JIM THORPE

Head coach - Frank Miller (Ninth season)Assistant coaches - Walt Bevilacqua, Jason Jacobs, Joe Jaskot, Eric Moore, Patty Rehrig, Robert WagnerDistrict 11 Class - AAALeague - SchuylkillLast year's record - 3-3 overall (3-2 SL)Key Losses - Khaaliq Lynch, Deonte St. Hill, Jake McGeehan, Mike MalatakKey returnees - Jon Condly (Sr., Distance), Jake Saxon (Sr., Distance), Dylan Bucior (Jr., Distance), Rayan Green (Jr., Hurdles/Jumps), Sam Gilkes (Sr., Sprints/Jumps)Others to watch - Chalid Smales-Stokes (Sr., Sprints/Jumps), Hunter Gibson (Sr., Throws), Nathaniel Fields (Sr., Distance), Dean Richards (Jr., Throws), Bailey Becker (Jr., Throws), Randy Sanon (Jr., Sprints), Ben Saxon (So., Distance)Outlook - The Olympians are going to rely heavily on the experience of several distance runners, especially seniors Jon Condly and Jake Saxon. Miller pinpointed the fact that all of the distance runners have had tremendous success as harriers this past fall on the school's cross country team, which was undefeated with a 10-0 overall record, and will be the deepest aspect of this season's Olympians' track and field team. As a cross country team, the Olympians collected many accolades, such as the SL Division I title, finishing second at the District 11 meet and finishing in 12th place at the PIAA Championships. Condly faired well as an inidividual as well by winning the Schuylkill League meet, finished second at districts as well as 14th at states. Dylan Bucior and Jake Saxon weren't too far behind Condly, taking second and third place. Meanwhile, at districts, Bucior earned a third place finish and Saxon finished a bit behind in 16th. Rayan Green will also be leaned on heavily in the midst of remaining competitive in the hurdles and jumps. Green is a two-time Schuylkill League champion in the high jump and a state qualifier in the event.Quotable - "Despite only having numbers in the mid-20's for this season, the team has been working extremely hard and tolerating the early season weather with a great outlook. Due to the lack of numbers, competing for team wins may be extremely difficult this season, but as collective individuals, we are looking forward to great individual successes at the league and district levels," Head coach Frank Miller .LEHIGHTONHead coach - Jim Blakeslee (Second season)Assistant coaches - Bill Brong, Bernie Shea, Darren Frehulfer, Amber KonekDistrict 11 Class - AAALeague - SchuylkillLast year's record - 0-6Key Losses - Kyle Whiteman, Austin SchlosserKey returnees - Tyler Crum (Sr., Jumps), Michael Blacketter (Distance)Others to watch - Matt Strubinger (So., Hurdles), Tanner Haydt (So., Jumps), Bailey Vincent (Jr., Throws), Trent Frey (Jr., Distance)Outlook - The Indians return a more experienced group for Blakeslee's second season. The coach is hoping the hard work in the off season will show in their performances during meets. Lehighton will also be looking forward to competing against the Schuylkill League teams after coming in from the Mountain Valley Conference. The Indians are hoping for more success with the new league.Quotable - "With about 30 athletes returning from last year, I think we have a great chance to do well in the Schuylkill League. It's not going to be easy, but I'm looking forward to seeing what they're able to do," Head coach Jim Blakeslee.MARIANHead coach - John Boyle (Sixth season)Assistant coaches - Patrick John, Jeremy Dormer, Bryan Roders, Frances LallyDistrict 11 Class - AALeague - Schuylkill League (Division II)Last year's record - 7-0 overall (6-0 SL, League champions)Key Losses - Mike Grega, Sam Tomlin, Lukas Damian, Sam BuduskyKey returnees - Chris Bruno (Sr., Sprints), Matt Karnish (Sr., Mid-Distance), Nico Agosti (Sr., Mid-Distance), Joe Damiano (Sr., Throws), Conner Roberts (Sr., Distance), Nick Sully (Sr., Sprints/Throws), James Koalbush (Sr., Hurdles), Brandon Mauro (Jr., Sprints/Throws), Cooper Moore (Jr., Sprints/Jumps), Dom Mossoline (Jr., Mid-Distance), Peter Dubuawski (Jr., Throws), Hunter Nause (Jr., Sprints/Jumps), Mark Buchinsky (Jr., Jumps/Hurdles), Stephen Betterly (Jr., Throws), Michael Witczak (So., Mid-Distance)Others to watch - Joshua Ambrush (Sr., Throws), Sean Mick (Jr., Sprints), Matthew Stanziola (So., Mid-Distance/Jumps), Michael Dubuawski (So., Throws)Outlook - Boyle is putting faith is his very strong senior class to lead the Colts forward. He has the utmost trust in his squad that he believes the Colts don't have any areas of weakness this season. The Colts will rely heavily on the success that Boyle stated are the team's "stronger events," which he feels are the 100m, 200m, 400m, and 800m runs thanks to some returning state qualifiers in Nico Agosti, Chris Bruno, Nick Sully, Matt Karnish, and Dom Mossuline. The Colts also feel they can expect to be competitive in all three relay events. The Colts will still have to lean on some of their young talented runners, who the coaching staff feels will help fill the void left by graduating seniors.Quotable - "We are going after something that has never been done before at Marian. We are working extremely hard every day to accomplish that goal," Head coach John Boyle.NORTHERN LEHIGHHead coach - Michael Lehtonen (Eighth season)Assistant coaches - Dave Oertner, Derek Long, Scott Gerould, Ashlie EckertDistrict 11 Class - AALeague - ColonialLast year's record - 6-4-1 overall (6-4-1 CL)Key Losses - Sean Mulcahy, Jake Lieberman, Nate CzarneckiKey returnees - Bryce Moser (Sr., Distance), Gavin Kemery (Jr., Distance), Floyd Snyder (Sr., Jumps/Sprints), Nate Troxell (Sr., Hurdles), Drake Pristash (Sr., Hurdles), TJ Dooley (xx., Mid-distance)Others to watch - Nate Rex (Sr., Sprints), Ryan Rubio (Sr., Sprints), Aaron Hofmann (Sr., Distance)Outlook - The Bulldogs took a hit in the throwing events thanks to the loss of several key competitive throwers due to graduation, however return many seasoned athletes thoughout the rest of the events will be back on the track. Seniors Drake Pristash and Nate Troxell return and look to be a strong and competitive duo in the hurdle events. The Bulldogs will also get some potential points in the distance events thanks to the return of two 2014 district medalists Gavin Kemery (3200m) and Bryce Moser (1600m).Quotable - "The coaching staff is very pleased with the effort and character of this year's team. Led by a large senior class, the team is looking forward to be one of the stronger squads in the league in 2015," Head coach Michael Lehtonen.NORTHWESTERNHead coach - Tim Cunningham (Second season, 25th overall)Assistant coaches - Tim Churetta, Amilee Schillinger, Mike Kistler, Trevor German, Samantha WardDistrict 11 Class - AAALeague - ColonialLast year's record - 10-0Key Losses - Cole Miller, Jihad Hereba, Ryan CerroneKey returnees - Cameron Richardson (Sr., Sprints), Brayden Heller (Sr., Distance), Harry Hall (Jr., Sprints), Brett Schillinger (Jr., Sprints), Jacob Steidinger (Sr., Vaulting), Eli Gough (Sr., Throws), Chet Karpyn (Jr., Throws), Zach Hancharik (Sr., Distance)Others to watch - Rob Seyfried (So., Jumps), Andrew Lister (Jr., Jumps), Bryce Hurdle (So., Jumps), Trevor Cunningham (So., Jumps), Ryan McCann (Jr., Jumps)Outlook - After an undefeated regular season last year, the Tigers will be expected to continue their success in 2015. Losing several athletes that were key contributors a year ago will certainly hurt, so Cunningham, in