was named 1st team All-State at Linebacker. He was selected to the DeBartolo/WKBN Big 22 team and was a finalist for the Pennsylvania Player of the Year.
Justin was also a four-year letterwinner for coach Rick Whenry in the varsity wrestling program. As a sophomore, he finished the season with a 26-9 dual match record and was named to the Region 1 2nd team at 160 pounds. He took 1st place at the Harbor Creek Tournament, 3rd place at the Brockway Big Dog Tournament, and 3rd place at the Saegertown Tournament. During the postseason, Justin took 2nd place at the Section 2 Tournament, 4th place at the District 10 Championships, and 6th place at the Northwest Regional Tournament, just missing a chance to qualify for the PIAA State Championships. During his junior season, he compiled a 29-11 dual match record and was a Region 1 2nd team selection (171 pounds) for a 2nd consecutive season. He finished 2nd at the Fred Bell Tournament and 3rd at the Saegertown Tournament. In postseason tournaments he finished 2nd at the Section 2 Tournament, 4th at the District 10 Championships, and 5th at the Northwest Regional Tournament, earning a trip to PIAA State Championships in Hershey. As a senior, Justin finished the season with a 40-9 dual match record, earning Region 1 1st team and all-District 10 honors. He took 1st place at the Section 2 Tournament, 2nd place at the District 10 Championships, 3rd at the Northwest Regional Tournament, and 7th at the PIAA State Championships. He concluded his scholastic wrestling career with 125 wins, which currently puts Justin in 4th place in school history.
As a member of the boys' track & field team, Justin earned four varsity letters and qualified for the District 10 Championships in the javelin all four seasons. As a sophomore, he finished 1st at the City of Hermitage Invitational, 5th at the Mercer County Invitational, and 6th at the District 10 AA Championships. During his junior season, Justin took home 1st place honors at the City of Hermitage Invitational, Erie McDowell Invitational, and the District 10 AA Championships. Qualifiying for the PIAA State Championships at Shippensburg University, Justin finished in 3rd place and set a school record with a throw of 190' 10". As a senior, Justin returned from several injuries to finish 3rd at the District 10 AA Championships and qualify for the PIAA State Championships for a 2nd consecutive season, finishing in 13th place.
A project manager at GE Transportation, Justin and his wife, Nikki, live in Sharpsville with their two children, Breelynn (6) and Roman (1).
Jerry Gawne (class of 1989) was a two-sport standout in both Football & Wrestling for Mercer High School.
A four-year letterwinner in the wrestling program under head coaches Joe Baranik & Keith DeGraaf, Jerry compiled an overall record of 106-26-4. He recorded 62 victories via pin and won 40 consecutive matches during his junior & senior year. His 106 wins is currently tied for 10th place in school history.
Jerry was a placewinner all four (4) years that he participated in the Fred Bell Memorial Tournament at Grove City High School, reaching the finals three out of four years. During his postseason career, he was a 4-time Section finalist, 4-time qualifier for the District I0 Tournament, 2-time qualifier for the Nortwest Regional Tournament, and a 2-time qualifier for the PIAA State Championships. He was an All-MCAC selection during all Four (4) years within the wrestling program, earning 2nd team honors as a freshman & sophomore and 1st team honors following his junior & senior seasons. As a sophomore, Jerry compiled a 21-6-2 dual match record and finished 2nd at the Fred Bell Tournament, 2nd at the Section 2 Tournament, and 4th at the District 10 Championships. Serving as a team co-captain during his junior year, Jerry finished the season with a record of 29-8 and helped lead the Mustangs to an 11-5-1 dual match record. He finished 2nd at the Section 2 Tournament, 3rd at the District 10 Championships, and 3rd at the Northwest Regional Tournament, earning him a trip to Hershey for the PIAA State Championships at 155 pounds. As a senior captain, Jerry completed an undefeated dual match season at 160 pounds as the Mustangs finished with a 16-1 dual match record. He was crowned champion at both the Fred Bell Tournament and Warren Holiday Tournament. He took 1st place at the Section 2 Tournament, 1st place at the District 10 Championships, and 1st place at the Northwest Regional Tournament, earning a 2nd consecutive trip to the PIAA State Championships. He finished the season with a 35-2 dual match record. Jerry participated in the Pennsylvania Freestyle Wrestling Championships during the offseason. Following his senior year, he finished 3rd and earned a spot on the Pennsylvania Freestyle National Wrestling Team.
