Hall of Fame Inductees 1999

Frank “Lenny” Bowman
Graduated from Plainville High School in 1948. Lenny was an outstanding runner who earned the nickname “rubber legs” for his agility and endurance. Lenny was a member of the varsity cross country team for two years before changing gears and joining the football team as a junior. His exceptional running abilities coupled with the hard-nosed running attack of fellow inductees Tony D’Amico and Roger St. Pierre, helped to carry Plainville football to 2 consecutive undefeated seasons and a state championship in 1947. Lenny’s athletic skills were further showcased in track where for four years, he competed in the high jump, long jump and 880 yd run. He captained the 1948 state championship team and set a state record in the high jump. Lenny represented Connecticut in the New England Track Tournament in 1948. He went on to play track at Trinity Pawling Prep School where he set the school record for scoring and Univ. of Rhode Island where he was a member of the silver metal 1 mile relay team in the K of C regional competition held at Boston Garden.

Charlie Corliss
Mr. C. is a recipient of the Sports Hall of Fame Distinguished Service Award. Mr. C. was a longtime fixture at PHS, always providing support for all athletes. Win or lose, Mr. C. was there to give a pat on the back or a kick in the pants. A former star athlete himself, Mr. C. knew the importance of being there as a friend, coach, counselor or big brother. He wanted everyone to understand the importance being part of a team. Always one to listen, Charlie Wong’s Laundry room was “the” meeting room after many a tough practice or game.

Anthony W. D’Amico
Graduated from Plainville High School in 1948. Tony was an outstanding three sport athlete in football, basketball and baseball. “Terrible Tony” as he was nicknamed by the local press, was the “spinner back” or quarterback for coach Ted Knurek’s football teams that compiled a 22-1-1 record and a state championship during Tony’s 3 year stint. Tony, along with Mike Zinkiewicz, Roger St. Pierre and Lenny Bowman were dubbed “The Four Horsemen” during their senior season in football for their relentless speed and power that they dispensed to the opposition. Tony was also a power forward on the basketball team and a power pitcher with pinpoint control (according to his high school teammates). Tony went on to play football at the Univ. of Rhode Island.

Anthony John Forcella
Graduated from Plainville High School in 1943. Tony was a four sport letterman as a fullback in football, where he was also team captain as a senior, playmaker guard in basketball, shortstop in baseball and sprinter and long jumper in track. Tony was the point guard for the 1942-43 class B State Championship basketball team. After college and military service, he returned to Plainville as a teacher and coach for football & baseball. He was selected 1967 VFW Sportsman of the Year.

Thomas Graney
Graduated from Plainville High School in 1960. Tom or “Ivory” as he was known to his friends, is another extraordinary track star for PHS. Tom played football for three years where he led the team in scoring and interceptions as a senior. He also played guard on the basketball team for 2 years. Tom however, was a record setting trackman for three years and team captain as a senior. During those three years, the team was undefeated with Tom setting at least seven school or state records in the 220 yd dash, 440 yd. Dash, 880 yard relay, long jump, broad jump and 300 yd. Dash (indoor track). Tom enlisted in the Navy where he completed a 30 year career. He continued to compete in Naval competitions where placed 1st in several annual competitions. He still competes in the senior circuit competitions as recently as last week.

Anne Grant
Miss Grant is a recipient of the Sports Hall of Fame Distinguished Service Award. Miss Grant, a former teacher who retired in June 1970, was a fixture at almost every home sports event during her 30+ years of teaching in Plainville. She could also be seen sitting in the bleachers correcting papers and keeping an eye on the competition. Miss Grant epitomizes the caring educator who embraced the values of academics and athletics. She will always be remembered as Plainville High School’s #1 fan.

Robert Karmelowicz
Graduated from Plainville High School in 1967. Bob played football for three years where he anchored the offensive and defensive line for PHS. He was team captain as a senior and was selected to the ALL STATE team in 1966. He also was a shot putter with the track team, placing second in the 1967 state competition. He went on to the University of Bridgeport where he was the starting tackle for two Division II national Championship teams. He was also selected Division II ALL AMERICAN. After college, he returned to PHS as an assistant football coach. He later coached with Frank Kush at Arizona State University and Dennis Erickson at University of Washington and Miami, then later as Division I national champions. He has coached professionally for several years and is currently a coach with the Houston Texans.

Sylvester “Vet” Mason (Father)
Graduated from Plainville High School in 1950. Vet was an exceptional three sport athlete who excelled in track where he tied or set school and state records in the 100 yd. Dash, 440 yd dash and 4X110 relay. His 440 yd dash school record established in 1947 of 51.6 sec. lasted for 13 years until another inductee Tom Graney broke it in 1960. Vet was a running back on the football team and a high scoring guard on the basketball team. After graduation, he went on to play basketball for the RAMEZ of Plainville and semi-pro football for the West Hartford Spartans.

Sylvester “Vet” Mason (Son)
Graduated from Plainville High School in 1972. Vet was an exceptional athlete who exemplified athletics at PHS. Vet was a three sport star who excelled in football, basketball and baseball. Vet was an ALL STATE running back for the 1971 state championship football team that was the first team to beat their “arch rival” Southington in 23 years. As a senior, he scored 6 touchdowns in one game and had a 100 yard interception while compiling over 2,000 all purpose yards and 150 points for the season. He was a guard on the basketball team and was captain and centerfielder for the baseball team. His teams never had a losing record. He received the Robert Babick award and William Cassidy award for outstanding athletics. He attended Norwich University and is currently and executive for IBM.

Michael Joseph Roman
Graduated from Plainville High School in 1954. “Mickey” was one of the uniquely gifted student athletes that blended academic excellence with athletic achievement. As a student athlete, Mickey was the number one ranked male scholar in PHS while earning ALL STATE honors in both football and basketball. He was the power fullback and team captain in football, center and leading scorer and rebounder in basketball. As a senior, Mickey scored 55 pointed in the two tournament games for Plainville. He was also the centerfielder for the baseball team. He went on to Fordham University where he again excelled in football.