JIM THORPE

Head coach Frank Miller (5th season)Assistant coaches Jason Jacobs, Patty Rehrig, Christine Rosenberger, Jamie Tatusko, Eric Moore and Mike TatuskoLast year's record 4-2 overallLeague Schuylkill LeagueDistrict 11 Classification AAKey losses Carl St. Hill, Kareem Mickens, Robert Garcia, Talon Fogal, David Barrientos, and Kyle BradleyKey returnees Matt Curran (Sr., Distance), Shane Edwards (Sr., Sprints), Patrick Beers (Sr., Throws), PJ Johnson (Jr., Sprints/Jumps), Scott Lignore (Jr., Sprints), Ben Moore (Jr., Throws), Phil Schron (Jr., Hurdles)Others to watch Jon Fritz (Sr., Hurdles), Dante Lynch (Sr., Throws), Tyler Mangold (Sr., Throws), Josh Williams (Sr., Distance), Khaaliq Lynch (Fr., Sprints/Jumps), Deonte St. Hill (Fr., Sprints)Strengths The Olympians' strengths seem to be on the track in most events. Three returning state qualifiers are back Johnson, Lignore and Moore to help ease the early season burden of developing many new athletes within the program.Weaknesses The big concern for Miller right now is an overall lack of depth in many field events. Currently, only one to two athletes have tried such events as high jump and triple jump and they are essentially brand new to the event. There are also currently only seven athletes in the weight events, which provides very little depth in that area.Quotable "The primary goal for this season is to simply get better each day of practice and in meets. If the athletes continue to develop and stay healthy, we should be very competitive in many areas at our All-League Meet and District 11 Championships. If the development process speeds up slightly, the boys have a very good chance of being competitive in the division race with teams like Blue Mountain and Pottsville." Head coach Frank Miller.LEHIGHTONHead coach Jake Marushak (1st season)Assistant coaches Jim Blakeslee, Bill Brong, Dennis Semmel, Amber KonekLeague Mountain Valley ConferenceDistrict 11 Classification AAAKey losses Cory Kresge, Leon AdamsKey returnees Levi Haldeman (Jr., Discus), Jon Rabenold (Sr., 400M), Giuseppe Caruso (Sr., Javelin).Others to watch Jon Strauss (Jr., Javelin), Eric Whiteman (Jr., Shot Put), Luke Millen (Sr., Pole Vault).Strengths Lehighton will have many returning athletes from last year that will definitely be a benefit to the team. The Indians will have an excellent coaching staff and are incorporating new training techniques.Weaknesses Numbers are always a concern in Track and Field. However, Marushak thinks the talent that his athletes have been showing at practice will more then make up for the number of athletes on the team.Quotable "I am very excited to start the 2011 season. We have many talented returning athletes and even more new faces to the track and I have high expectations for each of them. The entire team has been working hard at practice and I feel confident that we are ready for our opening meet against Pocono Mountain East," Head coach Jake Marushak.MARIANHead coach John Boyle (2nd season)Assistant coaches Pat John, George Ferko, Jerremy Dommer, Andrew Waber, Brain Rodgers, Maria MonteroLast year's record 6-2League Schuylkill LeagueDistrict 11 Classification AAKey losses Justin Huegel, Mike Stauffer, Corry Rutch, Matt Yaich, Jake Ryan, Mike Legath, James Ramer, David PaulKey returnees Chris Barletta (Sr., Jumps/Sprints), Bobby Kelly (Sr., Hurdles), Kyle Garber (Sr., Jumps/Sprints), Conner Schleicher (Sr., Distance), Dylan Barrowsky (Sr., Throws), Kolten Heckmen (Sr., Throws), Matt Grega (Jr., Mid-Distance), Paul Martin (Jr., Sprints), Logan Rutch (Jr., Mid-Distance), Cy Shickora (Jr., Throws/Sprints), Dylan Quirk (So., Sprints), Jullian Mick (So., Hurdles), John Jullian (So., Hurdles), Phil Marzen (So., Distance).Others to watch Eric Baker (Sr., Sprints/Jumps), Brett Befano (Sr., Throws), Genio Kociolek (Sr., Throws), Euguen Brady (So., Mid-Distance), Corey Quick (So., Throws), Ricardo Velozquez (So., Throws), Dylan Hascher (So., Distance).Strengths Marian figures to be strong in the sprints, the hurdles and the relays thanks to its overall depth. Barletta will led the way in the sprints along with Garber. Kelly will handle the hurdles.Weaknesses Middle distance to distance, along with the jumps, are an area of concern for the Colts.Quotable "Our goals for the season are to win the D-2 championship, do well at the league and district championships, and get athletes into states. This program has come a long way in the past couple of seasons by winning three division championships in a row. We need to keep moving forward and push the pace so we can compete with the best teams in our league and in our district. That is the only way we will ever be able to accomplish our goals as a team," Head coach John Boyle.NORTHERN LEHIGHHead coach Michael Lehtonen (4th season)Assistant coaches Mike Bonner, Scott Gerould, Derek Long, Dave OertnerLast year's record 4-8League Colonial LeagueDistrict 11 Classification AAKey losses Zach Fleming (Distance), Cody Remaley (Sprints), Christian Freudenberger (Throws).Key returnees Joe Wirfel (Sr., Sprints), Austin Danish (Sr., Distance), David Getz (Jr., Hurdles), Mike Hofmann (Sr., Hurdles), Caleb Johnson (So., Multi-Events), Mike Seremula (Jr., Jumps), Darien Middaugh (So., Mid-distance).Others to watch Carl Sahlberg (Sr., Throws), Kyle Heiser (Throws), Robby Hanzlik (Sr., Jumps), Kyle Wagner (Sr., Pole Vault), Carter Rankin (Sr., Jumps), Abel Boyer (Jr., Throws), Kyle Greenawald (Jr., Throws).Strengths The Bulldogs should be strong and deep in the throwing events.Weaknesses The sprinting events could be a problem for Nolehi, especially with the loss of Remaley.Quotable "We have a lot of young athletes and newcomers out for the team this year. We look to gain experience quickly and be competitive in the league." Head coach Michael Lehtonen.NORTHWESTERNHead coach Brian Xander (8th season)Assistant coaches David Kerschner, Mike MacLaughlin, Tim Churetta, JJ ReppertLast year's record 9-2League Colonial LeagueDistrict 11 Classification AAAKey losses Joe Hall, Tim East, Trevor GermanKey returnees Matt Naugle (Jr., Sprints), Cody Reinert (Sr., Sprints/Middle Distance), Alex Castellano (Jr., Throws), Bobby Clymer (Sr., Hurdles/High Jump), Tyler Stelmack (So., Distance).Others to watch David Tirpak (Jr., Throws), Ben Snyder (Jr., Sprints/High Jump), Del Supplee (Jr., Sprints).Strengths Xander feels his team's biggest strength is its youth. Northwestern only has six seniors, but will have some quality athletes in each area that should do well throughout the season. The entire group has been working hard. The belief is that these younger athletes will step up and help the team to a successful season.Weaknesses A double-edged sword, the Tigers' youth can also be a weakness. The lack of experience is something that the coaching staff will have to keep an eye on.Quotable "Each year we come into the season with great expectations. The best part about our sport is how each athlete is competing for both himelf and the team. This allows them to work toward personal and team goals. Our goal as coaches is to train each athlete so that they can perform to their full potential." Head coach Brian Xander.PALMERTONHead coach Michael Gombert (4th Year)Assistant coaches Bethany Rowland, Jim Hay, Jeff Minnich, Dwight Henninger, Lanny Buck, Kris HoffnerLast year's record 4-7 overallLeague Colonial LeagueDistrict 11 Classification AAKey losses Troy Anewalt, Lanny Buck, Josh GrohotolskiKey returnees Derek Furry (Sr., Sprints), Kevin Seemiller (Sr., Distance), Derek Walck (Sr., Throws), Travis Wolfe (Jr., Hurdles/Sprints), Brad Ehret (So., Jumps), Alex Vignone (So., Jumps/Sprints)Others to watch Trevor Kirchner (Sr., Throws), Dallas Miata (Jr., Sprints), Steve Semmel (Jr., Throws), Caleb Muscavage (So., Hurdles), Jarred Sacks (Fr., Jumps/Sprints), Austin Shupp (Fr., Jumps/Sprints)Strengths The Bombers could excel