A three-year letterwinner for the football team, Jerry played both middle linebacker & fullback for the Mustangs. During his senior year, he earned 1st team All-MCAC honors at both middle linebacker & fullback.
Jerry has coached within the Mercer Wrestling program for 24 years, serving as head coach of the varsity wrestling team for the past four years. The 2017-18 team finished 2nd in Region I and qualified for the District 10 Team Dual Tournament for the 2nd time in school history.
Jerry and his wife, Debbie, have two children, Alec & Eric, who were also members of the wrestling program while they attended Mercer High School. Jerry currently works as a Physical Therapist at Coolspring Physical Therapy in Mercer.
Class of 2019
Thomas Filer (class of 1966) was a three (3) year letterwinner for the Mercer Boys’ Basketball program under Hall of Fame head coach John Dale Swogger.
As a sophomore, Thomas was a member of the boys’ basketball team that finished the 1963-64 season with a 26-2 record, securing the Tri-County League Championship, District 10 Championship, and Western Regional Championship. The Mustangs fell to Montrose High School in the PIAA Class B State Championship that year by a score of 73-65.
Named to the All-Tournament team at the Butler Tournament as a junior, Thomas averaged a double-double in points & rebounds and helped lead the Mustangs to a 14-8 record during the 1964-65 season.
Serving as team captain during his senior year, Thomas helped the boys’ basketball team complete one of the greatest seasons in school history, finishing the 1965-66 season with a perfect 28-0 record. The Mustangs secured the Tri-County League Championship, District 10 Championship, and Western Regional Championship. They capped off a perfect season by defeating Darby-Colwyn High School by a score of 55-52 in overtime at Pittsburgh’s Civic Arena and secured the first of two consecutive PIAA Class B State Championships. During this record-setting season, the Mustangs set school standards for most points scored in a game (131 points vs Laurel High School) and highest scoring average per game (89.1 ppg) as part of the only undefeated season in school history. Averaging a double-double (points & rebounds) for the second consecutive season, Filer finished among the top 15 scorers in Mercer County during the 1965-66 season and was named to the All-Tournament team at the Bessemer Rotary Tournament. During a regular season contest vs Neshannock High School, he scored 30 points in the 1st half, including 18 consecutive points and 20 points in one quarter. Following the season, he was named All-State Honorable mention, played in the Western Pennsylvania vs Eastern Ohio All-Star game at Farrell High School, and was named to the All-Hoyle team during the 1966 W.U Hoyle Tournament of Champions at Sharon High School.
Following graduation, Thomas received a full scholarship to continue his basketball career at Point Park College (now Point Park University). A three-year letterwinner and starter for Hall of Fame coach Jerry Conboy, he was part of the first team at Point Park University that competed as a full four-year program at the NAIA level in 1967-68.
Thomas earned a Baccalaureate of Science degree in Business Management from Point Park University and spent over 40 years in the medical device profession. He was one of the founding partners and CEO of Medical Strategies International (MSI), a multi-million dollar medical device consultant firm. He also served as Director of Sales for Siemens Medical Corporation and was Executive Vice President of sales for Maquet Corporation.
Thomas and his wife, Nancy, have one daughter, Melissa Hughes, and currently reside in Travelers Rest, South Carolina.
Kathy (Keehlwetter) Orlando (class of 1998) was a three-sport standout in soccer, girls’ basketball, and girls’ track & field at Mercer High School.
Kathy was a member of the first varsity boys’ soccer team at Mercer High School for coach Bill Juergens during the 1995-1996 school year. A starter during her junior season, she helped lead the Mustangs to an 11-4-2 record. She was named to the Mercer County Athletic Conference (MCAC) 1st team as a defender during her senior year, one of only two (2) female soccer players in Mercer County history to ever be named to the all-MCAC boys’ soccer team. The Mustangs finished the 1997-1998 season with a 10-8-1 record.
