Experience will be a common theme across area track and field programs this spring. Several teams return key contributors from last season, giving coaches confidence that continuity — paired with an influx of younger athletes — can translate into success in both dual meets and postseason competition.

JIM THORPE

Head coach: Frank Miller

Last year’s record: 3-4

Key losses: Kolby Cavanaugh, Bale Carroll, Julien Anstead.

Key returnees/letterwinners: James Cicchinellia (Sr., distance), Samuel Epps (Sr., sprints/jumps), Nathaniel Estevez (Sr., hurdles), Josh Louk (Sr., sprints), Connor Zurawa (Sr., jumps), Gavin Strohl (Sr., thrower). Gavin Baker (Jr., thrower), Aiden Irwin (sprints/jumps), Jake Schukis (Jr., thrower), Cayden Spence (Jr., sprints), Daniel Ziolkiewcz (Jr., thrower), Spencer Gothard (So., hurdles), Maxim Latosky (So., sprints), Colin Warren (So., distance).

Others to watch: Pierce Gothard (Sr., jumps), Blaze Flyzik (So., jumps), Anthony Kiehl (So., sprints), Joshua Mantilla (So., jumps), Michael Solt (So., thrower), Bobby Levins (Fr., sprints/jumps), Brian Reese (Fr., pole vault), Ben Remmel (hurdles/jumps), Ethan Shaffer (Fr., distance), Jacob Sheckler (Fr., hurdles).

Strengths: The Olympians return a ton of experience from their sophomore, junior and senior classes. A lot of the athletes that scored points for JT last season have returned. Spence is the returning Colonial League champ in the 400 and was also the silver medalist in the 400 at the District 11 meet. Strohl broke the school record in the discus.

Weaknesses: Thorpe will need to continue to redevelop its pole vault and sprinting program for it to improve in the win-loss column this season.

Outlook: “I think we’re going to be a lot more competitive across the board. We return a ton of experience and our freshman have come in and they’re pushing the upperclassmen. We have 41 guys on our roster, so that has definitely helped to create a competitive environment at practice. I think if we continue to work like we have been, it will set us up for success both in our dual meets and also in the postseason.” — Jim Thorpe coach Frank Miller.

LEHIGHTON

Head coach: Erica Pagotto - 6th season

Last year’s record: 5-2

Key losses: Aiden Eckhart, Kyle Kuznicki, Joseph Roth, Kai Salles

Returning starters/letterwinners: Dante Angelus (Sr.), Phillip Ebbert (Sr.), Bodie Hawk (Sr.), Carter Hontz (Sr.), Elijah Pagotto (Sr.), CJ Strohl (Sr.), Equan Warner (Sr.), Sebestian Warner (Sr.), Thomas Blair (Jr.), Owen Eckhart (Jr.), Griffin Martin (So.), Kristopher Rodgers (So.).

Others to watch: Quinn Heimbach (Fr.), Sawyer Hoffman (Jr.), Landan Steigerwalt (Fr.).

Strengths: The Indians finished second in the league a year ago and return a number of quality athletes from that team. The talent is spread throughout the events, including throws, distance and hurdles. A large turnout also provides needed depth.

Weaknesses: Lehighton had very strong seniors last year that racked up a lot of points for the team. Roth was not only a versatile athlete capable of stepping into various events and securing crucial points for the team, but he also consistently qualified for states, demonstrating a high level of performance and competitiveness. The team now faces the challenge of finding and developing new talent to fill the void left by their graduation.

Outlook: “As the season unfolds, the boys are poised for success, building on last year’s impressive second-place finish in the dual meets. With a roster of returning talent, plus a lot of new seniors, the team is set to excel. Standout throwers Bodie Hawk and Kase Kleintop have been sharpening their skills through indoor meets, promising a powerful presence in their events. Leading the charge in hurdles is Equan Warner, back for another strong season following his prior successes. Additionally, keep an eye on Quinn Heimbach, whose record-setting performances at the middle school level and impressive qualification for states in cross country as a freshman suggest a bright future and significant contributions to the team. With such a strong lineup, the team is ready to make its mark this season.” — Lehighton coach Erica Pagotto

MARIAN

Head coach: Neal Davis — 1st season

Last year’s record: Girls 6-1; Boys 3-4

Key losses

Boys — Aidan Milkovits (throws), Michael Johnson (jumps/hurdles)

