LINING UP TO BECOME BREAKOUT STARS OF 2021
Nazareth’s Collin Burkhart. Parkland’s Mustapha Salau. Blue Mountain’s Olivia Haas. They figure to be among District 11’s Class 3A standouts come mid-May.
But after a lost season in 2020, who else will jump to the front of their respective packs?
That will be part of the fun as the EPC track & field season returns Wednesday.
Here’s a team-by-team look at the 18 programs:
EPC team capsules ALLEN
Head coaches: Jarrad Max (boys), George Clay (girls)
2019 record: Boys 0-9; girls 0-9
BETHLEHEM CATHOLIC
Head coach: Fred Rice, 6th year 2019 record: Boys 2-6; girls 1-7
Top returnees: (BOYS) Jr. Kensley Joasil (sprints, mid-distance); (GIRLS) Sr. Cailey Spanitz (pole vault, jumps)
Top newcomers: (BOYS) Sr. Mike Vasquez (throws); Jr. Steven Recchio ( jumps, throws, 400); So. Ramel Terry (sprints); Jr. JhoAngel Soto (sprints, jumps); Jr. Jacob Stoudt; Jr. Aidan Michaels (distances); Sr. Christian Shot (hurdles); So. Aidan Rompilla ( jumps hurdles); Jr. Nick Roof ( jumps, hurdles); Jr. Louis Vidal (sprints,
jumps, hurdles); Jr. Luis Cordero (sprints, relays); (GIRLS) Jr. Kara Vasquez (throws); So. Margaret Burke (distance); Jr. Martina Shelor (mid-distance); Jr. Julia Bricco (distance); Sr. Marcela Vanyelos (distance); So. Jodi Hewitt ( jumps, sprints); So. Alice Frank ( jumps, sprints).
About the Golden Hawks: Their numbers are down from what they had two years ago, but have some promising athletes from other sports . ... Spanitz is a Division I recruit . ... Joasil missed most of his freshman season with a groin
injury . ... Rice is hoping the kids enjoy the social experience, get better and reaching the district and state meets are bonuses.
CENTRAL CATHOLIC
Head coach: Dave Ackerman, 12th year 2019 record: Boys 0-8; girls 1-7
Top returnees: (BOYS) Jr. Connor O’Neill (sprints); Jr. Jake Demchak (distance); (GIRLS) Sr. Zoria Komperda ( jumps); Jr. Carly Rohrbach (sprints); Jr. Josslin Muto (sprints); Sr. Julia Roth (distance)
Top newcomer: (BOYS) So. Raphael Wolf (sprints)
About the Vikings: They would have been young and inexperienced last season, so that lost year of competition hurts the team this season.
DIERUFF
Head coaches: Chris Newhard (boys); Jamie Newhard (girls), 4th year 2019 record: Boys 2-6; girls 1-7
Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Jayden Booth (long jump; 110 hurdles, sprint relays); (GIRLS) Sr. Ade Conover (sprints, sprint relays, long jump)
Top newcomers: (BOYS) Fr. Richard Suarez (sprints); (GIRLS) So. Anyeli Velasquez (sprints, sprint relays, long jump)
About the Huskies: The Newhards are happy with the athletes’ dedication to their offseason workouts . ... Suarez was seventh in the 200 at indoor nationals.
EASTON
Head coach: Tony Lattimore
2019 record: Boys 5-4; girls 8-1
EAST STROUDSBURG NORTH Head coaches: Marc Best (boys); Christopher Corso (girls)
2019 record: Boys 1-7; girls 2-6
EAST STROUDSBURG SOUTH Head coaches: Barry Krammes (boys); John Finelli (girls)
2019 record: Boys 4-4; girls 7-1
Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Christian Sapp (sprints); Jr. Leyti Ndiaye (sprints, jumps, throws); Jr. Christian Gilmore (sprints); Jr. Bobby McClosky (throws, distance); Sr. Brian Bonga ( jumps); Jr. Luke Fulmer (throws); (GIRLS) Sr. Ayanna Ernest (sprints, long jump); Sr. Allison Idehen (high jump, shot put); Sr. Arianna Mercado (throws); Jr. Jennyfer Bonilla (long jump); Jr. Eva Koryzkowski (high jump); Jr. Rochelle Pitner (discus).
