Marian Catholic High School will honor 10 former athletes and the late longtime golf coach Leonard A. “Lenny” Brylewski Sr. during its 2026 Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
The ceremony will be held Sunday, October 18, at Capriotti’s in Tresckow and will recognize accomplishments in football, volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, track and field, and golf.
2026 Marian Catholic Sports Hall of Fame Ceremony
- Date:
- Location: Capriotti’s in Tresckow
- Social hour: 3 to 4 p.m.
- Dinner: 4 p.m.
- Induction ceremony: Following dinner
- Tickets: Contact Sue Connely at 570-590-3041 or Bill O’Gurek Sr. at 570-249-1117
Since 2004, the Marian Catholic Sports Hall of Fame Committee has selected 10 former athletes for induction during even-numbered years. Alumni must be at least 20 years removed from graduation, while head coaches who served for at least five years may also be considered.
The Class of 2026 includes Kory Bates, Kimberly (Horvath) Downey, Jennifer (Blasko) Gaines, Jody (Searfoss) Hallett, Tricia (McElmoyle) Kanick, Fran Harmonosky, Joseph Harmonosky, Michael Harmonosky, Kayla Poluka and Caitlin (Kuhns) Thompson. Brylewski will be honored for his accomplishments and influence as Marian’s longtime golf coach.
Marian Catholic Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026
Kory B. Bates Sr.
Kory B. Bates Sr. was a standout two-sport athlete at Marian High School, excelling in both baseball and football. A three-year varsity centerfielder, he helped Marian capture league and district championships during his senior season and advance to the 1980 state playoffs. In football, Kory was a two-year varsity player, starting at fullback and also contributing defensively. As a senior, he was voted team MVP and received the Billy McKale Award, recognizing him as the top athlete in the Tamaqua, Panther Valley and Marian area.
Kory credits his coaches and teammates at Marian with helping to shape the work ethic and determination that stayed with him throughout his life. After graduation, he attended college and spent time working in Texas before returning home. In 1986, he opened his own business and has remained self-employed in the Hometown and Barnesville area ever since.
Kimberly A. (Horvath) Downey
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Kimberly A. (Horvath) Downey, a 2001 graduate of Marian Catholic High School, was a talented three-sport athlete who competed in volleyball, basketball and softball. Known as an all-around athlete, Kimberly served as a team captain and was recognized for her quickness, jumping ability, determination and willingness to do whatever was needed to help her teams succeed.
Kimberly earned numerous honors during her Marian career. In volleyball, she was named Second Team All-State in 2000 and Schuylkill County All-Area Team MVP in 2000. She also received Pottsville Republican Second Team honors in volleyball in 1999 and Honorable Mention in 1998. In basketball, she was named Schuylkill County First Team in 2001, earned Pottsville Republican Second Team honors in 2000, and participated in the 2001 Senior Charity Game.
Kimberly was an important part of several successful Marian teams. The Fillies basketball team captured the 1998-1999 Schuylkill League Division IV Championship and finished as league runner-up, followed by district and league runner-up honors in 1999. In volleyball, Marian finished as district runner-up in 1997 and 1998. The 1999 team captured both the District XI and Schuylkill League championships, finishing with a 26-4 record. In 2000, the Fillies again won both championships and advanced to the Elite Eight of the state tournament, finishing an outstanding 23-2 season.
Kimberly’s accomplishments extended beyond athletics. She served as class president during her freshman and sophomore years, class secretary/treasurer as a junior, and a Eucharistic minister during her senior year. She credits her years at Marian with teaching her the importance of teamwork, perseverance, faith, and never giving up when faced with challenges.
Following Marian, Kimberly earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Moravian University in 2006 and later completed dual master’s degrees in Nursing Administration and Business Administration in 2023. She has continued to find success professionally and currently works as a hospital administrator and director of an emergency department.
More than two decades after graduating, Kimberly remains involved in athletics by coaching her five children in volleyball, basketball, Little League and softball. She resides in Pottsville with her husband, Michael, and their five children, Connor, Cooper, Cole, Lucas and Callie. Kimberly continues to carry with her the values and lessons she learned at Marian, both in her career and in raising the next generation.
