JIM THORPE

Head coach - Frank Miller (fourth year)Assistant coaches - Jason Jacobs, Eric Moore, Patty Rehrig, Christine Rosenberger, Matt Taylor, Jamie Tatusko, Mike TatuskoLast year's record - 5-2 overall (3-2 SL)League - Schuylkill League, Division IDistrict 11 classification - AAKey losses - Lashanda Jackson, Gretchen Moore, Hannah Foster, Alisa CaduganKey returnees - JaAshia Page (Sr., Sprints/Jumps), Hilary Reis (Sr., Sprints/Jumps), Meredith Brisbane (Sr., Sprints), Ashley Nicola (Jr., Sprints), Samantha Harlan (Jr., Sprints), Amelia Herman (Jr., Sprints), Kayla Susko (So., Distance), Chelsea Smelas (So., Sprints/Throws), Caitlin Liscinski (So., Mid-Distance), Jeanna McElmoyle (So., Mid-Distance)Others to watch - Mylena Gilkes (So., Sprints/Jumps), Erin Bucci (So., Distance), Marissa Cantelmi (Sr., Throws), Ellyn Tomko (Jr., Throws), Shannon Green (Fr., Sprints/Jumps), Angelica Poalillo (Fr., Sprints/Jumps), Samantha Sparacio (Fr., Jumps/Throws), Kathryn Jones (Jr., Throws), Chasity Mosteller (So., Throws)Strengths - Jim Thorpe has numerous returning athletes with District and State Championship experience, especially in the sprints and jumps. The sprinters and hurdlers will carry the team early in the season until the distance and field event athletes develop.Weaknesses - The Lady Olympians have a lot of youth in their distance and field events - particularly the throws. Despite returning numerous individuals in these events, the bulk of the girls are sophomores and are new to the events. They will need to develop quickly in order to balance out the team's points with the sprints and hurdles.Quotable - "With the returning experience of numerous girls, we hope to be competitive within the SCIAL Division 1 race with the likes of defending champ North Schuylkill and perennial powers Blue Mt. and Tamaqua. The girls continue to work hard which hopefully will translate into further program success" Jim Thorpe head coach Frank Miller.LEHIGHTONHead coach - Randy Frey (first year)Assistant coaches - Bill Brong, Jim Blakeslee, Dennis Semmel, Jake MarushakLast year's record -League - MVCDistrict 11 classification - AAAKey losses - Catherine Remaley, Cady Frey, Breane RupellKey returnees - Auriel George (Sr., Long Jump/Sprints), Vanessa Rimbey (Sr., Hurdles/Jumps), Sheena White (Sr., Throws), Alexis Gambler (Sr., Sprints), Jordyn Miller (Sr., Pole Vault), Lauren McCullion (Jr., Mid-Distance)Others to watch - Abby Frey (Sr., Sprints/Jumps), Corrine McConville (Sr.), Karista Schweizer (Jr., Sprints), Lauren Michalik (So., Hurdles)Strengths - First year head coach Randy Frey believes the Lady Indians have the potential to be strong in every event this year. Rimbey is a returning state-qualifer and will lock down both hurdle events. George and Gambler figure to handle the sprints. White will anchor the throws while McCullion handles the mid-distance. Throw in Frey's lightning-quickness and the Lehighton girls figure to be deep in 2010.Weaknesses - Due to the departures of Remaley and Frey, the Indians have taken a hit in the field events. Last year at the MVC meet, the two combined to win the discus and javelin respectively. Other than White, no one has really put up any sort of numbers in the throwing department.Quotable - "With the new coaches working with the veteran coaches, we are looking forward to another great season. We would like to have a lot of personal-bests and a lot of state qualifiers." Lehighton head coach Randy Frey.MARIANHead coach - John Boyle (first year)Assistant coaches - Brain Rogers, George Ferko, Jeremy Dormer, Maria Hoppes , Pat JohnLast year's record - 5-1 overallLeague - Schuylkill League Division IIDistrict 11 classification - AAKey losses - Leanne John, Janine Patton, Taylor CorrealeKey returnees - Devin Parambo (Sr., Sprints/Jumps), Emily Kennedy (Sr., Sprints), Erin Rehatchek (Sr., Hurdles), Katie Owens (Sr., Distance), Corinne Markiewicz (Jr., Distance), Kathleen Reily (Jr., Hurdles), Gillian Ferko (Jr., Throws), Katelyn Collevechio (Jr., Distance), Catelyn Cataldo (Jr., Sprints), Emma Boyle (So., Mid-Distance), Madison Monaco (So., Mid-Distance), Samantha O'Donnell (So., Mid-Distance)Others to watch - Sarah Connely (Sr., Throws), Michele Fetco (Sr., Distance), Kristen Halenar (Sr., Distance), Cassandra Klocek (Sr., Distance), Chelsea Koerbler (Sr., Throws), Regina Marzen (Sr., Hurdles/Throws), Angela Pavalko (Sr., Hurdles), Emily Schilling (Sr., Throws), Kayla Stanek (Sr., Distance), Kayce Gutsie (Jr., Throws), Andrey Maff (Jr., Throws), Katie Mongi (Jr., Mid-Distance), Briana O'Donnell (So., Distance), Katelyn Smulligan (Sr., Jumps), Molly Balliet (Fr., Distance), Alexandria Hutta (Fr., Sprints/Jumps)Strengths - First year head coach John Boyle feels the Fillies will be strong in the sprints, middle distance and relay event. Boyle also feels comfortable with some of the throwing events the discus and shot put thanks to some seasoned veterans.Weaknesses - Boyle is concerned though with the distance events the 1600, 3200. But, with plenty of newcomers to those events, the Fillies may eliminiate the worries of their distance events in a hurry. Meanwhile, the Fillies have to work on some minor glitches in some other events, especially the hurdles, long jump, javelin and high jump.Quotable "We are trying to do something that has not be done in 17 years, bring home a title. We have a lot of key returning athletes and it all depends if they can come together as a team and make it happen." Marian Catholic Head Coach John Boyle.NORTHERN LEHIGHHead coach - Michael Lehtonen (third year)Assistant coaches - Mike Bonner, Scott Gerould, Derek Long, Dave OertnerLast year's record - 6-6 overall (5-6 CL)League - Colonial LeagueDistrict 11 classification - AAKey losses - Becky Delong, Katrina Wehr, Gwen Steckel, Amber VanHornKey returnees - Kelsey Gallagher (Sr., Mid-Distance), Steph Pryor (Sr., Distance), Gina Krupa (Sr., Hurdles), Sonya Josephson (Jr., Throws)Others to watch - Maggie LeVan (Sr., Jumps), Danielle Dooley (Sr., Pole Vault), Megan Rex (Jr., Distance), Amy Peters (Jr., Sprints)Strengths - According to head coach Mike Lehtonen, Northern Lehigh will be strong in the hurdles. Krupa returns for her senior season and looks to lead the team in those events.Weaknesses - With the loss of Delong, the Lady Bulldogs will be searching for a new No. 1 sprinter. Until they find one, the Bulldogs will struggle in the sprinting events.Quotable - "We have big shoes to fill with the departures of Becky Delong and Gwen Steckel. We will look to develop young talent quickly with senior leadership coming from Kelsey Gallagher, Gina Krupa and Steph Pryor." Northern Lehigh head coach Michael Lehtonen.NORTHWESTERNHead coach - Dave Kerschner (fourth season)Assistant coaches - Bob Horner, Henry Distler, Brian Xander, Mike MacLaughlinLast year's record - 10-1 overallLeague - Colonial LeagueDistrict 11 classification - AAAKey losses - Robbie Hicks, Alexa MishKey returnees - Lindsay Kerr (Sr., Mid-Distance), Sarah Murray (Jr., Throws), Nycole Everett (Jr., Discus), Natalie Hill (Sr., Hurdles), Megan Handwerk (Sr., Distance), Ramzy Burns (Sr., Distance)Others to watch - Nicole Taschler (Sr., Sprints), Jen Gulick (Jr., Jumps), Jen Groller (Jr., Long Jump)Strengths - With all of their returning experience, the Lady Tigers figure to be very strong in the distance and distance relay events. Kerr is the defending district champ in both the 800 and 1600 and should also be a force in the 3200.Weaknesses - According to head coach Dave Kerschner, the Tigers have to make improvements in the long jump and the triple jump. Also, he admitted that it wouldn't hurt to improve in the sprinting events as well.Quotable - "Much like last year, our goal is to win the league championship. We were co-champs last year and that was a great feeling. Still, we would like to remove that 'co' and have the honor all to ourselves. We have a great deal of experience and if we can have some young girls step up then we should be right in the hunt." Northwestern head coach Dave Kerschner.PALMERTONHead coach - Michael Gombert (third season)Assistant coaches - Jim Hay, Jeff Minnich, Bethany Rowland, Lanny Buck, Dwight Henninger, Kris HoffnerLast year's record - 6-5 overallLeague - Colonial LeagueDistrict 11 classification - AAKey losses - Alyssa BeersKey returnees - Wynnie Green (Sr., Hurdles/Sprints), Allison Horinko (Sr., Throws), Alyssa Wentz (Sr., Throws), Lisa Bisbing (Sr., Jumps), Cathy Gamez (Sr., Distance), Kristen Romano (Jr., Hurdles/Sprints), Casey Rinfret (Jr., Sprints/Jumps), Jill Farkas (Jr., Mid-Distance), Kelsey Hay (So., Throws), Lindsey Pekurny (So., Mid-Distance), Andrea Stevko (So., Distance)Others to watch - Vanessa Evans (So., Distance), Sam Doherty (Fr., Pole Vault/Jumps), Jessica Pereira (Fr., Pole Vault/Jumps), Lauryn Solt (Fr., Jumps/Sprints)Strengths - At first glance, the Lady Bombers figure to be strong in the hurdles, the jumps and the throws. They have a lot of seniors returning in all of those events, and those who aren't seniors are still returnees who saw major action