Palmerton's Spencer Hay capped last season with a state title in the high jump.

Can another Times News area athlete bring home the gold again this spring?Time will tell, but there appears to be a number of capable candidates who are ready for the challenge.Here is a breakdown of each area boys track and field program.JIM THORPEMOVING ON... Jim Thorpe enjoyed great success last season, going 6-0 overall. But the Olympians lose a number of key contributors from last year's Schuylkill League Division 1 championship squad. Gone is Rayan Green, a state qualifier in the triple jump. Green also placed sixth in the long jump at the District 11 Class 3A meet. Jim Thorpe also loses Robert Heller, who placed sixth in the javelin at the district meet, and Randy Sanon, who placed eighth in the 100 at districts. Dylan Bucior (distance) and Hunter Simmons (sprints) were strong in their individual events and also played a large role in helping the Olympians achieve great relay success. Bucior was a Schuylkill League champion in the 1600. In the field events, the Olympians lose Jason Montemuro (pole vault) and Michael Jefferson (throws).BUT WAIT... This year's squad returns plenty of talent that should help keep the Olympians at the top of the league and in the running for postseason success. Seniors Jon Fikentscher (throws), Antonio Madera (sprints/jumps), Ben Saxon (distance), Joseph Schwartz (hurdles) and Derek Scott (throws), along with juniors Trevor Keefer (pole vault), Shawn O'Toole (sprints) and Justin St. Hill (sprints/jumps) and sophomores Sam Hydro (distance) and Thomas Layden (hurdles), return with a great deal of varsity experience. O'Toole was a Schuylkill League champion in the 200, while Fikentscher placed fourth in the discus at the league meet, and Saxon finished fourth in the 800. "The work ethic to date has been extremely strong and positive," said Jim Thorpe head coach Frank Miller. "Early in the season, the experience of the returning sprinters, hurdlers, and throwers will be relied upon heavily to score points until the jumpers and distance runners have a chance to develop and mature. If healthy, by midseason there is a chance that the team can be really balanced with chances to score points in all events."PLENTY OF POTENTIAL... Senior Brendan Carroll (sprints), juniors Jeff Gorman (sprints) and Nujai Walcott (sprints), sophomores Preston Lawrence (sprints), Max Schlenner (sprints/jumps), Jean Carlo Sandoval (sprints/jumps), and freshmen CJ Selby (sprints/jumps) and Jason Walck (sprints/pole vault) should help fill out the Olympians' roster.NO CHANGE... The Olympians set the bar high last season, and Miller sees no reason to change expectations this year. "The goal for this year is the same as each year; get better every day," said Miller. "If we accomplish this daily goal, results should take care of themselves and any goals set as a team or individual can be obtained."LEHIGHTONA FIXTURE... This season will be head coach Jim Blakeslee's 32nd coaching track and field, and fourth as Lehighton's head coach.KEY LOSSES... Lehighton lost Hunter Greene, a Schuylkill League javelin champion, who placed second in the event at last year's District 11 Class 3A meet and qualified for states. The Indians will also be without Nick Chambers, who won a Schuylkill League title in the 100, and Conner Fabian (hurdles) and Bailey Vincent (throws). Fabian was a league runner-up in the 110 hurdles while Vincent placed fifth in the shot put.ONES TO WATCH... Look for seniors Michael Blacketter, a state qualifier during the cross country season, and Blade McCabe, along with junior Anthony Tavella, to lead a strong distance group. Seniors Mike Mayernik (sprints/throws), Gavin Zehner (sprints), Matthew Strubinger (hurdles), Tanner Haydt (mid-distance) and Aaron Bowman (jumps), along with juniors Jake Petit-Clair (mid-distance), Shae Blasiak (jumps) and Dane Frantz (throws), are likely to be key contributors. Zehner and Mayernik were part of the 400 relay team that won a Schuylkill League title last season, while Bowman was a runner-up in the pole vault at last season's league meet. Haydt was fourth in the 200 at last year's league meet. Blakeslee credited a stronger middle school program for replenishing and adding depth at the varsity level. "We are beginning to build numbers again, which is refreshing to our high school program," he said.GOALS... After going 5-1 a year ago and just missing out on a Schuylkill League Division I title with a