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BOYS
Hazleton Area
Coach: Lou Gunderman
2014 finish: 7-0, 1st place WVC Division I; 9th place District 2 Class 3A
State classification: Class 3A
Key players lost: Hamlet Ventura, Andrew Myers, Edgar Caban, Jared Esposito
Key returners: Stefan Scalleat, Sr. (100 dash, 200 dash, 1600 relay); Matthew Houser, Jr. (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, pole vault); Alex Duran, Sr. (400 dash, 1600 relay); Pete Lombardo, Sr. (400 dash, 1600 relay, 3200 relay); Alex Perez, Sr. (300 hurdles, 1600 relay); Brandon Watt, Sr. (800 run); Brendon Lohr, Jr. (800 run); Alexander Eichisak, Jr. (3200 relay); Klynt Jones, Sr. (3200 run, 3200 relay); Sean Pilecki, Sr. (pole vault); Nathan Koscuk, Jr. (long jump, triple jump); Ryan Keegan, Sr. (long jump); Kevin Lantigua, Sr. (long jump); Nick Seach, Sr. (shot put); Justin Martin, Sr. (shot put); Brad Evert, Sr. (discus); Zach Zukoski, Sr. (javelin); Justin Martin, Sr. (javelin); Brendon Lohr, Jr. (3200 relay); Franklin Rivera, Sr. (3200 relay)
Outlook: Sprinter Hamlet Ventura will be difficult to replace, but there’s no shortage of speed at Hazleton Area. The Cougars have enough talent to make another run at the division title.
Dallas
Coach: Matt Samuel
2014 finish: 6-1, 2nd place WVC Division I; 5th place District 2 Class 3A
State classification: Class 3A
Key players lost: Dominic Deluca, Travis Mattson, Bryce Morgan, Brenden Ehret, Kyle Borland, Brandon Lias-Lewis, Bobby Ukattah, Justin Morris, Drew Harding, Mike Mihal, Will Spare
Key returners: Porter Luksic, Jr. (300 hurdles); Uzee Ukattah, Jr. (100 dash, 200 dash, 400 relay, 1600 relay); Devin Mihalec, Sr. (400 dash, 1600 relay); Jason Culp, So. (1600 run); Curtis Sod, Sr. (800 run); Chandler Caruso, So. (400 relay); Bret Storrs, Jr. (200 dash, 400 relay, 1600 relay); Reid Luksic, Sr. (pole vault), Eric Dyrli, Sr. (discus)
Outlook: The Mountaineers lost their top seven distance runners, and may lose a few spots in the standings trying to recover.
Coach’s corner: “It’s tough. We graduated a lot,” Matt Samuel said. “But there are people who can step up. We’ll see how it goes.”
Coughlin
Coach: Paul McGrane
2014 finish: 5-3, 3rd place WVC Division I; 6th place District 2 Class 3A
State classification: Class 3A
Key players lost: Ryan DeCinti, Anthony Khalife
Key returners: David Sadvary, Sr. (3200 run, 3200 relay); Franco Balbuena, Sr. (800 run, 1600 relay, 3200 relay); Muhammad Chesson, So. (long jump, 400 relay, 1600 relay); Tom Mitchell, Sr. (100 dash, 400 relay, 1600 relay)
Outlook: With a strong showing last season, the Crusaders served notice they could be a real threat to the division title this season. They have a roster loaded with good athletes and could be dangerous by the time districts roll around. “We have good numbers and a lot of athletes from other sports,” McGrane said. “If they can find their place on the team, this could be a nice team.”
