JIM THORPE

Head coach - Frank Miller (9th season)Assistant coach - Walt Bevilacqua, Jason Jacobs, Joe Jaskot, Eric Moore, Patty Rehrig, and Robert WagnerDistrict 11 Class - AAALeague - SchuylkillLast year's record - 3-3 overall (2-3 SL)Key Losses - Courtney Capper, Amber Castillo, Catherine CondlyKey returnees - Devon Matz (Sr., Hurdles), Colleen Hoffman (Sr., Sprints/Pole Vault), Rachael Caputo (Sr., Hurdles/Jumps), Lindsay Capper (Sr., Distance), Autumn Cope (Jr., Jumps/Throws), Brooke Cope (So., Throws)Others to watch - Anna Beard (Sr., Mid-Distance), Diane Feller (Jr., Hurdles), Meaghann Principe (Jr., Mid-Distance), Erin Shigo (Jr., Throws/Jumps), Kayla Sompel (Jr., Pole Vault/Jumps), Delana Nalesnik (So., Distance), Jillian Peterson (So., Hurdles/Jumps), Paige Pfeiffer (So., Hurdles/Pole Vault), Jacqueline Condly (Fr., Sprints/Jumps), Noelle Fasolino (Fr., Sprints), Sarah Gabel (Fr., Throws), Kayley Kovac (Fr., Sprints/Distance), Devon Lignore (Fr., Throws), Alexandra McGinley (Fr., Sprints/Jumps), Emma Dunbar (Fr., Sprints/Jumps), Mackenzie Rosenberger (Fr., Hurdles/Jumps), Jordan Waselus (Fr., Sprints/Jumps)Outlook - Miller believes this year's girls' team is the deepest and most balanced team that he has ever had in his time at Jim Thorpe. Miller, along with his coaching staff, feel that there is at least one girl in every event that can be competitive in Schuylkill League competition with a good chance of qualifying for the District 11 meet as well. Many of the girls on the Olympians' roster have that "big meet experience" such as Devon Matz, who is the returning SL Champion in the 300 Hurdles, Colleen Hoffman, and Brooke Cope, who was a state qualifier in the javelin to lean on early in the season while the younger girls continue to find their way around the track, throwing circles and jumping pits.Quotable - "We are extremely excited about the potential of the girls' team this season both individually and team-wise. By the end of the season, the girls will be prepared to perform their best as the Invitational schedule and league dual meet schedule will be grueling. Each meet we compete in will be extremely competitive as Division I in the Schuylkill League this year is extremely balanced and deep with the addition of Lehighton and Pine Grove coupled with the traditional powers of Pottsville, Blue Mountain, Tamaqua and North Schuylkill," Head coach Frank Miller.LEHIGHTONHead coach - Jim Blakeslee (2nd season)Assistant coach - Bill Brong, Bernie Shea, Darren Frehulfer, Amber KonekDistrict 11 Class - AAALeague - SchuylkillLast year's record - 4-2Key Losses - Gwen Remaley, Maris Stern, Kamara LitchauerKey returnees - Jennifer Beers (Sr., Mid-Distance, Distance), Riley Durishin (Sr., Jumps), Celina Fital (Sr., Jumps, Mid-Distance), Christina Green (Sr., Sprints), Cassandra Rehnert (Sr., Distance), Rebecca Strohl (Sr., Throws), Megan McCullion (Jr., Javelin)Others to watch - Holly Bollinger (Jr., Throws), Cera Gaston (So., Distance), Rajah Quiones (So., Sprints), Tia Brownmiller (So., Sprints), Grace Shanton (So., Hurdles)Outlook - Despite losing several quality athletes - including a state qualifier in Remaley - the Lady Indians are primed to make noise in their first season of competition in the Schuylkill League. Now in his second year as head coach, Blakeslee will be able to lean on a strong core and many experienced girls. Several talented underclassmen will be called upon to fill the roles of those lost to graduation.Quotable - "We have so many upperclassmen coming back that I see no reason they can't be among the top teams in the Schuylkill League. If everyone progresses the way we're hoping, we should have a great year," Head coach Jim Blakeslee.MARIANHead coach - John Boyle (6th season)Assistant coach - Patrick John, Jeremy Dormer, Bryan