his second season at the helm, will be looking for underclassmen to step up and meet challenges early in the season. If that happens, expect Northwestern to put some pressure on preseason favorites Wilson and Palmerton and once again contend for the CL championshipQuotable - "We have a nice mix of veterans and newcomers on the team this season. Obviously, we have some holes to fill. But if we can get some of our underclassmen to step up, there's no reason we can't compete at a high level this year," Head coach Tim Cunningham.PANTHER VALLEYHead coach - Bob Thomas (First season)Assistant coaches - Brent Reabold, Jacqui MorganDistrict 11 Class - AALeague - Schuylkill League (Division II)Last year's record - 2-4 SLKey Losses - Mike Horan, Richard Nase, Charles Moore, Austin Karnish, Lenny Ogozalek, Brandon Beshock.Key returnees - Ali Capobianco (Jr., Mid-Distance), Danny Gilberry (So., Sprints, Mid-Distance), Hunter Davidyock (Sr., Mid-Distance), Josh Rodriguez (So., Hurdles), Alex Lebo (So., Sprints), Alex Mehmetti (So., Jumps), Adam Nevenglosky (Sr., Throws).Others to watch - Tyler Davis (Fr., Sprints), Zachary Glassic (Sr., Mid-Distance).Outlook - Though the Panthers lost many of last year's key contributors, the team should be able to compete with a number of athletes returning that have gained valuable experience over the past few seasons. Thomas, in his first year as head coach, is hoping some of those veterans help guide the underclassmen and lead by example, something he thinks will lead to wins.Quotable - "They've been very supportive of one another and I expect that to continue throughout the season. I think we'll be able to win some meets this year. How many, I'm not sure. But I think we'll have some kids qualify for the (Schuylkill) League meet and we'll see what happens," Head coach Bob Thomas.PALMERTONHead coach - Jeff Minnich (Second season)Assistant coaches - Jim Hay, Dwight Henninger, Ty Lewis, Bethany Rowland, Wynnie Green, Austin CsehDistrict 11 Class - AALeague - ColonialLast year's record - 9-1 overall (9-1 CL)Key Losses - Austin Shupp, Darris Rodrigues, Jarred SacksKey returnees - Jerry Pereira (Sr., Sprints/Javelin), Charles Debski (Sr., Throws), Shaun Seiler (Sr., Mid-distance), Nate Eckhart (Sr., Mid-distance), Sean Doherty (Sr., Sprints/Hurdles), Nate Silfies (Sr., Throws), Jon Anthony (Sr., Throws), Harley Appelbaum (Sr., Sprints), Dominic Shivone (Sr., Mid-distance/Pole vault), Spencer Hay (Jr., Jumps).Others to watch - Mike Stasko (So., Sprints/Jumps), Logan Blasiak (Pole vault), Scott Heffelfinger (Jr., Throws), Carter Waibel (Jr., Distance)Outlook - The strength of this year's Bombers' squad lies in the depth of athletes in the upper class, according to Minnich. The second year head coach pointed out the Bombers return several individuals who were league, district, and state medalists from last year and they're hoping that experience can once again pay off in 2015. The coaching staff is comfortable enough with the numbers that they believe the Bombers can cover a number of events. And, if the Bombers can stay healthy, they have the utmost belief that they have a chance to be very competitive in the Colonial League once again. However, the Bombers are concerned with the depth in distance runners and also are looking to develop the need for additional hurdlers as well to compliment their top individual in Doherty.Quotable - "We are like many teams right now in that we are trying to find some additional athletes to help in our weaker areas, but overall I am very happy with the roster that we have. Health is always a huge concern, but I feel that if that works in our favor, so will our win and loss record," Head coach Jeff