Pittston Area
Coach: Jason Mills
2014 finish: 3-4, T-4th place WVC Division I; 4th place District 2 Class 3A
State classification: Class 3A
Key players lost: Mike Harth, Austin Naples, Chuck Poli, Adam Valkos
Returning individual state qualifiers: Josh John (100 dash); Angelo Aita (2013, triple jump)
Other key returners: Colin Tracy, Jr. (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, 1600 relay); Michael Havrilla, Sr. (1600 run, 3200 run, 3200 relay); Vincent Shea, Jr. (800 run, 1600 run, 1600 relay, 3200 relay); Eric Sklanka, Sr. (3200 run, 3200 relay); Brandon Zaffuto, Sr. (800 run, 3200 relay); Jerry Scatena, Sr. (long jump, triple jump); Ian McCole, Jr. (javelin)
Outlook: The Patriots boast a blend of speed and athleticism and could be a dark horse in both the division and district races. “The team will be young, but talented,” Mills said. “We’re looking for Josh John and Angelo Aita to provide leadership. Colin Tracy is coming back from a soccer injury and is expected to contribute in the hurdles.”
Tunkhannock
Coach: Randy White
2014 finish: 3-4, T-4th place WVC Division I; 13th place District 2 Class 3A
State classification: Class 3A
Key players lost: Carson Ayers, Ben Siegel, John Loomis, Joey Moffitt, Brandon Emmett, Marquis Gough, Tim Mackiw
Returning individual state qualifier: Jack Tidball, Sr. (3200 run)
Other key returners: Michael Taylor, So. (100 dash); Bryce Steele, So. (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles); Reed Corby, Jr. (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles); Eric Stamer, Sr. (400 dash); Daniel Shurtleff, Sr. (400 dash, triple jump, 1600 relay); Alan Grow, So. (1600 run); Jacob Toczko, Jr. (3200 run, 3200 relay); Brett Stage, Sr. (high jump, long jump); Stefan Sehne, Sr. (pole vault); Connor Helsel, So. (1600 relay); Eric Stamer, Sr. (1600 relay)
Outlook: It’ll be strange to watch a Tigers team without Siegel, Ayers, Loomis, Moffitt, etc. The challenge for this year’s team is for the younger guys to make a name for themselves.
Wyoming Valley West
Coach: Michael Pevear
2014 finish: 2-5, T-6th place WVC Division I; 2nd place District 2 Class 3A
State classification: Class 3A
Key players lost: Troy Yashinski, James Donovan Jeff Austin
Returning individual state qualifiers: Jermichael Bunch, Sr. (110 hurdles, triple jump, long jump)
Other key returners: Jamie Webb, Jr. (100 dash, 200 dash); Orion Mansilla, Jr. (100 dash); Chris Rodrigues, Jr. (long jump, triple jump); Ray Richards, So. (400 dash, 1600 relay); Tye Sutphen, Sr. (1600 run, 3200 relay); Zack Specht, Sr. (800 run); Matt Bobkowski, Jr. (800 run, 3200 relay); Mitch Forgash, So. (800 run); Ty Supten, Sr. (1600 run, 3200 run); Jacob Kobusky, So. (1600 run); Brian Hritzik, Jr. (shot put, discus); Tyler Wozniak, Sr. (discus, javelin); Harley Bachco, Sr. (shot put); Brady Davison, Sr. (discus, javelin)
Outlook: With first-year coach Michael Pevear at the helm, the Spartans are looking for a bunch of good things this season – as Jermichael Bunch looks for his third straight trip to states in the hurdles and jumps. “We have several talented, young and experienced athletes and I am looking forward to seeing their results,” Pevear said. “After a long and cold winter the team is excited to compete.”
Berwick
Coach: Bob Calarco
2014 finish: 2-5, T-6th place WVC Division I; 19th place District 2 Class 3A
State classification: Class 3A
Key players lost: Chris Hampton, Victor Guevara, Josh Gregory, Max Thomas, Keith Estep, Kyle Stearly, Dylan Lee
Key returners: Harrison Kuchka, So. (100 dash, 400 relay, 1600 relay); Dylan Gearinger, Sr. (1600 run, 3200 relay); Beau Blass, Jr. (3200 relay); Mason Kimball, So. (3200 run); C.J. Whitmire (3200 relay); Luke Fisher, Jr. (100 dash, 400 relay); Trey Pruitt, Jr. (800 run, 3200 relay); Mason Kimbell, So. (3200 run); Robbie Harter, Jr. (pole vault); Tommy Laubach, Sr. (pole vault); Holden Reigel, Sr. (high jump, triple jump, 400 relay, 1600 relay); Mason Vandermark, Jr. (shot put); Andrew Barna, Jr. (discus)
Outlook: Senior Tommy Laubach and junior Robbie Harter have the potential to add some spice to Berwick’s field events in the vault. “The boys will be led by a strong middle and distance running group, spearheaded by Dylan Gearinger and Beau Blass.”