Girls — Alizabeth Pikitus (sprints), Caitlyn Kovatch (sprints), Ava Fritz (mid-distance), Julia Dvorak (sprints), Maddie Katter (hurdles), Olivia Thomas (throws)

Key returnees

Boys — Larry Ader (Sr., throws), Jah Bushati (Sr., throws), Wade Eroh (Jr., distance), James Gelatko (Jr., distance), Damian Rodino (Sr., throws/sprints), Dominck Rodino (Jr., throws/sprints), Jacob Tom (Sr., jumps/sprints), William Ebert (Jr., throws), Tyler Price (So., sprints/jumps), Jordan Mussoline (Sr., sprints)

State qualifier returning — Jacob Tom (long jump): 7th place PIAA Championships; 2nd place District 11 Championships; Schuylkill League champion

Girls — Teaghan Biros (Sr., distance), Maddy Davis (Jr., mid-distance), Brena Farley (Jr., sprints/hurdles), Lexi Gelatko (So., sprints/hurdles), Kali Grochowski (Sr., jumps), Anna Keer (So., distance), Addy Marek (So., mid-distance), Esme Petschauer (Jr., throws), Maisie Petschauer (Jr., jumps), Cara Rehnert (So., sprints/jumps), Brooke Hannis-Miskar (Jr., mid-distance/throws), Leah Grabosky (Jr., hurdles/sprints)

State qualifiers returning — Kali Grochowski (high jump): 2nd place District 11 Championships; 4th place Schuylkill League Championships

Also returning — Girls 4x800 relay team (4th place, Schuylkill League): Maddy Davis, Teaghan Biros, Addy Marek

Key newcomers

With the loss of several key seniors from last year’s team, Marian will look to its returning athletes to fill those roles while also counting on its incoming freshman class to make an impact and contribute throughout the season.

Outlook

While both teams are working to replace key seniors from last season, Marian returns proven performers in state qualifiers Jacob Tom (long jump) and Kali Grochowski (high jump). The Fillies also bring back a majority of their 4x800 relay team — Maddy Davis, Teaghan Biros and Addy Marek — that placed fourth at the Schuylkill League meet.

The program is looking forward to another strong season of both team and individual success, with a focus on continuing the momentum built during Coach Huegel’s tenure and maintaining the tradition of excellence within Marian track and field.

NORTHERN LEHIGH

Head coach: Mike Lehtonen

Last year’s record: 1-6 (Colonial League)

Key players lost: Landon Moll (throws), Keith Lectora (sprints)

Returning starters/letterwinners: Landen Klimek (throws), William Slattery (throws), Cayden Anglin (hurdles)

Others to watch: Zaid Salih (distance), Ryan Zambo (jumps)

Strengths: Throwing, hurdles

Weaknesses: Sprints, pole vault

Outlook: “All eyes are on throwing Coach Derek Long, as he will direct a talented group led by juniors Landen Klimek and William Slattery. Cayden Anglin returns for his senior season as one of the top 300-meter hurdlers in the Colonial League. The boys team will look for Ryan Zambo to pick up points in the jumps. The team will need younger athletes to step up to be competitive on the track in the sprints and distance events.” — Northern Lehigh coach Mike Lehtonen

NORTHWESTERN

Head coach: Chuck Groller - 9th season

Last year’s record: 7-0

Key losses: Ben Bachman (sprints), Xander Giandomenico (distance), Seth Kern (sprints), Landen Matson (sprints), Brendan Miller (hurdles/jav), Gavin Nelson (HJ), Del Tyler (jumps), and Greyson Wellings (Distance)

Returning starters/letterwinners: Braidon Berk (Sr., throws), Jayden Billig (Sr., sprints), Michael Boring (Sr., throws/TJ), Bradley Burnard (Sr., LJ/TJ), Shane Leh (Sr., hurdles/sprints), Kemurry Morgan (Sr., sprints), and Ben Moyes (Sr., sprints/LJ)

Others to watch: Brady Furman (Jr., distance), Noah Griffith (Jr., distance), Isaac Grubb (So., distance), Rhonin Jonassaint (So., hurdles), Ethan Kaschak (Jr., PV), Weston Killar (So., distance), Logan Mesics (Sr., LJ/TJ), and Ian Zettlemoyer (Jr., throws)

Strengths: The Tigers bring back three-quarters of their league-medal winning 3200 relay in Furman, Griffith and Grubb. They also have league runner-up hurdler Shane Leh back this season. The team will have competitive athletes in each discipline to help earn points in dual meets. Most of the team’s athletes were part of successful seasons in soccer, football, wrestling or basketball and will look to cap their school year with more success.

