Local teams hitting the ground running
Title defenses the talk of early spring
Under gray skies, running through chilling winds, both the Dock Mennonite Academy boys and girls squads enter the season as defending District 1-2A Champs.
“At first glance we look like a fairly young and inexperienced team,” coach Tim Eger said of the girls squad, gunning for its fourth straight district crown, “but we do have a good core group of disciplined and talented athletes that will help carry the team while the newcomers find their roles. We are excited for this season and for the possibilities and surprises it has in store.”
The Wissahickon boys aim to continue their dominance in the Suburban One League American Conference, as the Trojans
go for their fourth straight conference title and 16th in the last 22 years.
The Pennridge boys went through the SOL Continental unbeaten last spring.
Said coach Bob Hosier: “We currently have 88 boys on the roster. As most other teams, we have a lot of new boys on the team and it will take some time to get them in the proper events to help our team.”
North Penn is also doing some grooming.
“Looking forward to the competitive SOL Continental,” coach Jay Jones said. “We’ll be a much better team in May than we are now. Many raw athletes on the team.” Central Bucks West Coach: Greg Wetzel (sixth season) Last year: Second in SOL Continental Key performers lost: Rock Fortna (Rhode Island) distance; Brian Iatarola, distance/jumps; Ryan McIlhinney, sprints; Erik Metz, jumps; Carter Zerweck, sprints Key returners: Christian Bobowicz, Sr., sprints; Corey Cepeda, Sr., throws; Jake Claricurzio, Jr., sprints; Noah Griffin, Sr., jumps/ hurdles; Joe Manetta, Sr., sprints Outlook: The Bucks should again be strong in the distance and relay events and be one to watch come postseason time. Dock Mennonite Academy Coach: Tim Eger (15th season) Last year’s record: 6–0 in the Bicentennial Athletic League; District 1-2A Champs; Third at PIAA-2A States Key performers lost: Colin Bernd; Michael Gunden; Cole Rupert; Joseph Thompson; Josh Wolfe Key returners: Ian Anderson, Jr., middle distance; Isaiah Denlinger, Jr., distance; Jeremey Moyer, So., middle distance; Timothy Kennel, Jr., distance; Austin Kratz, Jr., sprints/long jump; Alex Martin, Jr., throws Others to watch: Xander Durkeson, So., sprints; Bryce Kauffman, So., hurdles; Austin Nice, So., long jump; Ethan Schimek, Jr., pole vault/javelin; Nick Smith, Jr., sprints/jumps; Praise Zoegar, Jr., sprints Strengths: “Ian Anderson will be strong in the 400,” Eger said. “Austin Nice will look to make a statement in the horizontal jumping events and newcomers Nick Smith and Praise Zoegar will help shore up the remaining relay spots making Dock’s relay teams a potential bright spot.” Question Marks: “With the graduation of state medalists Josh Wolfe and Cole Rupert in the hurdles and pole vault respectively a large void still remains. We will look to fill that void with willing athletes looking to help score points in some of the most technical events. Depth in our distance program and in our throwing events will also pose some disadvantages as Dock looks to repeat this success of the 2016 season.” Lansdale Catholic Coach: Matt Connelly (first season) League: Philadelphia Catholic League Key performers lost: Nick Kraynak, distance; Tim Zwierzewski, distance/relays Key returners: James Corrigan, Jr., middle distance/relays; Matthew Noti, Sr., 400/relays; Andrew Danielson, Sr., middle distance/relays; Will Rex, Sr., middle distance/throws Outlook: The Crusaders should be well-represented come time for PCL’s and districs. La Salle Coach: Greg Bielecki (seventh season) Last year: Philadelphia Catholic League Champions; District 12 Champions Key performers lost: Charles Headen (Shippensburg University) 100-200; Winston Eubanks (Shippensburg University) 100-200; Chris Della Donna (Salisbury University) 100-200; Kyle Johnson (Syracus) 100-200; Patrick Grant (University of Alabama) 100-200; Frank Livolsi (Widener University) 1600-3200; Eddie Goebel (Carnegie Mellon University) 1,600-3200 Key returners: Noah Walker, Sr., throws; Evan Addison, Jr., 800-1600; Brendan Price, Sr., 800-1600; Stephen Paul, Sr., 3,200; Luke Ullmann, Sr., 800; Mac Costonis, So., 800; Peter Nelson, Sr., 400; Alex Sislo, Sr., jumps/sprints; Zack Beavers, Sr., hurdles; Mike Becattini, Sr., 110 hurdles; Luke Crawford, Sr., pole vault; Mike Wells, Sr., pole vault/ jumps Strengths/Question marks: “The 2017 Explorers should be well-balanced and deep. They should score well in nearly all events and be able to score several places in each event. If they focus on controlling the things in their control (their attitude/ thoughts and their effort) they should be well-positioned for a strong run at PCLs, Districts, and the State Championship.” Coach Bielecki says: “The team has the numbers, the talent, the potential — they need their leaders to lead, and everyone to work
hard, and the sky is the limit.”