Crestwood
Coach: Robert Moulton
2014 finish: 0-7, 8th place WVC Division I; 18th place District 2 Class 3A
State classification: Class 3A
Key players lost: Josh Prezkop, Tom Filipczyck, Brian Knorr, Kristian Givens, Raj Patel, Chris Lukashewski, John Filipczyck
Key returners: Jacob Walsh, Sr. (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, high jump, 1600 relay); Nick McGuire, Sr. (3200 run); Dylan Perrone, So. (100 dash, 200 dash, 1600 relay); Dan Ritz, Sr. (400 dash, 1600 relay)
Outlook: The Comets are rebuilding under new coach Moulton, and may need some time to develop into a division threat. But they have a couple solid building blocks in Walsh and Perrone. “We just want to do our best,” Moulton said. “Success is not measured in wins and losses in my eyes, but rather how hard a team worked and how they came together. It is my first year as head coach, but we will hope to create hard-working kids who will learn valuable lessons for life. The team has been working extremely hard despite not having a practice on our track yet, so we will continue giving it our all in practice. I am happy as long as the kids keep this work ethic up.”
GIRLS
Pittston Area
Coach: Joe Struckus
2014 finish: 7-0, 1st place, WVC Division I; 1st place, District 2 Class 3A
State classification: Class 3A
Key players lost: Eastin Ashby, Taylor Powers, Rhiannon Avvisato
Returning state qualifiers: Madison Mimnaugh, Jr. (District 2 Class 3A record-400 dash); Olivia Giambra, Sr. (long jump, triple jump)
Other key returners: Tara Johnson, Jr. (800, 1600, 1600 relay, 3200 relay); Allie Barber, Sr. (200 dash, 400 dash, 1600 relay, 3200 relay); Sam Mayers, Jr. (1600 run, 800 run, 1600 relay, 3200 relay); Liz Waleski (100 hurdles, 300 hurdles); Allison Parrent, Sr. (discus, javelin); Jamie Chisdock, Jr. (100 dash, 200 dash); Sydney Williams, So. (long jump, triple jump); Mia Cain, Sr. (high jump, long jump); Abby Sheerer, Jr. (high jump, triple jump); Iana Davis, Jr. (shot put); Taryn Ashby, So. (javelin)
Outlook: Tara Johnson and Sam Mayers were on the Patriots’ 3200 relay team that set a district record, and with Mimnaugh and Giambi also returning from state showings, Pittston Area is loaded up for another unbeaten regular season. “We are hoping to compete for the division and district title,” Struckus said. “With the return of our core group of runners and additions from the junior high team, we have been able to replace the athletes that we lost to graduation. The goal is to work hard and have everybody healthy for districts.”
Hazleton Area
Coach: Mark Otterbine
2014 finish: 6-1, 2nd place, WVC Division I; 3rd place District 2 Class 3A
State classification: Class 3A
Key players lost: Alyssa Sitch, Angie Marchetti, Rebecca Marchetti, Brianna Papp, Cassie Papp, Carli Dedics, Justine James
Returning individual state qualifiers: Emily Malone, Sr. (100 dash), Kayla Merkel, So. (javelin)
Other key returners: Sydney Walser, Sr. (400 dash, 1600 relay); Madison Reed, Sr. (400 dash, 1600 relay); Layne Miller, Sr. (300 hurdles, 1600 relay); Dominique Petrone, Sr. (100 hurdles, 400 relay); Amanda Crawford, Sr. (discus); Nicole Buehrle, Sr. (3200 run, 1600 run)
Outlook: The Cougars lost a lot through graduation, but have plenty of talent returning led by Malone and Merkel. If they mesh quickly, they could be right in the title hunt at crunch time of the season. “We have many talented freshmen, sophomores and juniors on the team that should help us as they gain experience throughout the season,” Otterbine said. “Hopefully with the returning starters and the development of the younger athletes we can make a run at the league title and the District 2 championship.”
