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BOYS
Northwest
Coach: Todd Culver
2014 finish: 7-0, 1st place WVC Division II; 2nd place, District 2 Class 2A
State classification: Class 2A
Key performers lost: Mike Lewis, Jason Long, Levi Walker, Clayton Kissel, John Maul
Returning state qualifiers: Tyler Burger, Sr. (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, high jump, long jump); Zach Briggs, Sr. (400 dash)
Other key returners: Austin Mazonkey, Sr. (100 dash, discus, javelin); Tanner Kennedy, Jr. (100 dash, 200 dash); Ben Krouse, Jr. (pole vault); Curtis Whitmire, Sr. (shot put)
Outlook: After two years of Division II dominance, the Rangers may be hard-pressed to repeat a third unbeaten regular season. But they still have enough talent and experience to stay in the hunt for a third straight league crown.
Coach’s Corner: “We don’t have a lot of depth,” Culver said, “but those we have can score a lot of points in different events. We have some very good athletes with Burger, Briggs, Kennedy, Mazonkey, Krouse and Whitmire. These gentlemen are all looking forward to a very good year. We need some others to step up and perform in order to compete for the league and district titles once again.”
Wyoming Area
Coach: Joe Pizano
2014 finish: 5-2, 2nd place WVC Division II; 17th place, District 2 Class 3A
State classification: Class 3A
Key performers lost: Sharrieff Hale, Farrod Condry, Isaiah Marsola
Key returners: Cade Becanich, Sr. (shot put); Ben Steve, Sr. (100 dash, 200 dash, pole vault); Ryan Murray, Jr. (400 dash, high jump, long jump, triple jump); Blaise Erzar, Jr. (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles); Michael Murphy, Jr. (100 dash, 200 dash); Joe Buczynski, Jr. (800 run, high jump); Kyler Higgins, Jr. (800 run); Ryan Marvin, Jr. (3200 run); Nico Vasquez, Jr. (800 run, 1,600 run).
Outlook: The Warriors are in a tough spot, locked in the same division with powerful athletes from Northwest, GAR and Lake-Lehman before going on to compete in the Class 3A district field. However, behind Becanich and Steve, Wyoming Area isn’t about to back down from a challenge and has the potential to pull a few surprises.
Coach’s Corner: “We’re not as deep as we have been in previous years and are looking for underclassmen to step up,” Pizano said. “But I’m cautiously optimistic. We have performers to compete in every meet, every week.”
Hanover Area
Coach: Al Weston
2014 finish: 5-2, 3rd place WVC Division II; 6th place, District 2 Class 2A
State classification: Class 2A
Key performers lost: Anthony Eck, Matt Clemons
Key returners: Bobby Kerestes, Sr. (high jump); Jess Sheridan, Sr. (shot put, discus, javelin); Jordan Hagler, Sr. (pole vault); Ya’sir Jones, Sr. (100 dash, 200 dash); Stephen Dule, So. (1,600 run); Brandon Chafin, So. (high jump, triple jump); Jacob Barber, Jr. (long jump, triple jump); Brandon Buckner, So. (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles); Stephen Dule, So. (3,200 run)
Outlook: Behind Hagler and Jones, the Hawkeyes have every intention of competing for a division title and should be in the race to the end.
Coach’s Corner: “We should be fairly competitive but the weather’s been terrible. We’ve been out five days in the month of March. We have a hard-working group, just hope to find a little depth for some events.”
Holy Redeemer
Coach: Kevin Walters
2014 finish: 4-3, 4th place WVC Division II; 11th place, District 2 Class 2A
State classification: Class 2A
Key performers lost: John Kane, Charles Ross, Vincent Villani
Key returners: Dylan Weybrecht, So. (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles); Justin Januszko, Jr. (400 relay); Alex Larralde, So. (800 run, 1,600 relay); Jonathan Weybrecht, So. (400 dash, 1,600 relay, 800 run); Cameron Gill, Sr. (3,200 run); Aaron Hoda, So. (3,200 run); Nikolai Sedlak, Sr. (javelin); Chad Fahey, Sr. (javelin)
Outlook: With a light roster this season, it’ll be difficult for the Royals to challenge for a title, but with some promising underclassmen, another winning season isn’t out of the question.