Roders, Frances LallyDistrict 11 Class - AALeague - Schuylkill (Division II)Last year's record - 5-2 overall (5-1SL, league champs)Key Losses - Grace Boyle, Christy Digiandomenico, Emily SofrankoKey returnees - Shannon Masington (Sr., Throws), Kayleee Ceci (Sr., Throws), Sadie Kosar (Sr., Sprints/Hurdles), Sierra Volkert (Sr., Throws), Emily Pilla (Sr., Throws/Sprints), Monica Baranko (Sr., Throws), Alex Valusek (Sr., Throws), Abby Pilla (Jr., Jumps/Hurdles), Emily Pulaski (Jr., Mid-Distance/Hurdles), Maureen Kloap (Jr., Sprints), Emily Reinoehl (Jr., Mid-Distance), Krystyna Matunis (So., Distance), Natalia Koniter (So., Mid-Distance), Camaryn Wheeler (So., Sprints), Jenna O'Donnell (So., Mid-Distance), Brenna Karnish (So., Throws/Jumps), Jillian Correale (So., Mid-Distance), Madison Stoyer (So., Hurdles).Others to watch - Nicole Ambruch (Jr., Throws), Melissa Rameres (Jr., Distance), Kaylee Mahon (Jr., Mid-Distance/Jumps), Angela Grega (So., Mid-Distance/Hurdles), Katie Blozusky (So., Distance), Alyssa Kubeyka (So., Throws), Nikki O'Neil (So., Sprints), Brenna Reabe (So., Throws), Nicole Jordan (So., Jumps), Rebecca Jordan (So., Mid-Distance), Tina Capparell (Fr., Distance).Outlook - The Fillies will be led by a very strong senior class and a deep throwing unit including athletes Kaylee Ceci, Emily Pilla, Monica Branko, Shannon Massington, and Brenda Karnish. Marian will be strong in the relays and the middle distances due to some hard-working and dedicated athletes. Also, watch for freshman Tina Capparell, a Schuylkill League, district champion and state medalist in cross country this past fall, to make noise during her first year of varsity competition on the track.Quotable - "We are going after something that has never been done before at Marian. We are working extremely hard every day to accomplish that goal," Head coach John Boyle.NORTHERN LEHIGHHead coach - Michael Lehtonen (8th season)Assistant coach - Dave Oertner, Derek Long, Scott Gerould, Ashlie EckertDistrict 11 Class - AALeague - ColonialLast year's record - 3-8 overall (3-8 CL)Key Losses - Kelsey Follweiler, Annie TarafasKey returnees - Jess Olewine (Sr., Jumps/Pole vault), Erika McKay (Sr., Distance), Lexie Merkel (JR., Jumps/Sprints), Emily Bevans (Sr., Throws)Others to watch - Micheala Rex (Jr., Mid-distance), Dakota Schweitzer (Sr., Sprints), Darby Pender (So., Hurdles)Outlook - Jess Olewine brings back plenty of experience to the squad after qualifying for the PIAA Championships during her sophomore and junior seasons. Now, in her final campaign, the Bulldogs believe Olewine will once again be a force in the jumping events as well as the pole vault. Last year, Olewine captured a silver medal at leagues and districts in the triple jump, while earning herself another district silver medal in the long jump. Erika McKay, another 2014 district medalist, looks to be the one to guide the Bulldogs' distance squad towards success. McKay, who missed out on a bronze at districts by a mere nine-hundredths of a second last season, is poised to take it a step further this year and get her hands on a potential medal.Quotable - "The girls' team is looking forward to improving on last year's record. Experience, work ethic, and mental toughness, are all things that the team strives for," Head coach Michael Lehtonen.NORTHWESTERNHead coach - Chuck Groller (1st season)Assistant coach - Tim Churetta, Amilee Schillinger, Mike Kistler, Trevor German, Samantha WardDistrict 11 Class - AAALeague - ColonialLast year's record - 11-0 overall (11-0 CL, league champions)Key Losses - Haley Yost, Trista Cunningham, Hannah Masenheimer, Mallory BrinleyKey returnees - Lauren Anderson (Sr., Sprints), Rachele Cerrone (Sr., Distance), Alexis Gawelko (Sr., High jump/Hurdles), Elizabeth Iobst (Sr., Hurdles), Sabrina Mertz (Sr., Sprints), Carly Pierce (Sr., Distance), Kari Schultheis (Sr., Pole vault), Sarah Segan (Sr., Sprints)Others to watch - Natcheli Gomes (Sr., Jumps), Raegan Axt (Jr., Long/Triple jumps), Rachel Mikols (Jr., Distance), Taylor Slack (Jr., High/Long jumps), Abigail Smith (Jr., Distance), Stacy Everett (So., Hurdles, High/Long jumps), Emily Renner (So., Sprints)Outlook - The Tigers look to be very strong and balanced in a number of events thanks to a number of key returnees back from last year's Colonial League championship team. The Tigers' distance runners will continue to be strong as always as a result of the experience and work ethic of coach Tim Churetta. The Tigers will look for continued growth and development in their throwing events due to losing two of their top point-scorers in Trista Cunningham and Hannah Masenheimer to graduation. Groller threw kudos out once again by pinpointing that Mike Kistler, the Tigers' first year throwing coach, has all of the throwers working hard on technique and strength to help fill any voids left behind.Quotable - "Like all other area track and field teams, the weather conditions have forced us to begin our practice sessions indoors, which is always less than ideal, especially for certain events. Our athletes remain committed to their training with positive and strong work ethics regardless of the obstacles that have been imposed on them. Once again our goal for the girls' team is to go undefeated in the regular season and to repeat as Colonial League champions. We will, however, be challenged by other talented girls' teams in the Colonial League," Head coach Chuck Groller.PANTHER VALLEYHead coach - Bob Thomas (1st season)Assistant coach - Brent Reabold, Jacqui MorganDistrict 11 Class - AALeague - Schuylkill League (Division II)Last year's record - 0-6 SLKey Losses - N/AKey returnees - Chloe Markovich (So., Jumps), Jessica Scotto (Jr., Distance), Erin Evans (Sr., Mid-Distance).Others to watch - Sam Williams (Fr., Mid-Distance), Elizabeth McDermott (Fr., Mid-Distance).Outlook - With most of the team back and several promising freshman in the fold, the Lady Panthers should see improved results under Thomas in his first year as head coach. While there will no doubt be growing pains, expect Panther Valley to steadily improve as the season goes on, getting more competitive - and confident - with each meet.Quotable - "I expect them to push each other. We've pushed them, and they've shown that they can handle it. By the end of the year, I think we'll be winning meets," Head coach Bob Thomas.PALMERTONHead coach - Jeff Minnich (2nd season)Assistant coach - Jim Hay, Dwight Henninger, Bethany Rowland, Ty Lewis, Wynnie Green, Austin CsehDistrict 11 Class - AALeague - ColonialLast year's record - 6-4 overall (6-4 CL)Key Losses - Jess Debski, Arissa Snyder, Kaelyn Englert, Sabreena StrauchKey returnees - Jaclyn Wood (Sr., Mid-distance/Jumps/Sprints), Brinn Doherty (Jr., Sprints/Long Jump), Jackie Tracy (Jr., Sprints/Jumps/Hurdles), Johanna Matsko (So., Mid-distance), Lila Goodhile (Jr., Throws)Others to watch - Trisha Billig (So., Jumps/Sprints, Jenna Blynn (Fr., Sprints), Destiny Mokshefski (Fr., Sprints)Outlook - Sprints, as well as some of the jumping events, will be the key areas that will propel the Bombers toward a potential competitive season. Minnich has admitted that he has seen some strong performances in the early going from some young newcomers like Blynn and Mokshefski, for example that he's hoping will translate into later success throughout the season and have the ability to follow in the footsteps of the seasoned sprinters like Wood, Doherty and Tracy. The Bombers, however, are concerned with the inexperience that appears in the lack of depth on the roster. There are far more less experienced girls, many whom have not