1985 NPHS GIRLS SOFTBALL TEAM

1985 NPHS GIRLS SOFTBALL TEAM

PIAA AAA State Champions

The North Penn Girls’ Softball Team of 1985 was a young team with a tough task of upholding a strong softball tradition.  At the beginning of the season, many spots had to be filled; however, they did start with a formidable nucleus of four seniors - Tracy Glose (Capt.), Bambi Hassinger, Andrea Heller and Tracy Kelley.The season started on a rough note with the team falling behind to Pennridge 6-1.   As would be the case throughout the season, the team “hung in there” and managed to win the game 15-9.  While North Penn was hoping to look presentable at that time, they never questioned that they would win the Bux-Mont title.  Given the tradition of the program, it was never a question of “if”, but “how”.  The “how” was by getting down to fundamentals, practice and execution.  With that thought process and by taking one game at a time, North Penn completed the regular season as the undefeated Bux-Mont League Champions; 14-0.  Despite the unblemished record, North Penn did struggle through most of their games.  The Maidens hadn’t been blowing teams out, but they kept winning with an ability to scratch out runs and do the little things needed.  The pivotal game of the season would be the last league game against CB East.  The Maidens fell behind 3-1 and weren’t able to get much going against a tough East squad.  Having already sewn up the Bux-Mont League title and with nothing on the line except the undefeated season, this team could have easily packed it in and let this game go.  However, the character of this team wouldn’t let that happen.  After a rain delay, North Penn regrouped, came out on the field and in typical fashion won 10-6.

North Penn then swept the District Playoffs beating Lower Moreland 5-1, Ridley 7-2, Council Rock 3-1 in 11 innings, and the finals Coatesville 9-7 for the PIAA District One title.  Once again, it would not come easy.  The first two games were a struggle due to the slow speed of the pitching, then a marathon 11 inning game against a powerhouse in Council Rock, and finally a slug fest for the district title.

North Penn again swept the State Playoffs beating Middletown 3-0, Williamsport 9-6, Council Rock 2-0 in 8 innings and Harbor Creek 4-3 for the State title.  The final out of the title game was typical of the season – not flashy, just business. No one told this team they weren’t supposed to win.  The Maidens relied on solid pitching, clutch hitting and air tight fundamentals, and never got down on themselves.  This team was close, with everyone rallying around each other and keeping a positive attitude.   When it comes to raw talent, this team might not have measured up to previous squads, but the road to the championship is littered with individual abilities – teams win championships.  North Penn went much further than anyone expected.  They were a proud group and pride carried them to a PIAA AAA State Softball Championship.

North Penn Placed four players on the All Bux-Mont Team: First team: Bambi Hassinger P; Tracy Glose (Capt.) C; Jean Essner OF; Andrea Heller OF.  In addition, three players received Honorable Mention: Tracy Kelley, 2B; Lynn Dwyer, SS; Kris Martell, DH.  As a team the Maidens finished with a .285 batting average and a 924 fielding average.  Letter winners were: 1st award – Kris Martell 3rd, Lynn Dwyer SS, Tracy Smith OF, Marge Politikos SS, Janet Vincent mgr.; 2nd award – Tracy Kelley 2nd, Jean Essner OF, Eileen Rogers 1st, Sue Schaffer OF, 3rd award – Tracy Glose C and Captain, Bambi Hassinger P, Andrea Heller OF.