Methacton
Coach: Chris Shaffer (second season)
Last year’s record: 9-1 in the Pioneer Athletic Conference Key performers lost: Nick Shaffer, sprints; Griffin Bilicic, sprints; Jeff Kirshenbaum, distance; John Lozinak, sprints/jumps; Jim Keenan, sprints; Milan Harris, sprints/hurdles; Chris McGinley, sprints/hurdles; Kareem Eleskandarani, sprints/jumps; John Koehler, throws; Alex Nicoletti, throws; Scott Steuben, throws; Glenn Merskey, throws Key returners: John Keenan, Jr., sprints; Max Jones, Jr., sprints; Zack Gribosh, Jr., sprints; Josh Newman, Jr., sprints; Lucas Carr, Jr., sprints; Dan Tabor, So., sprints; Chris Meehan, So., sprints; Mike Torcini, Fr., sprints; Alex Yablonski, Jr., hurdles; Chris Huber, Fr., hurdles; Nick Olivieri, Fr., hurdles; Nick Defilippis, Sr., distance; Josh Brycki, Sr., distance; Aiden O’Leary, Jr., distance; Mike Clark, Jr., distance; Justin Leggin, Jr., distance; Sean Ritchie, So., distance; Tom Chimes, So., distance; Matt Varghese, Fr., distance; Jared Christman, Sr., jumps; Max Jones, Jr., jumps; Zach Gribosh, Jr., jumps; Lucas Carr, Jr., jumps; John Keenan, Jr., jumps; Matt Weisenberger, So., jumps; Nick Olivieri, Fr., jumps; Josh Clark, Fr., jumps; Andrew Bregman, Fr., jumps; Chase Reber, Sr., throws; Karan Singh, Sr., throws; Ryan May, Sr., throws; Pat Maloney, Jr., throws; John Keenan, Jr., throws; Leland Merskey, So., throws; Tonee’ Ellis, So., throws Coach Shaffer says: “I really like the makeup of this team and I have been very pleased with the team’s work ethic and intensity. They have already shown a great attitude towards their training and have been working really hard. Although we experienced some significant losses due to the departure of one of our most talented group of seniors last year, this team is looking to make another run and be very competitive in the PAC League.”
