Teams are ready, set to go for season

COVID-19 prematurely ended the careers of several standout track & field athletes by wiping out the 2020 season.

It denied area fans a final chance to watch, among others, once-in-a-lifetime athletes Talitha Diggs of Saucon Valley who is at the University of Florida or elite statelevel thrower Thomas Kitchell of Notre Dame-Green Pond who is now at Wake Forest.

It also paused a stellar run by the Southern Lehigh girls program, which takes a 49-meet winning streak into the 2021 season. Coach Cotie Strong’s Spartans are looking to win a sixth consecutive Colonial League meet championship team title.

Southern Lehigh’s boys team also is looking to continue its streak of Colonial League meet tournament titles to four in a row. It also shared the 2019 regular-season title with Bangor and Palmerton.

Here are the prospects for each Colonial League team plus local Schuylkill League teams ahead of the 2021 season:

Colonial League/Schuylkill League

BANGOR

Head coaches: Mark Hopstetter, Andrew Hartzell, 14th year (112-19-1, boys; 90-41-1, girls)

2019 record: Boys 10-1; girls 6-5

Top returnees: (BOYS) Jr. Trever Weidman (distance); Sr. Jace Eldridge (throws) Sr. Riley Miller (throws); (GIRLS) Sr. Abby Giamoni (sprints); Jr. Kalea Albanese (sprints); Jr. Emma Naysmith (sprints).

Top newcomers: (BOYS) Fr. Noah Hillis (sprints); So. Jacob Hartzell (jumps, throws); Jr. Jadon Antoine (jumps); Sr. Gabe Zieba (jumps); (GIRLS) So. Emma Toth (middistance); Jr. Danielle Nittoli (throws).

About the Slaters: They lost senior Brooke Baker to a basketball injury and practice time this spring due to COVID concerns.

CATASAUQUA

Head coach: Kyle Rusnock, 4th year

2019 record: Boys 1-10; girls 0-11

Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Tyler Monahan (throws); Jr. Cole Brown (sprints, middistance); Sr. Dorian Hoagland (javelin);

Sr. Donovan Ahart (distance); Sr. Angel

Font (sprints, mid-distance); (GIRLS) Sr. Alexis Rushatz (mid-distance, distance); Sr. Breonna Brinkley (mid-distance, distance); Sr. Olivia Emery (hurdles); Jr. Kyra Jackson (jumps, hurdles); Sr. Hamyah Jenkins (sprints, jumps).

Top newcomers: (BOYS) So. Wyatt Nunes (sprints, jumps); Fr. Miles Melendez (javelin, jumps); So. Jacob Dove (sprints); (GIRLS) So. Madelyn Gonzales (sprints, hurdles);

Fr. Alivia Bear (mid-distance, distance); So.

Kaylee Weidaw (mid-distance, distance); Fr. Heaven Jenkins (sprints).

About the Rough Riders: They have returnees and talented newcomers in the track events and the jumps.

NORTHERN LEHIGH

Head coach: Mike Lehtonen, 14th year 2019 record: Boys 1-10; girls 2-9

Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Caleb Hankee (hurdles); Sr. Hunter Zehner (hurdles, distance); Brady Hanzarik (pole vault, jumps); Jr. Jared Thomason (distances, hurdles); (GIRLS) Sr. Hailey Evans (throws); Sr. Kristen Guelcher (hurdles, sprints);

Jr. Emily Moyer (jumps, sprints); Jr. Carly Mikulski (jumps, sprints).

Top newcomers: (BOYS) Jr. Chase Jones (hurdles); Sr. Kenneth Dyer (hurdles); (GIRLS) Sr. Natalie Keller (jumps); Sr.

Alexia Mankos (hurdles, sprints); Fr. Aricka

Creyer (mid-distance); Fr. Delaney Szwast (distance).

About the Bulldogs: Guelcher was a

2019 District 11 Class 2A champion in the 100-meter dash. She leads a balanced girls team that could surprise some with solid returnees and several freshmen, including Victoria Hanna and Cadence Whalen, who could have an impact. The boys team is young, but displaying a strong work ethic.

NORTHWESTERN Head coach:

Chuck Groller, 7th year (boys 47-8); 4th year (girls 11-11)

2019 record: Boys 5-6; girls 9-2

Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Tony Beidler (hurdles, sprints); Sr. Andres Garrido

(jumps); Sr. Rhys George (pole vault); Sr. Justin Rodda (jumps, sprints); Sr. Brandon Smeltz (sprints); Sr. Jared Stitzel (middistance, hurdles, javelin); Jr. Cole Chukoskie (distance); Jr. Nate Vincent (mid-distance); Jr. Josh Heilman (mid-distance); (GIRLS)

Sr. Kate Betz (sprints); Sr. Lauren Hinks (mid-distance); Sr. Caitlyn Miller (throws);

Sr. Lauren Schellhamer (sprints); Jr. Molly Boushell (hurdles); Jr. Ashley Haas (pole vault); Jr. Jakayla Holmes (mid-distance);

Jr. Kirsten Mauer (jumps); Jr. Emma Nelson (jumps).

