When one door closes, another one opens.
In his stellar career at North Schuylkill, Brendan Shearn established himself as one of the best distance runners in league history. He won four league titles in the 3,200 and three in 1,600; six District 11 Class AA individual titles (three apiece in the 1,600 and 3,200) and earned five PIAA medals, including a 3,200 championship in 2012 and silver medals in the event in 2011 and 2013. He also holds the league and District 11 record in the 3,200.
Shearn has graduated, taking his talents to the University of Pennsylvania. With his departure, and the graduation of a large group of talented athletes, the Schuylkill League is looking for its new star.
Of the 15 individual league titles won last season, eight of them were won by athletes who have graduated. Among those who also departed are North Schuylkill's Danny McSurdy (100 and 300 hurdles), Jim Thorpe's Robert Taylor (800), Tamaqua's Eric Hertzog (110 hurdles), Blue Mountain's Cody Yackenchick (discus) and Pottsville's Kurtis Killian (javelin).
McSurdy went on to win a District 11 Class AA title in the 100, was district silver medalist in the 300 hurdles and went on to finish fifth at states in the 300 hurdles. Hertzog was a district runner-up in Class AAA in the 110 hurdles and went on to finish fifth at states in the event.
Other talented athletes, such as Blue Mountain's Ricky Jones (league runner-up in 300 hurdles), Marian's Corey Quick (league and District 11 Class AA runner-up in the javelin) and John Julian (league runner-up and district champ in 1,600 relay), and North Schuylkill's Ethan Motsney, are gone, too.
With the losses come opportunities for others. There is still plenty of talent returning this spring, ready to perhaps become the next star.
What follows is a list of seven athletes who could do that this season based on past performances. For certain, there will plenty of new faces on medal stands come postseason.
- Marian's Nico Agosti - The only returning state medalist from last year, the junior finished eighth in the 400 in Class AA to earn his first state medal. He added Schuylkill
League titles in the 200 and 400, and a District 11 title in 1,600 relay, a runner-up finish in the 400 and a third in the 200.
- Pottsville's A.J. Stevens - The Crimson Tide senior won his first league title in 2013 in the triple jump and then went on to qualify for states in Class AAA with a runner-up finish in the event at districts. Stevens already has a triple jump state title this year, winning the event at the Pennsylvania Track and Field Coaches Association State Indoor Track and Field Meet on March 1.
- Mahanoy Area Tyler Cavenas - The Lehigh University football recruit grabbed league a title in the shot put and a District 11 Class AA championship in the discus while finishing as a district runner-up in the shot put - he was third in the event at leagues - qualifying for states in both events. Cavenas also won a district title in shot put in 2012.
- Blue Mountain Colton Cryts - The Eagles' senior had a breakout season last year, winning his first career league titles in the long jump and pole vault, while finishing third in the high jump. He was fifth in the pole vault at districts in Class AAA.
- Minersville's Ben Hinkel - The junior from Tri-Valley, who competes with the Battlin' Miners as part of their co-op program, anchored the league and District 11 Class AA championship 3,200 relay team last season, while finishing fourth in the 800 at leagues. He will compete in those two events, along with the 1,600, this season.
- Tamaqua's Tyler Hope - The Raiders' senior is seeking his first league title in the javelin - he missed the last two league meets due to injuries - but won his second consecutive District 11 title in the event last year, this time in Class AAA. He was also a runner-up in the 200 and third in the 100 at leagues. In Class AA as a sophomore, he earned a silver medal at the PIAA meet in the javelin.
A back injury has hampered Hope this preseason. He has yet to throw the javelin and it is unknown if he will be able to do so this spring.
- Jim Thorpe's Rayan Green - The sophomore won the league high jump title as a freshman. Green was unable to place in the event at districts, but he should be able to redeem himself this season.
While there will plenty of new faces of the medals stands come postseason, what hasn't changed are the likely favorites to contend for Schuylkill League division championships.
Here's a breakdown of the divisions:
DIVISION I
Blue Mountain returned to the top of the Division I standings last season after a year absence, adding to the 2009 and 2010 titles the Eagles won and the 2011 crown they shared with Pottsville and North Schuylkill.
Last year's division title came down to the Eagles and 2012 champ Pottsville, with Blue Mountain winning the head-to-head meeting 78-72 on April 24.
The two rivals will be in the title hunt again this spring, although others will be in the mix.
In addition to Cryts, Blue Mountain has several solid athletes returning on the track, including seniors Tristian Dickey (second in 400 at leagues), Colin Richards (third in 200) and Bayne Keitsock (fourth in 110 hurdles), junior Dakota Roberts (sixth in 200) and sophomore Derek Mosteller (fourth in 3,200). Dickey, Richards and Roberts are returning members of last season's league championship 1,600 relay team. The three were also third in the event at districts.