Top newcomers: (BOYS) So. Liam Davis (distance); So. Nick Cruz (throws); Jr. Xavier Rivera (sprints); Fr. Nekhi Spence (sprints); (GIRLS) So. Isabella Peccerelli (pole vault); Fr. Rylee Davy (distance); Fr. Lucia Sadura (distance).
About the Cavaliers: The girls were particularly hurt by the lost 2020 season. They have only 25 girls on the roster, with only a handful with experience.
EMMAUS
Head coach: Kami Reinhard, 4th year (14-5 boys, 18-1 girls)
2019 record: Boys 6-2; girls 7-1
Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Geoffrey Kleinberg (distance); So. Oscar Felegy (distance); Jr. Ethan Stzempek (distance); Jr. Holden Brown (distance); Sr. Matt Bruchak (sprints); Sr. Colin Byrne (sprints); Sr. Aidan Dougherty (sprints); Sr. Jarett Lysek (sprints); Sr. Gabe Trexler (sprints); Sr. Davonte Hines (throws); Sr. Tristan Schmidt (throws); Jr. Hayden Schmidt (throws); Sr. Alex Harmon (hurdles); Sr. Kyle Ryan (hurdles); (GIRLS) Sr. Keerstin Augustin (distance; Sr. Clara Kennedy (distance; Jr. Belle Lees (distance); Sr. Kera Reinhard (distance; Sr. Ashley Ryan (distance; Jr. Madison Toretta (distance); Sr. Madison Brown (sprints); Sr. Halle Jennett (sprints); Sr. Ashleigh McNellis (sprints); Sr. Sachiko Price ( jumps); Jr. Summer Lorincz ( jumps); Jr. Molly Lineberger (throws); Sr. Lily Shields (throws); Jr. Bethany Brown (hurdles); Sr. Tayah Mehrtens (hurdles); Sr. Olympia Curley Katrishen (hurdles); Sr. Peyton Rautzhan (pole vault); Jr. Morgan Belisle (pole vault); Sr. Mackenzie Bruns (pole vault).
Top newcomers: (BOYS) So. Dominic Nunez ( jumps); So. Ethan Ferris ( jumps); So. A.J. Hurlburt (pole vault); Nic Buonanno (distance); Jr. Tyler Hargis (sprints); Sr. Shep Henseler ( jumps); Fr. Mason Hoben (hurdles); Sr. Alec Ward (hurdles); (GIRLS) So. Hailey Reinhard (distance); So. Sheldyne Pierre ( jumps); So. Catherine Sirignano (throws); Fr. Addison Kleinle (distance); So. Nicole Nosal (distance); Fr. Gianna Buysse (sprints); Fr. Sammy Walkiewicz (sprints); So. Isabella Russo (hurdles); Fr. Hope Brzezinski (hurdles); Jr. Georgia Yialamas (pole vault); Fr. Keira Gilboy (pole vault).
About the Green Hornets: There are 57 seniors (boys and girls) on the roster who have been with Reinhard since she took over. Their dedication and talent should translate to a good season.
FREEDOM
Head coach: Charlie Heidecker, 3rd year
2019 record: Boys 2-6; girls 1-7
Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. A.J. Fletcher (sprints, jumps); Sr. Ryan Frantz (throws); Jr. Alex Heidemann (distance); Jr. Marcus Humphrey (sprints, hurdles); Sr. Eric Mann (distance); Sr. Chris Noel (throws); Sr. Matty Russin (sprints, jumps); Sr. Sebastian Vega (sprints, jumps); (GIRLS) Sr. Ariana Braun (throws); Jr. Sydney Brown (sprints, hurdles); Sr. Lauren Charboneau (distance); Sr. Cailin Connolly (distance); Jr. Gianna Dowling ( jumps); Sr. Eliza Fihlman (distance); Jr. Alysha Gargone (sprints, jumps); Jr. Lauren Jancsarics (throws); Jr. Keymya Poole (sprints); Sr. Bella Schweikert (sprints, hurdles); Jr. Shanice Williams (sprints, jumps).
Top newcomers: (BOYS) So. Chase Bonstein (sprints, jumps); (GIRLS) So. Keturah Stewart (sprints, hurdles)
About the Patriots: Heidemann was seventh in the 2019 District 11 1,600. The top six graduated.