in some field events, especially the jumps and throws.Weaknesses A former strength, the pole vault could now pose a problem for Palmerton.Quotable "We are balanced in each grade with athletes. We have some promising underclassmen who we hope will continually improve throughout the season. Their development, along with our veterans, will help determine our team's success," Head coach Michael Gombert.PANTHER VALLEYHead coach Francy O'Gorman (1st season)Assistant coaches Michelle Markovich, Jason HarrisonLast year's record 0-6League Schuylkill LeagueDistrict 11 Classification AAKey losses Andrew Tucker, Ryan Richards, Kevin SchallerKey returnees Dylan Smith (Sr., Javelin/Shot Put/Discus), Robert Knipper (Sr., Javelin/Shot put/Discus), Josh Vega (Sprints), Morgan Jones (Mid Distance).Others to watch Shane McGeehan (Fr.), Lenny Ogozalek (Fr., 1600/3200)Strengths PV's returning upper classmen have a lot of experience and should become leaders this season.Weaknesses Numbers. The Panthers will have a very small team this year.Quotable "Even with our low numbers I'm expecting a good season, we have a lot of talent, and we should have a lot of district qualifiers." Head coach Francy O'Gorman.PLEASANT VALLEYHead coach Michael Wertman (5th season)Assistant coaches Drew Davis, Michelle Piontkowski, Wayne Davenport, Woody MetzgerLast year's record 2-5League Mountain Valley ConferenceDistrict 11 Classification AAAKey losses Curran Kneebone (Distance), Evan Makuvek (Distance), Doug Kenely (Throws), Cody Matlock (Sprints), Ben Desotelle (Vault), Rob Nichols (Distance), Pat Lenahan (Vault), Bryan Johnson (Sprints).Key returnees Jalen Blot (Sr., Hurdles), Keegan Bray (So., Sprints), Dakota Everett (So. Throws), Dekimbe Smith (Sr., Throws), Richard Forte (Sr., Sprints), Alex Larkin (So., Distance), Tom Heath (Jr., Throws), Matt Natale (So., Sprints), Josh Perry (So., Sprints), Hiram Woodruff (Jr. Sprints), Anthony Ruiz (Jr., Distance), Tyler Bentzoni (Jr. Jumps), Tom O'Leary (Sr., Distance), James Patterson (Sr., Distance), Lawrence Robinson (Jr., Distance).Strengths The Bears have a good number of returning letter winners on the track and will have enough overall talent to be competitive in every event.Weaknesses Pleasant Valley will have a number of newcomers in the field events and distance races who must contribute.Quotable "We need individuals to emerge as leaders. We have athletes with a lot of potential, but potential has not brought home any championships," Head coach Michael Wertman.TAMAQUAHead coach Tom Kanger (8th season)Assistant coaches Sam Schaffer, Mike Sakash, Chuck Fayash, John Kotchmar, Jerry Zubey, Cortney Wehr.Last year's record 2-4 overallLeague Schuylkill LeagueDistrict 11 Classification AAKey losses Jeff Sincavage, Ben Tuckett, Brandon Clemson, Ricky Clemson, Jared Muffley, John Scheitrum, William Breiner.Key returnees Zachary Lakitsky (Sprints/Jumps), John Ansbach (Throws), Eric Hertzog (Hurdles), Josh Turner (Throws), Philip Christman (Hurdles/Pole Vault), Josh Guscot (Pole Vault), Joe Rudy (Distance), Tyler Krell (Hurdles), Zachary Ruba (Sprints), Lance Williams (Mid-Distance), Pete Conforti (Throws)Others to watch Jordan Frank (800/1600), Tyler Hope (Javelin/100/200), Jake Wenzel (Shot/Discus/Hurdles), Jason Sylvester (Discus), Jonathan Killaly (Pole Vault/3200)Strengths The Blue Raiders should be strong in the sprints, led by Zachary Lakitsky, a 2010 state qualifier in the 100 and long jump. Tamaqua also has more depth this season with 42 boys on the team and has a good group of younger and first year athletes that have the potential to contribute points.Weaknesses If Tamaqua hopes to be a force in the very competitive Schuylkill League Division I race, it will need to develop its underclassmen into scoring athletes immediately.Quotable "Our team goal is to be competitive in all events. We want to push some teams that recently we haven't been able to push," Head coach Tom Kanger.