1981 NPHS GIRLS SOFTBALL TEAM

1981 NPHS GIRLS SOFTBALL TEAM

PIAA AAA State Champions

 

The Girls Softball Team of 1981 followed a 1980 softball team that was Bux-Mont League Champion (for the sixth consecutive year); District One runner up, and State runner up; all this created the 1981 Maidens’ mind set of  being “#1 in 81”.  The Maidens returned six All Bux-Mont recognition players: Kathy Kreisher, Jeanne Kempf, Bonnie Bushnell, Mia Fields, Deb Engel and Marsha Herb.  This was a solid nucleus for the 1981 team; however pitcher Heidi Cash had graduated and needed to be replaced.  This task fell on Kathy Kreisher who would get better with each game.  The 1981 Maidens regular season started March 26th with a 2 - 1 win over Quakertown and ended May 22 with a 13-0 win over Upper Perkiomen.  With this win the 1981 Softball Team was Bux-Mont League Champions for the 7thstraight year.  After completing an undefeated Bux-Mont season with a 16-0 record, the North Penn Maidens swept the District playoffs, winning all 4 games, three with shut outs.  In the first round they beat Nether-Providence 6-0; in the second game, Boyertown 8-0; in the third game, Upper Moreland 8-1; and then they beat Neshaminy Langhorne 2-0 in the PIAA District One Finals.  It was on to the PIAA AAA State playoffs; however, there was a change in the State playoff system.  Instead of going to Shippensburg for all games, the first three rounds would be played at Patriot Field in Allentown. Game one of the PIAA AAA State playoffs was a win over Whitehall 11-1; game two was a 4-1 win over Parkland; game three was a 2-1 come from behind nail biter over Wyoming Valley Area, and it was on to Shippensburg for the State finals to meet Harbor Creek.  In the PIAA AAA Softball finals Kathy and the Maidens shut out Harbor Creek, 4-0; Kathy had pitched a one hit 10 strike-out game.  North Penn was the 1981 PIAA AAA Softball State Champions they truly were “#1 in 81”.The Maidens had won the Bux-Mont League Championship for the 7th year bringing the total of Bux-Mont League wins, from 1976 to 1981, to 91 wins and three losses; the PIAA District One Championship and the PIAA AAA State Softball Championship.  North Penn placed six players on the All Bux-Mont Team.  First Team: Kathy Kreisher pitcher; Jeanne Kempf catcher; Marsha Herb short stop; Bonnie Bushnell outfield; 2nd team Janice Fehr 1st base and honorable mention Mia Fields out field.  The Maidens had finished the year with a team batting average of .316 and a fielding average of .914 and Kathy Kreisher was named North Penn’s MVP.  In post season play the Maidens had finished 8 – 0, scoring 45 runs, letting in 4.

Letter winners for 1981 softball team: 1st year award- Carol Bintner OF, Laurie Haag OF, Terry Puskowski , Staci Robbins DH, Mia Fields OF;  2nd award – Rose Burcin OF, Bonnie Bushnell OF, Deb Engle 3rd base, Janice Fehr 1st base, Marsha Herb shortstop, Tobi Timko OF, Lisa Beltz 2nd base; 3rd Award – Jeanne Kempf catcher and Kathy Kreisher pitcher.

Head Coach - Joan Moser; Assistant Coach - Clare Gilchrist

BRIAN WETHEY

 

Brian Wethey

Athlete, North Penn High School, 1984
Basketball, Spring Track & Field

6 Varsity: 3 Basketball, 3 Track & Field
1984 Basketball: Team Captain and NPHS MVP Award
All Bux-Mont League First Team Basketball
1984 Bux-Mont League Champion Shot Put, Discus, Javelin
1984 PIAA District One 1st place Discus, 2 place Shot & Javelin
1984 PIAA AAA State Javelin Champion & Meet of Champions
North Penn current Javelin record holder 220’ 3”
1984 NPHS Co-MVP Spring Track & Field
Hagerstown JC 1985 Track & Field MVP
1985 NJCAA Region XX 1st place Discus, Shot Put, Javelin
Hagerstown Basketball team records FG%, defensive rebounds, steals in Single Game
Hagerstown JC Hall of Fame 2008


