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- 3ALeague- SchuylkillLast Year’s Record- 3-3-1Key Losses- Colleen Hoffman, Devon Matz, Rachel Caputo, Lindsay Capper.Key Returnees- Autumn Cope (Sr., Throws), Brooke Cope (Jr., Throws), Erin Shigo (Sr., Throws, Jumps), Ava Lowin (Sr., Throws), Meghann Principe (Sr., Mid-Distance), Robyn Loyd (Jr., Mid-Distance), Delana Nalesnik (Jr., Distance), Kayley Kovac (So., Distance), Jillian Peterson (Jr., Hurdles, Jumps), Ruina Gentile (Sr., Pole Vault), Emma Dunbar (So., Sprints), Noelle Fasolino (So., Sprints, Jumps).Others To Watch- Camille Principe (Jr., Hurdles), Mackenzie Rosenberger (So., Hurdles, Jumps), Alex McGinley (So., Mid-Distance), Page Pfeifer (Jr., Pole Vault), Monae Bullock (So., Sprints, Jumps), Payton Kovac (So., Distance), Jordan Waselus (So., Jumps, Throws), Lily Pfeifer (Fr., Hurdles), Marnea Wise (Fr., Sprints, Jumps), Kathryn Costigan (Fr., Hurdles).Outlook- Early in the season until hurdlers, jumpers, and sprinters can develop, the experience of the throwers and distance kids will be relied on heavily. As the season progresses, and hopefully development of the inexperienced areas, develop, the team can round into a really balanced group across all events.Quote- “The attitude, approach, and “team concept” of this group is unrivaled. Every single person on this team encourages, supports, and pushes each other to become better each day. There really is an infectious attitude with this group to get better, which rubs off on each other, the coaching staff, and even the boys team. It is a great group to be around and interact with on a daily basis” - Jim Thorpe head coach Frank Miller.LehightonCoach- Jim Blakeslee (Third season)Assistant coaches- Bill Brong, Amber Konek, Bernie Shea, Darren Frehulfer.District 11 Classification- AALeague- SchuylkillLast year’s record- 3-3Key Losses- Jennifer Beers, Riley Durishin, Celina Fital, Cassandra Rehnert, Rebecca Strohl, Christina Green.Key Returnees- Megan McCullion (Sr., Throws), Holly Bollinger (Sr., Throws), Grace Shanton (Jr., Hurdles), Alexis Brandt (Jr., Hurdles), Cera Gaston (Jr., Distance), Rajah Quinones (Jr., Sprints), Tia Brownmiller (Jr., Sprints), Jada Whiteman (Jr., Sprints).Others to watch- Channel Baez So., Jenna Berry (So., Mid-Distance), McKenzie Dacosta So., Piper Dematte (So., Distance), Kiara Englehart So., Lauren Marks So., Kira Mertz So., Savana Serfass So., Amy Williamson (So., Sprints), Emily Barkanic (Fr., Hurdles), Anastasia Blihar Fr., Lindsay Carrigan Fr., Alexandria Fritzinger Fr., Emily Gulich Fr., Sarah Laible Fr., Grace Liendard Fr., Amanda Mathisen Fr. (Mid-Distance), Amya Quinones (Fr., Sprints), Jennifer Wensel (Fr., Throws), Keyahr McDowell Fr., Isabelle Meckes Fr., Savannah Smith Fr., Gabriella Szozsda Fr.Outlook- The Lady Indians have some returnees but have a lot of new young athletes. Blakeslee expects his team to be strong in sprints, hurdles and throws with hopefully some surprises in distance and jumps. As will be the case for most teams, success will hinge on staying away from injury and scoring in as many events as possible. Blakeslee is looking for the girls to grow in the high jump, middle distance, and long jump events as the season progresses.Quotable- “I’m looking forward to competing in the Schuylkill League for the second year. Most of the teams of our Schuylkill League always give us good competition, but we have some new athletes out this year that I think will complement our returning athletes,” — 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- SchuylkillLast year’s record- 6-0Key Losses- Emily Pilla, Kaylee Ceci, Sadie Kossar, Monica Baranko, Shannon Massinton.Key Returnees- Emily Pulaski (Sr., Sprints/Hurdles/Mid-Distance), Tina Capparell (So., Distance), Camaryn Wheeler (Jr., Sprints), Brenna Karnish (Jr., Throws).Others to watch- Mareen Kloap (Sr., Sprints), Natalia Konitzar (Jr., Mid-Distance), Gianna Agosti (So., Sprints) , Angela Grega (Jr., Hurdles).Outlook- This year marks Lally’s first year as Marian’s head coach, but he has been on the staff as an assistant for a few seasons. The Fillies will aim to earn a fourth-straight Schuylkill League Division 2 title.Quotable- “I was impressed with the numbers during the indoor season. We had great winter workouts, which rolled right over to the spring. Emily (Pulaski), Natalia, and Tina will lead the girls on the track. Brenna is ranked top-20 in the state in throws. We have a lot of good athletes and new faces. I’m excited for the upcoming season. All of the kids buy into our program and compete at the high level that they’re capable of.” - 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- ColonialLast year’s record- 4-7Key Losses- Jess Olewine, Erika McKay, Emily Bevans.Key Returnees- Jill Olewine (So., Multi-Events), Cheyenne Mazzocca (Sr., Sprints), Darby Pender (Jr., Hurdles).Others to watch- Micheala Rex (Sr., Throws), Ashley Mulcahy (Sr., Throws).Outlook- Micheala Rex and Ashley Mulcahy are seniors who will lead the Lady Bulldog throwers. The NL girls’ track team has many young athletes. They will look to quickly gain experience this year and be competitive.Quotable- “The coaching staff is very pleased with the effort and character of this year’s team. As a young team, the Lady Bulldogs will look to find events that fit their skill set and best suit their athletic abilities.” – Northern Lehigh head coach Michael Lehtonen.NorthwesternCoach- Chuck Groller (2nd season)Assistant coaches- Tim Cunningham, Tim Churetta, Mike Kistler, Samantha Ward, Lissa Opolsky, Amy Kelly, Justin Betz.District 11 Classification- AAALeague- ColonialLast year’s record- 11-0Key Losses- Lauren Anderson, Rachel Cerrone, Carly Pierce, Sabrina Mertz, Sarah Segan, Natcheli Gomes, Lexi Gawelko, Kari Schultheis.Key Returnees- Abbie Smith (Sr., Distance), Abby Supplee (Sr., Distance), Rachel Mikols (Sr., Distance), Molly Tarvin (So., Distance), Hannah Herzon (So., Distance), Vanessa Blose (Sr., Shot put/Discus), Josey Steidinger (Sr., Pole Vault), Taylor Slack (Sr., Jumps), Stacy Everett (Jr., High Jumps/Hurdles), Emily Renner (Jr., Sprints), Jaclyn Hardcastle (Sr., Hurdles), Courtney Page (Jr., Sprints/Jumps), McKenzi Divers (Sr., Sprints), Hannah Gough (Jr., Shotput/Discus).Others to watch- Madeline Consuelos (Fr., Distance), Sara Hathaway (Fr., Sprints), Maya Hambrick (So., Jumps/Sprints), Jordan Lowthert (So., Hurdles/Jumps), Gabrielle Sevrain (So., Throws/Jumps), Abby Chisdak (So., Sprints).Outlook- Northwestern will attempt to repeat as Colonial League champs for the fourth consecutive season.Quotable- “The Colonial League championship is within reach for us to repeat as champs for the fourth year in a row. For that to happen, our young and upcoming team members are going to have to meet the challenge and step up to join with our more experienced returning competitors. Continued dedication and work ethic can help fill the void in the strong leadership roles of those key athletes that we lost to graduation.” – Northwestern head coach Chuck Groller.PalmertonCoach- Jeffrey Minnich (Third season)Assistant coaches- Wynnie Cseh, Austin Cseh, Jim Hay, Bill Stoudt, Ty Lewis.District 11 Classification- AALeague- ColonialLast year’s record- 1-10Key Losses- Jaclyn Wood, Olivia Green, Lyndsey Nemeth.Key Returnees- Brinn Doherty (Sr., Sprints/Long Jump), Jackie Tracy (Sr., Sprints/Jumps), Destiny Mokshefski (So., Mid-Distance), Lila Goodhile (Sr., Throws).Others to watch- Madison Martinez (Fr., Sprints/Hurdles), Sayler Burke (Fr., Sprints).Outlook- The Palmerton girls’ team has very low numbers this year. The focus will be on individual improvement in all of the athletes in the program.Quotable- “Despite the very low turnout, I feel confident that several of the girls in the program will be consistent point scorers meet to meet. What we lack in quantity I feel we