loss to Jim Thorpe, Blakeslee is hoping the team will once again be a force this season. "We will be strong in almost all areas," Blakeslee said. "Our goal this year is to capture the Schuylkill League title for the boys."MARIANDOMINANT DOM... Marian loses Dominic Mussoline, a team leader on and off the track. Mussoline anchored two relay teams to gold medals at last season's District 11 meet. Mussoline led the team of Zaccary Roberts, Sean Mick and Aaron Srinivasan to a Class 2A title in the 3200 relay and also paced the team of Mike Witczak, Roberts and Mick to a district title in the 1600 relay. Individually, Mussoline thrived in the 800, placing second at districts and earning an eighth place medal and a personal best time of 1:55.44 in the event at states. "When it comes to Marian Catholic track and field, the core of the team always came from the middle/long distance crew. This year, with the loss of Dom, there will be some big shoes to fill. I challenged my middle distance crew before the season that they will need to step up to the plate this year. I am excited to see who accepts the challenge," said second-year Marian head coach Francis Lally.SOLID DEPTH... Though Marian loses Mussoline and Mick, the Colts return Srinivasan, Witczak and Roberts, which should bode well for middle distance and distance events. Srinivasan was fifth in the 1600 at last year's Schuylkill League meet. Witczak placed sixth (23.86) in the 200 at the district meet. Roberts was eighth (2:06.49) in the 800 at districts, and fifth in the event at leagues.NO SHORTAGE OF TALENT... In addition to several key returnees, Lally also championed the addition of several newcomers to this year's team, something that should bode well both on the track and in the field. "Strengths on our team for this upcoming season will be in our sprinters on the boys side. We have an influx of newcomers this year, and with those newcomers came speed. There will definitely be a lot of competition to get on the boys 400 relay team this year. We have a lot of depth and a strong veteran presence when it comes to our field events, led by Matthew Stanziola in the jumping pits and Gunnar Rehrig and Jeff Thomas in the throwing circles," said Lally. Look for Jarrin Geisinger, Dalton Rubert, Alex Tate and Nate Litsch to contribute in the sprints, while Henry Kreisel will be counted on in the hurdles.REPEAT?... Coming off a 6-0 season and Schuylkill League Division 2 championship, Lally knows the Colts are going to get each team's best shot this spring. "We are in a very competitive league. We were a young team last year, but I believe our veteran presence will get us to where we need to be by the end of the season. Being defending league champions, everyone is always out to beat you. Pine Grove is now re-entered in Division 2 of the league, and Schuylkill Haven and Mahanoy Area always bring their best competition. It will be an exciting spring to say the least. Our athletes have been putting in a lot of time and hard work starting in the indoor season, and most of our athletes compete in track and cross country year round. Myself and my coaching staff preach to the athletes hard work equals success, and that is what wins championships," said Lally.NORTHERN LEHIGHDECADE OF COACHING… Mike Lehtonen is entering his 10th season as Northern Lehigh's track and field head coach. Lehtonen was an assistant to Bryan Geist for four years before taking over the reins after Geist took on the duties as the Northern Lehigh High School Athletic Director. "I have been fortunate to have very good assistants and kids to work with," said Lehtonen. "Bryan Geist has also been very helpful and supportive as our Athletic Director."GOING THE DISTANCE… The Bulldogs took a hit to their roster, especially in the distance and middle distance events, where Gavin Kemery and TJ Dooley have graduated. The Bulldogs will look to Kemery's younger brother, Preston, and several others to be the spark plugs in the distance events.UP AND AWAY… Lehtonen feels seniors Jackie Ni, Nick Miller and Joe Egan will help guide an experienced group of throwers. Lehtonen believes the throwing events will serve as the strength of the Bulldogs this season, despite the loss of Conrad Bevans, who was a key contributor in the shot put and discus events. "We have a few new faces that will have big shoes to fill with the graduation of last year's senior class, especially in the sprints and distance areas," Lehtonen said. "On the other