Jennifer (Blasko) Gaines
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Jennifer (Blasko) Gaines is a 2005 graduate of Marian Catholic High School. A standout in volleyball, basketball, softball and track, she helped lead Marian to multiple league and district championships, including the 2003 PIAA Class A Volleyball State Championship. Jen earned numerous individual honors, including Times News Volleyball Player of the Year, First Team All-State recognition, and surpassed 1,000 career points in basketball.
Following high school, Jen continued her volleyball career at Slippery Rock University, where she was a four-year starter and team captain. She earned numerous academic and athletic honors, including NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year, PSAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and ESPN Academic All-America First Team honors. She remains among Slippery Rock’s all-time leaders in several volleyball career statistics.
Jen earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Slippery Rock University in 2012 and currently serves as a physical therapist with St. Luke’s, specializing in outpatient orthopedic care. A devoted mother of two children, Joy and Quinn, she enjoys an active lifestyle with her family through sports, hiking, biking, and outdoor adventures.
Jody (Searfoss) Hallett
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Jody (Searfoss) Hallett is a 2006 graduate who excelled in both basketball and softball from 2003 to 2006. A 1,309-point scorer in basketball, she helped lead Marian to three Schuylkill League Championships and a PIAA Class A State Runner-Up finish in 2005. Her outstanding play earned numerous honors, including First Team All-Area selections, an AP All-State nomination, Wendy’s Female Athlete Heisman nomination, and the 2006 Schuylkill County Female Scholar-Athlete Award.
On the softball field, Jody was a dominant pitcher and contributor to three division championship teams. As a senior, she posted an 18-3 record with a 0.67 ERA and 198 strikeouts, earning Pottsville Republican Pitcher of the Year and Times News Softball Player of the Year honors.
Jody continued her softball career at Holy Family University, where she became the program’s all-time career strikeout leader with 656 strikeouts. A four-time All-CACC selection and 2010 First Team All-CACC honoree, she established herself as one of the most successful pitchers in school history while excelling both athletically and academically.
Tricia (McElmoyle) Kanick
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Tricia (McElmoyle) Kanick, a 2005 graduate of Marian Catholic High School, was a standout three-sport athlete, earning four varsity letters in basketball and track and three in softball. A three-year starter in both basketball and softball, Tricia made a lasting impact on Marian athletics, particularly on the basketball court.
During her basketball career, Tricia helped lead Marian to two state finals appearances in 2003 and 2005, two Eastern Championships, four Eastern Finals, two Schuylkill League Championships, two division championships, and a District XI Championship in 2005. Individually, she finished her career with 1,251 points and earned numerous honors, including two-time All-State, two-time Times News Player of the Year, two-time Republican Herald Player of the Year, Hazleton Standard Speaker Player of the Year, Reading Eagle Player of the Year, and BRC TV13 Female Athlete of the Winter Season.
Following Marian, Tricia graduated from Kutztown University in 2010 with dual degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education and later earned a master’s degree in Classroom Technology from Wilkes University in 2013. She continued her involvement in athletics by coaching basketball, softball, and field hockey.
Tricia resides in Lehighton with her husband, Tony, and their two daughters. She works for the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit as an Autism Interventionist at Panther Valley High School. Today, much of her time is spent supporting her daughters and their involvement in basketball, soccer, gymnastics, and track.
Fran Harmonosky
Fran Harmonosky was a standout member of the Marian High School football program, contributing to several successful seasons from 1996 through 1999. A four-year starter at nose guard, Fran also played offensive guard and tackle and was a versatile member of Marian’s special teams, contributing as a long snapper on punt teams and as part of the field goal, kickoff, kick return, and punt return units.
During his career, Fran helped Marian capture the 1998 District XI Football Championship, while also contributing to District XI runner-up finishes in 1996 and 1997 and an Eastern Conference runner-up finish in 1999. His individual accomplishments included being named 1999 Tri-Captain, Second Team All-State Defensive Lineman, First Team All-Anthracite Defense, All-County All-Star, and Honorable Mention Defensive Lineman. He was also recognized as Marian Football’s “Chairman of the Board” in both 1998 and 1999. During the 1999 season, Fran recorded 37 unassisted tackles, 98 assists, three sacks, one interception, one blocked kick, and one fumble recovery.