Senior Luke Fisher (fifth in high jump, tied for fifth in long jump at leagues) will provide depth in the jumping events.
"In order for us to have a solid team our young throwers must develop quickly and we need to find depth in the long distance races," Blue Mountain coach Al Yackenchick said.
The Crimson Tide took a major graduation hit, losing 21 athletes. A good amount of those athletes competed in multiple events and scored the majority of the Tide's dual-meet points.
There the several returning individual league medalists back for Pottsville, including seniors Patrick McDonald (runner-up in pole vault, sixth in high jump), Aaron Kuperavage (fourth in long jump) and Ryan Bertsch (sixth in discus), junior Kevin Hampford (sixth in 400) and sophomore Kolby Kleckner (fourth in triple jump). McDonald added a fourth-place finish at districts in the pole vault.
Senior Humza Hnesh is the top returning distance runner for the Crimson Tide.
"The seniors have done tremendous job in preseason helping the younger athletes," Pottsville head coach Charlie Schuster said. "The big challenge is to gain that valuable experience. Hopefully we will be there and be competitive as the season goes on."
Jim Thorpe could be in the mix, too, as the Olympians have a lot of depth in the mid-distance and distance events, led by juniors Jonathon Condly (league runner-up in 3,200), Jake Saxon (third in 1,600 and 3,200 at league meet) and Samuel Gilkes (fifth in 400 at leagues), and senior Steven Principe (sixth in 800 in league).
Senior Khaaliq Lynch (fifth in 100 and 200, tied for fifth in long jump) and junior Deonte St. Hill (league runner-up in triple jump, fifth in javelin) are also returning league medalists.
"I think there will be great parody this season amongst all the teams," Jim Thorpe coach Frank Miller said of the division.
North Schuylkill seniors Devin Mashack (fifth in 3,200) and Evan Brouse (tied for fifth in pole vault) and junior Ryan Mazeika (fourth in triple jump), along with Tamaqua senior Jacob Wenzel (fifth in shot put) and Minersville junior Wesley Yutko (fourth in 1,600) are other returning individual league medalists from Division I.
Blue Mountain
Head coach: Al Yackenchick (15th season)
Last year: 5-0 overall, 5-0 D-I. Schuylkill League Division I champion
Returnees: Tyler Adams, sr., throws; Stuart Blair, sr., distance; Colton Cryts, sr., jumps; Jairus Davis, sr., sprints; Tristan Dickey, sr., mid-distance; Cody Farrell, sr., mid-distance; Luke Fisher, sr., jumps; Bayne Keitsock, sr., hurdles; Wyatt Kramer, sr., mid-distance; Andrew Lescosky, sr., jumps; Brendan Navin, sr., hurdles; Colin Richards, sr., sprints; Jacob Throne, sr., throws; Jake Wertman, sr., throws; Derek Bundy, jr., throws; Adrian Dohmann, jr., pole vault; Cordell Hancock, jr., throws; Will Horn, jr,. pole vault; Nate Meyers, jr., sprints; Dakota Roberts, jr., sprints; William Rudacille, jr, pole vault; Matt Yackenchick, jr., throws; Scott Cox, soph., distance; Aedan Drummond, soph., pole vault; Cameron Greenawalt, soph., mid-distance; Jonathan Hablett, soph., long distance; Jacob Lorimer, soph., throws; Derek Mosteller, soph., long distance; Alexander Snitzer, soph., throws; Grayson Umbenhaur, soph., throws
Newcomers: Kenneth Eckert, sr., mid-distance; Sean Matukewicz, sr., throws; Tyler Post, sr., throws; Antonio Rivas, sr., sprints; Daniel Challenger, jr., jumps; Derrec Robinson, jr., throws; Gino Visconti, jr., throws; John Tahaney, jr., sprints; Joshua Sham, jr., jumps; Ibrahim Sheriff, soph., hurdles; Dillon Wertman, soph., throws; Aaron Albertini, fr., mid-distance; Wade Bowmer, fr., sprints; Ryan Brooks, fr., mid-distance; Thomas Carpenito, fr., sprints; Mason Dallatore, fr., sprints; John Dolbin, fr., hurdles; Jarrett Elser, fr., throws; Joshua Gerber, fr., throws; Benjamin Gipe, fr., throws; Stephen Johnson, fr., mid-distance; Thomas Levkulic, fr., distance; Derek Reber, fr., throws; Noah Rhody, fr., mid-distance; Jacob Wessner, fr., jumps; Jacob Woleschok, fr., jumps; Austin Zukosky, fr., throws; Erech Noecker, fr., sprints; Jordan Post, fr., throws; Travis Barrow, fr., throws; Connor Zimmerman, fr., throws
Outlook: The Eagles will be strongest in the mid-distance and distance events, as well as the jumps. Depth needs to develop, especially in the distance events. A division contender again.