North Penn
Coach: Jay Jones (12th season) Last year’s record: 6-1 in the SOL Continental Key performers lost: Joe Spallinger (Lock Haven) sprints/ hurdles; Dante Watson (Pitt) sprints/middle distance; Albert House, jumps Key returners: Colin Grace, distance; Brendan O’Toole, distance; Elgin Horton, sprints/middle distance; Riley Shaffer, sprints; Tariq Baines, middle distance; Kyle Hayashi, throws; K.J. Cartwright, sprints; Bryant Durant, jumps; Ben Dogonniuck, hurdles Strengths: Strong distance group and emerging sprint core Pennridge Coach: Bob Hosier (34th season) Last year’s record: 7-0 in the SOL Continental Key performers lost: Matt Firuta, sprints/hurdles/jumps; Cayce Giblin, sprints/hurdles/ jumps; Dylan Henry, sprints/hurdles/jumps; Pat O’Brien, sprints/ hurdles/jumps; Ryan Benner, sprints/hurdles/jumps; Owen Eisen, sprints/hurdles/jumps; Solomon Araneta, distance; Tucker Desko, distance; Jeff Espinal, distance; James Masgai, distance Key returners: Nico Araneta, Sr., sprints/hurdles/jumps; Alex Dimon, Sr., sprints/hurdles/ jumps; Austin Howell, Sr., sprints/ hurdles/jumps; Cody Kline, Sr., sprints/hurdles/jumps; Matt Ludlow, Sr., sprints/hurdles/jumps; Matt Moyer, Sr., sprints/hurdles/ jumps; Carson Van Hart, Sr., sprints/hurdles/jumps; Ed Bracken, Sr., sprints/hurdles/jumps; Jared Pleibel, Sr., distance; Andrew Saville, Sr., distance; Matt Ludlow, Jr., sprints/hurdles/ jumps; Matt Moyer, Jr., sprints/ hurdles/jumps; Carson VanHart, Jr., sprints/hurdles/jumps; Josh Pinkney, Jr., sprints/hurdles/ jumps; John Nash, Jr., sprints/ hurdles/jumps; Jared Pleibel, Jr., distance; Andrew Saville, Jr., distance; Riley LaRiviere, Jr., throws; Griffin McMann, Jr., throws; Sam Moyer, Jr., throws; Matt Eissler, So., distance; Luke Eissler, So., distance; Evan Miller, So., distance. Strengths: Horizontal and vertical jumps, sprints, throws Question marks: Pole vault, distance Coach Hosier says: “Our goals are still the same as in past years: be very competitive in our league; show continual improvement; show sportsmanship; have a winning record in dual meets; advance many athletes to the District One meet and be represented at the State Meet in Shippensburg and bring home some medals.” Souderton Area Coach: John Donahue (9th season) Last year’s record: 3-6 in the SOL Continental Key performers lost: Colin Harker (Temple) hurdles/sprints; Chris Toler, javelin Key returners: Shamar Jenkins, Sr., jumps/sprints; Stephen Scott, Sr., hurdles/sprints; Connor McMeniman, Sr., distance; Jack Maurer, Jr., pole vault/ sprints; Nick Doucet, Sr., sprints/ pole vault; Joe Breen, Sr., distance; Pennington Nguyen; Sr., sprints Others to watch: Terrence Alfred, Jr., sprints; Jared McDonough, Sr., throws; Brett Vince, Jr., throws; Joe Alderfer, Sr., jumps; Paul Boehm, So., distance; Kyle Jia, So., throws; Andrew Booth, Sr., jumps; Brendon Mills, Sr., sprints Strengths: “Very strong senior class lead a 90-man roster. This group has worked for four years in preparation for this year. Hope our newcomers provide enough depth in the incredibly talented and deep SOL.” Coach Donahue says: “Hope our newcomers provide enough depth in the incredibly talented and deep SOL. This year’s team goal is to be the best in school history.” Wissahickon Coach: Don Betterly (22nd season) Last year’s record: 7-0 in the SOL American Key performers lost: Darien Williams (Penn State) sprints/ hurdles; Ethan Dolberry-Wescott (East Stroudsburg) sprints/ hurdles; Andy Harman, distance; Lucas Marcelis, distance; Yondell Dudley (Shippensburg) throws Key returners: Rahsheed Wright, Jr., sprints; Max