even been in a meet prior to this season.Quotable - "Early we have been in full on teaching mode as our team is rather young if you look up and down our roster. There is some nice talent on this team however so I expect a few athletes to open some eyes throughout the season," Head coach Jeff Minnich.PLEASANT VALLEYHead coach - Michelle Piontkowski (2nd season)Assistant coach - Wayne Davenport, Drew Davis, Woody Metzger, Hope SmithDistrict 11 Class - AAALeague - Eastern Pennsylvania ConferenceLast year's record - 3-3 overall (3-3 MVC)Key Losses - Sam Young, Jess Lewis, Steph Palmer, Kaitlyn Smith, Melissa Russo, Courtney Miller, Kristen EberhardtKey returnees - Bridget Lozier (Sr., Jumps), Niyah Nevarez (Sr., Throws), Diane McKinsey (Sr., Throws), Harley DeJesus-Carrero (Sr., Hurdles and Jumps), Abby Roselli (Sr., Hurdles), Abbey Leach (Jr., Distance), Jenn Mickens (Jr., Distance), Shelbi Jones (Jr., Sprints), Megan Braddock (So., Sprints), Lizz Eberhardt (So., Distance), Sara Kron (So., Jumps), Maddy Brandt (So., Jumps), Shelbi Kiley (So., Throws)Others to watch - Ymaani Cohen (Jr., Sprints), Sofia Janak (So., Jumps), Mary Michael (Fr., Jumps), Jalurah Moore (Fr., Sprints)Outlook - The Lady Bears return top performers in the distance events from last year's squad and are Piontkowski is expecting them to be able to lead the team again this year. Mickens qualified for the state track and field meet last year in the 800 and qualified again this year for the indoor state track meet. Piontkowski is hoping the junior can lead Pleasant Valley's distance team once again this season. The Lady Bears are a young team, though, that needs to mature very quickly in order to compete in what will be their first year in the EPC. Piontkowski and her assistants are looking for athletes to step up and be leaders on and off the track.Quotable - "I expect them to be competitive in the EPC this year, but we'll need contributions from key athletes for that to happen. They will need to continue to work hard and improve throughout the season to be a factor in the EPC," Head coach Michelle Piontkowski.TAMAQUAHead coach - Tom Kanger (11th season)Assistant coach - Mike Sakash, Frank Wenzel, Samantha Melusky, John Kotchmar, Andy Smarr, Sam SchafferDistrict 11 Class - AALeague - SchuylkillLast year's record - 4-2 (3-2)Key Losses - Rachel Jones, Rebecca Minehan, Rylee Devlin, Tanisha FarberKey returnees - Monika Shimko (So., Mid-Distance, Hurdles), Chelsea Frantz (Jr., Mid-Distance), Paige Demetriades (Sr., Javelin, Pole Vault), Morgan Boyle (Jr., Javelin, Sprints), Victoria LaBar (Jr., Mid-Distance), Alexis Baddick (So., Jumps, Hurdles), Kayla Holland (So., Throws), Vanessa Solt (Sr., Throws), Jade Pradel (So., Sprints, Jumps), Nichole Wasserleben (So., Distance), Allison Pederson (Jr., Throws)Others to watch - Carly Kosciolek (Fr., High Jump, Triple Jump), Janette Kabana (Fr., Mid-Distance, Sprints), Kirsten Jones (Fr., Javelin, Sprints), Olivia Stanek (Fr., Sprints, Mid-Distance), Shanna Brinkworth (Fr., Sprints, Jumps), Maddie Coccio (Fr., Throws, Jumps, Sprints), Alexa Hromyak (So., Throws)Outlook - The Lady Raiders appear to be ready for another strong season in the pole vault and javelin with Morgan Boyle and Paige Demetriades returning. Boyle was a state medalist in both events last season. Demetriades, who will continues her career at the University of Pittsburgh, joined Boyle at Shippensburg University last year after winning the district championship in the javelin. Tamaqua's distance team also has several returning members that should score points in Schuylkill League meets on a regular basis this season.Quotable - "If we can develop some of our younger talent, we could challenge many of the teams in the league. I think the girls are up to the challenge," Head coach Tom Kanger.