Dallas
Coach: Matt Samuel
2014 finish: 5-2, 3rd place, WVC Division I; 2nd place, District 2 Class 3A
State classification: Class 3A
Key players lost: Regan Rome, Catie Gawlas, Bryanna Dissinger, Brittnee Atherholt, Cortlyn Van Deutsch, Maggie Fannic
Returning state qualifiers: Katie Kravitsky (District 2 record – high jump); Lindsey Oremus, Sr. (1600 run); Ally Rome, So. (3200 run)
Other key returners: Riley Oremus, So. (1600 run); Katie Grose, Jr. (800 run, 1600 relay, 3200 relay), Ruby Mattson, Jr. (400 dash, 1600 relay, 3200 relay); Mikaila Chakon, So. (300 hurdles, triple jump, 400 relay, 1600 relay); Leah Popple, Sr. (300 hurdles); Sara Schwartz, So. (300 hurdles); Megan Miller, So. (pole vault); Gabriella Darbenzio, Sr. (400 relay); Jessica O’Malley, Sr. (400 relay); Kaitlyn Kochanski, Jr. (discus), Nikki Wren, Jr. (javelin)
Outlook: Ally Rome and Lindsey Oremus finished 1-2 in the state cross country championships, so the Mountaineers should be strong in the distance events. And Katie Kravitsky returns from last year’s fourth-place state finish in the high jump. “We have a decent crop of young girls coming up,” Samuel said. “We have some experience. But we’re still pretty young.”
Berwick
Coach: Bob Calarco
2014 finish: 4-3, 4th place, WVC Division I; 15th place, District 2 Class 3A
State classification: Class 3A
Key players lost: Amanda O’Kane, Kylie Ridall
Key returners: Olivia Seely, Sr. (shot put, discus); Payden Montana, Fr. (discus, javelin); Alexis Steeber, Sr. (200 dash, 100 hurdles, long jump, triple jump); Priscilla Mitchell, Jr. (100 dash, 400 relay, 1600 relay); Cassidy Eckart, Fr. (100 dash, 200 dash); Monique Hall, Jr. (100 dash, 400 relay); Mariah Laubach, Jr. (300 hurdles, 1600 relay); Carly Belles, So. (long jump, triple jump); Lizzie Dyer, Sr. (1600 run, 3200 relay); Carly Montecalvo, Sr. (3200 relay); Samie Dyer, So. (3200 run, 1600 run)
Outlook: The Bulldogs bring back a strong contingent that could make a move toward the top three in the division this season. “The girls strength will be in the throws,” Calarco said. “An exciting jumper to keep an eye on is Carly Belles.”
Crestwood
Coach: Christina Glenn
2014 finish: 3-4, 5th place, WVC Division I; 11th place, District 2 Class 3A
State classification: Class 3A
Key players lost: Taryn Wojnar, Allison Kachel, Kailee Krupski, Bethany Blass, Dallas Kendra, Hannah Firdous, Ana Womer
Key returners: Olivia Termini, Sr. (3200 relay); Kailee Traficante, Sr. (1600 run, 3200 run, 1600 relay, 3200 relay); Ashleigh Thomas, Jr. (3200 relay); Megan Knorr, Sr. (800 run, 1600 relay, 3200 relay); April Panas, Sr. (3200 run, 3200 relay), Simone Scally, Sr. (400 relay); Jen Katulka, Jr. (high jump, 400 relay); Ellie Bennett, Sr. (300 hurdles, 400 relay); Victoria Middleton, Jr. (300 hurdles); Maggie Dow, Jr. (triple jump); Maddy Savner, Sr. (400 relay); Cori Krzan, Sr. (400 relay); Ellie Bennett, Sr. (pole vault); Jessie Bonnevier, Jr. (shot put, discus, javelin); Julia Deluca, Sr. (javelin); Caroline Cefaly, Sr. (javelin)
Outlook: Glenn takes over with a solid crop of distance runners returning and could make a move to get the Comets’ season record back on the winning track.