Weaknesses: Replacing state medal winner Gavin Nelson will be a challenge. He was not only one of the top high jumpers in Pennsylvania, but was also the kind of athlete that could compete and win in nearly any event, and one that brought up the level of his teammates. Like most years, Groller will look to develop talent and put it in the right places.

Outlook: “We will be very competitive in all meets. As a team, we will always give everything we got and continue to get better as the season progresses. We will always give it our best effort and have fun while doing it.” Northwestern head coach Chuck Groller.

PALMERTON

Head coach: Mike Gombert - 10th season

Last year’s record: 4-3 overall.

Key losses: Ryan Burkett, Dayton Tindula, Logan Anthony, Connor Hibell, Jake Rutkowitz.

Returning starters/letterwinners: Trent Ader (Sr., jumps), Dillon Borger (Sr., throws), Vincent Taglieri (Sr., sprints, jumps), Ezra Green (Sr., distance), Jake Walkowiak (Jr., pole vault).

Others to watch: Caleb Pastier (Sr., hurdles), Dawson Takerer (Jr., jumps), Tucker DeSousa (Jr., jumps, sprints), Mason Konze (Jr., throws), Daymian Stocker-Gellock (So., throws), Parker Davis (So., throws).

Strengths: The Bombers boast talent in the jumping events. Both Trent Ader and Jake Walkowiak had solid seasons, and want to improve even more this year. Ader took third in the high jump at leagues and districts last season, while Walkowiak earned a fourth-place finish at district in the pole vault.

Weaknesses: Palmerton has some heavy shoes to fill this season with the departure of Burkett, Anthony, Hibell and Rutkowitz, who combined for 17 medals at league, districts and states.

Outlook: “The coaching staff is eager to see how the athletes improve throughout the season. With the loss of state champion Ryan Burkett and some outstanding athletes who did not return this season, our team will look to a lot of newcomers to score points. We have had the most boys on our roster in several years, but their lack of experience might require some time to evaluate their progress,” – Palmerton head coach Mike Gombert.

PANTHER VALLEY

Head coach: Trish O’Gurek

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

Last year’s record: 2-5

Key losses: Frank Shubeck (110 hurdles, triple jump), Abraham Cabrera (1600, 3200), Nuredin Gjoca (300 hurdles, 400, 1600 relay), Mrgim Neziri (high jump, 1600 relay), Clinton Dyer (shot put).

Key returnees: Edison Mitchell (SR, 100/200/400, 1600 relay), Gino Williams (SR, discus/javelin/shot put), Gabe Rodriguez (JR, 300 hurdles), Chase McArdle (SO, jumps/sprints).

Others returning: Adam Gardiner (SR, distance), Carlos Maldonado (JR, throws), Marcus Rodriguez (SR, throws), Jason Ahn (SO, throws).

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, while our sprinters and hurdlers are trending in a very positive direction.” — Panther Valley head coach Trish O’Gurek.

Weaknesses: “While participation on the boys’ side is trending upward and appears promising, we continue to focus on building overall roster numbers to strengthen event coverage and scoring opportunities throughout the season.” — O’Gurek.

Outlook: Panther Valley produced several Schuylkill League qualifiers last season and returns a number of athletes with postseason experience. Senior sprinter Edison Mitchell qualified in the 100, 200 and 400 meters while also running on the Panthers’ 1600-meter relay team, and senior thrower Gino Williams advanced to both the league and District 11 meets in the discus. Other league qualifiers included Frank Shubeck in the 110 hurdles and triple jump, Abraham Cabrera in the 1600 and 3200 distance races, Nuredin Gjoca in the 300 hurdles and 400, Gabe Rodriguez in the 300 hurdles, Chase McArdle in the triple jump, and Mrgim Neziri in the high jump and relay events. With a strong throwing corps and improving depth across several event groups, the Panthers will look to improve their Schuylkill League record while sending multiple athletes back to postseason competition this spring.

