Jim Thorpe

Head Coach- Frank Miller (10th season)Assistant Coaches- Jason Jacobs, Joe Jaskot, Eric Moore, Robert Wagner, Walt Bevilacqua, Patty Rehrig, Mike McGonigal.District 11 Class- AAALeague- Schuylkill LeagueLast Year’s Record- 7-0Key Losses- Jon Condly, Jake Saxon, Sam Gilkes, Khalil Smalls-Stokes.Key Returnees- Rayan Green (Sr., Hurdles/Jumps), Joe Schwartz (Jr., Hurdles), Dylan Bucior (Sr., Distance), Jian Gentile (Sr., Distance), Ben Saxon (Jr., Distance), Jason Montemuro (Sr., Pole Vault), Randy Sanon (Sr., Sprints/Jumps), Bailey Becker (Sr., Throws), Michael Jefferson (Sr., Throws).Others to Watch- Robert Heller (Sr., Sprints, Throws), William Nieves (Sr., Throws), Hunter Simmons (Sr., Sprints), Kevin Vitti (Sr., Throws), Joseph Erskine (Jr., Distance), Antonio Madera (Jr., Sprints, Jumps), Jon Fikentscher (Jr., Throws), Derek Scott (Jr., Throws), Trevor Keefer, (So., Sprints, Pole Vault), Shawn O’Toole (So., Sprints/Jumps), Justin St. Hill (So., Sprints/Jumps), Jarrin Geissinger (Fr., Sprints/Jumps), Samuel Hydro (Fr., Distance), Thomas Layden (Fr., Hurdles), Max Schlenner (Fr., Sprints/Jumps).Outlook- Jim Thorpe has over 50 team members, which is the most its ever seen. This increase in depth should help in event flexibility, which will increase the Olympians’ chances at dual meets.Quotable- “The increased competition on a daily basis at practice has been fun so far. Each kid, in each group, have been pushing themselves to give their best each day, and you can see the improvement in the short amount of time we have had to practice so far. The expectation is to work each day for self improvement, and the results at the end of the season should take care of themselves with this approach.” - Jim Thorpe head coach Frank Miller.LehightonCoach- Joe Blakeslee (Third season)Assistant coaches- Brill Brong, Amber Konek, Bernie Shea, Darren Frehuffer.District 11 Classification- AALeague- Schuylkill LeagueLast year’s record- 3-2-1Key Losses- Tyler Crum, Craig Serfass, Tom Ruzicka, Joseph Blauch, Nathan Kroboth, Devin Steigerwalt, Christopher Martino.Key Returnees- Bailey Vincent (Sr., Throws), Conner Fabian (Sr., Hurdles), Trent Frey (Jr., Mid-Distance), Luke Fisher (Jr., Distance), Michael Blacketter (Jr., Distance), Matthew Strubinger (Jr., Hurdles), Aaron Bowman (Jr., Pole Vault).Others to watch- Shae Blasiak (So., Jumps), Anthony Tavealla (So., Distance).Outlook- Lehighton lost a ton of seniors, but returns enough upperclassmen that should provide enough leadership to compete in the Schuylkill League in their second year.Quotable- “The boys’ team this year is pretty strong with strength pretty much in all our areas. Most of the teams of our Schuylkill League always give us good competition. We will be strong in sprints, hurdles and throws, with hopefully some surprises in distance and jumps.” - Lehighton head coach Jim Blakeslee.MarianCoach- Francis Lally (First season)Assistant coaches -Bryan Roger, James Kolbush, Justin Huegel, Patty John, Mike Tomko, Mike Cadu.District 11 Classification- AALeague- Schuylkill LeagueLast year’s record- 6-0Key Losses- Nico Agosti, Chris Bruno, James Kolbush, Nick Sully.Key Returnees- Dom Mussoline (Sr., Mid-Distance), Cooper Moore (Sr., Sprints).Others to watch- Mark Buchinsky (Sr., Jumps), Brandon Mauro (Sr., Javelin), Hunter Nause (Sr., Sprints).Outlook- Marian will look to earn a fifth-straight Schuylkill League Division 2 Championship.Quotable- “I came in and made some coaching staff changes over the winter time, and the kids really trusted me on that. Dom (Mussoline) will be leading the boy’s mid-distance, which is the true strength of the team. We have a great tradition at Marian, because the kids work their tails off in the weight room and it shows.” - Marian head coach Francis Lally.Northern LehighCoach- Michael Lehtonen (Ninth season)Assistant coaches- Dave Oertner, Derek Long, Scott Gerould, Ashlie Eckert.District 11 Classification- AALeague- Colonial LeagueLast year’s record- 6-4-1Key Losses- Bryce Moser, Nate Troxell, Floyd Snyder, Drake Pistash, Aaron Hofmann, Nate Rex, Ryan Rubio.Key Returnees- Gavin Kemery (Sr., Distance), T.J. Dooley (Sr., mid-distance), Conrad Bevans (Jr., Throws), Seth Keiser (Jr., Jumps).Others to watch- Jackie Ni (Jr., Throws, Everette Bevans (Jr., Jumps), Nick Miller (Jr., Multi-events), Gage Christ (Sr., Distance).Outlook- The NL boys track and field team returns two-time state qualifier Gavin Kemery on track, along with classmate and mid-distance specialist T.J. Dooley. The coaching staff have high hopes for the experienced throwing duo of Conrad Bevans and Jackie Ni. Junior classmates Seth Keiser and Everette Bevan look to lead the way in the jumping department.Quotable- “The Northern Lehigh boys have a large number of new faces that have big shoes to fill with the graduation of last year’s senior class. The team looks to gain experience quickly and be competitive.” - Northern Lehigh head coach Michael Lehtonen.NorthwesternCoach- Tim Cunningham (Third season)Assistant coaches- Tim Churetta, Mike Kistler, Samantha Ward, Lissa Opolsky, Amy Kelly, Justin Betz.District 11 Classification- AAALeague- Colonial LeagueLast year’s record- 7-4Key Losses- Cam Richardson, Brayden Heller, Jake Steidinger.Key Returnees- Ed Parrish (Sr., Throws), Dan Hallingstad (Sr., Mid-Distance), David VanBlargan (Sr., Pole Vault), Trevor Cunningham (Jr., Hurdles/Jumps), Rob Seyfried (Jr., High Jump).Others to watch- Andrew Goodolf (So., Distance), Kenny Gawelko (So., Distance).Outlook- Depth is the biggest concern for Northwestern. Its success will be determined by how well the Tigers can juggle their athletes around the lineup.Quotable- “We have no specific area that is strong, but we will need to spread out athletes out to outpoint our opponents. Our goals are to have a .500 record and advance as many athletes as possible to the post season.” - Northwestern head coach Tim Cunningham.PalmertonCoach- Jeff Minnich (Third season)Assistant coaches- Wynnie Cseh, Austin Cseh, Bill Stoudt, Jim Hay, Ty Lewis.District 11 Classification- AALeague- Colonial LeagueLast year’s record- 9-2Key Losses- Jon Anthony, Jerry Pereira, Nate Eckhart, Charlie Debski, Harley Appelbaum, Sean Doherty.Key Returnees- Spencer Hay (Sr., Jumps), Mike Statsko (Jr., Sprints/Jumps), Logan Blasiak (Sr., Pole Vault), Scott Heffelfinger (Sr., Throws), Mike Eckhart (So., Hurdles).Others to watch- Jake Martinez (Fr., Distance), Aaron Statsko (Fr., Sprints), John Iles (Jr., Throws), Jake Taylor (Jr., Throws).Outlook- The boys team has a smaller roster than usual, but has several individuals who have had success in the past. Hay is a returning state qualifier/medalist in the high jump, as Blasiak is in pole vault. Mike Statsko may have an opportunity to emerge as a threat in sprints.Quotable- “The guys team has some quality athletes on it that will help shoulder the load for us this season. While we don’t have the depth that we have had the past few years, these athletes along with some promising newcomers, will take us where we are intended to go this season.” - Palmerton head coach Jeff Minnich.Panther ValleyCoach- Bob Thomas (Second season)Assistant coaches- Brett Reabold, Jacquie Morgans, Troy Margerum.District 11 Classification- AALeague- SchuylkillLast year’s record- 4-2Key Losses- Hunter Davidyock, Adam Nevenglosky, Brandan Beshock.Key Returnees- Ali Capobianco Sr., Kyle Emmert Sr., Andrew Ficocelli Sr., Luke Hunsicker Sr., Jason Matika Sr., Aaron Neff Sr., Jordan Pahler Sr., Dante Rivera Sr., Giovanni Rivera Sr., Daniel Gilberry Jr., Anthony Greco Jr., Michael Hood Jr., Alexander Mehmeti Jr., Anthony Micholik