Area squads shape up for 2021 after lost season

Area track and field is back after an unprecedented wait, and the Suburban One League Colonial Division is as tough as ever.

Said North Penn coach Brandon Turner: “I expect to have a strong season that is full of growing pains. Like most other schools, not having a season last year or indoors this year has set us back. We still hope to compete for a division championship.”

North Penn, Central Bucks West, Pennridge and Souderton Area are part of a stacked Colonial.

“This is going to be a great year for some of our individuals, but as a team, we are young and have a lot to do to grow and reach the level of competition in the SOL,” Big Red coach Mike Feliciani said.

Ashley Gordon leads the Rams back to the track while Dock is shaping up well in the Bicentennial Athletic League.

“The Dock girls have a lot of leadership and depth in the middle distance events,” coach Tim Eger said. “These girls understand the needs of the team and want to help in scoring wherever possible.

“A season lost created some big holes. However, we will look to stop-gap our jumping and throwing events with some very athletic newcomers. Depth and confidence will be keys down the stretch. Dock will look to put together three quality relay squads in preparation for a postseason of some kind.”

Following is a team-by-team look at the area.

Central Bucks West

Coach: Kiki Bell.

Key returners: Emmi Simon, Sr.; Julia Flood, Sr.; Carlin McFadden, Sr.; Ella Lentini, Fr.; Francie Ebert, Sr.

Outlook: The Bucks have quite a distance group coming back and should have a squad that challenges for the SOL Colonial title.

Dock

Coach: Tim Eger (19th Season).

Key performers lost: Elle Bergey, middle distance; Alison Keach, utility; Kate Landis, hurdles/javelin.

Key returners: Clara Benner, Jr., hurdles; Celeste Derstine, So., distance/javelin; Sara Kennel, Sr., distance; Maddy Lewis, Jr., throws; Olivia Mercure, Sr., sprints/jumps; Tiffany Oponski, So., sprints; Sydney Putera, Sr., middle distance/pole

KEV HUNTER/MEDIANEWS GROUP Ashley Gordon of Pennridge should be one of the premiere distance runners in the area.