Jim Thorpe
Head coach: Frank Miller (8th season)
Last year: 2-4, 2-3 D-I
Returnees: Christian Fields, sr., distance; Khaaliq Lynch, sr., sprints, jumps; Michael Malatak, sr., hurdles, jumps; Jake McGeehan, sr., distance; Zachary Nace, sr., sprints; Michael Rodgers, sr., throws; Deonte St. Hill, sr., jumps, throws; Jonathon Condly, jr., distance; Nathan Fields, jr., distance; Hunter Gibson, jr., throws; Samuel Gilkes, jr., sprints; Duane James, jr., sprints; Jake Saxon, jr., distance; Aubrey Warner, jr., throws; Brandon Bell, soph., sprints; Dylan Bucior, soph., sprints; Ali Capobianco, soph., sprints, pole vault; Tylor Day, soph., jumps; Robbie Geisinger, soph., sprints, jumps; Jian Gentile, soph., distance; Rayan Green, soph., hurdles, jumps; Randy Sanon, soph., sprints
Newcomers: Jeremy Emery, sr., throws; Steven Principe, sr., sprints; Justin Saltz, sr., sprints; Todd Lawrence, jr., throws; Jason Montemuro, soph., sprints; Cameron Condly, fr., pole vault; Takumi Hawes, fr., throws; Antonio Madrea, fr., sprints, jumps; Ryan O'Rourke, fr., throws; Ben Saxon, fr., distance; Derek Scott, fr., throws
Outlook: The Olympians not only have lots of experience in distance and jumping events, but past success in those events, too. Further development could put the Olympians in the division hunt.
Minersville
Head coach: Jason Burgess (14th season)
Last year: 1-6, 0-5 D-I
Returnees: Eric Smack, sr., mid-distance; Ben Hinkel, jr., mid-distance; Michael Hoptak, jr., distance; Hunter Snyder, jr., throws; Kyle Stephen, jr., distance; Wesley Yutko, jr., distance; Pierce Beck, soph., hurdles; Jacob Carvajal, soph., throws; Clement Rushanan, soph., mid-distance; Jordan Tellez, soph., hurdles; Brady Wertz, soph., hurdles
Newcomers: Hannan Anwar, sr., throws; Ryan Doyle, sr,. sprints, jumps; Joshua Komives, sr., sprints; Brett Bulino, jr., sprints; Aaron Griffiths, jr., sprints; Kane Heffron, jr., jumps; Nicholas Kriston, jr., distance; Thomas Moran, jr., throws; David Schultz, jr., sprints; Anthony DiBiase, soph., sprints; Chase Eubanks, soph., sprints, jumps; Austin McCullough, soph., distance; Michael Perzel, soph., sprints; Ethan Schatz, soph., sprints, jumps; Ryan Scott, soph., distance; Evan Sukeena, soph., sprints, throws; Bailey Wertz, soph., hurdles; Samuel DiBiase, fr., distance; Ryan Fink, fr., throws; Jesse Foran, fr., sprints; Connor Moran, fr., mid-distance; Ezekiel Rosa-Bonilla, fr., sprints
Outlook: The Miners' strength will be in the distance events with lots of new athletes in sprints and field events. Lack of experience will prevent them from being competitive in the division race, so individual success is main goal.