make up for in quality, and I see that manifesting itself throughout the season.” – Palmerton head coach Jeffrey Minnich.Panther ValleyCoach- Bob Thomas (Second season)Assistant coaches- Brett Reabold, Jacquie Morgans, Troy Margerum.District 11 Classification- AALeague- SchuylkillLast year’s record- 1-5Key Losses- Erin Evans, Alyssa Bartelt.Key Returnees- Kiley Boswell Jr., Myana Elam Jr., Jocilyn Steigerwalt Jr.Others to watch- Desiree Abadia So., Alyssa Buss So., Tia Ketchledge So., Elizabeth McDermott So., Alyssa Schultz So., Shelby Stempa So., Samantha Williams So., Hailey Henninger Fr., Sarah Hood Fr., Alexa Ruzicka 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 Lady 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- 9-2Key Losses- Bridget Lozier, Diane McKinsey, Harley DeJesus-Carrero, Abbey Roselli.Key Returnees- Paris Barton (Sr., Sprints), Maddy Brandt (Jr., Jumps), Kennedy DeHaven (So., Jumps), Lizz Eberhardt (Jr., Distance), Sofia Janak (Jr., Jumps), Shelbi Jones (Sr., Sprints/Distance), Shelbi Kiley (Jr., Throws), Sara Kron (Jr, Jumps), Abbey Leach (Sr., Distance), Mary Michael (So., Pole Vault), Jenn Mickens (Sr., Distance), Jalurah Moore (So., Sprints), Abby Rohrbach (Jr., Throws), Natalia Salmon (Jr., Throws).Others to watch- Armani Dunkley (Fr., Sprints), Julia Butchkoski (Fr, Sprints), Brooke Chabak (Jr., Sprints).Outlook- The Lady Bears return top performers in the distance events from last year’s squad and are expected to lead the team again this year. Jenn 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. Mickens is expected to lead the distance team once again. Armani Dunkley will accompany Jalurah Moore to sure up the sprints and Maddy Brandt will be a team leader in the jumps. The team is young, as almost half the squad is freshmen, so they need to mature very quickly in order to compete in the EPC. Coaches are looking for athletes to step up and be leaders both on and off the track.Quotable- “I expect them to be competitive in the EPC this year, but we need contributions from our key athletes and others to step up for that to happen. They will need to continue to work hard and improve throughout the season to be a factor in the EPC,” — Pleasant Valley head coach Michelle Piontkowski.TamaquaCoach- Tom Kanger (13th season)Assistant coaches- Mike Sakas, Andy Smarr, John Kotchmar, Frank Wenzel, Jim McCabe.District 11 Classification- AALeague- SchuylkillLast year’s record- 3-2-1Key Losses- Paige Demetriades, Vanessa SoltKey Returnees- Morgan Boyle (Sr.,Javelin/Pole Vault), Monika Shimko (Jr., Mid Distance), Chelsea Frantz (Sr., Mid-Distance), Victoria LaBar (Sr., Mid-Distance), Janette Kabana (So., Mid-Distance), Alexis Baddick (Sr., Jumps), Allison Pedersen (Sr., Throws), Kayla Holland (Jr, Throws), Nichole Wasserleben (Jr., Mid Distance), Shanna Brinkworth (So., Pole Vault/Sprints), Maddie Mace (So., High Jump).Others to watch- Sarah Maue (Fr., Mid-Distance), Kailee Carroll (So., Mid-Distance), Olivia Stanek (So., Mid Distance), Melanie Shimko (Fr., Mid-Distance), Kirsten Jones(So., Sprints/Jumps), Alyssa Campomizzi (So., Javelin), April Gerber (Fr., Mid-Distance). Kayla Sherry (Fr., Sprints), Emma Osenbach (Sr., Jumps).Outlook- The Lady Raiders will look to develop their sprint team to pair with several key throwers, such as reigning Times News Female Track Athlete of the Year Morgan Boyle, who is coming off state medals in both the pole vault and javelin last year. A solid distance team, which saw the 3200 relay squad of Monika Shimko, Chelsea Frantz, Victoria LaBar and Janette Kabana also qualify for states last year, returns as well and should help Tamaqua improve on last season. Shimko was also a state qualifier in the 800 last year.Quotable- “I’m excited about all of our returning athletes, many of whom had great success last season, and am eager to see them reach their full potential once again this year,” — Tamaqua head coach Tom Kanger.