A four-year letterwinner and three-year starter at point guard for head coaches Linda Grundy and Mike Cominos, Kathy was a 2nd team all-MCAC small school selection during her junior season and helped lead the Lady M’s to a District 10 playoff appearance. As a senior, she led the team in scoring (10.8 ppg) and was named 1st team all-MCAC small school team at the conclusion of the 1997-1998 season.
Kathy was a four-year letterwinner for the girls’ track & field team. As a junior, she finished 2nd in the long jump, 3rd in the 400m dash, and was a member of the 6th place 4 × 100 meter relay team at the MCAC meet at Lakeview High School. The following week at the District 10 Championships, she was a member of the 4th place 4 × 400 meter relay team and finished 2nd in the long jump, earning a trip to the PIAA State Track & Field Championships at Shippensburg University. During her senior season, Kathy helped lead the girls’ track & field team to a Mercer County Athletic Conference (MCAC) Division 2 Championship. She finished 2nd in the long jump and was a member of the 1st place 4 × 100 meter relay team at the MCAC Meet held at Hickory High School. At the District 10 Championships, Kathy took home 2nd place honors in the long jump, was a member of the 6th place 4 × 400 meter relay team, and helped the 4 × 100 meter relay team secure a 1st place finish, earning her a second consecutive trip to the PIAA State Track & Field Championships. Upon graduation from high school, Kathy was a member of record-setting teams in both the 4 × 100 meter relay and the 4 × 400 meter relay. She currently still holds the school standard in the girls’ long jump (17’ 6 ½”).
Kathy continued her soccer career at Grove City College under head coach Melissa Lamie. She was a four-year starter and four-time President’s Athletic Conference All-Conference selection (2nd team selection in 1998 and 1st team selection in 1999, 2000, & 2001). During her junior season, Kathy helped lead the women’s soccer team to an overall record of 14-6-0, which included an undefeated President’s Athletic Conference record (8-0) and a President’s Athletic Conference Tournament Championship. The women’s soccer team finished the 2001 season with a 2nd consecutive undefeated PAC regular season (8-0), repeated as President’s Athletic Conference Tournament Champions, and earned a berth in the ECAC Mid-Atlantic Tournament. At the conclusion of the 2001 season, Kathy was named President's Athletic Conference Most Valuable Player and was also tabbed as the 2001 President’s Athletic Conference Tournament Defensive MVP. A member of the President’s Athletic Conference 60th Anniversary Women’s Soccer team, Kathy is currently tied for 10th place all-time in Grove City College Women’s Soccer history for matches started (79 total).
Kathy and her husband, Michael, currently reside in Sewickley, PA, with their five (5) children, Lexi, Nathan, Nolan, Austin, & Allie.
Class of 2020
Andre Borowicz - Class of 1986
Andre Borowiz was a three-sport standout in Football, Boys’ Basketball, and Track & Field at Mercer High School. A three-year member of the Mustang football team, Andre played running back & defensive back for head coaches Terry Factor and Frank Makarevich. An injury early in his senior year forced him to miss significant time on the playing field during the season.
A three-year letterwinner for the Boys’ Basketball team under Hall of Fame head coach Dave Cook, Andre helped lead the Mustangs to District 10 playoff appearances during both his sophomore and junior seasons. During his sophomore year, the Boys’ Basketball team reached the District 10 semifinals, falling to Iroquois High School. As a senior, he led the team in scoring with 271 points (12.9 ppg) and was named to the Mercer County Athletic Conference (MCAC) 1st team. For his career, Andre scored a total of 742 points, which places him 24th on the all-time scoring list for the Boys’ Basketball program.
A four-year letterwinner for the Boys’ Track & Field team under Hall of Fame coach Mark Hannay, Andre helped lead the Mustangs to an undefeated dual meet record (8-0) and a Mercer County Athletic Conference (MCAC) championship during his freshman season. The team took first place at the Fairview, McGaggart-Shavers, and Tri-County meets during the regular season. The Mustangs finished 2nd at the District 10 Championships and Andre served as an alternate on the 400 meter relay team that finished in 8th place at the PIAA State Track & Field Championships. During his junior year, the Mustangs again finished with a perfect regular season dual meet record (10-0) and an MCAC Championship. The team finished 1st at the Tri-County meet, 2nd at the Mercer Invitational, and 3rd at the Fairview Invitational during the regular season. As a senior, Andre helped lead the Mustangs to an undefeated dual meet record (9-0) and MCAC Championship for the 3rd time in four (4) years. The team finished 1st at the Tri-County meet and 4th at the Fairview Invitational during the regular season. Andre secured the District 10 Class AA 200 meter Championship, helping the team win the first of three (3) consecutive District 10 AA Team Championships.