North Schuylkill
Head coach: Lafay Hope (7th season)
Last year: 3-2, 3-2 D-I
Returnees: Alec Bolinsky, sr., jumps; Evan Brouse, sr., pole vault; Andrew Gantz, sr., throws; David Hall, sr., throws; Will Halko, sr., mid-distance; Keegan Hubler, sr., throws; Matt Manbeck, sr., throws; Devin Mashack, sr., mid-distance; Justin Reichwein, sr., mid-distance; Tyler Briel, jr., throws; Chris Karlonis, jr., jumps, sprints; Ryan Mazeika, jr., jumps, sprints; Jadyn Arczarski, soph., throws; Kebner Antalosky, soph., throws; Jordan Green, soph., throws; Patrick Gownley, soph., jumps, sprints; Adam Isgate, soph., throws; Hunter Mickatavage, soph., jumps, pole vault; Austin Raup, soph., throws; Cory Sanko, soph., jumps, pole vault; Matthew Stever, soph., throws
Newcomers: Luke Onuskanich, sr., throws; Glenn Weist, sr., mid-distance, hurdles; Zach Griffin, jr., throws; David John Rumble, jr., throws; Jess Wetzel, jr., pole vault, jumps; Christian Zamudio, jr., pole vault, sprints; Joel Caputo, soph., throws; Michael Covach, soph., jumps; Ethan Shewmaker, soph., throws; Noah Swald, soph., throws, pole vault; Liam Wolfe, soph., mid-distance; Connor Wood, soph., jumps, pole vault; Colin Ahrensfield, fr., distance; George Anthony, fr., distance; Aaron Bakerofski, fr., throws; Caleb Cress, fr., throws; Garrett Cress, fr., throws; Robert Flannery, fr., distance; James Garroway, fr., distance; Alex Mazor, jr., jumps; Chris McCormick, fr., distance; Jeno Schicatano, fr., throws; Bobby Wagner, fr., jumps, hurdles, sprints
Outlook: The Spartans took a major graduation hit and are in a rebuilding mode. Still, several athletes should have individual success.
Pottsville
Head coach: Charlie Schuster (8th season)
Last year: 4-1, 4-1 D-I
Returnees: Ryan Bertsch, sr., throws; Charles Geiger, sr., throws; Humza Hnesh, sr., mid-distance; Aaron Kuperavage, sr., sprints, jumps; Daymarr Jackson, sr., sprints; Patrick McDonald, sr., jumps; William Robbins, sr., throws; A.J. Stevens, sr., jumps; Evan Bernitsky, jr., sprints; Alexander Bouffard, jr., mid-distance; James Close, jr., sprints; Jed Dunkel, jr., sprints, mid-distance; Anthony Flores, jr., throws; Kevin Hampford, jr., mid-distance; Edward Hossler, jr., distance; Exavior Hunt, jr., hurdles; Zane Jones, jr., throws; Patrick Keating, jr., throws; Corey Schuster, jr., distance; Christopher Paroby, jr., throws; Justus Schultz, jr., throws; Justin Welkie, jr., distance; Kolby Azbell, soph., throws; Williams Devers, soph., throws; Jake DiCello, soph., distance; Michael Dudash, soph., distance; Hunter Futchko, soph., sprints; Kyle Hinson, soph., throws; Kolby Kleckner, soph., jumps; Ryan Scanlan, soph., distance; Jeremy Witman, soph., hurdles; Dante Yeastead, soph., throws
Newcomers: Siraj Belgasium, sr., distance; Quentin Chambers, sr., jumps; Kenny Frehafer, sr., sprints; Williams Laundry, jr., throws; Michael Logothetides, jr., throws; Craig Sterner, jr., throws; Willie Alexander, soph., jumps; Anthony Angelichio, soph., hurdles; Charles Gildea, soph., sprints; Joshua Howell, soph., distance; Hayes Krammes, soph., mid-distance; Emmanuel Rodriguez, soph., sprints; Christian Witman, soph., mid-distance; Chase Alisauckas, fr., throws; Blake Barlett, fr., sprints; Brent Gauntlett, fr., throws; Thomas George, fr., sprints; Noah Haney, fr., throws; Tyler Jackson, fr., sprints; Nicholas Joy, fr., throws; Quintin Neidlinger, fr., throws; Jacquon Smith, fr., jumps; Dylan Stillwagner, fr., throws; Nate Varano, fr., jumps, mid-distance; Dimarcus Vilcheck, fr., distance; Sean Vilcheck, fr., sprints; Tyler Williams, fr., throws; Kirkland Zelanko, fr., jumps
Outlook: The Crimson Tide took a graduation hit, especially in the mid-distance, distance and throwing events, but experience returns. Newcomers need to develop. Still, Crimson Tide are a division contender.