Coach’s Corner: “We hope to be competitive,” Walters said. “We have some big guns in the league. We only have 30, 35 kids, which really hurts you with 18 events in a meet. I’d like to go over .500.”
GAR
Coach: Stanley Mirin
2014 finish: 3-4, T-5th place WVC Division II; 7th place, District 2 Class 2A
State classification: Class 2A
Key performers lost: Anthony Easter, Jonathan Pearsol
Returning state qualifiers: Anthony Maurent, Jr. (100 dash, 200 dash)
Other key returners: Kyle Merth, Jr. (long jump, triple jump, 110 hurdles); Sai’d Abdul-Quayir, Sr. (100 dash, 200 dash); Namir Murphy, So. (100 dash); Pedro Cherry, Sr. (1,600 run); Darren Breese, Jr. (400 dash); Josh Goodwin, So. (400 dash); Elisha Mcallister, Jr. (high jump); Joe Snipas, Sr. (discus); Gary Kroll, Jr. (javelin)
Outlook: Maurent is one of the most exciting track stars in the whole league and won two state medals on a tweaked hamstring last season. If the Grenadiers could find a few distance runners to pair with him, they could be right in the running for a division crown.
Lake-Lehman
Coach: John Sobocinski
2014 finish: 3-4, T-5th place WVC Division II; 8th place, District 2 Class 2A
State classification: Class 2A
Key performers lost: Dustin Jones
Returning state qualifiers: Dominic Hockenbury, Jr. (1,600 run, 3,200 run);
Other key returners: Connor McGovern, Jr. (shot put); Clayton Vasey, Jr. (100 dash, 200 dash); Matthew Edkins, Sr. (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles); Chris Sabol, Jr. (1,600 run, 3,200 run); Trey Borger, Fr. (100 dash, 200 dash);
Outlook: Forget the regular season. It’s the postseason where Lehman excels, and state champion Dominic Hockenbury will be looking to defend his PIAA title in the 3,200. He’ll be teaming with Penn State football-bound Connor McGovern, an outstanding shot putter, while trying to help the Black Knights through the district field and into states.
Coach’s Corner: “We have a lot of individual talent on this team but there are holes in our lineup,” Sobocinski said. “We will struggle to win meets but we will represent at districts and states. With Dominic Hockenbury and Connor McGovern, we have two of the top boys in the district in their respective events. We are hoping for each to advance to the state meet and bring home state hardware.”
Meyers
Coach: Harlan Tabron
2014 finish: 1-6, 7th place WVC Division II; 9th place, District 2 Class 2A
State classification: Class 2A
Key performers lost: Michael Edward
Returning state qualifiers: Raheem Twyman, Jr. (300 hurdles)
Other key returners: Tim Snyder, Jr. (400 dash, 1,600 relay); Carlos Telesco, Jr. (discus); Mark Robinson, Jr. (long jump, triple jump, 400 relay); Josh Schiowitz, Jr. (400 relay, 1,600 relay); Zahir Dunell, Jr. (400 dash); Zahir Dunell, Jr. (1,600 relay)
Outlook: Twyman leads a field of strong jumpers for the Mohawks, who could also prove dangerous in relays.
Nanticoke Area
Coach: Zachary Pientka
2014 finish: 0-7, 8th place WVC Division II; 16th place, District 2 Class 2A
State classification: Class 2A
Key performers lost: Nick Marr
Key returners: Blake Balderama, Sr. (100 dash); Nick Placek, Jr. (1,600 run); Shane Bloxham, Sr. (400 dash, 1,600 relay); Wiston Godoy, Sr. (300 hurdles, 1,600 relay); Nick Littzi, Jr. (300 hurdles); Ben Sersen, Jr. (800 run); Rees Roberts, Sr. (1,600 relay)
Outlook: First-year coach Pientka takes over a team that could be dangerous in short and mid-distance runs.
