With a number of talented athletes returning, including Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Male Track and Field Athlete of the Year Mike Fellin, and several newcomers ready to contribute, the Marian boys look primed to be in contention once again for another Schuylkill League Division 2 crown, which could be just the start of their postseason success.

Jim Thorpe’s Aiden Clements is back after qualifying for states in the pole vault a year ago, while Palmerton’s Owen Hibell returns after making the ‘Trip to Ship’ in the 3200.

JIM THORPE

HELPING HAND

... Frank Miller, entering his 16th season, leading the program, is assisted by Joe Jaskot, Eric Moore, Walt Bevilacqua, Will Cameron, Mike McGonigal, Marie Rosahac, Mark Rosenberger, Allie Rossino and Holly Skrimcovsky.

LAST YEAR

... The Olympians compiled a 4-2 record competing in Division 1 of the Schuylkill League. Blue Mountain finished with 116 points to edge North Schuylkill (113 points) for the team title at the league meet. Jim Thorpe was in the hunt right up until the final event, finishing strong in third place with 111 points.

KEY LOSSES

... Thorpe will have to replace AJ Bailor (throws), Chris Strika (sprints) and Chris Condly (jumps) from last year’s squad. Bailor put a stamp on a stellar career with a third-place finish in the Class 3A shot put at the PIAA Track and Field Championships for his first state medal last season. Bailor uncorked two personal bests in the event, with his best mark 58-4 coming in his last attempt. It was a stellar end for Bailor, who has rewritten the school’s record books, owning the top marks in the shot put and discus.

COMING BACK

... David Richards (hurdles/jumps), Aiden Clements (jumps), Ryan Bailor (distance), Ridge Snyder (distance), Brett Balliet (throws), Jordan Remmel (distance), David Fiorito (sprints/jumps), Salvatore Capria and (sprints) will be returning for the Olympians this season. Clements punched his ticket to states last season with a runner-up finish in the pole vault, clearing a personal best 12-9, in Class 3A. Richards and Condly were first and second, respectively, in the high jump at the Schulkill League meet last season. Bailor and Snyder were state qualifiers in cross-country this past fall. “The team has a solid core of returning kids with great experiences from last track and field season,” said Miller. “Many of the key kids also had outstanding efforts in their other respective sports that should lead to success this spring. If the new team members develop to their athletic potentials, the team should be very solid in all events. The infusion of athleticism - and increase in numbers - will play a pivotal role in generating competition at practice to push all student-athletes to improve daily. Early on, the experiences and successes of David Richards, Aiden Clements, Ryan Bailor, and Ridge Snyder will be leaned upon to help demonstrate what success looks like to the new members of the program.”

KEEP AN EYE ON

... Look for Keiran Mele (senior, sprints/jumps), Andrew Coolbaugh (sophomore, sprints), Andrew Warner (junior, sprints/jumps), Clarence Watts (sophomore, sprints/jumps), Bryson Heydt (senior, throws), Dominic Berger (junior, throws), Kolby Cavanaugh (freshman, sprints/jumps), Justin Yescavage (freshman, sprints/jumps), Bowden Chicarelli (freshman, distance), Ehren Hassler (freshman, distance), Paul Rutledge (junior, throws) and Ivan Turczenik (junior, sprints/jumps) to also contribute to the team’s success this season. “The potential to regain the Schuylkill League Championship trophy is on the team; our overall discipline and approach to being student-athletes each day will ultimately will be the key to if we have team success, or individual success, at the end of the season,” said Miller.

LEHIGHTON

HELPING OUT

... Erica Pagotto, in her second year as head coach, will have Jim Blakeslee, Darren Frehulfer, Vanessa Rimbey, Gwen Rimaley, Tim Sharrow, Nick Constantino and Tony Pagotto as her assistants.

KEY LOSSES

... The Indians, competing in Division 1 of the Schuylkill League, will have to replace Jayvon McDowell and Kyle Troxell from a squad that went 1-5 a year ago.

COMING BACK

... Lehighton returns senior Gauge Hartney - who scored a sixth-place finish in the shot put at the league meet last year - and senior Zander Bauer, who was seventh in the discus at leagues last year. The Indians also bring back senior Ricky Houser, who will add depth to the throwing events in the discus and shot put, as well as junior Ethan Buchert, who will compete in the sprints.