Top newcomers: (BOYS) Jr. Joe Chukoskie (distance); So. Sam Bower (ditsance); So. Cayden Kuhns (hurdles, pole vault); (GIRLS) Sr. Kailyn Jones (mid-distance); So. Amy Andreoli (pole vault); So. Angelina Klein (distance); So. Faith Yost (hurdles, jumps). About the Tigers: Tiger Stadium’s new track will be christened Tuesday with the program’s home debut against Bangor and Palisades. This year’s boys and girls teams are young and inexperienced after graduation and COVID-19 wiped out what would have been a promising 2020 season.

NOTRE DAME-GP Head coach:

Art Corrigan, 24th year (124-1176, boys; 142-105, girls)

2019 record: Boys 8-3; girls 8-3

Top returnees: (BOYS) Jr. Leo McMenimen (hurdles, jumps); Jr. Samuel Carter (middistance); Sr. Cody Smith (distance);

(GIRLS) Sr. Grace Medei (distance); Jr. Lily Eyvazzadeh (hurdles); Sr. Marilyn Dergham (throws); Jr. Sarah Sidoro (sprints); Sr. Maya Santos (hurdles).

Top newcomers: (BOYS) Fr. John-Paul Pierce (sprints); Fr. Robert Morgan (throws); Fr. Jordan Smith (distance); Fr. Cade Santos (hurdles); (GIRLS) Fr. Lauren Bower (sprints); Jr. Isabel Devos (mid-distance); Fr. Olivia Schweitzer (distance); Fr. Katherine Koons (distance); So. Emma Zambo (throws); So. Adeline Weidner (throws).

About the Crusaders: They are young, but talented. Corrigan believes a winning record is attainable for the boys and girls.

PALISADES Head coach:

Scott Antoni, 17th year (102-742 boys; 136-42, girls)

2019 record: Boys 5-6; girls 10-1

Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Mason Smeland (sprints); Sr. Marcus Yearwood (sprints); Sr. Liam McDowell (distance); Sr. Jake Benner (jumps); Sr. Ben Tubiello (jumps); (GIRLS)

Sr. Sydney Odle (sprints); Sr. Trinity Williams (jumps); Sr. Delaney Hilferty (throws); Sr. Alayna Stiansen (distance); Sr. Skye Porter (hurdles).

Top newcomers: (BOYS) So. Thomas Smigo (distance); Sr. Garret Modig (throws); So. Bryce Guthier (hurdles); (GIRLS) Fr. Amelia Smith (distance).

About the Pirates: The boys should be good on the track and in the jumps. The girls have balance on the track, in the pits and jumps.

PALMERTON Head coach:

Mike Gombert, 11th year overall (57-42)

2019 record: Boys 10-1; girls 4-7

Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Jon Perloni (hurdles, jumps); Sr Michael Noyola (distance); Sr. Corlan Wood (pole vault jumps); Sr. Brody Muniz (throws); Sr. Tim Iles (throws); Jr. Lucas Heydt (sprints, jumps);

Jr. Dominic Kintz (sprints); (GIRLS) Sr. Abby Reis (throws); Sr. Delaney Frank (sprints); Jr. Emma Christman (jumps, sprints); Jr. Abby Fredericks (throws).

Top newcomers: (BOYS) Sr. Kody Kratzer (jumps); Jr. Harrison Dailey (pole vault); So. Owen Hibell (distance); So. Devon White (sprints); (GIRLS) Jr. Ana Recker (pole vault); So. Natalie Mosier (distance); So. Emma Martinez (distance); Fr. Jessica Heydt (jumps, throws); Fr. Danielle Mertz (jumps, hurdles).

About the Blue Bombers: Aside from a handful of athletes who competed at the league and district meets two years ago, the boys are very inexperienced. There are only four girls with varsity experience, led by Christman, who was a district fourth-place finisher in the triple jump. Mosier is a district runnerup in cross country, so she’ll be a factor in the distance races.

PEN ARGYL Head coach:

Glenn Bray, boys; Christina

Straub, girls

2019 record: Boys 4-7; girls 4-7

Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Josh Deremer (distance); Sr. Zach Morro (shot put, discus, javelin); Sr. Lucas Maggipinto (jumps); (GIRLS) Sr. Abby Wallbillich (hurdles); Sr. Katya Hoover (javelin); Sr. Delaney Porter (400).