Tunkhannock
Coach: Pat Conaboy
2014 finish: 2-5, 6th place, WVC Division I; 12th place, District 2 Class 3A.
State classification: Class 3A
Key players lost: Megan Manglaviti, Cheyenne Brown, Cheyan Kasmierski, Cailyn VanHouten
Key returners: Haley Melan, Jr. (400 dash, long jump, 1600 relay); Alexa Prebola, Sr. (1600 run, 1600 relay, 3200 relay); Lindsay Heck, Jr. (300 hurdles, 1600 relay); Morgan Manglaviti, Jr. (300 hurdles, 1600 relay); Kailyn Mikula, Sr. (300 hurdles); Taylor Schultz, Jr. (3200 relay); Maggie Toczko, Jr. (3200 run; 3200 relay); Sarah Ross, So. (200 dash, 400 relay); Sarah Passarelli, Sr. (200 dash); Erin Rome, Sr. (3200 run); Ellie Kuzma, Sr. (triple jump, 400 relay); Kayla Sholes, Jr. (200 dash, 400 relay, 1600 relay); Morgan Phillips, Sr. (shot put); Lexi Tinna, Sr. (400 relay); Rachel Dillard, So. (400 relay); Ashley Dunn, Sr. (pole vault)
Outlook: The Tigers may make some noise in the distance events, where Erin Rome and Maggie Toczko excel.
Coughlin
Coach: Paul McGrane
2014 finish: 1-6, 7th place, WVC Division I; 4th place, District 2 Class 3A
State classification: Class 3A
Key players lost: Carly Ray
Returning individual state qualifiers: Tamar Bourdeau, Jr. (100 hurdles, 300 hurdles); Nathaniela Bourdeau, Sr. (100 dash, 300 hurdles); Mary Tona, Jr. (400 dash, 1600 run)
Other key returners: Madisyn Hawkins, So. (pole vault); Skylar Pannattieri, So. (long jump, triple jump, 400 relay, 1600 relay); Katrina Sennett, Sr. (800 run, 1600 relay); Alexis Kowalski, So. (pole vault; 400 relay)
Outlook: Nathaniela and Tamar Bourdeau teamed up with Mary Tona to set the District 2 Class 3A 400 relay record and qualify for states in the 1600 relay. The team may have lost Ray, but the returning trio is ready to lead Coughlin’s charge to move up in the division standings. “If the early-season kinks clear up and a member of the team steps up for relays, the Crusaders will be looking forward to the postseason,” McGrane said.
Wyoming Valley West
Coach: Katie Finnegan
2014 finish: 0-7, 8th place, WVC Division I
State classification: Class 3A
Key players lost: Alyssa Shaver, Onyoo Park, Marta Bajeli
Key returners: Nina Dellarte, So. (pole vault, long jump, 100 dash); Maddie Casier, So. (100 hurdles, 300 hurdles); Sophie Rittenhouse, Sr. (1600 run); Youngeun Park, Jr. (3200 run); Kendra Percodani, So. (100 dash); Morgan Marinos, So. (200 dash); Elizabeth Burkhardt, Fr. (200 dash); Heaven Laguer, Fr. (300 hurdles); Colleen Cwalina, So. (shot put); Gabby Labar, Fr. (high jump); Kristina Specht, Fr. (pole vault, 100 dash); Irelynd Sullivan, Fr. (100 dash); Fotini Tsioles, Fr. (800 run, 1600 run)
Outlook: Don’t expect the Spartans to hang around the bottom of the division for long. An exciting freshmen class will blend with some solid returners to give Valley West a big boost of enthusiasm, and may just help lift them out of the basement. “We have three times as many girls out this year than last year,” Finnegan said. “They are willing to work hard and I know they have the potential to earn the points they deserve. We hope to bring Wyoming Valley West girls track back on the map this season.”