Jr., Josue Rodriguez Jr., Chris Santore Jr., Jacob R. Snyder Jr.Others to watch- Tyler Davis So., Jonathan Reynolds So., Sabastian Reynolds So., Jacob Snyder So., Derrick Beckham Fr., Bradley Buzzard Fr., Adam Depew Fr., Colby Newton Fr., Noah Ortiz Fr., Kyle Rusnak Fr., Zachary Trubilla Fr.Outlook- Thomas and his staff are looking for improvement in all events, not so much at the wins and losses. With increasing numbers on the team and increasing parent involvement, the Panthers are looking for strong competition and the athletes to try their best. If that happens, great results will come for Panther Valley.Quotable- “The only thing that will stand between them and their dream to succeed is their will to try hard and their belief that it is actually possible to be achieved. They can’t have fear, but rather, believe that we will get them there,” — Panther Valley head coach Bob Thomas.Pleasant ValleyCoach- Michelle Piontkowski (Third season)Assistant coaches- Wayne Davenport, Drew Davis, Woody Metzger, Hope Smith.District 11 Classification- AAALeague- Eastern Pennsylvania ConferenceLast year’s record- 10-1Key Losses- Noah Bard, Kevin Cruz, Demetrius Green, Ryan Klapatch, Matt Sheehan, Nyiem Nevarez, Khai Samuels, Brandon Kuehner, Aliem Hoousendove.Key Returnees- Sean McGinley (Sr., Distance), Ben Bard (Jr., Throws), Jordan Brown (Jr., Jumps), Danny Hunter (Jr., Jumps/Sprints), Mike Mitchell (Jr., Jumps/Sprints), Justin Richardson (Jr., Jumps/Sprints), Jose Rosario (Jr., Hurdles), Nick Shahin (Jr., Jumps), Gabe Sullivan (Jr., Distance), Maurice Wright (Jr., Jumps), Austin Kresge (So., Hurdles), Jon Mickens (So., Distance), Ryan Murphy (So., Distance), Seth Slavin (So., Distance).Others to watch- Mike Baylo (Sr., Distance), Elijah Munford (So., Jumps), Xavier Garmony (Fr., Sprints), Nasai Moon (Fr., Sprints).Outlook- Barring injury, the bears should be a factor in the EPC race again this year.Quotable- “We should be competitive in every event this year. Replacing the seniors from last year will be tough to do, however, returning state qualifiers Seth Slavin (2016-Indoors-3000 m) and Mike Mitchell (2015-outdoors-jumps) should be able to lead the team in many different areas. Our throwers are once again young; however, Ben Bard has risen to become a leader and one of our top throwers.” - Pleasant Valley head coach Michelle Piontkowski.TamaquaCoach- Tom Kanger (13th season)Assistant coaches- Mike Sakash, Andy Smarr, John Kotchmar, Frank Wenzel, Jim McCabe.District 11 Classification- AALeague- Schuylkill LeagueLast year’s record- 5-1Key Losses- Trevor Skripko, Malik Roper, Brandon Cunningham, Josh Delp, Roberto Borrero, Andrew Tite, Tyler Resch, Derek Keich, C.J. Smith and Devin Murphy.Key Returnees- Jake Martinez (Sr., Throws), Adam Melnick (Jr., Mid-Distance), Matt Smarr (Jr., Pole Vault), Nathaniel Davidson (So., Hurdles), Zach Davidson (So., Mid-Distance), Cory Cunningham (So., Throws), Raymond Kinder (Jr., Mid Distance), Matt Weaver (Jr., Throws), Carson Schoener (So., Javelin), Dylan Dannenfelser, (Sr., Jumps/Throws), Trevor Schilling, (Sr., Sprints), Shane Hacker (Sr., Jumps/Throws), Brad Clemson (So., Mid-Distance).Others to watch- Billy Shilko (Fr., Jumps), Joe Nortavage (Sr., Sprints), Tanner McHugh (Jr., Mid-Distance), Tyler Disbrow (Fr., Throws), Khalid Holland (Fr., Sprints/Jumps), Detrick Borden (Fr., Sprints), Nick Breiner, (Fr., Sprints), Gabe Gregoire (Fr., Throws), Matt Amodea (Fr., Throws), Jin Choi (Fr., Throws), Adam Klatka (Jr., Throws).Outlook- Tamaqua has several returning athletes, as well as league and district qualifiers. There is some new talent, which should help improve upon last year’s results.Quotable- “We have several returning point scorers in each area and some new faces so I’m excited to see who steps up.” - Tamaqua head coach Tom Kanger.