last year.Weaknesses - Palmerton has a number of freshmen joining this year's squad. While they may be talented, they are inexperienced. Look for them to take some time to become accustomed to the varsity track experience.Quotable - "We will be young and will have to rely on contributions from the underclassmen. However, there are several athletes who have the potential to excel throughout the season." Palmerton head coach Michael Gombert.PANTHER VALLEYHead coach - Frank Damian (fourth season)Assistant coaches - Terry Bonner, Morgan Jones, Michelle Markovich, Francie O'Gorman, Adrianne BonnerLast year's record - 0-5 overallLeague - Schuylkill League, Division IDistrict 11 classification - AAKey losses - NoneKey returnees - Sam Blum (Jr., Hurdles), Steph Blum (So., Sprints), Christa Mantz (Sr., Sprints/Jumps), Chrissy Micholik (So., Sprints), Sarah Branchide (So., Throws)Others to watch - Celene Yelito (Jr., Distance), Olivia Markovich (So., Sprints), Sindle Griffiths (So., Distance), Kaylyn Covine (Sr., Distance)Strengths - Panther Valley is hoping its returning experience will help it grow and compete as a team this year. Head coach Frank Damian believes it will also lead to some great individual performances.Weaknesses - Although the Panthers have good numbers, it will be tough for them to compete as a team. The Division I of the Schuylkill League has schools twice the Panthers' size and that alone will make it tough for them to score points.Quotable - "Our league is very tough, but we will try as hard as we can. I am hoping our returning seniors can provide the leadership we need and that our underclassmen will follow." Panther Valley head coach Frank DamianPLEASANT VALLEYHead coach - Michael Wertman (fourth year)Assistant coaches - Tom Crosby, Michelle Piontkowski, Wayne Davenport, Woody MetzgerLast year's record - 3-3 overallLeague - MVCDistrict 11 classification - AAAAKey losses - Sheena Brown, Jackie Cassese, Lauren Dekmar, Tara Getz, Katie Hample, Rhea Samuals, Ayanna Kenyatta, Ashely SzczesnyKey returnees - Barbara Cassese (Sr., Jumps), Amira Jones (Sr., Jumps), Allison Keely (Sr., Sprints), Stacy Wojy (So., Distance), Kelly Klapatch (Sr., Javelin), Althea Ross (Jr., Distance), Sam Klingel (Jr., Distance)Others to watch - Kelsey Yocum (Sr., Distance), Christina McGill (Jr., Sprints), Heather Voigt (Sr., Distance)Strengths - The Lady Bears have a few returning athletes who were successful in some events last year. Those athletes will need to carry the team early in the season - or at least until their 'inexperienced' teammates develop in their respective events.Weaknesses - As one can see from the 'key losses' list, Pleasant Valley lost a lot of seniors from last year's team. The eight who have graduated have left a large void on the team's depth. The Bears are young and inexperienced in almost every event.Quotable - "We will be successful if we can develop our newcomers early and fill in the major holes left from our graduated seniors." Pleasant Valley head coach Mike Wertman.TAMAQUAHead coach - Thomas Kanger (seventh year)Assistant coaches - Sam Schaffer, Mike Sakash, Chuck Fayash, Andy Smarr, John Kochmar, Jerry ZuberyLast year's record - 2-3 overallLeague - Schuylkill LeagueDistrict 11 classification - AAKey losses - Corynn Wehr, Kerri Hegarty, Lauren Walser, Lauren Hope, Christi Truskey, Caitlyn Ruch, Shellie Witcofsky, Rachel Tertel, Megan Zukus, Paige BaddickKey returnees - Allison Updike (Sr., Throws), Amber Carroll (So., Distance), Stacey Wallace (Jr., Throws), Brittany Hill (Sr., Sprints), Katie Hummel (Sr., Sprints), Samantha Digilio (Sr., Sprints), Dana Ansbach (So., Distance), Cecily Kohlmeir (So., Distance), Kayla Hope (So., Jumps/Sprints)Others to watch - Taylor Gerber (Fr., Hurdles/Jumps), Kailee Rottet (Fr., Mid-Distance/Jumps), Maria Streisel (Fr., Throws), Christine Streisel (Fr., Sprints/Jumps), Hannah Miller (Fr., Throws)Strengths - Tamaqua has returned a lot of experienced sprinters in Brittany Hill, Katie Hummel and Sam Digilio. All three are seniors and should provide the leadership the team needs. Also, returning state-medalist (javelin) Allison Updike is back, along with district champ (1600/3200) Amber Carroll.Weaknesses - The Lady Raiders have several new athletes. Their inexperience will hinder the team slightly, but not much. The Raiders will also lack depth in some events which will probably cost them some winnable points.Quotable - "I expect this to be a successful season thanks to a lot of individual talent." Tamaqua head coach Tom Kranger.