During Brian’s high school athletic career he earned 6 varsity letters; 3 in basketball, and 3 in spring track & field.Brian first earned a starting spot on the varsity basketball team in the winter of his sophomore year, where he held a spot through his senior year. His senior year he was the 1984 basketball team captain, recipient of the Most Valuable Player Award and an All-Bux Mont First Team selection.In 1982 and 1983 Brain participated on the spring track & field team and lettered both years. In 1983 end of the year awards Brian received the Conver Field Award. During the 1984 spring track & field season, Brian placed first at the Bux-Mont Championships in the shot put, discus, and set the meet record in the javelin with a throw of 205’2”. At the District One Track & Field Championships Brian placed first in the discus and took second place in both the shot put and javelin. In the 1984 PIAA State Track & Field Championships, Brian won the gold medal in the javelin; setting a new North Penn High School record throwing 219’3”. He competed against his teammate, Tim Kulig, who threw 215”5” (second place) at the same meet.  Between the two of them, they broke the school javelin record of 207’2”several times, which Tim set a week earlier at the District One Championships. While participating in a post season Tri-State “Meet of Championships”, Franklin Field, Philadelphia, PA.  Brian set the current North Penn High School javelin record and a Franklin Field high school boy’s javelin record of 220’3”.  He also placed second in discus, and fourth in the shot put. Brian was invited to the Golden West National Track & Field Classic in Sacramento, California, he again found himself in a duel with friend and teammate, Tim Kulig. Brian finished second to Tim at the national meet in the javelin. At the end of year awards Brian was co – MVP of the 1984 Spring Track & Field Team.

After a successful career at North Penn High School, Brian went on to Hagerstown Junior College. While at Hagerstown, Brian participated on the basketball and track & field teams. He was a steady contributor averaging 10 points, 10 rebounds and 3 steals per game. While at Hagerstown he set team records for seasons best field goal percentage (56.5%), most defensive rebounds in a season (208), and most steals in a single game (10).

Brian also participated in Track and Field while at Hagerstown.  During the 1985 N.J.C.A.A. Region XX Track & Field Championships, Brian was awarded the meet’s Most Valuable Player for winning in the shot put, discus and javelin. He was also awarded Hagerstown’s 1985 Track & Field Team M.V.P. and was a NJCAA National Qualifier in the Javelin.

Brian was inducted to the Hagerstown Junior College Hall of Fame 2008.

Brian has worked for the past 19 years as a counselor at the Glen Mills Schools (Concordville, Pa).  Sixteen of those years he served as an assistant track & field coach. As a Certified Level II,  U. S.A. Track and Field throwing coach, and he presently is an associate shot put official at the Penn Relays.  While at Glen Mills, Brian coached 12 District One champions, 17 indoor and outdoor state champions, and a two time national shot put champion, as well has having numerous athletes medal at both the state and national level. Brian continues to coach privately on an individual basis.

DOUGLAS PAULS

 

Douglas Pauls

Athlete, North Penn High School,  1976
Basketball, Baseball

4 Varsity Letters: 2 Basketball; 2 Baseball
Basketball: 1975 Team MVP and High Scorer
1975 & 1976 1st Team All Bux-Mont League
1975 Member of Bux-Mont League Basketball Team Championship
1975 Outstanding Junior Male Athlete Award
1976 Basketball Team Captain, MVP and High Scorer
1976 Baseball: Team Co-Captain
Inaugural Recipient of Floyd T. Cash Memorial Scholarship
1976 NPHS Outstanding Senior Boy Athlete Award
1976 Award for Most Recognition to NPHS in 3 years of Athletic Competition
1976 William F Dannehower Award
Graduated magna cum laude from Dickinson College 1980
Dickinson College Basketball Letter Winner 1978, 1979, 1980
Inducted into Dickinson College Sports Hall of Fame 2005


Doug was a two year letter winner in both basketball and baseball at North Penn. In his junior year, he was the leading scorer and MVP of the basketball team, and was named First Team All Bux-Mont. More importantly, he helped lead the team to the Bux-Mont League championship.  During his senior year, he was again leading scorer and MVP of the basketball team. Doug was again named First Team All Bux-Mont, making him the only North Penn basketball player ever to be named to the First Team for two consecutive years. In baseball, he was part of a team that won 16 straight games during his senior year, and was named Honorable Mention All Bux-Mont.As a senior, he was named Captain of both the basketball and baseball teams.  At North Penn, Doug was named Outstanding Junior Boy Athlete, Outstanding Senior Boy Athlete, and was recognized as the Senior Athlete who brought the most recognition to North Penn High School in three years of athletic competition. He was also proud to graduate in the top five academically in a class of 800 students.