Top newcomer: (GIRLS) Jr. Sarah Pezzino (distance)

SALISBURY

Head coach: Victor DeOliveira, 4th year 2019 record: Boys 1-10; girls 1-10

Top returnees: (BOYS) Hunter Bleam (jumps); Sr. Quintin Stephens (jumps); (GIRLS) Sr. Melena Koutch (jumps)

Top newcomers: (BOYS) Sr. Gio Hines (sprints); Jr. Tyson Utesch (pole vault) About the Falcons: Bleam was third in the 2019 District 11 Class 2A high jump. Stephens was fourth in the 2019 Colonial League triple jump. Koutch was second in 2018 District 11 2A high jump and third in the triple jump. She missed 2019 with an injury.

SAUCON VALLEY Head coach: 2019 record: Top returnees:

Ed Kolosky

Boys 4-7; girls 5-6

(BOYS) Sr. Matt Chaikowsky (mid-distance, distance); (GIRLS) Jr. Emma Szydlow (mid-distance, distance); Sr. Sophia Riehl (sprinters); Jr. Mikayla Fluck (hurdles); Jr. Ana Garippa (pole vault); Jr. Hailey Robertson (sprints).

Top newcomers: (BOYS) Jr. Ty Csencsits (jumps); Jr. Dante Mahaffey (sprints, throws); So. Ty Pfizenmayer (sprints, throws); So. Travis Riefenstahl (sprints, throws); So. Josh Torres (sprints, relays, high jump); Jr. Damian Garcia (sprints, relays, jumps); Jr. Jaden Kennedy (mid-distance); So. Owen Frederick (throws); (GIRLS) Fr. Claire Smith (mid-distance, distance); Fr. Olivia Bortz (mid-distance).

About the Panthers: The addition of head football coach Brad Trembler to the track & field staff has led to an influx of football players competing this spring . ... Smith and Bortz are solid, three-sport athletes who should make an immediate impact.

... Low numbers won’t help during the regular season, but several Panthers could be threats in the postseason should they continue to progress.

SOUTHERN LEHIGH Head coach:

Cotie Strong (boys 38-6; girls 44-0)

2019 record: Boys 10-1; girls 11-0

Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Alec Di Cesare (mid-distance); Sr. Jacob Fauzio (sprints, jumps); Jr. Chase Hensinger (mid-distance); Jr. Alex Kane (distance); Jr. Dominick Lisicky (distance); Jr. Alex Lyon (sprints); Jr. AIden Tobin (sprints); Sr. Jackson McKee (jumps); (GIRLS) Jr. Marley Chase (sprints); Jr.

Autumn Garges (mid-distance, sprints); Jr. Emma McKee (hurdles); Jr. Ashley Meinhold (distance); Jr. Lauren Meinhold (distance);

Jr. Carina Schell (distance); Jr. Madison Trout (sprints, jumps); Sr. Jayden Kline (jumps). Top newcomers: (BOYS) So. Max Pristas (hurdles, jumps); Fr. James Wisecarver (sprints); So. Dan Magallanes (sprints, jumps); (GIRLS) Fr. Raquelle Riggins (sprints, hurdles); Fr. Emily Stock (distance); So.

Alaina Patel (distance); So. Maura Lenhart (distance).

About the Spartans: The girls will be strong on the track a large group of returnees and promising newcomers. Trout, a 2019 Colonial League long jump champion, medaled at last year’s state indoor meet in that event and just missed making the final in the 60-meter dash. She The boys also will be solid on the track and in the jumps. Kline was fourth in the

2019 Colonial League high jump.

WILSON

Head coach: Brian Meckley, 22nd year

2019 record: Boys 7-4; girls 6-5

Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Josh Meshach (throws); Sr. Cooper Freeman (javelin); Sr. Max Mueller (discus); Jr. Damian Simpson (sprints); Jr. Damon Simpson (sprints); Sr.

C.J. Fazio (sprints); (GIRLS) Tess Patterson (javelin); Sr. Zoey Bronson (sprints, middistance); Sr. Adrianna Leguia (distance); Sr. Maddie McLaine (hurdles); Sr. Brielle Byerly (hurdles).

Top newcomers: (GIRLS) So. Melissa Shunk (sprints, hurdles); So. Jocelyn Smith (sprints).

SCHUYLKILL LEAGUE

JIM THORPE

Head coach: Frank Miller, 15th year

Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. A.J. Bailor (throws); Sr. Chris Strika (sprints); Sr. Chris Condly (jumps); Jr. Aiden Clements (pole vault, hurdles); So. Ryan Bailor (distance);

Jr. David Richards (hurdles, jumps); (GIRLS) Sr. Lydia Wallace (hurdles, sprints, 800); Sr. Caprice Lynch (jumps); Sr. Tessa Bevilacqua (pole vault); Sr. Brandy Montemuro (jumps); Sr. Abigail McGinley (mid-distance); Jr. Laura Clarke (throws).