PLEASANT VALLEY

Head coach: Danielle Henry - 1st season

Last year’s record: 2-4-1

Key losses: Jareal Moore, Demetrius Outten, Alex Bunting, and Isaiah Montgomery.

Returning starters/letterwinners: First-year head coach Danielle Henry, who was an assistant last year, will look to seniors James Morton (400, 800, 1600), along with fellow senior Nicholas Bruckman (discus). “JT (Morton) is a true student athlete,” said Henry. “Every stride he takes tells a story of hard work, discipline, and passion for the sport. With his dedication, you can expect another EPC and district appearance from him this season. Off the track, he works hard in school and volunteers his time to help and give back to the community. Nick is another key element to this track team. He has heart, dedication, and a work ethic that is admirable. He is one of our senior throwers, and a mentor to the younger throwers. He is always willing to go the extra mile and lend a hand to anyone who may need help. I am expecting him to make an appearance in EPCs (East Penn Conference) and districts this year.” Others expected to be steady contributors will be juniors Collin O’Neill (shot put, discus); Royce Thompson (100, 200, relays); and Gavin Lewis (long and triple jump).

Others to watch: Sean Cobbs Jr., Asher Nikoden, Cole Vanderah.

Strengths: Henry believes the team’s unity and deviation will be their biggest strengths. She is confident her athletes will push themselves to reach their potential, and foster a team-first mentality.

Weaknesses: The Bears’ overall numbers are small, and depth will be an issue. But Henry expects her team to support each other, and she likes their determination and grit.

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. Every meet is a chance for us to grow, and that resilience and determination is what will define us.” — Pleasant Valley coach Danielle Henry

TAMAQUA

Head coach: Jim McCabe

Last year’s record: 2-3

Key losses: Jaeden Arnold, Nicholas Barron, Brody Boyce, Scott Case, Yossaf Garcia, Jacob Hehn, Levi Kunkel, Logan Leatherman, Anthony Marchetti, Adam Schock, Tiparth Soneja, Vincenzo Valentine

Returning starters/letterwinners: William Behun, Aidan Elston, Frank Hill, Larson Hudak, Jon Knepper, Terrence McDowell, Thomas Rivera, Giovanni Rivera-Poke, Daltyn Sadusky, Luis Sanchez, Brody Schlier, Peyton Schwartz, Parker Steencken, Luis Tejada Garcia

Others to watch: Shawn Chen, Matthew Giulano, Kevin Lawfer, Hunter Steencken, Malachi Stewart, Jakin Tamagini, Mason Troutman, Logan Zimmerman

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, McCabe noted.

Weaknesses: The Raiders lost a few talented runners who provided key senior leadership.

Outlook: “Learn to focus on the everyday fundamentals needed to improve in each of our events. If we can steadily do that, we will improve as a whole. We don’t focus on scores, wins/losses, or PR’s. We focus on working hard.” — Tamaqua head coach Jim McCabe

WEATHERLY

Head coach: Ryan Kately - 6th season

Last year’s record: 0-6

Key losses: Ryan Paisley (long jump, javelin), John Donish (javelin), Sebastian Williams (800, 1600)

Returning starters: Isaiah Williams, Chance Stauffer, Alex Best. Matt Adler, Corbin Wagner.

Others to watch: Joe Esposito, Jaxson McKeegan, Khrystian Rivera.

Strengths: The Wreckers will feature runners who have had success on the cross country trails and a few who did very well on the track team last season. Wagner was a league tournament qualifier last in the long jump. “Williams will be in the 800. He’s a grind it out runner with a solid finish. Alex, a sophomore, was a state qualifier in cross country. He’ll run the mile and the two- mile races. Matt has a long stride for the 200 and 400 events.” Throwing the shot put, discuss, and javelin will be Stauffer who Kately calls “a weight room rat” with his muscle and power. Esposito and McKeegan bring success from the junior high level. Rivera had a strong cross- country season and we’ll look for him to score points in the 800 and 1600 races. “We are more well-rounded this season and we have better depth.”

Weaknesses: Weatherly has no facility that simulates track and field conditions. “It’s difficult for us to prepare when we don’t have an actual track and then we go and compete at facilities that have tracks and all the areas necessary for the field events.”

Outlook: “We are looking to be competitive and try to get as many kids to the league, district, and state tournaments. Our goal is to get better meet by meet, enjoy the experience, and have fun.” — Weatherly coach Ryan Kately.