Tamaqua
Head coach: Tom Kanger (10th season)
Last year: 1-4, 1-4 D-I
Returnees: Cody Houser, sr., throws; Derek Cinicola, sr., jumps, throws; Jacob Wenzel, sr., throws; Jason Sylvester, sr., throws; Joseph Marcin, sr., throws; Mike Kelly, sr., mid-distance, pole vault; Nick Coccio, sr., throws; Nick Digiglio, sr., mid-distance; Tyler Hope, sr., sprints, javelin; Zach Zucatti, sr., throws; Zachary Oliveria, sr., sprints; Brandon Cunninghan, jr., throws; Devin Murphy, jr., throws; Trevor Skripko, jr., throws; Tyler Resch, jr., throws; Zach Wargula, jr., sprints; Aaron Rega, soph., throws; Andrew Tite, soph., distance; Kyle Patrick, soph., throws; Shane Hacker, soph., throws; Zach Wandzilak, soph., mid-distance
Newcomers: Damian Munoz, sr., sprints; Gabriel Bumberger, sr., sprints; Jack Nemeth, sr., pole vault; Jake Kunkel, sr., mid-distance; Anthony Riboldi, jr., mid-distance; Malik Roper, jr., sprints, jumps; Austin Zwolenik, soph., jumps; Ben Turrano, soph., distance; Chris Daynorowicz, soph., hurdles, sprints; Dylan Dannenfelser, soph., sprints; Adam Melnick, fr., distance; Alec Roseland, fr., distance; Chance Szabo, fr., pole vault, throws; Dakota Boyer, fr., mid-distance; Dylan Scott, fr., mid-distance, jumps; Gavin Seip, fr., sprints, throws; Joshua Derrick, fr., throws; Matthew Smarr, fr., pole vault; Matthew Weaver, fr., hurdles, sprints, jumps; Raymond Kinder, fr., distance; Stone Valentine, fr., hurdles, jumps
Outlook: Raiders have several quality athletes and should have lots of individual success. In order to be competitive in the division, youngsters need to develop.
DIVISION II
For most past, Marian has dominated the division since 2008, winning five league titles. The only year the Colts didn't was in 2011, when Pine Grove was the champion and Marian finished second.
The spring, the Colts are deep and favored to win again.
In addition to Agosti, junior Chris Bruno was an individual state qualifier last season, finishing second in the 100 at the league and district meets. Senior Michael Grega also qualified for states as an alternate on the district championship 1,600 relay team with Bruno. Those two, along with senior Sam Tomlin (sprints), juniors Nick Sully (sprints, hurdles) and Matt Karnish (mid-distance), and sophomores Dom Mussoline (mid-distance, hurdles) and Hunter Nause (sprints) give the Colts a solid foundation on the track.
Senior Lukas Damain (fifth in discus at league meet) will lead the throwers, with senior Sam Budusky and sophomore Mark Buchinsky the main jumpers.
"We are going for our third straight division championship," Marian coach John Boyle said. "Our team is well aware of that fact and has been working even harder than last year to make sure it happens again. However, Schuylkill Haven, Pine Grove and Mahanoy Area will be our toughest dual meets this year and always push us to perform our best."
Those three will be in the division mix again this spring.
The Golden Bears' only loss last season was to Marian. In addition to Cavenas, the other key athletes returning are seniors Larry McNeil (league runner-up in high jump, sixth in 300 hurdles) and Jim Thomas (sixth in javelin). McNeil was also fourth at districts in Class AA in the high jump.
Senior Jason Wilson (fifth in 300 hurdles, sixth in 110 hurdles at league meet) is a returning league medalist for Schuylkill Haven. Seniors Adam Seltzer and Marcus Repella will be key competitors in the sprints, hurdles and jumps for the Hurricanes, while junior Sam Brennan and sophomore Owen Pothering will lead the way in the distance events and senior Derek Kane, junior Brad Allan and sophomore Noah Fritz will compete in the throws.
Pine Grove will be led by seniors Leon Christ and Devon Williams in the throwing events. Senior Kade Haldeman also returns in the distance events after he missed last season with an injury.
Mahanoy Area
Head coach: Dave Holmes (27th season)
Last year: 5-1, 5-1 D-II
Returnees: Brandon Donelson, sr., distance; Josh Baker, sr., throws; Jim Thomas, sr., throws; Greg Merchlinsky, sr., throws; Dylan Mahmod, sr., sprints; Tyler Cavenas, sr., throws; Austin Forte, sr., sprints; Josh Kachmar, sr., throws; Larry McNeil, sr,. hurdles, jumps; Alex Witiszen, sr., sprints; Chris Caravella, soph., throws; Evan McKenzie, soph., distance; Jake Ulicny, soph., throws; Adam Bahrey, soph., distance; Joey Hullihan, soph., distance; Marcus Styka, soph., throws
Newcomers: Logan Strollis, sr., throws; Stephen Bolusky, sr., throws; Justin Hall, sr., sprints; Chris Maley, sr., distance; Shane Starkey, sr., distance; Jake Shaup, sr., throws; Andy Kuzma, sr., jumps; Jayson Rago, soph., sprints; Sebastian Kopenitz, soph., sprints; Liam Mansell, fr., sprints; Matt Derr, fr., distance; Trevor Flynn, fr., throws; Mark Lawrence, fr., throws; Mike Joseph, fr., hurdles, jumps
Outlook: Golden Bears will be solid again in the throwing and jumping events. Should be in the division hunt and are looking for athletes perform well beyond the league.
