The Athletic Hall of Fame ceremonies for Nativity BVM High School's 12th class were held Saturday at the high school. Those honored include, from left: Amanda Kuperavage Lad, Class of 2004; Brian Forney, Class of 1999; Lari McAlonis, Class of 1983; and Chris Dimmerling, Class of 1987, (accepting are his children, Henry and Anna Dimmerling). (Photo courtesy of Nativity Athletics)

The Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremonies for Nativity BVM High School were held Saturday, Jan. 10 in the school gymnasium between the JV and varsity boys’ basketball games against Minersville. This was the 12th class inducted into Nativity’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

This year’s honorees include:

Amanda Kuperavage Lad

The daughter of Vince and Karen Kuperavage of Port Carbon, Amanda Kuperavage Lad graduated from Nativity BVM High School in 2004. After high school she continued her academic and athletic careers at DeSales University where she received a BS degree in Sport and Exercise Science with a minor in Sport Management.  From there she went on to Gardner-Webb University where she received her MA in Exercise Science and Pedagogy.

While at Nativity, she garnered varsity letters in four sports: volleyball, basketball, softball and track and field.  As a volleyball player, Kuperavage Lad helped her team advance to league, district and state playoffs. During her junior year, the team won silver in the Schuylkill League and District 11 Tournaments and placed fifth in the PIAA Tournament. She was named to the All-District Second Team.  In her senior year, the team won silver in the District 11 Tournament and she was named to the All-Area First Team.

For four years, Kuperavage Lad helped the Golden Girls basketball team earn honors. In her freshman year, the team won the District 11 championship and was the PIAA state runner-up.  Sophomore year saw a repeat at states with Nativity finishing as the PIAA runner-up. As a junior, Kuperavage Lad and her teammates won silver in the Schuylkill League championships.  In her senior year, she was named honorable mention on the All-Area Team for her achievements with the Nativity Golden Girls’ District 11 runner-up and state runner-up teams.

Kuperavage Lad also enjoyed playing softball. As a sophomore, she received honorable mention on the All-Area Team. She was part of the District 11 championship team during her junior year. It was the first district championship in 20 years. For her efforts as a junior, she was named to the All-Area Second Team. During her senior year, she once again received All-Area honors as she was named to the second team.

After high school, Kuperavage Lad continued her athletic career at DeSales University where she earned a starting spot midway through freshman year on the basketball team.  She played all four years, and as a senior, the team won the MAC Conference title and finished with an NCAA D3 Sweet 16 appearance.

Kuperavage Lad pursued her interest in sports by working as a strength and conditioning coach. She coached at Bucknell University, Gardner-Webb University and Monmouth University, where she served as the Director of the Strength and Conditioning program until she resigned to stay at home with her young children.

She resides in New Jersey with her family.

Brian Forney

Brian Forney, the son of George and the late Barbara Forney of Pottsville, is a member of the 1999 graduating class of Nativity BVM High School. During his time at Nativity, he accumulated nine varsity letters in three sports: football, basketball and track and field.

Football was Forney’s most accomplished sport, playing both offense and defense. During his time at Nativity, he set one-time school and area records, garnishing then-school record for receptions in a season (57), leading the area in receptions (57), yards (874) and receiving touchdowns (8) as well as leading the team in defense with 74 tackles, 2.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries and one interception. He was recognized as the 1999 Associated Press Small School Third Team All-State WR/TE. Forney also was named to the First Team Schuylkill County Football Coaches Association All-Star Team, to the Republican Herald All-Area First Team, to the Reading Eagle All-Anthracite Team and as a starter for the Schuylkill County South All-Star Team.

In the winter, Forney switched his abilities to basketball. He earned two varsity letters and became part of the 1999 school record setting team — at the time with the most wins (21) in a regular season. As a starter, he helped his team win a state playoff game (first Nativity Hilltopper team to do so) and a District 11 silver medal. He was a top defender in the Schuylkill League.

As a four-year varsity member of Nativity’s champion track and field team, Forney was part of a championship run. He ran the 400, 1600, and 3200 relays, placing third in the Schuylkill League and districts. He was a member of the Schuylkill Relays champion shuttle hurdle relay and was named to the Schuylkill League Division II All-Star Team. During his four years, Nativity track and field never lost a dual meet and captured four straight Schuylkill League Division II championships.

Forney received the Outstanding Male Athlete award at graduation and earned a scholarship to play football at Kutztown University.

He graduated from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, earning a degree in carpentry.  He is employed as a Superintendent for Target Building Construction for which he was named the 2019 Superintendent of the Year for the Delaware Valley.

Forney resides in Schuylkill Haven with his family. 

Chris Dimmerling

Chris Dimmerling resides with his family in Maine. During his high school years at Nativity, he commuted from the home of his parents, James and Mildred Dimmerling of Saint Clair.

Dimmerling played four sports — cross country and basketball all four years, baseball for three years and track and field his senior year, until he graduated from Nativity in 1987.

He excelled in running as is evident by his championships and medals. Twice he was named an All-League runner in cross country. Dimmerling qualified for states twice in cross country. In 1986, he was Schuylkill League champion and District 11 runner -up. He placed 12^th at states that same year and led Nativity to its first-ever Schuylkill League championship as a Division II team.

Although Dimmerling only ran track his senior year, he still managed to capture some gold.  He was Schuylkill League champion in the 1600-meter run and District 11 champion in the 1600. He was also part of the 3200-meter relay team, which took District 11 gold that year.

As a basketball player, Dimmerling averaged 11 points per game for his four years as a starter on the squad. For his first three years at Nativity, he was also a starter on the baseball team.

After graduation, Dimmerling continued his education at the University of Rhode Island where he graduated in 1992 with a degree in Political Science. Dimmerling is a sales manager for National Marine Manufacturers Association. He stays involved by volunteering, coaching Little League and as President of Baseball Boosters.

Lari McAlonis

Lari McAlonis is the daughter of Arlene McAlonis and a 1983 graduate of Nativity BVM High School. After graduating, she continued her education at DeSales University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

McAlonis was a four-year varsity athlete for the Golden Girls basketball and softball teams. She was also team captain her senior year. Throughout her career, she demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication and sportsmanship, serving as a role model for her teammates. One of the most memorable moments of her athletic career came when she helped lead the softball team to a victory over Conrad Weiser High School, advancing the Golden Girls to the state championship game — an achievement she considers the greatest game she ever played. As a standout shortstop, McAlonis’ defensive excellence, consistency and game awareness made the pitchers’ jobs easier and were instrumental to the team’s success. Her contributions on and off the field exemplify the qualities this award is meant to honor.

A fellow teammate (who is a member of Nativity’s Inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame Class) explains why she nominated McAlonis for this award: “Lari was the starting shortstop of my team for four years. She made my life easy as a pitcher. My go-to girl, a great hitter!”

McAlonis resides in Florida with her family.