Palmerton’s Ryan Burkett and Northwestern’s Gavin Nelson return after each placed third at last season’s PIAA Track and Field Championships. Burkett earned bronze in the discus, while Nelson placed third in the high jump.

Elsewhere, Lehighton’s Joe Roth and the Bombers’ Jake Rutkowitz will also look to make a return to states after successful seasons last spring.

JIM THORPE

Head Coach: Frank Miller (19th year)

Last year’s record: 1-5

Key losses: Connor Miller

Key returnees: Julian Anstead (throwing), Blake Carroll (throwing), James Cicchinelli (1600M, 3200M), Adam Kosciolek (throwing), Joshua Louk (sprinter), Gavin Strohl (throwing), Connor Zurawa (jumps), Kaden Spence (sprinter) Others to watch: Samuel Epps (jump), Gavin Baker (throwing), Aiden Irwin (sprinter), Jared Mantella (pole vault), Blaze Flyzik (sprinter), Spencer Gothard (jumps), Anthony Kiehl (sprinter), Dominic Kiehl (sprinter), Max Latosky (sprinter), Collin Warren (distance).

Strengths: Jim Thorpe will rely on its throwing events early on to score points. The Olympians have some strong throwers that should be able to get the team going early.

Weaknesses: JT has a very young team, as 31 athletes on the squad are underclassmen.

Outlook: “Our guys have been working hard at practice. We have a group that is dedicated to getting better and wants to get better. Early on, we will need to depend on our throwing events, but as the year goes on, we will definitely get better.” - Jim Thorpe head coach Frank Miller.

LEHIGHTON

Head Coach: Erica Pagotto

Last year’s record: 3-3

Key losses: Cooper Hartsell, Dylan Moyer, Owen Serfass, Wyatt Sherer, Wyatt Smith, and Bradley Yenser

Key returnees: Joseph Roth, Kyle Kuznicki, Aiden Eckhart, Jazier Ofray, Kai Salles, Wyatt Smith, Equan Warner, Bodie Hawk, Talin Fairchild, Ryan Kusse, Austin Green, Carter Hontz, Owen Eckhart, Elijah Pagotto

Others to watch: CJ Strohl, Mason Seidler, Austin Brooks, Kaeden Hernandez, Kase Kleintop, Griffin Martin, Isaac Martin, Sebastian Yturrino

Strengths: With a larger roster this year, the boys’ track and field team is bringing depth to every event, and with athletes like Joseph Roth, Kyle Kuznicki, Aiden Eckhart, Jazier Ofray, Kai Salles, Wyatt Smith, Equan Warner, Bodie Hawk, Talin Fairchild, Ryan Kusse, Austin Green, Carter Hontz, Owen Eckhart, and Elijah Pagotto, there’s a lot of excitement surrounding this squad. As the season progresses, fans can expect strong performances across the board, as this talented group is eager to build on last year’s success.

Weaknesses: In the Colonial League, each event is limited to a specific number of athletes, so not all of the team’s athletes can compete in regular season meets. Pagotto is hoping the athletes stay committed to the team and focus on their growth for upcoming years, even though they may not have the opportunity to compete this season.

Outlook: As the track and field season heats up, the boys’ team is poised for an exciting year, building on a solid 3-3 record from last season, which earned it a fourth-place finish in the Schuylkill League. With an impressive roster of athletes, the team enters 2025 with more talent and determination than ever before. The boys are looking strong in the long distance events. Elijah Pagotto made history last season when he broke the school record in the 3200 with a time of 10:09.69, besting the previous record set by Leroy Gaston in 1997. With his eyes set on even faster times, Elijah will be a key figure for the team this year. Mid to long distance senior Kyle Kuznicki has been working hard all winter long, already breaking PRs during time trials. He is determined to not only PR but set school records. In the field events, the boys’ squad also made some significant strides. At the Schuylkill League meet last year, Bodie Hawk earned a solid fourth place in discus, while Joe Roth continued his advancement in the javelin. Roth’s performance last year was nothing short of spectacular - at the district meet, he placed third and hit the state qualifying mark in javelin, earning him a spot at the PIAA Championships. At states, Roth finished in 12th place in AAA javelin, showcasing his tremendous talent on the big stage. Not stopping there, Roth also qualified for the prestigious New Balance Nationals in javelin, an achievement that further highlights his potential as one of the top throwers in the state. At the American JavFest in the summer, he threw at PR of 185-8.75. His consistency and determination will be a driving force for the team’s success in 2025.

MARIAN

Head coach: Justin Huegel

Last year’s record: 5-2

Key returnees: Larry Ader (Jr. Throws), Jah Bushati (Jr. Sprints/Jumps/Throws), James Gelatko (So. Mid-Distance/Distance), Michael Johnson (Sr. Sprints/Jumps), Devan Lin (Sr. Distance), Connor Renhert (Sr. Throws), Damian Rodino (Jr. Throws), Jake Tom (Jr. Sprints/Jumps), Gavin Zola (So. Mid-Distance/Distance).