Davies, Sr., sprints; Sam Kane, Sr., sprints; Darnell Watson, Sr., sprints; Shamere Dunswell, Jr., sprints; Ben Hoyer, Jr., distance; Justin Ryan, So., distance; Cam Christopher, Sr., distance; Marlyn Johnson, Jr., hurdles/sprints; Liam Davies, Jr., hurdles/sprints; Ahmir Johnson, Jr., hurdles/sprints; Ahmir Johnson, Jr., jumps; Darryl Baldwin, Sr., jumps; Justin Cooper, Jr., throws; Tom Watson, Sr., throws Strengths: Sprints, throws, relays Question Marks: Overall depth Girls Central Bucks West Coach: Kiki Bell (14th season) Last year’s record: 4-3 in the SOL Continental Key performers lost: Maddie Villalba (Penn) distance; C.C. Davies (UMBC); Laura Roth Key returners: Molly Rodebough, Sr., sprints; Aly Logue, Sr., sprints-middle distance; Megan Kolbe, Sr., distance; Vanessa Barrow, Jr., middle distance; Sam Ronald, Jr., pole vault Strengths/Question marks: “We have our largest roster ever, so numbers are our biggest strength,” coach Bell said. “With 20 seniors on the team, and many of them four-year team members, strong leadership is expected. The biggest question mark is figuring out where every athlete can be placed to do her best.” Outlook for the season: “Sunny with a chance of being really competitive.” Dock Mennonite Academy Coach: Tim Eger (15th Season) Last year’s record: 5-0 in the Bicentennial Athletic League; District 1-2A Champs Key performers lost: Haley Anderson, hurdles/triple jump; Niki Clements, pole vault/sprints; Maddison Landis, distance Key returners: Lindsay Bernd, Jr., middle distance; Sabrina Demetrius, Sr., throws; Abbie Woods, Jr., hurdles/jumps Strengths: Alana Bergey, Lindsay Bernd, Camryn McCloskey, and Lael Flores will solidify the events from the 400 to the 3,200. Abbie Woods is coming off a strong indoor season in the hurdles and will also add her talents to the jumping and throwing events. Sabrina Demetrius will again be the strength in the throwing events but sophomores Alexis Landis and Mikayla Martin will look to make an impact as well. Question Marks: The graduation of Anderson, Clements, and Landis (Dock’s primary point scorers from last season) will prove difficult to replace. Dock will look to a large freshman class for much needed replacements. The relay events are also an area of concern. Dock lost a lot of strength and depth from last season but gained some new faces excited to impress. Gwynedd Mercy Coach: Cristin Meehan (first season) Last year: Catholic Acadmies League Champs (third straight year) Key performers lost: Maggie McGuire, middle distance; Rachel Kohler, sprints; Mary Casey, hurdles/sprints; Erica DeCandido, sprints/triple jump Key returners: Stephanie Szekely, Sr., distance; Kim Sanders, Sr., jumps; Catherine Peele, Sr., middle distance Outlook: The Monarchs will try to fend off challenges from Villa Joseph Marie and others as they try to win their fourth straight league crown. Lansdale Catholic Coach: Matt Connelly (first season) League: Philadelphia Catholic League Key performers lost: Mikayla Beaver, Sr., distance/relays; Shannon Cikowski, middle distance/relays; Hannah Beck, distance/relays Key returners: Kayla Connelly, Sr., distance/relays; Alex Varallo, Sr., jumps/hurdles/relays; Lena Staropoli, Sr., sprints/relays; Katlyn Boyle, Jr., sprints/jumps/ relays Outlook: The Crusaders should be well-represented come time for PCL’s and districs. Methacton Coach: Tracy Peal (first season) Key performers lost: Caroline Duffy (St. Joe’s) sprints/hurdles Key returners: Amy Domenick, Jr., sprints/relays/intermediate hurdles/javelin; Lauren Prusacki, Jr., sprints/relays; Gianna Fazio, Sr., sprints/relays/triple