In 1976, Doug received the Honorable William F. Dannehower Award, given annually by the Triangle Club of Central Montgomery County in recognition of an individual excelling in athletics, academics, and community service.  Doug attended Dickinson College, graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Economics in 1980, and was named a member of Phi Beta Kappa. While at Dickinson, Doug was a three year varsity letter winner in basketball, and was a member of the 1979-1980 men’s basketball team which was inducted into Dickinson’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005.

After enjoying a successful business career, Doug and his family currently reside in Haddon Heights, NJ. A father of four, Doug has gained a greater appreciation for his high school coaches after spending 15 years coaching basketball and baseball. He would also like to publicly thank Don Ryan, NPHS Athletic Director, for helping to arrange his first date with classmate Terri Pitman back in the fall of 1975; 29 years of marriage later, Doug realizes that is a debt he can never repay.

BILL MULLER

 

BILL MULLER

Athlete, North Penn High School, 1976
Swimming

1975 PIAA State Champion 4x100 Freestyle Relay & New State Record
1975 NISCA PA State Championship Swim Team Member;
50 Freestyle 2nd Place and 100 Freestyle 3rd Place
1975 NISCA All American and All State Honors
1975 Mid-Atlantic All Star Team
1976 PIAA State Champion 4x100 Freestyle Relay & New State Record
1976 PIAA State Champion 50 Freestyle
1976 PIAA State Runner up 100 Freestyle
1976 NISCA PA. State Championship Swim Team Member
1976 NISCA All American and All State Honors
1976 Booster Club Outstanding Swimmer Award
Drexel University, BS, 1982; The University of Detroit Mercy, MBA, 1991


Bill joined the North Penn Aquatic program during its inception in 1971 and continued participation until his High School graduation in 1976.  As an AAU swimmer, he secured a position to represent North Penn and the Mid-Atlantic All Star team in international competition during the fall of 1975 in Germany.  Upon entering 9th grade at Penndale Junior High School, Bill earned his first varsity swimming letter and subsequently earned 3 additional varsity swimming letters along with numerous accolades.  He achieved All-American recognition for both individual and relay performances in 1975 & 1976.  Bill competed at the State level during his Junior year in the 50 and 100 freestyle placing 2nd & 3rd.  While in his Senior year, he placed 1st in the 50 freestyle, 2nd in the 100 freestyle and 1stin the 4x100 free relay, setting a state record.During his years at North Penn, Bill also participated as a member of the Student Council.  His academic and swimming achievements garnered his congressional nomination and subsequent enrollment to the United States Military Academy, where he earned varsity letters in both Swimming and Water Polo.  Upon transferring to Drexel University, Bill continued swimming and earned varsity letters.

Upon graduation from college, Bill entered the United States Army where he participated in elite military training, earning his Basic Airborne, Ranger and Special Forces Tabs.  During his military career he held numerous duty positions culminating at the rank of Colonel.  His service included deployments/ assignments to Korea, Norway, Panama, Colombia, Kuwait, and Iraq.  During Bill’s military career he received numerous awards, commendations and achievements including the Bronze Star.  Bill has received a BS in Business Administration from Drexel University, a MBA in Finance and Accounting from University Detroit-Mercy, and a Masters of Strategic Studies (MSS) from the US ARMY War College.  Bill presently resides in Jamison, PA , with wife Melinda, daughter Elizabeth and son Michael.

