As the track season begins, area programs are looking to build momentum with returning talent, emerging contributors and a shared focus on improvement across every event.

JIM THORPE

Head coach: Frank Miller

Last year’s record: 2-5

Key players lost: Aubrey Holland, Victoria Stehlik

Returning starters/letterwinners: Maura Malaska (Sr., thrower), Kelsey Patton (Sr., jumps), Keira Reese (Sr., hurdles), Stacy Bos (Jr., distance), Vanessa Sadler (Jr., thrower), Kimora Seals-Griffith (Jr., jumps), Isabella Roman (So., throws), Brooklyn Yuhas (So., sprinter)

Others to watch: Ciara Lees (So., sprinter), Logan Gillespie (Fr., distance), Kayleigh Halenar (Fr., distance), Emelia Karnish (Fr., jumps/distance), Cheyenne Louk (Fr., sprinter), Sakiyah White (Fr., hurdles)

Strengths: The Olympians have an experienced group of throwers returning. Sadler had a strong showing at the Schuylkill League meet in the discus. The distance group also gets a boost from a talented incoming freshman class. Thorpe will bring back experience in the jumping events as well.

Weaknesses: The Olympians have worked to rebuild their sprinting program and expect to be more competitive in that area this season.

Outlook: “We’re getting better every single week. The girls work hard and they’re extremely coachable. We have 39 girls on the roster and just five seniors, so we’re young. We doubled our roster size from last season, so that’s a nice step forward for us. That has created more competition at practice, which we hope translates into winning more meets this season.” — Jim Thorpe coach Frank Miller

LEHIGHTON

Head coach: Erica Pagotto - 6th season

Last year’s record: 5-1

Key losses: Alexandra Feller, Brielle Frable, Timara Klotz, Darcy Leiby, Allee Maini, Emma Repsher, Emma Sherer, Lorah Thomas

Returning starters/letterwinners: Kamryn Krause (Sr.), Leah Uyvari (Sr.), Lillian Klotz (Jr.), Taylor Moyer (Jr.), Cayley Reph (Jr.), Anna Hawk (So.), Hallie Miller (So.), Claudia Pagotto (So.), Lilyana Shapiro (So.)

Others to watch: Haley Melber, Claire Bridy, Halle Christman, Kalyna DeDonato, Serenity Dilts, Leah Fontanez, Kennedy Gallagher, Hailey Haldeman, Keira Kline, Kenleigh Lewers, Keza Moyer, Camryn Nonwieler, Adelenne Yenser

Strengths: Miller, who had a strong showing at leagues and districts, is solid in the throws, while the Indians also have talent in the middle-distance events. A talented freshman group reaching the varsity level should help offset graduation losses.

Weaknesses: The team is working to replace a strong graduating class. State qualifiers Lorah Thomas and Emma Repsher led the throws, while Emma Sherer also contributed in that area. Brielle Frable leaves a gap in the middle-distance lineup, and the losses of Alexandra Feller (jumps), Timara Klotz and Allee Maini (sprints), and Darcy Leiby (jumps) present additional challenges.

Outlook: “The Lehighton Middle School girls track and field team is set to embark on another promising season, fueled by their impressive performance last year and the return of key athletes who are ready to make their mark once again. Having tied for first place in the dual season meets last year, the team is eager to continue their winning season. (Hailey Miller’s) strong performance and determination make her a formidable competitor and a source of inspiration for her teammates, while the team’s 4x400 relay squad is also looking exceptionally strong this season ... and is poised to deliver powerful performances. We are optimistic about the season ahead, relying on our athletes’ dedication and hard work.” — Lehighton coach Erica Pagotto

NORTHERN LEHIGH

Head coach: Mike Lehtonen

Last year’s record: 4-3 (Colonial League)

Key players lost: Katelynn Barthold (mid-distance), Dekota Barthold (throws/hurdles), Mikayla Gordon (mid-distance)

Returning starters/letterwinners: Anna Trelease (throws), Natalie Moffitt (sprints), Morgan Smith (high jump), Taylor Everk (jumps), Emma Heil (distance), Evelina Mayak (hurdles)

Others to watch: Malia Hyman (hurdles)

Strengths: Throws, hurdles

Weaknesses: Sprints, pole vault

Outlook: “The girls team graduated a talented senior class, which included Katelynn Barthold, Dekota Barthold and Mikayla Gordon. Despite their departures, the 2026 girls squad looks to still have a talented and well-rounded group. Anna Trelease returns in the throws after being district champion in both the javelin and discus in only her freshman year. Natalie Moffitt (senior) has the talent to be a force in the sprints and mid-distance events. Fellow seniors, Emma Heil (distance) and Evelina Mayak (hurdles), look to rebound to their elite form after both having injury-plagued 2025 seasons.” — Northern Lehigh coach Mike Lehtonen