hand, we do have an experienced senior class of throwers that should lead the team."MAD DASH TO SUCCESS… Despite the graduation of Hasan Mujovic, the Bulldogs have several athletes with the potential to earn team points in the sprints. Ryan Fine returns for another season, while track newcomer Seth Keiser also shows some early potential.NORTHWESTERNSTALLED BY STELLA... Once again, Mother Nature raised havoc during the start of spring sports. Northwestern head coach Tim Cunningham said last week's snow and cold temperatures definitely changed preseason plans. "Preseason has proved to be a challenge with the weather and inability to get onto an all-weather track," Cunningham said.TRACK ATTACK... The Tigers return plenty of experience in the track events. Among the expected contributors are Trevor Cunningham (hurdles), Kenny Gawelko (400), Andrew Cornell (400), Andrew Goodolf (800), Robert Leiser (distance) and Phillip Catrine (distance).PROJECTIONS... Several events without experienced returnees will provide a challenge for the Tigers. "We have some key returnees, but still have some open events, which we are looking for underclassmen to fill. We expect to go .500 on the season, but if we have some underclassmen step up, we could definitely win a few additional dual meets. Of course, we are hoping for a core of upperclassmen to perform well in the postseason at leagues and districts, and with a little luck, extend that to the state championships in Shippensburg."PALMERTONWHAT LIES AHEAD... Mike Gombert has been there and done that. Gombert, who previously served as Palmerton's head track coach from 2008 to 2013, is returning to that position this season. But at least one thing hasn't changed since he left. "The Colonial League is always very competitive and this year will be no exception," he said. " Consistency from the upperclassmen and continued improvement from the underclassmen will determine our team's success."BIG BOMBERS... Seniors Mike Stasko (sprints/jumps) and John Iles (throws), junior Mike Eckhart (hurdles/jumps) and sophomores Aaron Stasko (sprints) and Jake Martinez (distance) will be counted on heavily for points in their respective events. Three of the above medaled at districts a year ago with Mike Stasko placing third in the 200 meters, Eckhart placing fourth in the 110 high hurdles, and Martinez finishing third in the 3200 meters.INEXPERIENCED... Gombert is concerned with the lack of experience that hovers over the Bombers' squad. He stated that the majority of the team is comprised of sophomores and freshmen. That makes the role of the few upperclassmen on the roster all the more important. "This year's team has strong senior leaders who have experienced success in the past," said Gombert. "In addition to those veterans, we feel like we have a deep and talented group of underclassmen who are poised for success this year and beyond. We hope to see continued growth and athletic maturity from all of the athletes throughout the season."BIG SHOES TO FILL... Spencer Hay and Logan Blasiak are key graduation losses the Bombers must try to replace. Hay won a PIAA state gold medal in the high jump, while Blasiak brought an eighth-place state medal back to Palmerton.PANTHER VALLEYKEY LOSSES... The Panthers lost several contributors from last year's squad, which posted a 4-2 mark in Schuylkill League Division 2 competition. Gone are Ali Capobianco, who placed second in the 300 hurdles in the District 11 Class 2A meet and at the Schuylkill League Championships. Also lost are Giovanni Rivera, who took fifth in the 400 at districts, and Luke Hunsicker, who recorded a seventh-place finish in the shot put at the district meet.RETURNEES... Despite the losses, Panther Valley will have a number of talented athletes returning, many who gained valuable varsity experience a year ago. Senior Josh Rodriguez placed second in the 110 hurdles and third in the 300 hurdles at the district meet. Also returning is senior Anthony Micholik, who took sixth in the 400 at districts. Junior Tyler Davis (long jump) and senior Danny Gilberry (sprints) will also be counted on to be key contributors this season.KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR... Panther Valley also has a wealth of depth to look forward to this season. Seniors Joe Swan (distance), Mike Hood (hurdles), and Alex Lebo (mid-distance); juniors Derrick Beckham (hurdles/javelin/sprints), Noah Berk (mid-distance), Cordell Brettle (distance), Sebastian Reynolds (sprints/jumps/javelin) and Jonathan Reynolds (distance); sophomores Zack Trubilla (throws), Adam Depew (mid-distance/high jump), Carter Brettle (throws), and Brad Buzzard (mid-sprints); and freshmen Blake Morgans (throws), Chucky Byers (distance), Matt Santore (hurdles), Elias Tavares (mid-sprints), Ethan Reis (sprints) and Braxton Whitaker (mid-sprints) figure to contribute in a variety of events this season.THEY SAID IT... "I feel that we can have strong performances from the returnees. I believe our team spirit, energy, and will to work hard will lead to unexpected performances," Panther Valley head coach Bob Thomas.PLEASANT VALLEYUNFINISHED BUSINESS... A year ago, the Pleasant Valley track and field team missed out on an Eastern Pennsylvania Conference regular season championship by one win. The Bears' only loss came to champion Stroudsburg and finished at 10-1 overall and 4-1 in the Mountain Division. Head coach Michelle Piontkowski has faith that the Bears can remain in the hunt once again in 2017. "Barring injury, we should be a factor in the conference race again this year," Piontkowski said. "If we can get key contributions in certain areas, we will have a chance for a title."BIG NAMES... Despite the loss of several key contributors, including Sean McGinley (distance), Mike Morris (sprints), Danny Hunter (sprints/jumps) and Nick Shahin (jumps/hurdles), the Bears return some headline performers in state qualifiers Seth Slavin and Mike Mitchell.LOVING THE NUMBERS... Piontkowski may be the envy of several EPC coaches this season with the big numbers - 71 total athletes - out for the team. Among the most experienced Bears are seniors Ben Bard (throws), Jordan Brown (sprints/jumps), Brendan Gilleece (sprints), Billy Milburn (distance), Mitchell (sprints/jumps), Justin Richardson (sprints/jumps), Jose Rosario (hurdles), Slavin (distance), Gabe Sullivan (distance), and Maurice Wright (jumps); juniors Austin Kresge (hurdles), River Marks (distance), Jon Mickens (distance), Ryan Murphy (distance), and Luke Valdevit (distance); and sophomores Nasai Moon (sprints), Xavier Garmony (hurdles) and Kory Geschwend (middle distance).UPWARD MOVEMENT... While the Bears were strong and deep in many events a year ago, one area where they are looking for improvement is in the throwing events. "Our throwers are once again young or inexperienced," said Piontkowski. "Ben Bard has been a leader and our best thrower, and the new guys have been working hard during the preseason to improve their distances."TAMAQUAGOOD COMBINATION... Tamaqua head coach Tom Kanger, entering his 11th season at the helm, likes the balance of this year's team. "We should have a good mix of athletes in each area this season," said Kanger. "Leaders in throws will be Gavin Seip, in the mid-distance events we have Brad Clemson, and in the pole vault we have Matt Smarr. We also have several new sprinters in Nicko Bollentin and Nicholas DiMarco, along with Nathanial Davidson in the hurdles, which should help us be competitive in all areas." Other key contributors are expected to be Adam Melnick (1600, 3200 relay), Billy Shilko (high jump), Khalid Holland (pole vault) and Jacob Rudy (shot put). Clemson was third in the 800 at last year's Schuylkill League meet. Melnick was fourth in the 1600 at last season's league meet.BIG SHOES TO FILL... Gone is state qualifier Joe Nortavage, a District 11 Class 2A champion in the 400. The Blue Raiders also lose Dylan Dannenfelser, who placed eighth in the javelin at the district meet, and Cullen Murphy, who finished fourth in the pole vault at districts.GOING UP?... After placing first at the Schuylkill League meet, clearing 13-3, Smarr earned a silver in the pole vault behind Palmerton's Logan Blasiak at last year's district event, with a height of 12-6. "He is a returning second-place finisher from last year at districts and District 11 Class 2A receives a second advancement (to states) this year, so he has an excellent opportunity to advance late into the season," Kanger said of his expectations for Smarr.LOOKING FOR MORE... Tamaqua finished last season 1-5 overall and in Schuylkill League Division 1 competition. But with a solid mix of veterans and newcomers on board this spring, Kanger is excited about the prospects for this season's squad. "We lost a few key elements from last season, but our team is a great mix of youth and experience," said Kanger. "Numbers are up from last season and we should have an opportunity in every meet."