For the second year, Tamaqua resident Justin Startzel went above and beyond to show community spirit for his alma mater via a massive RAIDERS display along Stadium Hill in Tamaqua.
This year’s display, with the addition of an 8-foot by 8-foot Raider bird, was done in honor and memory of the late Dan Miorelli, past Tamaqua Booster President, Tamaqua Knee High Football coach, and school board member. Miorelli, 54, passed away last September during complications from a hip fracture. “Dan was truly loved by so many,” said Startzel, a 2009 graduate.
About 80 man-hours went into the construction and placement of this year’s display,” said Startzel.

“This year I decided to dedicate these Raider signs to represent and in memory of Dan Miorelli. His love for the Tamaqua Blue Raiders was truly unmatchable. His chants, his spirit, and his Bugle. The signs represent his big sense of humor and laughter. As big as they are, is just a glimpse representation of how big his heart was. Dan is truly missed by so many everyday, especially by his loving wife, Cathy, and his two amazing & bright sons Austin and Ryan.”
Materials used consisted of nine 4×8 foot treated boards, numerous wooden support beams, blue/white/grey paint and screws.
“The signs are also not just for the football team – but for the soccer team, golf team, Raider Marching Band etc… These signs say to the Tamaqua Raiders to represent each and every student that walks the halls of the Tamaqua Area School District! I want them to feel proud as they travel the hill to study their academics, play their instrument, draw a picture, score a goal, and a touchdown! My intentions are to try and support those kids as much as possible and spread as much pride as possible.” said Startzel via SkookNews.com.
He continued, “I just have a lot of pride for the school I graduated from. I was the high school mascot when I went to Tamaqua high and I always envisioned big pride fest etc. I always felt there wasn’t enough. I wanted to see more hallway parades &  pep rallies endorsing all the kids that go to Tamaqua. So now that I’m an alumni, I figured I wanted to keep that pride alive.”
Startzel also stated his appreciation to the school board, John Brode & Amy Zehner, Betsy Kline Melnick and Family, Kelly Gudisauskas Miller and Family, Kane Lumber, Padora’s Italian Bakery, The Miorelli Family, The South Ward Playground Association, Tyler Calkins, Lee Calkins, James Jackowski, Austin Miorelli and Ethan Hull.
Starzel added that the signs will be taken down following the commencement of fall sports due to winter’s harsh snow, ice and salt.
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 Meet The Raiders is scheduled today (Wednesday, August 27, 2014) at 7 PM at the sports stadium.

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Below photos from Startzel and his friends on Facebook: