By Nick Wagner

nwagner@timesleader.com

Back Mountain American’s Erin Fryer takes a swing against Mountain Top in the District 16 title game in August 1973.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_82TDPhistory3.jpg.optimal.jpgBack Mountain American’s Erin Fryer takes a swing against Mountain Top in the District 16 title game in August 1973.

Tracey Polliard-McGurk, of Dallas, finished first among Back Mountain residents in the 2004 Wilkes-Barre Triathalon held in Shavertown.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_82TDPhistory1.jpg.optimal.jpgTracey Polliard-McGurk, of Dallas, finished first among Back Mountain residents in the 2004 Wilkes-Barre Triathalon held in Shavertown.

Members of the 1993 Back Mountain American District16 champions were, from left, first row, John Zimniski, Mike Faneck, Michael Cleary, Marcus Sowcik, Justin Hoover, Chris Tucker, Jonathon Kanarr, Aaron Katyl. Second row, Chuck Fehlinger, Neil Dymond, Matt Barnard, Kyle Droppers, Kenin Pizzano and Sean Hoskins. Third row, coach Russ Hoover, manager Herb Fehlinger and coach Mark Sowcik.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_82DPThistory2.jpg.optimal.jpgMembers of the 1993 Back Mountain American District16 champions were, from left, first row, John Zimniski, Mike Faneck, Michael Cleary, Marcus Sowcik, Justin Hoover, Chris Tucker, Jonathon Kanarr, Aaron Katyl. Second row, Chuck Fehlinger, Neil Dymond, Matt Barnard, Kyle Droppers, Kenin Pizzano and Sean Hoskins. Third row, coach Russ Hoover, manager Herb Fehlinger and coach Mark Sowcik.

Editor’s note: The Dallas Post is rich in all kinds of history, especially sports history. Each week, the Post will bring you several different highlights from a particular decade. For this week, we chose to highlight the decades ending in “3.”

August 2003

Tracey Polliard-McGurk, of Dallas, finished first among Back Mountain residents in the 22nd annual Wilkes-Barre Triathlon held in Shavertown.

Polliard-McGurk trekked the course in 2 hours, 24 minutes. The race started with a one-mile swim, followed by a 24-mile bike ride through the Back Mountain then a seven-mile run. She was one of 269 participants who reached the finish line.

August 1993

Back Mountain American captured the District 16 championship for the first time in history with a 5-0 win over Edwardsville/Larksville.

It was the first title for Back Mountain since 1990 when the National League won the title. Back Mountain, prior to splitting into two leagues, won the state title in 1962.

Members of the team were John Zimniski, Mike Faneck, Michael Cleary, Marcus Sowcik, Justin Hoover, Chris Tucker, Jonathon Kanarr, Aaron Katyl, Chuck Fehlinger, Neil Dymond, Matt Barnard, Kyle Droppers, Kenin Pizzano and Sean Hoskins. The team was coached by Russ Hoover, Herb Fehlinger and Mark Sowcik.

August 1983

Back Mountain American’s 11-12 softball team fell to Mountain Top, 10-0, in the championship game of District 16.

Mountain Top was aided by an eight-hit, seven-run first inning. The locals picked up only four hits off of Mountain Top pitcher Patsy Rinehimer.

The Americans advanced to the title game by beating Northwest, 5-0. In the win, Lori Cave hurled a two-hit shutout, fanning the first 11 batters she faced. Heather Hoffman had two hits for the Americans.

August 1973

The Bob Horlacher all-stars got off to a good start in the playoffs with an 8-0 win over Susquehanna.

Bruce Kunkle pitched a shutout while striking out eight batters. He helped his own cause by driving in a pair of runs. Allan Welles drove in two runs, while Don Hislop scored three times.

Reach Nick Wagner at 570-991-6406 or on Twitter @Dispatch_Nick