ANDRES “ANDY” KUSMA

 

ANDRES “ANDY” KUSMA

Athlete, North Penn High School, 1969
Soccer, Basketball, Track and Field
7 Varsity Letters: 2 Soccer, 2 Basketball, 3 Track & Field
1968: Soccer Second Team All Bux-Mont League Halfback
1968: Basketball HM All Bux-Mont League, 2nd Team Scoring
1969 Basketball Captain, Second Team All Bux-Mont League, Fifth in League Scoring, Jack Smith Award Leader in Assists
T.D. Keyser Award for Outstanding Floor Play, Lions MVP Award
1969 Bux-Mont League Track Championship, 2nd Place 120 High Hurdles
and 180 Low Hurdles, Third Place Triple Jump
Member of Three Bux-Mont League Track Championships, 1967, 68, 69
1969: Member of District One Track and Field Championship Team
District One Track Championship; 4th Place120 High Hurdles
Graduated Bloomsburg State College, BS 1973
Undefeated in the 120 High Hurdles Senior Dual Meet Season


After relocating to Pennsylvania as a fourth grader, Andy discovered sports as a positive way of interacting with others. Sports would continue to shape his life and the person he became.  Andy found positive influences from coaches throughout his sports career and looked to them for guidance.While at North Penn High School, Andy earned two varsity letters in basketball. Andy was captain of the 1968-69 boys basketball team and selected to Second Team All Bux-Mont.  Additionally, he was the recipient of the Lansdale Lions Award-MVP; T.D. Keyser Award-Outstanding Floor Play; Jack Smith Award Team Leader in Assists.  Andy was a 3 time varsity letter winner and member of three Bux-Mont League Track & Field Championships and in 1969 a District One Track and Field Championship; he receiving numerous awards in those three years.  Andy earned 2 varsity letters in soccer; he was Second Team All Bux-Mont at halfback and a member of the 1968 Bux-Mont Soccer Championship Team.

After graduating from North Penn, Andy continued his sports career at Bloomsburg University. He was a four time letter winner in track and field and was undefeated in the 120 High Hurdles his senior year. Andy graduated from Bloomsburg University in 1973 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business.

Andy’s children, Shawn and Jessica, share his love of sports. Andy coached their youth teams and continued to guide them through their athletic careers while they attended North Penn High School.  Andy’s best time of 14.4 in the 110 high hurdle was later matched and now shared by his son Shawn.   Andy’s 30 year professional career was with Batesville Casket Company, and he was inducted into the Batesville Masters Club in 1995.

From doing what he loved most - anything and everything involving a ball, a track or field, a court, or the back roads of Pennsylvania where he ran, rain or shine - he was a dedicated athlete. Andy passed away on December 25, 2007.

TIM KULIG

 

Tim Kulig

Athlete, North Penn High School, 1984
Football, Winter Track, Spring Track & Field
6 Varsity letters: 3 Winter Track, 3 Spring Track & Field
1983 Bux-Mont League Javelin Champion
1983 PIAA District One Javelin Champion
1983 North Penn Spring Track MVP
1984 PIAA District One Javelin Champion
1984 PIAA State Runner up Javelin
1984 North Penn Javelin record holder 215’ 5”
1984 Golden West (National) Champion
University of Pittsburg Javelin record holder 1987
1986 & 87 2nd place Penn Relays Javelin
1986 & 87 Big East Javelin Champion
Asst. Track & Field Coach North Penn High School 1988-1999


During Tim’s athletic career he earned six varsity letters; 3 in Winter Track and 3 in Spring Track.

In the fall of 1982 Tim played football.  Once football was over Tim signed up for Winter track.  It was in winter track that Tim’s athletic career took off.  At first he tried most every event but it was long jump at the Convention Hall meet where he jumped over 21 feet; during this time he was also working on the shot put.  When the winter season ended Tim went out for spring track and found another event, the javelin. As Tim finished his sophomore year he was long jumping, high jumping, throwing the shot, discuss, javelin and received the sophomore class high scorer award.