Minnich.PLEASANT VALLEYHead coach - Michelle Piontkowski (Second season)Assistant coaches - Wayne Davenport, Drew Davis, Woody Metzger, Hope SmithDistrict 11 Class - AAALeague - Eastern Pennsylvania ConferenceLast year's record - 5-1 overall (5-1 MVC)Key Losses - Pat Rimple, Mike Sucic, Max Orsot, Brandon LeapKey returnees - Noah Bard (Sr., Throws), Kevin Cruz (Sr., Jumps), Demetrius Green (Sr., Jumps), Ryan Klapatch (Sr., Throws), Matt Sheehan (Sr., Sprints), Nyiem Nevarez (Sr., Sprints), Khai Samuels (Sr., Distance), Brandon Kuehner (Sr., Throws), Aliem Hoousendove (Sr., Sprints), Nick Shahin (Jr., Jumps), Mike Morris (Jr., Sprints), Danny Hunter (Jr., Jumps/Sprints), Seth Slavin (So., Distance).Others to watch - Ronald Moore (Sr., Sprints), Stephen Ramsey (So., Sprints), Mike Mitchell (So., Sprints/Jumps)Outlook - The Bears should be competitive in every event this year. The distance squad is expected to lead the team; however, the sprinters and jumpers are also poised to score points. Demetrius Green and Khai Samuels both qualified for the states last year in the long jump and 800, respectively, with Samuels placing 6th in the state this past winter in the indoor state track meet. Kevin Cruz should also be very competitive in the long jump; sprinters Matt Sheehan, Nyiem Nevarez, Mike Morris and Danny Hunter are expected to have great seasons, and Seth Slavin is coming off a very successful cross country season. Inexperience in the throwing events and an inability to get technique and drill practice may lead to a slow start, but Pleasant Valley has the raw talent and leadership to turn weaknesses into eventual strengths.Quotable - "A long winter and cold spring has tempered early season expectations. However, we have made the best of our time by working diligently in the gym, in the parking lots and in the weight room. We can be a factor in the EPC race if we can get key contributions in certain areas and I think we'll have a chance for the title," Head coach Michelle Piontkowski.TAMAQUAHead coach - Tom Kanger (11th season)Assistant coaches - Mike Sakash, Frank Wenzel, Samantha Melusky, John Kotchmar, Andy Smarr, Sam SchafferDistrict 11 Class - AALeague - SchuylkillLast year's record - (2-4, 1-4 Schuylkill)Key Losses - Jacob Wenzel, Tyler Hope, Jason Sylvester, Jake Kunkel, Derek Cinicola, Mike Kelly, Joey Marcin, Zach Zucatti, Cody Houser, Damian Munoz, Jack Nemeth, Nick Digiglio, Nick Coccio, Zachary Oliveria.Key returnees - Trevor Skripko (Sr., Throws), Malik Roper (Sr., Sprints, Jumps), Andrew Tite (Jr., Mid-Distance), Austin Zwolenik (Jr., Jumps), Matt Weaver (So., Hurdles), Brandon Cunningham (Sr., Throws), Matt Smarr (So., Pole Vault), Cullen Murphy (Sr., Pole Vault), Shane Hacker (Jr., Throws), Adam Melnick (Jr., Mid-Distance), Gavin Seip (So., Discus), Raymond Kinder (So., Distance), Devin Murphy (Sr., Throws), Tyler Resch (Sr., Throws)Others to watch - Jake Martinez (Jr., Sprints, Jumps), Nathanial Davidson (Fr., Sprints, Mid-Distance), Zachary Davidson (Fr., Sprints, Jumping) Brad Clemson (Fr., Distance), Josh Delp (Sr., Sprints, Jumps), Roberto Roberro (Sr., Sprints, Jumps)Outlook - The Blue Raiders have a wealth of talent coming back for the 2015 season. Kanger, now in his 11th year as head coach, will be looking for senior standouts Trevor Skripko, who excelled in the shot put last season, and sprinter/jumper Malik Roper, to lead a good group of first year participants to a potential League title.Quotable - "If we can get continued development from our underclassmen, that will help offset some of our losses. We have some great individuals and I'm hoping we continue to grow as a team as the season goes on." Head coach Tom Kanger .