NORTHWESTERN LEHIGH

Head coach: Chuck Groller - 12th season

Last year’s record: 6-1

Key players lost: Sophia Cornell (distance), Ella D’Angelo (sprints), Megan Fornwalt (hurdles/mid-distance), Adisan Kistler (throws), Norah Silfies (HJ/LJ), Carsyn Van Norman (sprints)

Returning starters/letterwinners: Kylie Christman (Sr., javelin), Mallory Connor (Sr., throws), Alexandra Diehl (Sr., javelin), Hannah Gober (Sr., throws), Emily Kistler (So., mid-distance), Taylor Langley (Sr., sprints/LJ), Madison Milks (So., sprints), Rosalia Nestor (So., distance), Ava Okuley (Sr., pole vault), Sophia Schaffer (Jr., sprints/LJ)

Others to watch: Jossalin Romanot (Jr., pole vault), Isabella Smith (Jr., sprints), Emma Wehr (So., pole vault)

Strengths: The defending Colonial League Red Division champions will be strong in distance races, with Nestor returning after earning league and district medals. Classmate Emily Kistler also provides strength in longer races. Christman and Gober both medaled in the javelin at leagues last year, with Diehl also placing in the top eight, giving the Tigers a strong throwing core. Several athletes, including Schaffer in the 400, were close to medaling last year and will look to reach the podium this season.

Weaknesses: Graduates Fornwalt and Cornell were part of two league-medal-winning relays and will need to be replaced, while Van Norman leaves a gap in the sprints. The team will look to build depth in sprints, hurdles and jumps. Northwestern will again compete in Class 3A, facing larger schools such as Emmaus, Easton and Parkland.

Outlook: “We do have some unknowns and challenges ahead of us, but as the season progresses we will get better and stronger. Each day we look to improve upon and exceed the goals we attained the previous day, whether it’s in academics, athletics, or life in general. It’s always about what’s next.” — Northwestern head coach Chuck Groller

PALMERTON

Head coach: Mike Gombert - 10th season

Last year’s record: 5-2

Key players lost: Nataly Walters, Erin Gombert, Claire Thomas, Maddy Bennyhoff

Returning starters/letterwinners: Ruby Walters (Sr., hurdles/sprints), Sarah Sabo (Sr., sprints/throws), Payten Fornaro (Sr., distance), Gabryella Lucas (Sr., jumps), Emma Rex (Sr., throws/jumps/sprints), Kamarrah Saslo (Sr., jumps), Aubrey Frable (Jr., jumps/sprints), Allison Herrmann (Jr., jumps/sprints), Rylee Roman (So., pole vault), Julianna Snyder (So., jumps)

Others to watch: Lea Schaible (Sr., throws), Anna Borger (So., throws/jumps), Dalainey Keiser (So., hurdles/sprints)

Strengths: The Bombers excelled in jumps and hurdles last season and expect that to continue. Lucas, Rex, Saslo, Frable, Herrmann, Roman and Snyder will help carry that strength forward. Ruby Walters will also look to build on her postseason performances and challenge her own school records in the hurdles.

Weaknesses: Gombert is concerned about depth. The roster is small and heavily senior-driven.

Outlook: “We return several girls who are entering their fourth year in the program, and we will rely on them to consistently perform at a high level. Despite losing Nataly Walters to graduation, we have a strong group of returning jumpers. Our veteran athletes, jumpers, and hopefully a few surprises will largely determine the success of our season.” — Palmerton coach Mike Gombert

PANTHER VALLEY

Head coach: Trish O’Gurek

Assistant coaches: Mike Horan, Paul McArdle, Mike Tomko, Jon Williams

Last year’s record: 1-6

Key returnees: Morgan Orsulak (Sr., high jump/long jump/triple jump), Hannah Schreffler (Jr., middle distance), Kayla Alburger (distance).

Others returning: Alisa Williams (Sr., sprints), Emily Lapp (Sr., throws), Caroline Breslin (Sr., distance).

Strengths: “The strength of our program continues to be our throwing events. Year after year, our throwers have demonstrated consistency and competitiveness, with multiple athletes earning postseason berths. Their ability to score in dual meets and advance into championship competition provides a strong foundation for overall team success. Our distance and jumping events are also expected to be major contributors this season. The depth and experience within these groups create high expectations not only during the regular season but into postseason competition. Athletes in these areas have proven they can compete at a high level and consistently contribute valuable points. In addition, our sprinters and hurdlers are trending in a very positive direction. The growth shown from last season both in performance times and technical development, positions this group to take another significant step forward. Continued progression in these events will enhance our competitiveness across all meets.” — Panther Valley head coach Trish O’Gurek.

Weaknesses: “At Panther Valley, we continue to focus on building overall roster numbers. While participation on the boys’ side is trending upward and appears promising, we are working to increase the depth of our girls’ team. Expanding the roster will be critical to strengthening event coverage, improving scoring opportunities, and maintaining competitiveness throughout the season.” — O’Gurek.

Outlook: Panther Valley returns several athletes who reached postseason competition last season. Senior Morgan Orsulak qualified for the Schuylkill League meet in the high jump, long jump and triple jump after leading the team in points during dual meets, while junior Hannah Schreffler earned a league berth in the 400-meter dash. Kayla Alburger also qualified for the league meet in the 3200-meter run and returns to anchor the Panthers’ distance group. With several experienced seniors back and continued development across the roster, Panther Valley hopes to improve its Schuylkill League record while producing multiple postseason qualifiers.

PLEASANT VALLEY

Head coach: Danielle Henry - 1st season

Last year’s record: 2-5

Key players lost: Danielle Boland

Returners: First-year head coach Danielle Henry, previously an assistant, will look to senior Keeley Lawrence to set the pace in the 800 and 1,600. “Keeley is one of the most focused athletes that I have seen...” (quote unchanged)

Others expected to excel: Sarah Montgomery (Jr., sprints), Ava Oviedo (Jr., jumps/javelin), Kylie Fuentes (So., throws)

Others to watch: Sara Brubaker (So.), Alexandra DePalma (Fr.), Madelyn Mackey (Fr.)

Strengths: Team unity, work ethic and a strong team-first mentality

Weaknesses: Limited numbers will challenge depth, but versatility and continued improvement are expected

Outlook: “This team is more than just athletes — it’s a family. We have a strong culture and shared goals. We push each other, we celebrate each other, and everyone is invested in each other’s success. The team has been putting in a lot of work during the offseason; we have a mix of returning athletes and some promising newcomers, and we are excited for the season to start.” — Danielle Henry

TAMAQUA

Head coach: Jim McCabe

Last year’s record: 4-1

Key players lost: Andrea Betz, Erika Campomizzi, Avery Dietrich, Lucy DeMarco, Cadi Fannock, Ava Hess, Moana Hudak, Isabella Jones, Samantha Miller, Nichole Mushock, Samantha Plasha, Brooke Riley, Kimberly Rudy, Dana Sadusky, Jada Thomas

Returning starters/letterwinners: Katie Behun, Leah Black, Millie Black, Katelynn Fredericks, Ceanna Gormley, Shaylee Gormley, Ava Jones, Naomi Knitter, Nia Kovalchick, Bailey Pliska, Nevaeh Saunders, Madelyn Schaefer, Payton Selby, Hailey York, Lila Stegemerten, Mikayah Steigerwalt, Destiny Steinmetz, Siena Stellfox, Sophia Stellfox, Jaana Tamagini, Cecelia Ulicny

Newcomers to watch: Raylyn Harris, Adrianna Hernandez, Rilyn Jones, Aliyaah Joseph-Diaz, Piper Klingaman, Lauren Ligenza, Gabby Osenbach

Strengths: Should have some strong mid- and long-distance runners as well as relays for both boys and girls. Hurdles, sprints, and jumps should improve from last year. The throwers have improved, and some newcomers will help out.

Weaknesses: Much like the issue with the Tamaqua boys team, replacing talented seniors from last year will be an issue.

Outlook: “The team’s mission is ‘To work intentionally to help achieve our full potential.’” — Tamaqua coach Jim McCabe

WEATHERLY

Head coach: Ryan Kately - 6th season

Last year’s record: 0-6

Returning starters: Kelly Reiner

Others to watch: Lexi Kehler

Strengths: Reiner holds school records in the shot put, discus and javelin and placed fifth in the javelin at the Tamaqua meet. Kehler is a freshman cross country state qualifier who will compete in distance events.

Weaknesses: Limited roster size and lack of facilities

Outlook: “We are excited for this season and for the future of Weatherly track. We have a close-knit team with this year’s girls. They are extremely coachable. Our numbers are down now, but we expect a big turnout next season from our junior high kids who won the Schuylkill League and finished 10th in the state.” — Weatherly coach Ryan Kately