The best way to look ahead to this year’s cross country season is by looking back at the end of last season.
• Jim Thorpe’s Johnathan Condly emerged as the Schuylkill League’s dominant male runner, winning the Schuylkill League championship, placing third at districts and 26th at states. That’s one place short of becoming an all-state medalist. He returns for his senior season with some unfinished business.
• The Olympians emerged as the Schuylkill League’s dominant boys’ team, winning the Schuylkill League championship, placing second in District 11 Class AA and 12th at states. Including Condly, they return four of their top seven runners.
• Blue Mountain’s girls established themselves as the area’s best, cruising to the Schuylkill League championship, placing third in District 11 Class AA and missing a trip to states as a team by two points. Led by state qualifiers Shannon Henninger and Sarah Brooks, the Eagles return their top six runners from last season.
• Minersville’s boys and girls repeated as District 11 Class A champions and qualified for states for the second straight season. Led by two-time District 11 champion Wesley Yutko, the boys return six of their top seven runners. All seven Minersville girls who competed at states are back.
• Pottsville’s Paige Stoner won her fourth Schuylkill League championship in record time, captured her second District 11 Class AAA title and collected her fourth PIAA medal. Then she took her talents to Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Schuylkill League runner-up Gabby DiRenzo, also of Pottsville, graduated as well, opening the door for a new league champion in 2014.
• In addition to the two Minersville teams and Jim Thorpe’s boys, other returning state qualifiers include District 11 Class A champion McKayla Lally of Pine Grove; Shenandoah Valley’s Brittany Joseph and Carly Teaschenko; Mahanoy Area’s Adam Bahrey; and Schuylkill Haven’s Sam Brennan and Kristian Svenson.
Another state qualifier, Blue Mountain junior Derek Mosteller, will not compete this season. He suffered serious injuries in an accident over the summer. Eagles coach Brian Rauenzahn said Mosteller is making progress in his recovery and will be able to be around the team this fall.
That’s plenty of returning talent and a lot of storylines to follow as the calendar creeps toward autumn and the big races in late October and on the first day of November.
Let’s take a closer look at some of them, ladies first:
Can anyone
catch Blue Mountain?
That’s the question entering this season.
The Eagles, frankly, are loaded and have a bit of unfinished business after just missing out on a trip to states as a team.
“I think so. Getting as close as they did last year I really think it motivated them over the summer,’’ Rauenzahn said. “They worked hard, and every practice they do everything we ask and then some. And they work as a group.
“We have to stay healthy. We’re not deep,’’ he added. “If we stay healthy, I’m excited and looking forward to seeing what they can do.’’
Until somebody proves otherwise, Blue Mountain is the team to beat in Division I and overall in the Schuylkill League.
Tamaqua, a young and up-and-coming team, looks to be the Eagles’ toughest challenger.
In Division II, Minersville has its sights set on regaining the division championship and peaking for an opportunity at a three-peat at the District 11 Class A Championships. Shenandoah Valley took the division crown last fall but suffered heavy graduation losses. Minersville returns everyone from last season’s district-championship and state-qualifying team.
Mahanoy Area and Shenandoah Valley look to be Minersville’s main challengers.
Marian freshman Tina Capparell, from Holy Family in Hazleton, put up stellar results in junior high in the Wyoming Valley Conference and has posted times in the 19s and low 20s at Hazleton area races. She’s one to watch.
It will be difficult, though, to deal with the Miners’ depth.
“They’re running together in a pack,’’ Minersville coach Jason Burgess said. “We’re trying to win the district again and be competitive in the league, too. Our goal is to be ready at the end of the season.’’
Welcome aboard
Lehighton joins the Schuylkill League as a member in all sports this season, with second-year coach Erica Pagotto leading the Indians.
Their arrival will make for a learning curve for both Lehighton and the rest of the Schuylkill League as both look to learn about each other.
“We are excited to meet and race the new teams,’’ Pagotto said. “It is always a challenge to run against new runners and on different courses.
“During the summer we reminded our athletes, ‘Summer miles equal autumn smiles,’ ’’ she added. “I hope all the mileage they put in during the summer pays off this fall. Already their times are faster than what they were last year at this time. That is always nice to see.”
Olympian effort
Jim Thorpe and Condly took the Schuylkill League by storm last season. They stepped up and filled the void left after the graduation of a great Pottsville team and North Schuylkill star Brendan Shearn.
The Olympians took some graduation losses of their own, though, and will be challenged by Pottsville and North Schuylkill, a pair of teams that return virtually their entire lineups. The Pottsville’s boys will compete in Class AA for this two-year cycle; the girls will remain Class AAA.
“Ben Saxon, Nathaniel Fields, Jian Gentile and Chris Valdez are working hard to get closer to the front,’’ Jim Thorpe coach Drew Benyo said. “We are looking forward to another very successful season. Based on last season’s results, I believe North Schuylkill is the boys’ team to beat for the Division I championship.
“Jim Thorpe will be in the fight,’’ he added. “(North Schuylkill) is a tough team, and we run them as well as Blue Mountain and Pottsville on their home courses. It’s always tough to win there. We’re looking for an interesting and fun season.’’