Fran was the youngest of three brothers who made a lasting contribution to Marian Jr./Sr. High School football. His brothers Mike, who played from 1989–1993, and Joe, who played from 1992–1997, helped continue a family tradition that Fran proudly carried on through the 1999 season.
Following high school, Fran earned a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Misericordia University. He has worked as a practicing physical therapist for the past 19 years and is currently employed by Maylath Valley Health Systems in Sybertsville, Pennsylvania, as a Home Health Physical Therapist.
Joseph Harmonosky
Joseph Harmonosky was a standout multi-sport athlete at Marian High School, making his mark on both the football field and in track and field. A dominant presence on the offensive and defensive lines, Joseph was a three-year starter at offensive and defensive tackle from 1995 through 1997 and earned numerous honors throughout his Marian career.
Joseph helped Marian football earn District XI runner-up finishes in both 1996 and 1997. Individually, he was named Third Team All-State Offensive Tackle in 1996, along with First Team All-Anthracite Defensive Tackle and First Team All-County honors on both offense and defense. His senior season brought even more recognition, including First Team All-State Offensive Tackle, All-Anthracite Offensive Tackle of the Year, First Team All-Anthracite Offensive Tackle, and First Team All-County honors on both sides of the ball. He later participated in the 1998 Schuylkill County Offensive and Defensive Tackle All-Star Game.
Over his junior and senior seasons, Joseph recorded more than 140 tackles, 10 sacks, multiple fumble recoveries, and an interception. Remarkably, as a starting offensive tackle, he never allowed a sack throughout his high school career.
Joseph also found success beyond the football field. He was a member of Marian’s 1994-1995 District XI championship basketball team and qualified for the District XI Track and Field Championships in the shot put and discus in 1997.
Joseph was the second of three Harmonosky brothers who contributed to Marian football over a continuous 10-year span. His brother Mike played from 1989-1993, Joseph from 1992-1997, and his brother Fran from 1994-1999, creating a memorable family tradition within the Marian football program.
Following high school, Joseph earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Bloomsburg University in 2002 and later a Master of Science degree in Classroom Technology from Wilkes University in 2017. He has dedicated the past 23 years to education and currently serves as a special education teacher with the Hazleton Area School District.
Joseph and his wife, Tara, reside in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, with their two children, Tara and Kasimir.
Michael Harmonosky
Michael Harmonosky, a 1994 graduate of Marian Catholic High School, was a standout member of the Colts football program. One of three brothers to play football at Marian, Michael began his career in 1989 as an eighth grader and developed into a three-year varsity starter, contributing on the offensive line, defensive line, and special teams.
Michael was part of Marian teams that enjoyed tremendous success. His freshman teams went undefeated in both 1989 and 1990, and in 1992, the Colts captured the Eastern Conference Football Championship. In 1993, Marian won the District XI Championship and advanced to the Eastern State Finals.
Michael’s senior season was especially impressive. Playing offensive and defensive tackle, he earned First Team All-Anthracite and First Team All-County honors and was named the Reading Eagle Defensive Player of the Game several times. He also received Big 33 Honorable Mention recognition. During the 1993 season, Michael recorded 103 tackles, six fumble recoveries, seven sacks, two interceptions, and one blocked punt.
His success at Marian earned him a football scholarship to West Chester University, where he made the travel team as a true freshman offensive guard in 1994. That season, the Golden Rams were co-PSAC Champions and advanced to the NCAA Division II National Playoffs.
Following college, Michael attended trade school and built a successful career as a union journeyman with United Association Pipefitters and Plumbers Local 524 in Scranton, where he has worked for more than two decades. He resides in Kline Township with his wife, Cheryl, and their four children, Nico, Katy, Jenna, and Mia.
Kayla Poluka
Kayla Poluka was a standout setter for Marian Catholic Volleyball from 2002–2005, helping lead the Fillies through one of the program’s most successful eras. She became the starting varsity setter as a freshman and helped Marian capture multiple Schuylkill League and District XI championships, the program’s first PIAA Class A State Championship in 2003, and a PIAA State Finalist finish in 2005.
Throughout her four-year career, Kayla earned numerous honors, including multiple District XI All-Area selections, All-State recognition, 2005 Times News Player of the Year, and Standard Speaker Player of the Year. As a senior, she was named First Team All-State. She graduated holding Marian’s school record with 3,783 career assists, ranked first in career aces with 322, and helped her team compile an outstanding 104–11 record.