Marian
Head coach: John Boyle (5th season)
Last year: 7-0, 6-0 D-II. Schuylkill League Division II champion
Returnees: Michael Grega, sr., mid-distance; Lukas Damian, sr., throws, sprints; Nick Hopeck, sr., distance; Sam Tomlin, sr., sprints; Stephen Whiteko, sr., jumps; Sam Budusky, sr., throws, jumps; Christian Legath, sr., distance; Devin Horn, sr., throws; Connor Roberts, jr., distance; James Kolbush, jr., hurdles; Nick Sully, jr., sprints, hurdles; Chris Bruno, jr., sprints; Nico Agosti, jr., mid-distance; Joe Damiano, jr., throws; Matt Karnish, jr., mid-distance; Mark Buchinsky, soph., jumps; Steve Betterly, soph., throws
Newcomers: Mike McHale, sr., throws; Phil DeSantis, sr., distance; Chris Miller, jr. throws; Peter Dubrayski, soph., throws; Dom Mussoline, soph., mid-distance, hurdles; Hunter Nause, soph., sprints; Brandon Mauro, soph., throws; Noah Heckman, soph., throws; Cooper Moore, soph., jumps; Matt Ziemtek, soph, distance; Mike Witczak, fr., mid-distance, jumps
Outlook: The Colts don't have huge numbers but plenty of talent returning, especially in the track events. Somewhat thin on experience in the throws. Still, the Colts are the team to beat in the division again.
Nativity
Head coach: Tony Klazas (5th overall)
Last year: 2-5, 2-4 D-II
Returnees: Zach Adams, sr., distance; Chris Mickey, sr., throws; Brady Morgan, sr., sprints, jumps; Mark Sabol, sr., distance, jumps; Nick Swartz, sr., throws; Spencer Villarreal, sr., sprints, jumps; Zach Wagner, sr., throws; Sean Greco, jr., sprints, jumps; Justin Yaneck, jr., distance; Tyler Cooper, soph., distance, hurdles; Adrian Datte, soph., sprints, throws; Jake Evans, soph., distance, hurdles; Chris Opolsky, soph., sprints, jumps; Travis Steele, soph., throws
Newcomers: Lucas Moyer, sr., sprints, hurdles, jumps; Ian Recla, sr., throws; Michael Barbato, jr., throws; Aaron Davidson, jr., throws; Ignacio Fernandez, jr., distance; Cullen Hoppel, jr., sprints, jumps; Sonny Matharu, jr., distance; Ryan Searle, jr., sprints; Hung Chan Tran, jr., sprints; Rickie Wronski, jr., sprints, throws; Daniel Young, jr., distance; Josh Cromyak, soph., throws; Jaeho Jung, soph., throws; Brett Rushannon, soph., distance; Scott Andrews, fr., throws; Patrick Crane, fr., jumps, sprints; Bryce Hager, fr., sprints; Daniel Lozada, fr., sprints, throws; Anthony Lutchkus, fr., throws; Trent Shatalsky, fr., sprints, jumps, throws; Kevin Sweeney, fr., sprints; Nick Vaupel, fr., sprints, jumps; Philip Vigoda, fr., sprints, jumps; Tyler Zimerofsky, fr., throws
Outlook: The Green Wave have excellent numbers to work with but are somewhat short on experience. Strongest events will be the sprints, while the distance events are expected to be improved.
Panther Valley
Head coach: Kristin Black (2nd season)
Last year: 1-5, 1-5 D-II
Returnees: Brendan Beshock, sr., mid-distance, distance; Jerdil Castillo, sr., throws; Tyler Devonsire, sr., mid-distance; Mike Horan, sr., hurdles; Austin Karnish, sr., mid-distance; Troy Margerum, sr., mid-distance, distance; Charles Moore, sr., mid-distance, distance; Richard Nase, sr., sprints, jumps; Lenny Ogozalek, sr., mid-distance, distance; Adam Nevenglosky, jr., throws; Mike Scotto, jr., throws
Newcomers: Kyle Ferryman, sr., sprints; Hunter Davidyock, jr., mid-distance; Ander Harssion, jr., mid-distance; Joe Martonyek, jr., throws; Anthony Micholik, jr., sprints; Brett Paulus, jr., mid-distance, distance; Brian Fisher, soph., throws; Dyan Pettit, fr., mid-distance, distance; Josh Rodriguez, fr., sprints, hurdles; Joe Stawiarski, fr., throws; Danny Gilberry, fr., mid-distance; Mike Hood, fr., hurdles, jumps; Alex Lebo, fr., mid-distance, distance; Alex Mehmeti, fr., jumps; Nate Miller, fr., mid-distance, distance
Outlook: The Panthers return some experience with several athletes who qualified for district last season. Most of the experience is from a core group of seniors in the distance events. Looking to build more experience in the sprints and throws.