In 1983, Tim’s second year of winter track, he was still long jumping and in practice did some high jumping; he had grown and was becoming a better shot putter and was looking forwarded to throwing outdoors.  Tim’s junior season of spring track took off and by the end of the year he was the Bux Mont Champion in the javelin and District One javelin Champion.  Tim qualified for and threw at the 1983 PIAA State Track meet.  At the end of the year awards Tim was junior class high scorer and North Penn Spring Track MVP.

During the 1984 Indoor Track season Tim continued having fun; by now he had grown and was doing mostly throwing events.  However in the annual indoor dual meet at Wissahickon’s dome, North Penn did not have a high jumper so Tim high jumped clearing 6’ 0”.  He had another great indoor season.  During the first week of the spring season Tim had his knee scoped.  This was a minor set back and soon Tim and teammate Brian Wethey were setting relay records in the Shot Put, Discus and Javelin.  At the end of the year Tim was runner up at the Bux Mont Championships in the Javelin; District One Champion for a second year in the javelin and again qualified for the PIAA State Championships.  At the State Championships, on his second throw, he added 8 feet to the school javelin record throwing 215’ 5”.   This new school record lasted only a few minutes when teammate Brian on his next throw, threw 219’ 3”.  Tim was PIAA State runner up and Brian was champion.  Next was an invitation from the Golden West National meet in Sacramento, California.  At the Golden West Tim placed first and became North Penn’s only individual Track & Field National Champion.

Tim’s collegiate career was spent at the University of Pittsburgh; he competed in the Indoor and Outdoor Track programs. During the indoor season Tim showed his versatility competing in the pentathlon.  In 1986 and 87 Tim was runner up in the javelin at the Penn Relays. In 1986 and 87 he was the Big East champion and University of Pittsburg javelin record holder.  In 1987 Tim was the University of Pittsburg high point scorer for Track & Field.

After college Tim became the assistant Boys Track coach at North Penn High School.  Working with Coach Richard Swanker, he coached from 1988 to 1999. His main coaching responsibilities’ were the throws; he continued to compete with and against athletes he coached.  While at North Penn he coached league, district and state champions.  In 1999, after the birth of his third child, Tim retired from coaching.

In 2004 he challenged himself to become a certified professional golf teacher.  He attended the USGFT Academy in Gettysburg and successfully earned a level 3 teaching certification.  In 2007 he took on an even bigger challenge; in a charity Golf Decathlon he successfully completed 180 holes of golf in one day.  Just to prove it wasn’t a one time event, he did the 180 holes in a day again in 2008.

Currently Tim, his wife Jill, daughter Shannon and sons Aaron and Owen reside in Green Lane and are kept busy with the many demands of their children’s academic and athletic endeavors.

SHARON FUSS HARE

 

SHARON FUSS HARE

Athlete, North Penn High School, 1960
Field Hockey, Basketball & Tennis
8 Varsity Letters: 3 Field Hockey, 3 Tennis, 2 Basketball
Field Hockey: Member of 3 Bux-Mont League Championship Teams 1957, 58, 59
1959 Field Hockey Captain, WNAR Sports Award
Basketball: Member of 3 Bux-Mont League Championship Teams 1958, 59, 60
Tennis: Member of Bux-Mont League Co-Championship Team 1959
American Legion Award Highest Female GPA Over Three Years
1959 American Legion Outstanding Female Athlete Award
Graduated cum laude from West Chester University, BS,1964


Sherry Fuss played three sports while at North Penn, lettering in Field Hockey, Basketball and Tennis. She was a member of three Bux-Mont Championship Field Hockey Teams: 1957, 58, 59 and captain of the 1959 team her senior year.Sherry was also a member of three Bux-Mont Championship Basketball teams: 1958, 59, 60. She was high scorer of the team her senior year.