Key newcomers: Achillies Fitzpatrick (So. Mid-Distance/Distance), Aidan Milkovits (Sr. Throws) Matt Lukash (So. Sprints/Jumps), Dominick Rodino (So. Sprints/Jumps).

Outlook: “Our boy’s team is hungry this year after a successful regular season and postseason. With a large number of leaders and proven veterans graduating, this year’s boys’ team has several emerging leaders and has given themselves the opportunity to succeed with the work they’ve already put in. With this year being a rebuilding year, it gives some young talent and rising stars a chance to succeed at the league and district level,” Marian head coach Justin Huegel.

NORTHERN LEHIGH

Head Coach: Mike Lehtonen

Last year’s record: 2-9

Key losses: Bailey Smith (multi), Sam Frame (throws)

Key returnees: Chris Frame (sprints), Landen Klimek (throws)

Others to watch: Seth Schaeffer (sprints), Landon Moll (throws), Ethan Moore (sprints), Mason Rothrock (multi), Brody Rothrock (throws)

Strengths: Throwing coach Derek Long will look to lead the Bulldogs and collect potentially the most dual meet points in his area of expertise. Chris Frame showed nice promise as a sprinter last season and will look to continue that momentum with a year of varsity competition under his belt.

Weaknesses: The Bulldogs will need young athletes to step up on the track both in the sprints and distance department.

Outlook: Overall, the Northern Lehigh boys team is young, however coaches are optimistic that a good work ethic and focus will keep them competitive this spring.

NORTHWESTERN

Head Coach: Chuck Groller (8th year, 39-26)

Last year’s record: 6-5

Key losses: Dan Jenkins (hurdles/jumps), Kit Kahm (jumps), Sean Kershner (distance)

Key returnees: Ben Bachman (Sr.-Sprints), Bradley Burnard (long jump/triple jump), Xander Giandomenico (Sr., distance), Seth Kern (Sr., sprints), Shane Leh (Jr., hurdles/Sprints), Landen Matson (Sr., sprints), Brendan Miller (Sr., hurdles/javelin), Ben Moyes (Jr., sprints/long jump) Gavin Nelson (Sr, high jump), Del Tyler (Sr., jumps), Greyson Wellings (Sr., distance).

Strengths: Nelson returns after placing third in the state high jump last season. While the Tigers don’t possess a lot of returning track and field medalists, they do have several athletes who were members of successful teams in football, soccer and basketball this school year, and will look to continue that success in spring.

Weaknesses: A move up to Class 3A will make things difficult for Northwestern in the district and state levels of the postseason, when the Tigers will have to compete against some strong competition out of the East Penn Conference. The team will also need to find or train more throwers in order to compete with the top teams in the Colonial League this season.

Outlook: “We do have a group of senior and junior leadership being role models to our underclassmen. We will be very competitive with numerous event areas of expertise. As a team, we will give everything we got and continue to get better as the season progresses. We will refuse to just be average. We will always give it our best and have fun doing it,” Northwestern coach Chuck Groller.

PALMERTON

Head Coach: Mike Gombert

Last year’s record: 10-1

Key losses: Zack Anthony, Emilio Gonzalez, Stephen Jones, Alex Konze, Matt Machalik, Bryce Marino, Ty Sander, Trace Stahler, Jackson Stein, Bryson Walters

Key returnees: Ryan Burkett (Throws), Dayton Tindula (Hurdles, Jumps, Sprints), Trent Ader (Jumps), Logan Anthony (Throws), Connor Hibell (Distance), Jake Rutkowitz (Hurdles, Jumps, Sprints)

Others to Watch: Braden Strohl (Sprints, Jumps), Dillon Borger (Throws), Caleb Pastier (Hurdles), Caleb Sagastume (Sprints, Pole Vault), Mason Konze (Throws), Wyatt Spalding (Pole Vault, Sprints), Jacob Walkowiak (Pole Vault, Sprints), Daymian Stocker-Gellock (Throws)

Strengths: Several athletes return who are very capable of achieving the same level of individual success as the 2024 class, including state medalist Ryan Burkett. The coaching staff is eager to see how the athletes improve throughout the season.

Weaknesses: Graduation losses from an outstanding group of accomplished athletes will be extremely difficult to replace. A few newcomers could contribute significantly to the team, but much progress will be needed in the jumps, sprints, and distance.