LIBERTY
Head coaches: Chris D’Emilio and Andrew Messa, 5th year (boys 26-4; girls 25-5)
2019 record: Boys 8-0; girls 6-2
Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Cole Frank (distance); Sr. Messiah Johnson (throws); Sr. Graham Phillips (distance); Sander Sahaydak ( jumps); (GIRLS) Sr. Emily Jobes (distance); Sr. Catherine Kelly ( jumps)
About the Hurricanes: Sahaydak is a Penn State commit as a kicker. He was second in the 2019 District 11 3A triple jump ... The boys are seeking their third consecutive unbeaten season.
NAZARETH
Head coach: Ken Rolek, 34th year 2019 record: Boys 5-4; girls 5-4
Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Collin Burkhart ( javelin, discus); (GIRLS) Sr. Alexis Doherty (sprints, relays); Sr. Kelly Leszcynski ( javelin).
About the Blue Eagles: Burkhart, a 2019 PIAA 3A runner-up as a sophomore, is headed to Penn State. He has the school javelin record. The senior was a district javelin champ and runner-up in the discus. Doherty, a 2019 District 11 runner-up in the 400, is going to Saint Joseph’s. Leszcynski was a 2019 District 11 runner-up in the javelin.
NORTHAMPTON
Head coach: Tim Caffrey, 15th year 2019 record: Boys 6-3; girls 6-3
Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Nico Quinones (hurdles, mid-distance); Sr. Matt Heisler (sprints, relays); Sr. Owen Nahf (distance); Sr. Wyatt Poniktera (mid-distance, distance, relays); Jr. Ben Henry (sprints, relays); Jr. Ezekiel Colyler (mid-distance, distance); Sr. Tyler Klucsarits (throws); (GIRLS) Sr. Georgia Wiswesser (distance, relays, throws); Sr. Amber Poniktera (mid-distance, distance, relays); Sr. Kyleigh Straub (distance, relays); Sr. Kelly Tita (sprints, relays); Jr. Raine Korpics (sprints, mid-distance, relays); Jr. Julia Minnich (mid-distance, distance); Jr. Brianna Tyler (mid-distance, distance, relays); Jr. Reia Sanchez (throws).
About the Konkrete Kids: Klucsarits will be among the EPC’s top throwers. Quinones will be a strong hurdler. Henry is the team’s top sprinter. Nahf will anchor the distance events on the boys side. Wiswesser and Poniktera lead the girls team in the distance events. Korpics could be among the league’s top 400 runners. Sanchez will anchor the throwers.
PARKLAND
Head coach: Steve Ott, 2nd year
2019 record: Boys 7-1; girls 6-2
Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Josh Beltrame (distance); Sr. Ben Esquires (distance); Sr. Elgadro Rolle ( jumps); Sr. Gabriel Blocker ( jumps); Sr. Mustapha Salau (sprints); Sr. Rhian Romain (sprints); Sr. Tyler Vicari (sprints); Sr. Connor Sherwood (sprints); Sr. Huma Imam (sprints); Sr. Justin Trexler (sprints); Sr. Christopher Facchiano (throws); (GIRLS) Sr. Brooke Labenberg (distance); Sr. Ava Bendetti (distance); Jr. Emily Beers (distance); Sr. Lauren Williams (distance); Jr. Coral Shivok ( jumps); Jr. Grace Nation ( jumps); Sr. Aubrey Semler (sprints); Jr. Melanie Lowe (sprints); Sr. Aleigha Rodenbaugh (sprints); Sr. Mikayla Woodring (throws); Sr. Sonya Shivok (throws).
Top newcomers: (BOYS) So. Brady Hoffman (distance); Fr. Paul Abein (distance); So. Brian Warren (distance); So. Dylan Simon (sprints); Fr. Trey Tremba (sprints); So. Kash Kern (sprints); So. Drew Czajkowski (sprints); (GIRLS) Fr. Lana Hurwitz (distance); So. Zoe Patselas (distance); So. Jessica Price (distance); So. Elena Wenger (distance); Fr. Madi Seed (sprints); So. Madison Bowman (sprints); Fr. Gracie Trexler (sprints); So. Naeema Salau (sprints); So. Bella Dauberman (throws).
About the Trojans: Salau was a 2019 District 11 Class 3A champion and eighth in the state in the 400. Shivok was fifth in the district 3A pole vault.
PLEASANT VALLEY
Head coach: George Fair, 1st year 2019 record: Boys 5-3; girls 3-5
Top returnees: (BOYS) Jr. Tyler Akob (distance); (GIRLS) Sr. Mikayla DeReinzi (distance); Sr. Jordan Kautzsch ( jumps); Sr. Madison Wilson (throws).
