Deborah Kaschak-Antolick

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Deborah Kaschak-Antolick made Hazleton High history when she became the first female athlete to letter in four sports, track, cross country, basketball, and swimming.

The 1983 HHS graduate joined select company by lettering in four sports.  She lettered in track in 1980-81, and ’83, in cross country in ’81, ’82, in basketball in ’82, and in swimming in ’83, a total of seven letters.  A knee injury caused her to miss the ’82 track season and the ’83 cross country season, depriving her of an opportunity to earn nine letters.  Kaschak was named to the track all-star team in 1980, ’81, and ’83, twice for her achievements in the 400-meter dash and once for her prowess in the javelin, shot put and discus field events.  She held school records in the 400-meter dash, 1600-meter relay, 3200-meter relay, shot put, and javelin and held the Harman-Geist Stadium and league records in 1982 for the 400-meter dash.  Her PIAA District 11 medals included third in the 400-meter dsah in 1981 and third in the discus in 1983.  She was a member of the 1981 HHS junior varsity championship basketball team and of the 1982 HHS varsity championship basketball team, coached by Joe Barletta.  “Debbie was very coachable  and very personable,” Barletta said.  “She was an over-achiever.  Her perseverance after her knee injury was remarkable.  She had to work out every morning to get back into physical condition to play.  Debbie is a great person.  Because of her admirable traits, she is one of the players I have remained friendly with over the years.”

She also competed for head coaches Judy North in swimming, Bill Drumheller in track and Charlie Warg in cross-country.  The 1983 HHS graduate is also a graduate of the Pottsville Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1987, and Kutztown University with a B.S.N., Class of 2000.  At Kutztown she graduated with a 4.0 grade point average and was named to several honors societies.  During her years as a student, Kaschak worked at several jobs, including being on  the newsroom staff at the Standard Speaker.

From 1987 to 1992 she was employed at the Hazleton St. Joseph Medical enter as a surgical/pediatrics staff nurse.  Since 1992 she has been quality management coordinator at the medical center.