Upon graduation from high school, Andre continued his academic and athletic career at Westminer College. He was a four-year member of the football team for Hall of Fame coach Joe Fusco. As a sophomore, Andre helped lead the team to a 9-2 record and a spot in the NAIA Division II Quarterfinals. The Titans won back-to-back NAIA National Championships during both his junior and senior year, defeating Wisconsin-La Crosse 21-14 in 1988 and 51-30 in 1989 to finish both seasons with perfect records (14-0 and 13-0). Andre was named NAIA Honorable mention All-American defensive back at the conclusion of his senior campaign. Inducted into the Titan Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998, Andre is tied for 2nd in Titan football history for pass breakups in a single season (23 in 1988) and tied for 3rd for career pass breakups (47 total).
Currently a member of the faculty at Sharpsville Area High School, Andre resides in Mercer with his two (2) children, Daphne and Trevor.
Jamie Borowicz - Class of 1978
Jamie Borowicz was a three-sport standout in Football, Boys’ Basketball, and Track & Field at Mercer High School.
A three-year member of the Mustang football team, Jamie played flanker back and defensive back for during both his sophomore & junior seasons, and transitioned to quarterback on offense during his senior year.
Playing under Hall of Fame head coach Dave Cook, Jamie helped lead the Boys’ Basketball team to the PIAA State Championship game during his junior season. The Mustangs rolled through the regular season with a 21-1 record, winning the Mercer County Athletic Conference (MCAC) Championship. During the District 10 Playoffs, the Mustangs “Mighty Mites” defated Rocky Grove (72-45), Northwestern (62-55), and captured the District 10 Championship with a 55-40 win over Kennedy Christian in front of a standing room only crowd of close to 4,000 fans at Westminster College. In the inter-district playoffs, the Mustangs ousted Greensburg Central Catholic (81-65), Kennedy Christian (65-57), and Midland (58-56). The boys’ basketball team defeated Bishop Boyle 86-71 in the PIAA Western final, securing a spot in the PIAA State Championship game in Hershey. The Mustangs battled Cocalico in the state championship game, falling by a score of 75-59 and finishing the season with a 28-2 record. Jamie was the 2nd leading scorer during the season with 349 points (11.6 ppg) and was named to both the PIAA All-Tournament team and UPI All-State team (Honorable Mention). During his senior season, Jamie helped lead the Mustangs to a 21-9 record, finishing as runner-up in both the MCAC and District 10 before bowing out in the PIAA State Quarterfinals. He finished his high school career with a total of 756 points, good for 22nd on the Boys’ Basketball all-time scoring list.
Jamie was a member of the Boys’ Track & Field team, competing as a hurdler during both his sophomore and junior seasons. An ankle injury forced him to miss his senior season with the team.
Upon graduation from high school, Jamie continued his academic and athletic career at Mercyhurst College (University). He was a member of the men’s basketball program for four (4) years and the men’s soccer program for two (2) years. Following his collegiate career, Jamie began his coaching career at Mercyhurst Prepatory School. He has served as head coach of the girls’ soccer program for 22 years, winning over 300 matches and three (3) District 10 Championships throughout his career. He led the Lakers to back-to-back appearances in the PIAA State Championship match, finishing as runner-up in 2016 and winning the PIAA AA State Championship in 2017.
Jamie received his Ph.D. in Anthropology from the State University of New York College at Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo) in 2003. Additionally, he has had over 25 solo art exhibitions and over 100 invitational and competitive shows. He is currently a member of the faculty at Mercyhurst Preparatory School. He and his wife, Alice, reside in Erie and are the proud parents of two (2) children, Maia and Jesse.