KEEP AN EYE ON

... Sophomore Owen Serfass (1600 and 3200), senior Brandon Hall (1600 and 3200), and sophomore Xavier Moore (100, 400) will also be counted on to contribute to Lehighton’s success this season.

NEW LOOK

... Lehighton will debut a new fully-automated timing system for its meets this spring. “This season will be our first using a FAT system, so we are excited to enhance our program with the new timing system,” said Pagotto.

OUTLOOK

... Pagotto is optimistic the program’s improved depth will lead to more success for the boys’ team this season. “Our boys team increased in numbers by over 50%,” said Pagotto. “Last year, we struggled with our numbers and therefore, not all the events were covered. This year, we are looking at new talent and competitors in every event. With the increase in numbers, we’re excited to see how the guys will push each other, and we’re looking to improve our season record.”

MARIAN

COLTS ARE DEFENDERS

... Marian holds the belt at the top of the heap in the highly-competitive Schuylkill League Division II. After a year off due to the coronavirus pandemic, these Colts sprinted to the divisional championship and were extremely impressive in the District 11 meet. To be sure, Marian has the target on its back, but welcomes the challenge under Justin Huegel’s leadership. The coach features some standout returnees, including leaders Mike Fellin, the Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Male Track and Field Athlete of the Year, and Jake Fenstermaker.

NEED TO REPLENISH

... Marian lost eight men due to graduation, which includes Ben Artz, Ean Chelak, Kevin Earley, Mason Fristick, Johnny Malarkey, Corey Renhert, Robert Sunder and Gavin Vercusky, Despite the losses, there’s reason to be optimistic, starting with the aforementioned sprinters Fellin and Fenstermaker. Ethan Smith is back for the throwing events, with Alex Kokosky a dual participant in the hurdles and jumps. The distance and mid-distance events features Robert Jones, Alex Cornmesser, Albin Petschauer and Alex Porambo, all letter winners.

KEEP AN EYE ON

... The Colts are looking for strong depth with nine participants being on the watchlist in Huegel’s score card, including Logan Fritz (senior, jumps), Stephen Kostecky (senior, jumps/sprints), Brendan Lonergan (senior, jumps), Stephen Bretzik (sophomore, throws), Ryan Gianelli (sophomore, throws), Angelo Greek (sophomore, sprints), James Rodino (sophomore, throws), Jesse Rodino (sophomore, jumps/throws/sprints) and Michael Silliman (sophomore, jumps/sprints).

HUEGEL’S TAKE

... “After a year we were able to win the Schuylkill League Division II Championship, bring home some league and district championships, and two state medals, the bar has been set and raised even higher,” said Huegel. “With many of our leaders like Mike Fellin and Jake Fenstermaker returning, young talent with some more experience, and some newcomers to watch out for, our boys have taken it upon themselves to establish a standard and tradition that they want to last for a long time. Our expectation is to return to states and pick up where we left off. We know each year our competition brings their best, and with so many great athletes and coaches in our league, this could be one of the most exciting years.”

NORTHERN LEHIGH

LEADING THE WAY

... Mike Lehtonen, who is set to begin his 15th year as head coach, will have another strong staff around him. Scott Gerould, Derek Long, Tatiana Lopez, Liz Hannon, Dave Oertner, Drake Pristash, Beth Case and Raj Gupta will be assistants on the Bulldogs’ staff this season.

KEY LOSSES

... Northern Lehigh will have to replace Caleb Hankee (hurdles), Hunter Zehner (hurdles/distance), Kenneth Dyer (hurdles/jumps) and Brady Hanzarik (pole vault) from a squad that was 0-9 in the Colonial League last season.

COMING BACK

... Jared Thomason (senior, distance), Chase Jones (senior, hurdles), Zach Lehman (sophomore, throws), and Chase Moffit (sophomore, throws) all return with varsity experience. “Jared Thomason, a district medalist in the 1600 last year, returns to lead a Bulldog squad that is largely reloaded this spring,” said Lehtonen. “Several members of the District 11 Champion football team have taken to the track this spring to see how their speed compares to the rest of the league and district. Other members of the team, such as Chase Jones, will look to fill the void in the hurdle department with the graduation of a dynamic hurdling trio consisting of Dyer, Zehner, and Hankee.”