Outlook: “There are very big shoes to fill for this year’s team. The Class of 2024 only lost four meets in four years. While our goal is to continue an impressive stretch of team success, our focus shifts to the individual development of our athletes. Competing against Northwestern in our first meet is a difficult way to start the season, but our kids are looking forward to the challenge,” Palmerton coach Mike Gombert.

PANTHER VALLEY

Head Coach – Trish O’Gurek (1st season)

Assistant Coaches – Patrick Crampsie, Mike Horan, Paul McArdle, Mike Tomko, and Jon Williams.

Last year’s record – 2-5 overall

Key losses – Brad Jones (League/District qualifier – Javelin), Thomas Buyce (League/District qualifier – Sprints), Mergim Bushati (League/District qualifier – Hurdles).

Key returnees – Gino Williams (League/District qualifier – Shot/Discus/Javelin), Frank Shubeck (League qualifier – Sprinter/Hurdles).

Others to watch – Abraham Cabrera (Sr., Distance), Mrgim Neziri (Sr., Sprints/Jumps), Adam Gardiner (Jr., Distance), Edison Mitchell (Jr., Sprints), Spencer Black (So., Throws), Nuerdin Gjoca (Sr., Hurdles).

Strengths – “We continue to have a consistent throwing program with the multiple throwers qualifying for post season berths. Distance and Jumps are other areas of high expectations for regular and postseason. Our sprinters/hurdlers are progressing and showing signs of growth from last year,” Panther Valley coach Trish O’Gurek.

Weaknesses – “At Panther Valley, we are working to build the number of athletes on our boys and girls roster. While our boys’ numbers seem to be promising, we have struggled to fill our roster spots on our girls’ team,” said O’Gurek.

Outlook – “Our goal is to improve our team records for both the boys and girls in Division Two of the Schuylkill league. We are looking for several athletes to qualify for the league and district championships, as well as having at least one athlete qualify for the state championships for the fourth consecutive year,” O’Gurek said.

PLEASANT VALLEY

Head Coach: Drew Davis

Last year’s record: 3-4

Key losses: Brandon Makara, Onias Richardson

Key returnees: Jerael Moore, Matt Altemose, JT Morton, Alex Bunting, Jay Delgado, Isaiah Montgomery, Marty Green, and Jason Kays

Others to watch: Uriah Gerarhart. Royce Thompson. Andrew Soto, and Collin O’Neil

Strengths: “This year’s team has been putting in consistent effort at practice and are eager to compete and learn,” Pleasant Valley coach Drew Davis.

Weaknesses: “Although the team has lost some key individuals, this year’s team is ready to rise to the challenge and continue to work to fill those spots,” said Davis.

Outlook: “With a strong foundation of coaching experience and a larger roster than in recent years, this sets up the season for growth and success. We had some fantastic performances last year, but we are looking forward to the new ones this year. The effort they have put in so far at practice shows their commitment to the season.” said Davis.

TAMAQUA

Head coach: Jim McCabe

Last year’s record: 2-4

Key losses: Ethan DiBonafazio, Jesse Gormley, Martin Griffin, Brian Heim, Stephen Kieffer, Jathan Krall, Matt Walsh.

Key returnees: Seniors - Jaeden Arnold, Nicholas Barron, Brody Boyce, Scott Case, Yossaf Garcia, Jacob Hehn, Levi Kunkel, Logan Leatherman, Anthony Marchetti, Adam Schock, Tiparth Soneja, Vincenzo Valentine; Juniors - William Behun, Larson Hudak, John Knepper, Thomas Rivera, Daltyn Sadusky; Sophomores - Frank Hill.

Others to watch: Seniors - Victor Schlosser; Sophomores - Brody Schlier, Peyton Schwartz; Freshmen - Aiden Elston, Brian Godinez, Kolton Krause, Parker Steencken, Luis Sanchez.

Strengths: “We are very strong with our mid and long distance runners with Boyce, Garcia, Hehn, Kunkel, Leatherman, Marchetti and Schock and jumpers with Case and Barron. Our hurdlers can stand out, and our throwers have steadily improved,” Tamaqua head coach Jim McCabe.

Outlook: “If we do the things that the average person doesn’t want to do, the tedious, monotonous, and boring work needed to be great, then we will improve one percent better every day and become a success,” said McCabe.

WEATHERLY

Head coach: Ryan Kately

Key returners: Vincent Paisley (Sr.) and Sebastian Williams (Sr.)

Key newcomers: Chance Stauffer (So), Alex Best (Fr.)

Outlook: “Our numbers are not the best, but we have some exciting young men. There’s [Paisley], who is looking to break the school record in javelin and has looked very good in practice. [Williams] is a returning PIAA Cross Country qualifier that will hold down the middle distances. Stauffer is very eager to help out. He has been impressive with the shot put and discus. We are also counting on Best, who had a standout cross country season (in) the fall,” said Weatherly coach Ryan Kately.