GIRLS
Holy Redeemer
Coach: Kevin Walters
2014 finish: 7-0, 1st place WVC Division II; 3rd place, District 2 Class 2A
State classification: Class 2A
Key performers lost: Rachel Callahan, Mallory Kusakavitch, Melanie Kusakavitch, Ana Turoski, Sara Mirra, Samie Hilenski
Returning state qualifiers: Olivia Gregorio, Jr. (800 run)
Other key returners: Autumn Kaminski, Jr. (100 hurdles, 300 hurdles, 400 relay, 1,600 relay); Caroline Banas, Jr. (high jump, 400 dash, 1,600 relay); Julia Adams, Jr. (100 dash, 200 dash, 400 relay); Allison Manley, Sr. (1,600 run, 3200 run); Olivia Greer, Jr. (800 run, 1600 run, 3,200 relay); Nicole Cavanaugh, So. (400 dash); Greta Ell, Sr. (200 dash, 400 relay, 1,600 relay); Elena Martin, Sr. (long jump); Alyssa Christian, Jr. (shot put); Karen Hilenski, Jr. (shot put, discus); Gabrielle Tomsura, Jr. (javelin); Emily Hons, Jr. (3200 relay)
Outlook: The only question is, can the Royals go unbeaten again? They haven’t lost in Division II since dropping to Class 2A in 2010, and have a whole crew of talent returning to keep the streak going. That includes mid-distance specialist Gregorio, the team’s lone returning state qualifier from a year ago.
Coach’s Corner: “Obviously, our goal is to stay undefeated,” Walters said. “We had a solid showing at districts – we won three years in a row before Lakeland won it last year. Our goal is to go for another district title.”
Lake-Lehman
Coach: John Sobocinski
2014 finish: 5-2, T-2nd place WVC Division II; 5th place, District 2 Class 2A
State classification: Class 3A
Key performers lost: Shoshana Mahoney, Kaylee Hillard, Kahli Kotulski, Emily Sutton, Katie Heindel
Returning state qualifiers: Emily Johns, So. (shot put, discus, javelin); Cayle Spencer, Sr. (javelin)
Other key returners: Katie Supey, Jr. (100 dash, 200 dash); Marie Johns, Jr. (100 hurdles, 300 hurdles); Julia Hutsko, Jr. (1,600 run, 3,200 run); Jade Fry, Fr. (1,600 run, 3,200 run); Lynea Gregory, Fr. (100 dash, 200 dash); Krystin Chaga, Fr. (1,600 run, 3,200 run); Katie Bartuska, Sr. (800 run, 1,600 run)
Outlook: In a strong league, the Black Knights are talented enough to make a run at the top spot. They’ll be led by the strength of their field events starting with Johns, who participated in three state events, and Spencer, who holds the school record in the javelin throw.
Coach’s Corner: “This is a very young team that lost a lot of talent to graduation,” Sobocinski said. “We have a great deal of talent, and with the right lineup, we could make a run for the league title. We have two of the top throwers in the district and a talented young corps of distance runners. Moving into Triple-A will create a challenge that we are prepared to face. We are hoping to advance a few girls to states and compete for some medals.”
Wyoming Area
Coach: Joe Pizano
2014 finish: 5-2, T-2nd place WVC Division II; 8th place, District 2 Class 3A
State classification: Class 3A
Key performers lost: Drew Bednarski, Danielle Stillarty, Samantha Acacio, Audrey Heidacavage
Key returners: Haley Stackhouse, Sr. (high jump, long jump, 100 hurdles); Marcyssa Brown, Sr. (long jump, triple jump, high jump); Danielle Bulger, Sr. (high jump, long jump, triple jump); Bree Bednarski, Jr. (100 dash, 200 dash, javelin, 1,600 relay); Alexa Malloy, Sr. (400 dash); Katelyn Kraynak, Sr. (pole vault); Vanessa Shedlock, Jr. (100 dash, 200 dash); Nicole Wright, Jr. (javelin); Jillian Spak, Jr. (100 dash, 300 hurdles); Laura Heinzlmeir, Jr. (3,200 run); Erin Donnelly, Jr. (shot put); Mackenzie Bilbo, Jr. (1,600 run); Rachel Solano, Jr. (400 dash); Morgan Coolbaugh, So. (javelin)
Outlook: The Warriors have a bunch of girls who have their sights set on district medals after just missing out on them last season, along with a division title on their minds.
Coach’s Corner: “This team,” Pizano said, “has a chance to compete to be at the top of the WVC.”