KEEP AN EYE ON

... Trevor Amorim (senior, sprints/jumps), Matt Frame (senior, sprints/throws, Brett Miseria (senior, sprints), Colby Jackovitz (senior, throws), and Dylan Smoyer (senior, sprints/throws) will also contribute to this season’s squad. Several of those athletes were also instrumental in the Bulldogs’ success during the football season, which included a District 11 Class 2A title and a run to the state semifinals.

OUTLOOK

... Improved depth has Lehtonen optimistic about his team’s prospects this season. “Participation numbers have increased drastically from last year, and we look to be very competitive this spring,” said Lehtonen. “Coaches and athletes will look to find events that capitalize on individual skill sets, along with team goals.”

NORTHWESTERN

THE BAND IS BACK TOGETHER

… There is a bit of a buzz around the Northwestern relay teams this season. Its 800-meter relay team finished fourth in the Colonial League Championship last season and sixth at districts, while its 400-meter relay team placed fifth at the league meet. Both squads return all four runners, with the 800-meter team featuring seniors Cole Chukoski and Nate Vincent, paired with juniors Sam Bower and Matthew Santana. In the 400-meter, this year’s team returns seniors Josh Heilman, Jackson Moyes and Dominic Yeakel, with junior Evan Anderson also back. The 100-meter relay team finished third in leagues, and has Anderson and Heilman back this season.

BUILDING ON SUCCESS

… The boys’ cross-country team finished third at states last season, and coach Chuck Groller is hoping that the success they enjoyed there will translate into success in the distance events this spring. While cross-country and distance running in track are generally the same, there are some differences in training techniques that the runners go through because of different terrains. “With cross-country, you can have some courses with a lot of hills, and then others that are very flat and like running on a track,” explained Bower, who was a member of the cross-country team last fall. “I train basically the same for both, except that as it gets closer to track season, I do some different workouts to develop the speed that I need for track because it’s a much shorter race.”

PUZZLE PIECES

… Some may not realize the strategy that goes into a track and field meet. The coaches often need to change things up in one event, and look to move runners into some unfamiliar situations. Groller is fortunate because he has a number of athletes that he can mix and match and don’t mind filling in the holes. Bower is one of the guys that never quite knows where he will find himself. “We can mix some guys and move them around a little. We have put Sam in the 400 numerous times, because usually a good 800 runner is a good 400 runner,” Groller said. “It really is just a matter of where we need the points, and how we want to arrange things on a certain day.”

LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD

… Northwestern was moved up a classification to the 3A level a few years ago when its enrollment went up. The problem is that while it was just over the top limit for 2A, most of the other schools in 3A are near the top enrollment for that level. That leaves the Tigers in a situation where they finish higher in the Colonial League Championship than they do in districts. For instance, last season the boys’ team finished 7-3 and placed fourth in the league championship. In districts they placed seventh. While a lower enrollment is not necessarily a good thing, it does mean that next season Northwestern Lehigh will go back to competing at the lower level. “We are in 3A again this year and it gets a little tough in districts, but we usually do have a good showing. Next year we go back down to 2A, and that should help us, although it doesn’t do anything for our seniors this year,” said Groller. “When we were 2A before, we used to take 10 or 14 athletes to states and now, we take some, but it is on the low side.”

LOFTY GOALS

… Sometimes it’s easy to forget that spring athletes lost a season of high school sports because of COVID. Bower, who is a junior this season, remembers it well, but he has still been able to put together strong times and is looking to up his game again this season. “Really, last year was my first year of track because my ninth-grade season was canceled because of COVID,” said Bower. “I set time goals, but I don’t really focus on setting goals for medals or where I finish because I can’t really control that. For the 32 (3200-meter), I want to get under 10 minutes, and in the 16 (1600-meter) I want to finish around 4:30.”

PALMERTON

LEADING THE CHARGE

... Mike Gombert, in his sixth year as head coach and 12th overall, has compiled a win-loss record of 67-43 coaching the boys. His assistant coaches are Jim Hay, Fran Gough, Darris Rodrigues, Andrew Nosti, Devin Steigerwalt, Mike Martinez, Kris Hoffner, Mike Noyola and Jon Perloni.