A three year letter winner in tennis, Sherry was a member of the team that was Co Bux-Mont League Champs in her junior year.  Also in her junior year, she was the recipient of the American Legion Athletic Award.  In her senior year, she won the WNAR Sports award, and was honored by the Lansdale Business and Professional Women’s Club for outstanding scholarship, citizenship, and leadership.  At graduation in 1960, she was recognized as the female with the highest GPA over the three year period. She also won the award for outstanding achievement in Senior Social Studies, and received the Lansdale American Legion Post 206 Athletic Award.

Sherry graduated cum laude from West Chester University with a BS in Secondary Education in 1964. She lettered in Field Hockey, and earned All College Team honors in 1960. She was also a member of the tennis team while at West Chester. In her senior year she was the recipient of The Friar Society Science Award. Upon graduation in 1964, she taught science in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood, NJ School District and then at Pennbrook in the North Penn School District from 1966-70.

ALISSA MOSER GORMAN

 

ALISSA MOSER GORMAN

Athlete, North Penn High School, 1998
Field Hockey, Swimming, Lacrosse
10 Varsity Letters; 3 Field Hockey, 4 Swimming, 3 Lacrosse
1997 Field Hockey Captain, First Team All Suburban One, All-Area Selection
1998 Girls Swim Team Captain, Outstanding Swimmer and N.I.S.C.A. All-American
Two time District One Champion; Backstroke and 200 Freestyle
All-State 1997 and 1998, Rick Carroll Award Winner 1997 & 1998
1998 Lacrosse: U.S.W.L.A. First Team All-American & Academic All-American
Inquirer Player of the Year, Senior All-Star Game MVP
North Penn Offensive Team MVP 1997 & 1998
Graduated University of Notre Dame, B.A., 2002
Four Year Lacrosse Letter Winner, Team Captain 2001 & 2002
Earned Big East Athletic and Academic Honors
Notre Dame Assistant Lacrosse Coach 2002 to 2005


Alissa began her high school athletic career as a sophomore starter on the 1995 Maidens field hockey team. She was a three year starter and was selected captain in her senior season. Alissa earned First Team All Suburban One honors in field hockey, was selected by Montgomery Newspapers for All-Area honors and was selected to play in the Senior All-Star game.As a swimmer, Alissa earned 4 varsity letters. After receiving the Most Promising Freshman Award in 1995, she went on to achieve All-Suburban One, All-District One, and All-State awards in the 200 Medley Relay, 200 Freestyle Relay, 400 Freestyle Relay, 200 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke. At the District I Championships, she won both the 200 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke in 1997. In 1998 she placed 3rd in the 100 backstroke. Alissa was a three year qualifier for the PIAA State Swimming Championships, achieving a 10th place finish in the 100 yard backstroke in 1997 and 1998. She received the Rick Carroll Award in 1996 and 1997 and was named senior year captain and team MVP in 1998. From 1997-2005, Alissa held the team record in the 100 yard backstroke.

During the spring sports seasons, Alissa was a lacrosse starter for three years and earned 3 letters. In 1997 and 1998 she was named First Team All Suburban One, Montgomery Newspapers All-Area, and Offensive Player for the team. In her senior year, she was named an IWLCA First Team All-American, Philadelphia Inquirer Lacrosse Player of the Year, Philadelphia Inquirer All-Area Team, The Record All Area Lacrosse Team and PASLA Senior All-Star Game MVP. Alissa competed at the National Lacrosse Tournament in 1997 and 1998, representing the Philadelphia area.

In 1996, Alissa was selected the North Penn Athletic Department Outstanding Sophomore Athlete. In her senior year, she earned Academic All-American honors in both swimming and lacrosse and was the North Penn High School nominee for the William H. Dannehower Award given annually by the Triangle Club of Montgomery County.

From 1998-2002 Alissa attended the University of Notre Dame on a lacrosse scholarship. She was a four year starter and served as team captain her junior and senior years. Additionally, she earned second team All-Big East honors in 2001 and 2002, as well as All-Big East Academic Honors. In 2002, she played a key role helping the Fighting Irish earn the first ever bid to the NCAA Lacrosse National Championships advancing to the quarterfinals, finishing the season ranked seventh. From 2005-2007 Alissa worked at her alma mater as an assistant lacrosse coach, helping the team make their first Final Four appearance in 2006.