Following Marian, Kayla attended Misericordia University, earning her bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2010. She went on to build a successful career as a Senior Sales Support professional and local business owner. Above all, Kayla is most proud of being a mother to her two children, Ben and Belle, and credits her years at Marian with teaching her the dedication, resilience, leadership, and teamwork that continue to guide her today.
Caitlin (Kuhns) Thompson
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Caitlin (Kuhns) Thompson was a multi-sport athlete at Marian Catholic High School, excelling in volleyball and track and field from 2001 to 2005. As a key member of Marian’s dominant volleyball program, she helped lead the Fillies to three Schuylkill League Championships, four District XI Championships, and the 2003 PIAA State Championship. Individually, she earned All-State and All-District honors, served as team captain in 2004, was named BRCTV Female Athlete of the Season, and set the school’s single-season hitting percentage record at .484.
In track and field, Caitlin was the 2003 District XI Triple Jump Champion, qualified for the PIAA State Championships, and established a school record in the triple jump at 33 feet, 11 inches. She amassed more than 60 top-three finishes during her high school career.
Following graduation, Caitlin continued her volleyball career at East Stroudsburg University on scholarship, where she was a four-year starter and one of the program’s most accomplished players. She ranks second in school history in games played and career blocks, earned two All-PSAC selections, was named PSAC Player of the Week twice in 2008, and received both the team’s MVP and Coaches Award honors.
Today, Caitlin serves as a paraprofessional at Jim Thorpe Area High School, working with students with exceptionalities in the Life Skills classroom. She remains dedicated to developing young athletes through coaching, including Booster Club Volleyball, St. Jerome’s CYO, and the Jim Thorpe junior high and high school volleyball programs. Caitlin and her husband, a former ESU baseball player, are proud parents of two children, Brynn and Liam.
Leonard A. “Lenny” Brylewski Sr.
Leonard A. “Lenny” Brylewski Sr. built a remarkable legacy at Marian Catholic High School as an educator, mentor, golfer, and highly successful head golf coach. Beginning his coaching career at Marian in 1993, Lenny led the Colts for 29 years, compiling an estimated 300–350 dual-match victories and establishing the program as a consistent contender in the Schuylkill League.
Among his many accomplishments, Lenny guided Marian to four Schuylkill League divisional championships. In 2012, the Colts completed an undefeated 12–0 season, captured the Division II title, and defeated Blue Mountain to win the overall Schuylkill League championship, ending Blue Mountain’s 14-year reign. His teams also earned division championships in 2009 and 2010, with the 2010 squad finishing undefeated in divisional play.
Under his leadership, Marian also made its first appearance in the PIAA District XI Class AA Team Championships, finishing as the district runner-up. Lenny also started Marian’s Fillies golf program in 2009.
Born in Mahanoy City, Lenny graduated from Mahanoy City High School in 1954 before serving in the United States Navy, retiring in 1977 as a Command Master Chief Petty Officer. While serving, he earned an associate degree from Bucks County Community College and later earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Bloomsburg University. He went on to teach mathematics and physics at Marian Catholic from 1980 until his retirement in 2016.
An accomplished golfer himself, Lenny competed in the All-Navy Golf Championship from 1970–1976, winning the championship in 1972 and finishing runner-up in 1974. He also competed in the 1974 All Service Golf Championship and lettered in golf while attending Bloomsburg University.
Despite his many accomplishments, Lenny’s greatest impact was the guidance and mentorship he provided to generations of students and athletes. Known first and foremost as a gentleman, he generously shared his love and knowledge of golf with young people throughout Schuylkill County and was always willing to help anyone looking to improve their game.
Lenny married Ellen M. Dempsey in 1958, and together they raised two children, Leonard and Ellen, and were blessed with five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Family remained an important part of his life, along with his dedication to teaching, coaching, and the game of golf.
Lenny passed away in January 2024, leaving behind a legacy that reaches far beyond wins and championships. His influence can be seen in the countless students, athletes, and families whose lives he touched. His dedication, kindness, sportsmanship, and commitment to others will long be remembered, making Leonard A. “Lenny” Brylewski Sr. a truly deserving member of the Marian Catholic Sports Hall of Fame.