Top newcomers: (BOYS) Sr. Justin Ellis (hurdles); (GIRLS) Fr. Nemani Moon (sprints); Fr. Mia Whitehead (throws).
About the Bears: Half of their rosters are comprised of freshmen and sophomores who are first-time varsity competitors.
POCONO MOUNTAIN EAST
Head coach: Jonathan Holland, 4th year
2019 record: Boys 6-2; girls 5-3
Top returnees: (BOYS) Jack Hollar (distance); Camryn Wesley (hurdles); Ryan Farley (hurdles, sprints); (GIRLS) Sr. Isabella Horvath ( jumps); Jr. Tierney McCarroll ( javelin); Sr. Sabella Zablackis (hurdles); Sr. Madison Kelly (sprints).
Top newcomers: (BOYS) Tamir Thompson (sprints, jumps); Alex Hafler (sprints, jumps); (GIRLS) Sr. Ava Hooten (sprints); Sr. Alyssa Hooten (sprints).
About the Cardinals: Both teams will be competitive against most teams, but depth will be an issue against the league’s top clubs . ... Horvath is seeking to break the school high jump record that she shares (5 feet, 3 inches).
POCONO MOUNTAIN WEST
Head coach: Bri Palazzi, 7th year 2019 record: Boys 5-3; girls 4-4
Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Kenson Thomas (sprints); Jr. Jaden Bowens (sprints, jumps); Sr. Shamar Hyatt (sprints, hurdles); Sr. Brody Miller (throws); Sr. Josh Watson (throws); (GIRLS) Jr. Ella Bray (distance); Sr. Charli Cordoves ( jumps); Sr. Tiera Hudson (throws); Sr. Madison Moore (throws); Sr. Rosa Torres (throws); Sr. Brianna Joseph (throws).
Top newcomers: (BOYS) So. Blaise McCarroll (throws); Sr. Charlie Maloy (throws); So. Malachi Walters (throws); So. Marcel Guardia (throws); Jr. Michael Lawrence (sprints, jumps); So. Peter Ford (sprints); So. Zion Rowe (sprints, mid-distance); So Chris Reed (hurdles); Jr. Christian Fermin ( jumps); So. Jahki Briley ( jumps); So. Lorenzo Thompson (hurdles, jumps); Jr. Caleb Dickerson (distance); (GIRLS) So. Chloe Lawrence (pole vault, distance); So. Genie Gilbride (sprints); So. Aaliyah Cancel (sprints); So. Vatijiah Darby (mid-distance); So. Madison Skillman (sprints, mid-distance).
About the Panthers: The girls have experience in the field and the boys look good in the sprints. The boys were prepped for a run to EPC and District 11 Class 3A titles in 2020, that was wiped away by the COVID-19 pandemic . ... Bowens was sixth in the 2019 district long jump.
STROUDSBURG
Head coach: Brett Youngken, 8th year 2019 record: Boys 8-0; girls 8-0
Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Moeed Khan (hurdles, sprints, jumps); Jr. Anthony Liguori (throws); Sr. Nate Bergman (throws); Jr. Nathan Reisch (distance); Sr. Nick Bodon (distance); (GIRLS) Sr. Asia Murray (sprints); Sr. Emily Strunk (throws); Sr. Ciara Conboy (distance); Sr. Shadae Moreen (sprints).
Top newcomers: (BOYS) So. Andre Reames (sprints); Fr. Kevin Polonia (sprints, jumps); Sr. Kevin Duffy (sprints); So. Josh Silver (sprints, jumps); (GIRLS) So. Johanna Heitczman (sprints); Jr. Kiana Young (sprints); Jr. Deandra Young (mid-distance, jumps).
About the Mountaineers: Youngken likes his team’s work ethic and unity, saying it’s one of the best blue-collar teams he’s had in his tenure.
WHITEHALL
Head coach: Tyler Miller, 3rd year 2019 record: Boys 2-7; girls 4-5
Top returnees: (BOYS) Jr. Nick Souders ( javelin); Sr. Niko Nomura (sprints); (GIRLS) Sr. Toni Jones (discus, shot put); Sr Lindsay Solderitch (mid-distance); Jr. Arizona Marakovits (pole vault); Sr. Marielle Patungan (hurdles).