In Class A, Catasauqua, Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg and Moravian Academy will join the Schuylkill League’s small schools at districts.
“Three-peating as district champions is our No. 1 goal,’’ Burgess said. “We should be competitive in the league. We should be in the mix.
“The team’s solid,’’ he added. “There’s a lot of depth. The two freshmen coming in are good, too. They’ll contribute right away.’’
Key dates
· Oct. 15 — Schuylkill League Championships, Tuscarora State Park, Barnesville
· Oct. 22 — District 11 Championships, Bethlehem Municipal Golf Course
· Nov. 1 — PIAA Championships, Parkview Cross Country Course, Hershey
BOYS
Division I
Blue Mountain
Head coach: Brian Rauenzahn (3rd season)
Last year: 8-2, 4-2 D-I
Returnees: Dan Challenger (sr.), Adrian Dohmann (sr.), Hunter Firing (sr.), Daniel Kelley (jr.), Thomas Levkulic (soph.), Christian Menuchak (soph.), Chad Bogash (soph.)
Newcomers: Derek Bundy (sr.), Niccolo Granito (sr.), Jesse Kintzel (sr.), John Tahaney (sr.), Cameron Greenawalt (jr.), Blase Carr (fr.), Chase Hatter (fr.), Cole Hatter (fr.), Jacob Kluge (fr.), Max Oswald (fr.), Colin Rickard (fr.)
Outlook: Loss of state qualifier Derek Mosteller to injury is a big hit, so some newcomers will need to contribute right away for Eagles to challenge in the division.
Col-Mon Vo-Tech
Head coach: Rick Slavick (6th season)
Last year: 5-6, 1-5 D-I
Returnees: Lee Pitonyak (sr.), Marcus Joline (jr.), Jordan Heintz (jr.), Gabe Slodysko (jr.), Jared Slodysko (jr.), Jesse Clark (soph.), Dylan Knorr (soph.), Cordell Tappe (soph.), Shawn Cool (soph.)
Newcomers: Matt Hummell (jr.), Justin Carey (soph.), Mike Swisher (soph.)
Outlook: Joline (7th) and Heintz (9th) were top 10 at leagues last season. Rams need 3-4 other guys to lower their times for team to climb over .500 mark.
Jim Thorpe
Head coach: Drew Benyo (27th season)
Last year: 10-0, 6-0 D-I. Division champion, Schuylkill League champion, District 11 Class AA runner-up, state qualifier
Returnees: Johnathan Condly (sr.), Jake Saxon (sr.), Nathaniel Fields (sr.), Jian Gentile (jr.), Ben Saxon (soph.)
Newcomers: Matt Miller (sr.), Jason Montemuro (jr.), Jerry Hauck (jr.), Chris Valdez (fr.)
Outlook: Schuylkill League champion Condly returns, but Olympians graduated three of their top five runners. Others need to move closer to the front for team to match last season’s success. Division contender.
Lehighton
Head coach: Erica Pagotto (2nd season)
Last year: 5-7 Mountain Valley Conference
Returnees: Michael Blackletter (soph.), Trent Frey (soph.), Luke Fisher (soph.)
Newcomers: Christopher Martino (sr.), Joshua Johnson (soph.)
Outlook: Runners have put in a lot of summer miles to prepare for first season in Schuylkill League.
North Schuylkill
Head coach: Frank Briggs (4th season)
Last year: 5-3, 3-3 D-I
Returnees: Trent Kauffman (sr.), Shane McGrath (jr.), Chris McCormick (soph.), Colin Ahrensfield (soph.), George Anthony (soph.), Lenny Bolinsky (soph.), Kenny Kropp (soph.), Jimmy Garaway (soph.)
Newcomers: Matt McCormick (fr.), Corbin Kessler (fr.), David Sokoloski (fr.), Michael Russel (fr.), Dennis Teter (fr.)
Outlook: Young and talented, Spartans should take a step forward this season. A team on the rise. Division contender.
Pine Grove
Head coach: Brittney Zuver (1st season)
Last year: 0-11, 0-6 D-I
Returnees: James Gately (jr.)
Newcomers: Blake Ramer (jr.), Michael Elo (soph.), David Snedden (soph.), Ty Zimmerman (soph.), Daniel Kreiser (fr.), Kaelen Wessner (fr.)
Outlook: Young team looking to build under new head coach.
Pottsville
Head coach: Barb McGinley (17th season)
Last year: 8-1, 5-1 D-I
Returnees: Justin Welkie (sr.), Ed Hossler (sr.), Corey Schuster (sr.), Ryan Scanlan (jr.), Josh Howell (jr.), Aiden Liptock (jr.), Michael Dudash (jr.), Dimarcus Vilcheck (soph.)
Newcomers: None
Outlook: Low numbers very unusual for Crimson Tide. Need to stay injury-free and pack tight to be competitive in division.
Tamaqua
Head coach: Tom Kanger (12th season)
Last year: 6-4, 2-4 D-I
Returnees: Jacob Gursky (sr.), Joseph Mellott (sr.), Joshua Ambrose-Manness (sr.), Andrew Tite (jr.), Joseph Nortavage (jr.), Adam Melnick (soph.), Dakota Boyer (soph.), Raymond Kinder (soph.)