BIG LOSSES

... After a 10-1 season competing in the Colonial League, the Bombers will have to replace Jon Perloni (hurdles, jumps), Corlan Wood (pole vault, jumps), Brody Muniz (throws), Kody Kratzer (jumps), Owen Buck (throws) and Mike Noyola (distance) this spring. Perloni placed first in the 110 hurdles with a time of 15.56 at least year’s district meet and qualified for states. Perloni also won the 110 hurdles with a time of 16.06 at the Colonial League meet. Wood posted a runner-up finish in the pole vault, clearing 12-0, at last year’s district meet. Kratzer was second in the triple jump at both the league and district meets last season.

COMING BACK

... Lucas Heydt (senior, sprints, long jump, javelin), Dominic Kintz (senior, sprints), Harrison Dailey (senior, pole Vault, long jump, javelin), Brance Fronheiser (senior, 800, 400), John Schaible (senior, throws), Owen Hibell (junior, distance) and Devon White (junior, sprints) will be key varsity returnees for Palmerton this spring. Hibell, who was seeded second, won the 3200 with a time of 10:27.74 at last year’s district meet, and qualified for states. Hibell was also a state qualifier in cross-country this past fall. “The boys are very coachable and excited for the upcoming season. Despite heavy graduation losses of several talented athletes, we believe there is potential for much success this season,” said Gombert, “Junior Owen Hibell was last year’s district champ in the 3200 and gained valuable experience competing at the state meet as a sophomore. Seniors Lucas Heydt and Dominic Kintz lead a strong group of sprinters, while Harrison Dailey will score points in the pole vault and long jump. John Schaible, Heydt, and Dailey will be counted on to score consistently in the throws.”

KEEP AN EYE ON

... Reilly Burke (junior, hurdles, sprints, jumps), Aaron Simpson (junior, distance), Zack Anthony (sophomore, throws), Jackson Stein (sophomore, pole vault), and Bryson Walters (sophomore, hurdles, sprints) are also expected to be key members of this year’s team.

OUTLOOK

... With a solid mix of youth and experience, Gombert is hopeful the Bombers will once again contend in the league and beyond. “The seniors have experienced much team success in their high school careers, and now it will be their turn to lead the team to continue that trend,” said the coach. “The Colonial League will once again be strong, so consistency from all of the upperclassmen and continued improvement from the underclassmen will determine our team’s success.”

PANTHER VALLEY

PANTHERS HAVE 5

... The Panther Valley boys bring five potential standouts back to the fold this season, led by senior Matt Prudente, juniors Thomas Kokinda, Troy McAndrews and Bryan Wilde, with sophomore Brad Jones also in the mix. Prudente was sixth on the team last year in total points. He unfortunately had an injury that kept him from competing in the postseason last year. He is hoping to have a solid senior season, and make leagues and districts in multiple events. As a sophomore last year, Kokinda finished third in team points scored with 78.5. He made the district meet in the long jump, and is looking to compete more on the track this year in addition to the jumps. Wilde finished fourth in team points scored with 61.25. He made the district finals in the triple jump, and is being looked at to help the Panthers replace the loss of Gabriel DeMatto in the hurdles. Jones was the only freshman to make the district meet in the javelin. McAndrew is a key player on the Panthers’ baseball team, and balances his time between the diamond and running distance for the track squad.

ON THE WATCH LIST

... Mike Pascoe is a rare breed, and like McAndrew, he will try and split time on the baseball diamond and provide depth in the throwing events. Junior Austin Hadley, a potential Division I football player, will compete in three events – sprints, throws and jumps. Adding depth to the squad is Mergim Bushati (sophomore, sprints/jumps/ hurdles), Dustin Kreimendahl (sophomore, throws), Andrew Hazard, (sophomore, sprints/jumps) and Richard Zabroski (senior, throws).

OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOK

... First-year head coach Paul McArdle is eager to see what the 2022 season will bring. But priority number one for the Panthers is increasing the numbers. The boys team finished with just 1o members last year and lost four to graduation. The numbers this year are up over 20, and McArdle credits the other sports coaches at PV for that. “Mark Lavine (football), Pat Crampsie (basketball), Rich Evanko (baseball) and I are all close friends and they have done a great job encouraging our kids to be multisport athletes,” McArdle said. “We have some great athletes at PV, and sharing them is going to be a win-win; for us, and for themselves! I’m not sure we’re at a level where we can score a lot of team points yet, but I do think we have a good shot at seeing some guys on the podiums in leagues and districts.”

PLEASANT VALLEY

TAKING OVER

... Kyle Bonser takes over as head coach this spring. In his third year with the program, Bonser will be assisted by Amy Keller, Drew Davis, Austin Warman and Ethan Miller.

LAST YEAR

... The Bears posted a 2-3 record competing in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. They will have to replace Justin Ellis (hurdles) and Acen Winckler (sprints) from that squad.

COMING BACK

.., Tyler Akob (distance), Ryan Bonser (sprints), Dylan Dixon (high jump, long jump, triple jump), Aiden Green (distance), Christopher Klinges (sprints) and Raymond Lursen (distance) will be counted on to be Pleasant Valley’s top point-scorers this spring.

OUTLOOK

... With increasing numbers and improved depth, Bonser is hoping the Bears can take a step forward this season. “Last year the boy’s team finished with a 2-3 record. Numbers were obviously down from years in the past and that had a large impact on the program,” said the first-year coach. “This year, numbers are back up and some experienced athletes have returned to increase the number of veteran athletes we have on the team. Just like the girls team, there is a healthy combination of veteran and new talent on this team. With the leadership that this team has we are enthusiastic to see what is to come in the upcoming season.”

WEATHERLY

WRECKERS ON THE FLY

... The names are very familiar to the track followers in the Schuylkill League. This band of Wreckers for 2022 is more than a dark horse, they possibly are the team to beat coming off a banner season, the best in school history. Nine is the number that jumps out on the roster, meaning nine-seasoned veterans that will fortify the squad’s ability to score points.

THEY’RE BACK

... The Big Two are back on board in the distance events, led by Ricky Ray and Frankie Willis. And adding to that number, which could be the toughest to beat in the Schuylkill League, there’s Brady Walters, a seasoned senior who will make a major impact this spring. Don’t overlook another name on the list in Michael Berger, now a junior, who has helped pile points on the scoresheet for this team. The most notable missing third, and one of the greats in the annals of Weatherly sports, is Scotty Zoscin, who was lost to graduation. However, head coach Ryan Kately has depth in this department, including letter winners Nathan Tripp, Jacob Parker and one of the potential stars in Berger, in addition to junior Jordan Mitchell.

THE UNKNOWN

... The big question facing the Wreckers is whether they can they score points in other areas. For sure, veteran thrower senior Tim Maguschak heads the list and will be a one to watch, as well three returnees’ in juniors Jayden Eubanks, Wyatt Higgins and Jack Nemschick. The sprinters are paced by letter winner, and junior, Ian McLaurin, with two young freshmen in Trent Higgins and Sebastian Williams also adding depth.

A LOT TO LOOK FORWARD TO

... Coach Kately is high on this year’s squad. “The boys’ team is coming off their best season in school history and will look to keep the momentum going, as we have a great turnout in numbers this year. There will be two groups hopefully scoring points for us, which are the throwing events and the distance events. The throwers are anchored by Tim Maguschak, Wyatt Higgins, Jayden Eubanks, and promising newcomer Jack Nemschick. Each thrower can score points in multiple throwing events, and spent a lot of time in the weight room this offseason. The other group that will be a bright spot for us is the distance runners coming off back-to-back undefeated seasons and Schuylkill League Championships (in cross country) and are anchored by Jacob Parker and Ricky Ray. Ricky is looking to improve his second place finish at districts a year ago in the 800, as well as be the leader of a 3200 relay team consisting of Ray, Willis, Parker, and Berger (all of whom earned Schuylkill League Cross Country All-Stars), which also finished second at districts. Ian McLaurin will be counted on in the sprints after having a year of experience under his belt qualifying for both leagues and districts in the 100. He will be looked to lead a young core of sprinters in the program.”

Despite attempts to make contact, the Times News was unable to obtain information for the Tamaqua boys’ track and field preview.