Northwest
Coach: Todd Culver
2014 finish: 4-3, T-4th place WVC Division II; 12th place, District 2 Class 2A
State classification: Class 2A
Key performers lost: Olivia Magni, Micheala Weber, Cassy Rupert
Key returners: Kennedy MacLean, So. (discus, javelin); Katie Noss, So. (shot put, discus, javelin); Haidyn Weber, So. (100 dash, 400 relay); Sarah Zultevicz, So. (100 hurdles, long jump, high jump, triple jump); Ashley Brubaker, Jr. (200 dash, 400 dash); Hannah Everett, Jr. (800 run); Katie Jones, Jr. (800 run, 1,600 run); Emma Everett, Jr. (800 run); Taylor Pawlik, Sr. (high jump); Hannah Retherford, Sr. (3,200 run)
Outlook: Depth at the middle distances could make Northwest a darkhorse in the division, but the Rangers will need some help in hurdles and sprints
Coach’s Corner: “We have a lot of very talented athletes on the team,” Culver said. “We have options that we haven’t had in recent years. That being said, we, as a coaching staff, need to place these athletes in events that will make them and the team most successful. That might be a challenge, based on the limited amount of practice time we have had this preseason.”
Hanover Area
Coach: Al Weston
2014 finish: 4-3, T-4th place WVC Division II; 8th place, District 2 Class 2A
State classification: Class 2A
Key performers lost: Mickie Kaminski, Caitlyn Bogart
Returning state qualifiers: Chyanne Fine, Sr. (discus)
Other key returners: Shaylen Harris, Sr. (long jump, triple jump); Ariel McPeek, Sr. (pole vault); Kristie Swetts, Sr. (javelin); Amelia Hossage, Jr. (100 dash, 400 relay, 1,600 relay); Beremgere Meyer, Jr. (100 hurdles, 300 hurdles, 200 dash); Gillian Barber, So. (long jump, triple jump); Diamond Coleman, So. (100 dash, long jump); Kailey Orzechowski, So. (800 run)
Outlook: With a strong turnout of girls and a strong desire for improvement, the Hawkeyes should post another wild season.
Coach’s Corner: “We’re looking to put some good relay teams together,” Weston said. “Running indoors on the tile has been a deterrent to our progress.”
Nanticoke Area
Coach: Jeff Durocco
2014 finish: 2-5, 6th place WVC Division II; 14th place, District 2 Class 2A
State classification: Class 2A
Key returners: Courtney Day, So. (100 hurdles, 1,600 relay); Riley Klepadlo, So. (100 dash, 200 dash, 400 dash, 1600 relay); Rebecca Morgis, Sr. (800 run, 1600 run, 1600 relay); Chaquana Zendarski, Jr. (300 hurdles, triple jump)
Outlook: Durocco takes over a team with some talent, including Klepadlo in the sprints and Zendarski in jumps and hurdles.
Meyers
Coach: Harlan Tabron
2014 finish: 1-6, 7th place WVC Division II; 6th place, District 2 Class 2A
State classification: Class 2A
Key performers lost: Vichon Wilborn, Riley Conahan, Quinniea Gross
Returning state qualifiers: Nalaysia Johnson, So. (100 dash, 400 relay)
Other key returners: Jerolita Roberts, Jr. (400 dash, 1600 relay); Ciara Case, Sr. (400 dash); Kasidi Unger, Jr. (800 run)
Outlook: Johnson won a fifth-place state sprint medal as a freshman and could be the one to watch when the Class 2A girls postseason rolls around. She’ll also lead a Mohawks 1,600 relay team that comes back looking for the state medal that was taken away last year.
GAR
Coach: Stanley Mirin
2014 finish: 0-7, 8th place, WVC Division II; 11th place, District 2 Class 2A
State classification: Class 2A
Key returners: Nashae Caruso, Jr. (400 dash); Jevona Taylor, Sr. (100 dash, 200 dash); Avery Harris, Jr. (100 dash, 400 relay); Diance McCloe, Jr. (100 dash); Katel Oldziejewski, Sr. (800 run); Kaya Rooks, Jr. (400 relay); Samara McCloe, So. (200 dash, 400 relay); Marie Skrepenak, Jr. (shot put, discus); Jevona Taylor, Sr. (400 relay)
Outlook: The strength of the Grenadiers is in the sprints, where a host of talent leads the way. Skrepenak has the potential to pick up points in field events for GAR.