jump; Fallon Brown, Jr., jumps/ pole vault; Rainah Dunham, Sr., jumps/relays; Abbey Dungan, Sr., hurdles/pole vault; Lea Dungan, Sr., high jump/intermediate hurdles; Angela Ramsden, Sr., middle distance Strengths: Sprints, relays, upperclassmen leadership Question marks: “Trying to find our identity with a very young team, instilling a new coaching philosophy.” Outlook: “Goal is to be able to seriously compete in the PAC 10. Build upon our relay success in the winter (4x2: States/Nationals, school record 1:44.04; 4x4 States).” North Penn Coach: Richard Swanker (second season) Last year: SOL Continental Champs; District 1-3A RunnerUps; tied for third at PIAA-3A States Key performers lost: Phoebe Clowser (Illinois State) distance; Morgan Kull, pole vault/hurdles; Allison Sharkey, pole vault/ hurdles; Allison Williams, jumps; Sydnee Towns, throws; Chidubem Anyanwu, throws Key returners: Uche Nwogwugwu, Sr., 400/jumps/relays; Mikaela Vlasic, Sr., middle distance/relays; Ariana Gardizy, Jr., distance/relays; Olivia Dyer, Jr., distance/relays; Jessica Brenfleck, Sr., sprints/relays; Kat Stevenson, Sr., sprints/relays; Lauren Follis, Sr., hurdles/pole vault/4x400; Natalie Kwortnik, So., sprints/middle distance/ jumps; Sophia Broadhurst, So., sprints Outlook: The Knights will be tough to catch as they go for a three-peat in the SOL Continental. Pennridge Coach: Bill Smith (17th season) Last year: Third in the SOL Continental Key performers lost: Jessica Milligan, hurdles/sprints; Lexsey Bennington, hurdles; Ilease Wanamaker, throws; Zoe Williams, sprints; Shannon Coache, throws Key returners: Monika Brill, Sr., distance; Margot Brill, Sr., middle distance; Juliet Ryan, Sr., middle distance; Carly Musco, Jr., middle distance/hurdles; Ashley Groeber, So., sprints; Kouri Peace, So., sprints; Sarah Williams, So., hurdles Outlook: With plenty of talent coming from the cross country squad and Peace one of the best in the state in the sprints, the Rams should win their share in the conference and be vying for some medals come May. Souderton Area Coach: Mike Feliciani (fifth season) Last year’s record: 4-3 in the SOL Continental Key performers lost: Abby Way (Slippery Rock) throws; Ellie Bell (Grove City) distance Key returners: Moira O’Malley, Sr., high jump/sprints; Cara Jackson, Sr., sprints/relays; Isis McFadden, Sr., sprints/relays; Cara Romaniello, Sr., shot put/hurdles; Hannah Derstine, Sr., javelin/pole vault; Emily Bonaventure, Jr., distance/mile/two-mile/4x400 relay; Chantell Bobak, Jr., horizontal jumps; Sydney Braeunig, Jr., pole vault/sprints; Randi Hess, So., horizontal jumps Coach Feliciani says: “We have a good core of veteran athletes across the board that have worked hard through the winter. I’m really excited to see how they perform in the spring. We are young at the hurdles and behind those veterans. I’m looking for athletes to fill the gap in performance and lead us into next year. Our goal is to finish higher in the conference than last year, above fourth.” Wissahickon Coach: Heidi Butt (seventh season) Last year’s record: 5-2 in the SOL American Key performers lost: Lotte Black (Rhode Island) middle distance; Tricia Cappelli, throws Key returners: Cala Lejman, Sr., pole vault; Rachel Coleman, Sr., sprints; Lieke Black, So., hurdles; Hayley Ross, Jr., middle distance Strengths: Seniors to depend on Question marks: “Some of our returners are currently injured and will start to compete later in the season.” Coach Butt says: “We have a very young squad with a strong turnout of freshman and sophomores that should contribute later on.”