June 2022 | The Dunmorean

As part of the Keystone Chapter UNICO “Random Act of Kindness” program, members of the Keystone UNICO Board of Directors presented a $500 check to Father Myron Myronyuk, pastor of Saint Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church, to be distributed to the needs of the Ukrainian citizens during this difficult time.

This is the second $500 donation to be made to the Ukrainian Relief by Keystone UNICO. Monetary donations are still needed and being accepted. To donate, make your check payable and sent to Saint Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church, 430 North Seventh Ave., Scranton, PA18503.

Pictured from left are Sylvia Tagert, Mark McDade, Frank Coviello, Val Riggi, Father Myron Myronyuk, Bob Tagert, Michele McDade, President Mary Ann Coviello, Louise Ligi, Toni DiVizio and Marilyn Vitali.

By Steve Svetovich

Holy Cross Crusaders senior star pitcher Tommy Rohan has led in most pitching categories in Lackawanna League Division III all season.

And his arm has become a major weapon for Holy Cross.

Son of Tom and Jennifer Rohan, Tommy, 18, leads the league with a sparkling 0.58 ERA and 94 strikeouts this season. His pitching record is 5-2.

The senior standout hurled five and two-thirds innings, allowing three hits, three walks and no runs while striking out 11 in the Holy Cross 6-2 win over Old Forge in the District 2, Class 2A quarterfinal game Tuesday, May 24.

Holy Cross went on to defeat Lackawanna Trail, 10-4, in the District 2, Class 2A semifinal, Thursday, May 26.

The stalwart hurler will pitch in the district championship game, Wednesday, June 1.

Tommy was 1-1 with a 2.68 ERA on the mound last season for the Crusaders.

He is also an outstanding catcher and offensive performer. He is batting .358 with one homer and 17 runs scored this season.

Last year, Tommy hit .375 with two homers.

His sophomore baseball season was taken away by the COVID-19 pandemic, but he batted .301 with one homer as a freshman.

Tommy is also a superb student in the classroom. He has a 3.9 academic average and is a member of Student Council and the National Honor Society. His best academic subject is science, particularly biology.

Tommy likes listening to music in his spare time and would like to see Avenge Seven Fold, a heavy metal band, in concert.

The scholar-athlete said he learned a strong work ethic from his parents.

“Always work hard in the gym,” he said. “Always try to improve. Work hard in the cage to find your swing. My parents tell me to work hard all the time.”

Tommy said Holy Cross veteran baseball coach Sandy Menichetti gave him confidence. “He taught me to believe in myself. He’s been great to me. I have his trust and that means a lot. The entire coaching staff has been great to me.”

The pitching ace talked about his special season on the mound. “It helps that I am striking people out and not putting the ball in play. And when the ball is in play, there is great defense behind me. And our offense gives me great support. I am always pitching with a lead.”

Well-spoken, he talked about his team’s chances in the district title game. “I love our chances,” he said. “Right now we have the momentum. Our offense has been tremendous lately. As long as we get timely hits, we can win.”

Tommy will attend Lock Haven University on both baseball and academic scholarships next year. He is looking forward to continuing his baseball career there. He will major in exercise science.

He will play in the Hudson Valley Summer Collegiate Baseball League this summer.

“I want to start strong and get a lot of playing time at Lock Haven,” he said. “I want to excel in academics and stay at the top of my class. I hope to get a good job when I graduate and maybe play semi pro baseball. I eventually want to become an athletic trainer.”