Top newcomers: (BOYS) So. Ridge Snyder (distance); Fr. Salvatore Capria (sprints, jumps); So. David Fiorito (sprints, jumps);

Jr. Matt Stauffer (sprints); (GIRLS) Fr.

Kaila O’Connor (sprints, jumps); Jr. Megan Rosahac (distance); Jr. Katelyn Bos (distance); So. Nichole Carroll (distance); So. Katrin Cavanaugh (sprints, jumps); Fr. Leah Wasko (hurdles).

About the Olympians: They will be road warriors this spring while their new track is being installed . ... Richards was sixth in the Schuylkill League high jump in 2019. Bailor was second in the discus and third in the shot put. Wallace was second in the 800 and 300 hurdles. She then won District 11 Class 2A gold in both events. Lynch was third in the high jump. Bevilacqua was fourth in the pole vault.

LEHIGHTON

Head coach: Erica Pagotto, 1st year

2019 record: Boys 1-5; girls 5-1

Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Jayvon McDowell (jumps); Sr. Richard Yturrino (400); (GIRLS) Jr. Brittney Batasavage (hurdles); Jr. Megan Aaron (jumps); Jr. Abby Meckes (discus); Sr. Kelsey Gaston (distance).

Top newcomers: (BOYS) Jr. Zander Bauer (throws); Jr. Gauge Hartney (throws); Fr. Owen Serfass (distance); (GIRLS) So. Isabella Mystkowski (hurdles); So. Faith Yeakal (hurdles); So. Katie Wojton (400). About the Indians: Half of the boys roster is comprised of freshmen. The girls have some returning talent spread out on the track and in the field. Bartasavage was the Schuylkill League 100 hurdles champion in 2019. Gaston had a stellar cross country season. Aaron a good jumper two years ago. Pagotto is leaning on the upperclassmen on the boys and girls rosters for leadership.

MARIAN CATHOLIC

Head coach: Justin Huegel, 4th year

2019 record: Boys 5-2; girls 7-0

Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Justen Arriaga (mid-distance); Sr. Ben Artz (throws); Sr.

Ean Chelak (sprints, mid-distance); Sr.

Kevin Earley (distance); Sr. Corey Renhert (throws); Jr. Jake Fenstamaker (sprints);

Alex Kokosky (hurdles, jumps); Sr. Gavin Vercusky (distance); (GIRLS) Sr. Jamison Wheeler (sprints, hurdles); Jr. Grace Curnow (mid-distance, distance); Sr. Haley Curnow (sprints); Jr. Kelly Sullivan (sprints, jumps); Jr. Isa Genao (mid-distance, distance).

Top newcomers: (BOYS) Jr. Robert Jones (mid-distance); Jr. Lliam Sanphy (middistance, hurdles); Jr. Michael Fellin (sprints, jumps); Sr. Robert Sunder (throws); Sr. Jonny Malarkey; (GIRLS) So. Eliza Bauder (hurdles, jumps); So. Rebecca Boyle (mid-distance); So. Jenna Goff (jumps); So. Alexis Fellin (sprints, jumps); So. Mya Tejada (sprints, jumps); So. Kerrigan Digris (mid-distance); So. Ashley Pleban (sprints, hurdles); Sr. Desiree Milosh (throws); Sr. Charizma Hiles (throws); Sr. Madison Dando (mid-distance, distance).

About the Colts/Fillies: Chelak is a returning District 11 400-meter champion who is looking to have company from his teammates at states. The boys have a solid mix of talent, experience and work ethic, which has their potential for success including Schuylkill League Division II supremacy. The girls are looking to stay on top after the 2019 title. They have enough returning talent and remain hungry to prove they are best.

TAMAQUA

Head coach: Tom Kanger, 17th year

2019 record: Boys 4-2; girls 4-2

Top returnees: (BOYS) Jr. Brady Sherry (mid-distance); Sr. Tyler Steigerwalt (middistance); Sr. Tait Ehrig (mid-distance);

Sr. Alexander Barron (throws); Jr. Steven Kostecky (jumps); Jr. Zach McGlinchey (throws); So. Love Ortiz (sprints, jumps);

Jr. Luca Cammarota (throws); (GIRLS) Sr. Caitlin Smith (sprints); Sr. Frances Kabana (mid-distance); Jr. Grace Stegemeten (middistance); Jr. Ashley Jones (sprints); Jr. Rylee Wenzel (throws); Sr. Sophia Boyle (jumps);

Jr. Alexa Stianche (jumps); Sr. Tressa Barron (sprints); Sr. Molly Murphy (sprints); Sr. Megan Rolko (jumps).

About the Blue Raiders: Tamaqua girls will compete this year in Class 3A. Graduation of state-caliber talent also will make it a growing season. The boys are solid in the throws and jumps . ... Stegemeten and Kabana were part of the 2019 District 11 Class 2A 3,200-meter relay championship team.