June 22, 1996 - The Times News announces its five Athletes of the Year for the spring sports season. Palmerton’s Paul Kunkle earns the Baseball Player of the Year award after hitting .519, scoring 37 runs and knocking in 26. He collects 14 doubles, and finishes with a .634 on-base percentage. Northern Lehigh’s Vanessa Strohl is named Softball Player of the Year after leading her team to a state title. Strohl hits .515 with 42 runs scored and 44 stolen bases. She also posts a 15-2 record with 136 strikeouts and an 0.47 ERA. Northwestern’s Jarrett Weiss and Pleasant Valley’s Karyn Kern receive Boys and Girls Track Athletes of the Year. Weiss wins gold at districts and states in the shot put, while Kern wins the MVC long and triple jumps with area bests. Jim Thorpe’s Brent Reabold rounds out the award winners with the Tennis Player of the Year.