1984 Fillies Basketball Team Honored on 40th Anniversary of State Title Win

Marian Catholic was proud to welcome back their 1984 PIAA Class “A” Girls State Championship Basketball Team for the 2024 Marian Homecoming and Alumni Weekend on September 21, 2024. A ceremony, which was held between the 1st and 2nd quarters of the Homecoming football game, gave the Marian Catholic community an opportunity to honor the ’84 Fillies squad.

On March 30, 1984, under late Head Coach Elsie Tolan and Assistant Coach Dot Demmer, the Marian Fillies brought home a gold medal in the state tournament when they defeated Kennedy Christian at Hershey Park Arena. Several members of the team were able to return to Marian on Saturday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their PIAA State Championship.

As part of the ceremony honoring the 1984 team, the 2024-2025 Fillies, under the direction of Head Coach Damian Fritz, were excited to present the returning members of the State Championship Team with a gift to commemorate their successful and memorable season 40 years ago.

“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 Head Coach Damian Fritz.

Dr. Erin Marek, Marian Catholic Director of Advancement, who coordinated the team reunion and ceremony stated “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.”

Pictured are members of the 1984-1985 and 2024-2025 teams together at Men of Marian Stadium following the recognition ceremony: (Left to Right): Emily Carone, Olivia Serfass, DeAnna Pugh, Alexis Gelatko, Cheryl (Chiao) Stanitus, Robin Lewis, 1984 Asst. Coach Dot Demmer, Gracia Perilli, Addy Marek, Jean (Kuhn) Rowan, Addison Fritz, Carley Hasara, Diane Decker, Olivia Thomas, Sophia Serfass and Brooke Hannis-Miskar.