Alissa is currently enrolled at Loyola University Chicago Law School and will receive her Juris Doctor in May 2010. She resides in Chicago, IL with her husband Sean. They are expecting their first child in December 2009.

JULIE KRAIL EVANS

 

Julie Krail Evans

Athlete, North Penn High School, 1993
Swimming
4 Varsity Letters in Swimming; 12 Time NISCA All-American
4 time Outstanding Swimmer Award, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
1990: North Penn’s Most Promising Freshman Award
1990 Member PIAA Woman’s Swimming State Championship team
1990 PIAA State Champion 200 Medley Relay; State and National Record
1990 PIAA State Champion and State Record Holder 100 Breaststroke
Currently holds 3 NPHS Team & Pool Records: 200 Medley Relay, 200 Individual Medley, 100 Breaststroke
1990 NPHS Member of National Championship Women’s Swimming and Diving Team as Selected by Swimming World Magazine
Graduated Penn State University, BS, 1998
1994 Big Ten Champion 100 Breaststroke
5 time PSU Record Holder & 5 time NCAA All American
1996 Olympic Trials Qualifier, 100 Breaststroke


Julie was a four time varsity letter winner, four time North Penn Swim Team MVP, and a four time N.I.S.C.A All-American.  As a freshman in 1990, she was a member of the District One and PIAA AAA State Championship Team.  Swimming World magazine recognized the 1990 North Penn Girls Swim Team as the National High School Champion. At the State championships meet Julie won the gold medal in the 100 yd. breaststroke, breaking the state record and establishing a new pool record for the Penn State University Natatorium. She was also a member of the 1stplace State 200 Medley Relay that set a National Public High School Record. 1990 was a very special year for Julie Krail.  She received North Penn’s “Most Promising Freshman Award”, the North Penn Reporter’s Reader’s Choice Award as a top female athlete and was recognized as “Athlete of the Week” in the Philadelphia Inquirer, The North Penn Reporter, The Times Herald and The Intelligencer newspapers.  She was also honored in Swim World and in Sports Illustrated.  She qualified for the U.S.S. Senior Nationals and competed with Olympic champions : Janet Evans, Summer Sanders, Anita Nall and Jenny Thompson.Julie specialized in the breaststroke and individual medley; she also swam in the medley and 200 freestyle relays. In the Suburban One League competition she won eleven gold medals and set four league records.  At the PIAA District One Championship meet she earned three gold medals and was runner up seven times.  Julie was a thirteen time PIAA State Medalist.Following graduation Julie accepted a Division I Swimming scholarship from Penn State University.  As a college freshman she became PSU’s first “Big Ten Champion” in a non freestyle event. She won the Big Ten 100yd breast stroke, setting PSU team record. During the Big Ten Championship meet Julie broke 5 PSU swimming records: 200yd Individual Medley, the 100yd and 200yd breaststroke, and was a member of the  200 & 400yd Medley Relays.  With this effort she earned NCAA All American status. In 1994 Julie was ranked 6th fastest in the 200yd breaststroke and the 4th fastest 100yd breaststroke in the United States.  This qualified her for the 1996 Olympic Trials.

Julie earned her Bachelor of Science degree from The Pennsylvania State University in 1998 with a dual major in Rehabilitation Education / Counseling Education and Psychology.  Following graduation she worked at Merck & Co. until 2004 when she decided to become a stay at home mom.

Julie began her swimming career as a “6 and under” age group swimmer for Hatfield Swim Team and North Penn Aquatic Club.  Fulfilling a long time goal, she became head girls coach for the N.P.A.C and assistance summer league coach for the Lansdale Borough Swim Team.  Julie married William W. Evans IV, a 1992 North Penn graduate.  They live in Lansdale and are the proud parents of four lovely daughters: Kailyn, Anna, Chelsea and Greta.