Pine Grove
Head coach: Eric Kurtz (12th season)
Last year: 3-3, 3-3 D-II
Returnees: Bill Carlin, sr., throws; Leon Christ, sr., throws; Eric Flick, sr., distance; Kade Haldeman, sr., distance; Jeremy Klinger, sr., distance; Devon Williams, sr., throws; Brian Cedeno, jr., distance; Tyler Christiansen, jr., distance; Derek Knoll, jr., throws; Tadd Shiffer, jr., sprints; Zachary Tritt, jr., hurdles, jumps; Scott Werner, jr., throws; Tyler Wolfe, jr., sprints, jumps; Andrew Yerger, jr., hurdles; Ricky Bouchette, soph., hurdles, jumps; Kyle Fidler, soph., hurdles, jumps; Zachary Lambart, soph., hurdles, mid-distance; Taylor Witmer, soph., sprints, jumps
Newcomers: Ryan Heim, sr., sprints, throws; Ryan Martin, sr., distance; Zachary Walter, sr., throws; Tristan White, sr., distance; Jacob Schaeffer, sr., sprints; Luke Schwalm, jr., jumps, mid-distance; Shane Smith, jr., mid-distance; Wyatt Bettinger, soph., distance; Colin Knoll, soph., distance, throws; Blake Ramer, soph., mid-distance; Mike Elo, fr., sprints; Steven Lengel, fr., throws; Jason Nowicki-Santonastaso, fr., throws; David Snedden, fr., sprints, hurdles
Outlook: The Cardinals have depth across the board with a good mix of returnees and newcomers. Should be competitive in the division as the Cardinals look to improve their record from last season.
Schuylkill Haven
Head coach: Pam Leymeister (9th season)
Last year: 4-3, 4-2 D-II
Returnees (compete event listings not available): Carl Diggs, sr.; Derek Kane, sr., throws; Marcus Repella, sr., sprints, hurdles, jumps; Adam Seltzer, sr., sprints, hurdles, jumps; Dominic Trimboli, sr.; Jason Wilson, sr., sprints, hurdles, jumps; Brad Allan, jr., throws; Sam Brennan, jr., distance; Brandon Edelman, jr.; Hamilton Handling, jr.; Jordan Sterner, jr.; Joe Brennan, soph.; Noah Fritz, soph., throws; Mitchell McBreen, soph.; Owen Pothering, soph., distance
Newcomers (complete event listing not available): Nathaniel Dasch, sr.; Dylan Detweiler, sr.; Josh Mairose, sr.; Joshua Burgos, jr.; Jason Trumbo, jr., sprints, jumps; Collin Bartol, soph.; David Chesakis, soph.; Jordan McClintock, soph.; Zach Semanco, soph.; Dillon Zvorsky, soph.; Tyler Allan, fr.; Ian Dougherty, fr.; Harry McGoey, fr.; Ryan Runkel, fr.; Jonathan Russial, fr.; Kevin Slappey, fr.; Dan Spotts, fr.
Outlook: The numbers are up for the Hurricanes, who have experience in almost every event. If the newcomers step up as expected, they will be competitive in the division again this season.
Shenandoah Valley
Head coach: Anna Malocu (3rd season)
Last year: 0-6, 0-6 D-II
Returnees: Stephen Miscannon, sr., distance, throws, jumps; Blake Florio, soph., sprints, throws; Kyle Guers, soph., sprints; Nick Twardzik, soph., sprints, hurdles; Grant Schadle, soph., throws, sprints
Newcomers: Miguel Gutierrez, sr., mid-distance, distance; Jeremy Bassininsky, jr., throws; Mike Huggins, jr., sprints; Riley Miller, jr., sprints, jumps; Dustin Gelbutis, jr., throws; Brock Davidson, soph., sprints, jumps; Joshua Taylor, fr., sprints; Devin Davis, fr., throws; Freddy Morales, fr., sprints
Outlook: The Blue Devils don't have the numbers to be competitive in dual meets. The goal is to pick up a few event wins and improve individually.
BERKS LEAGUE
Hamburg was competitive in a realigned Berks League last season, finishing with a .500 record.
After a solid year in 2013, senior Cody Miller returns as the Hawks should be strongest in the throwing events. His best finish at the Berks Firing Meet was in the shot put, where he came in eighth. Miller was also 11th in the shot put and 13th in the javelin. In Class AAA at the District 3 meet, he was 11th in the javelin and 13th in the discus.
Senior Chris Kummerer was also seventh in the pole vault at the Firing meet last spring.
Wyomissing and Schuylkill Valley are two of the favorites in Berks Section II this season.
Hamburg
Head coach: Phil Kistler (14th season)
Last year: 5-5, 3-4 Berks II
Returnees: Josh Kisha, sr., mid-distance, jumps; Chris Kummerer, mid-distance, pole vault; Logan Lackey, sr., throws; Cody Miller, sr., throws; Alex Moquin, sr., mid-distance, distance; Sam Moseman, sr., mid-distance; Matt Moyer, sr., mid-distance, pole vault; Joel Dierwechter, jr., mid-distance, distance; Logan Dougherty, jr., mid-distance, distance; Brad Kemmerer, jr., hurdles, jumps; Jamin Levan, jr., throws, hurdles; Carter Compinski, soph., sprints, hurdles; Zack Govern, soph., mid-distance, distance; Mike Hummel, soph., mid-distance, distance; Zach Loeb, soph., sprints, mid-distance; Kyle Machmer, soph., jumps; Aaron Nelson, soph., sprints, jumps; Gabe Colon-Perez, soph., throws; Brandon Porter, soph., throws; Zach Rhoades, soph., throws; Brett Schlappich, soph., mid-distance, distance; Robert Smith, soph., throws; Jarred Steinfurth, soph., throws; Josh Troxel, soph., mid-distance; Tim Urban, soph., mid-distance, distance
Newcomers: Blake Roberts, sr., sprints; Kyle Hill-Strackbein, jr., mid-distance, distance; Wesley Metcalfe, jr., sprints, jumps; Dustin Snyder, jr., throws; Jacob Conrad, soph., throws, sprints, jumps; Dalton Gromlich, soph., throws; Tyler Herber, soph., sprints, jumps; Jared Lesher, soph., jumps, throws; Dariel Ruiz, soph., sprints, jumps; Jacob Barr, fr., sprints, jumps; Chris Bashore, fr., sprints, jumps; Jordan Dougherty, fr., throws; Jonathan Gesicki, fr., mid-distance, distance; Moe Hasanein, fr., sprints, mid-distance; John Kauterman, fr., mid-distance, distance; Jordan McAllister, fr., sprints, jumps
Outlook: The Hawks have great senior leadership, which should help develop the younger athletes. Those seniors can also do a wide variety of events. Goals are to improve as season goes on and have winning record.
TRI-VALLEY LEAGUE
Upper Dauphin went winless in 2013, and with low numbers doesn't have the depth to likely earn many team victories this season.
So the focus will be individual improvement.
The top returning athletes are in the field events with seniors Madison Crum-Burger and Ryan Straub-Fisher.
Crum-Berger was fourth in the discus at the Tri-Valley League meet last season and then finished eighth in the event in Class AA at the District 3 Championships. Straub-Fisher finished fifth in the pole vault at the league meet.
The likely team to beat in the league this season is Greenwood.
Upper Dauphin
Head coach: Brian Hoover (1st season)
Last year: 0-8
Returnees: Madison Crum-Burger, sr., throws; Ryan Straub-Fisher, sr., hurdles, pole vault; Cameron Fornwald, jr., sprints, jumps; Cameron Crum, soph., sprints, jumps; Jacob Lark, soph., jumps; Holden Miller, soph., distance; Cole Zimmerman, soph., throws
Newcomers: Daniel Clapp, sr., sprints; Clayton Kerwin, sr., throws; Benjamin Paul, sr., sprints, throws; Bobby Paul, sr., sprints, throws; Brandon Platzer, sr., hurdles; Bernard Rodriguez, sr., distance; Jesse Zilinski, sr., throws; Logan Maurer, jr., throws; Nathanial Wetzel, jr., jumps, pole vault; Matthew Miller, soph., jumps; Alex Uhler, soph., throws; Zain Surowiak, soph., sprints, jumps; Joshua Gray, fr., throws; Bryce Roadcap, fr., distance; William Shoop, fr., throws; Christian Lerch, fr., throws; Drew Lerch, fr., throws; David Savidge, fr., throws
Outlook: Trojans don't have the numbers to win many dual meets, so the focus is on individual improvement. Top returning athletes are in the field events.