Newcomers: Alec Roseland (soph.), Brandon Rex (soph.), Brad Clemson (fr.), Isaac Miller (fr.)
Outlook: A team building with young talent should be more competitive in the division. Underclassmen must contribute right away.
Division II
Mahanoy Area
Head coach: Dave Holmes (25th season)
Last year: 5-5, 4-2 D-II
Returnees: Joey Hullihan (sr.), Adam Bahrey (jr.)
Newcomers: Matt Derr (soph.), Yaddiel Barraza (fr.), Bryce Davis (fr.), Seth Soriano (fr.), Justin Rivera (fr.), Willie Streisel (fr.), Brandon Hullihan (fr.)
Outlook: Bears are extremely young, but they have some talent. If a few freshmen step up, could be competitive in the division.
Marian
Head coach: Jeremy Dormer (6th season)
Last year: 1-8, 1-5 D-II
Returnees: Connor Roberts (sr.)
Newcomers: Aaron Srinivasan (fr.), Eddie Pulaski (fr.), Joseph Delash (fr.), Henry Kreisl (fr.), Zaccary Roberts (fr.), Michael Witczak (soph.)
Outlook: Not deep, but Colts have a strong group of freshman runners. If they stay healthy, they could improve last year’s record.
Minersville
Head coach: Jason Burgess (16th season)
Last year: 7-3, 5-1 D-II. District 11 Class A champion, state qualifier
Returnees: Wesley Yutko (sr.), David Pedron (sr.), Zach Brown (sr.), Michael Hoptak (sr.), Nick Kriston (sr.), Pierce Beck (jr.), Austin McCullough (jr.), Michael Perzel (jr.), Clement Rushanan (jr.), Ryan Scott (jr.), Samuel DiBiase (soph.), Connor Moran (soph.), Lucas Rinaldo (soph.)
Newcomers: Kyle Stephen (sr.), Gino Cazonie (fr.), Simon Wagner (fr.)
Outlook: Deep, experienced squad looking for District 11 team three-peat. Graduated just one senior. Addition of young runners makes Miners even stronger. Division favorite.
Nativity
Head coach: Margie Young (1st season)
Last year: 0-9, 0-6 D-II
Returnees: Daniel Young (sr.), Tyler Cooper (jr.), Jacob Evans (jr.), Brett Rushannon (jr.)
Newcomers: Thai Nghiem (sr.), Marcus McCabe (fr.), Nicholas Souchak (fr.), Joshua Westcoat (fr.)
Outlook: Better numbers could help Nativity become more competitive.
Schuylkill Haven
Head coach: Bob Girvin (44th season)
Last year: 6-5, 5-1 D-II. Division II champion
Returnees: Sam Brennan (sr.), Ethan Garvey (sr.), Connor James (sr.), Jordan Sterner (sr.), Kristian Svenson (sr.), Zachary Semanco (jr.), Kevin Slappey (soph.)
Newcomers: Owen Pothering (jr.), Joe Brennan (jr.), Brandon Schaeffer (fr.), Niklaus Yeastedt (fr.)
Outlook: Two runners also play soccer, but when at full strength, Hurricanes are strong enough to compete for division title.
Shenandoah Valley
Head coach: John Brennan (15th season)
Last year: 5-6, 4-2 D-II
Returnees: Hui Wei Liu (sr.), Kyle Guers (jr.), Tajmere Ockimey (soph.), Austin Uholick (soph.)
Newcomers: Tyler McCole (fr.), Zach Uholik (fr.), Randy Hoats (fr.)
Outlook: Young team that has logged a lot of miles since mid-June. As Devils gain experience, they should become more competitive.
Weatherly
Head coach: Jonathan Kiddish (1st season)
Last year: 3-6, 2-4 D-II
Returnees: Brett Kelly (sr.), Bob Gillott (sr.), Cyrick Thomas (sr.), Michael Nemshick (jr.), Dillon Bizarre (jr.), Evan Kunkle (soph.), Shane Coll (soph.), Christopher MacNeal (soph.)
Newcomers: Joel Hinkle (fr.), Jonathan Arthur (fr.), Traig Dempsey (fr.), Ryan Gillott (fr.), Robert Pressler (fr.)
Outlook: Wreckers have solid numbers but must lower times to become more competitive in division.
Berks League
Hamburg
Head coach: Phil Kistler (12th season)
Last year: 2-13, 2-5 Berks II
Returnees: Joel Dierwechter (sr.), Logan Dougherty (sr.), Kyle Hill-Strackbein (sr.), Zack Govern (jr.), Mike Hummel (jr.), Rutger Scherer (jr.), Brett Schlappich (jr.), Jordan Dougherty (soph.), Jon Gesicki (soph.), Josh Kantner (soph.), John Kauterman (soph.), Caleb Smith (soph.)
Newcomers: Brad Kemmerer (sr.), Stephen Wenner (soph.), William Browder (fr.), Wyatt Conrad (fr.), Joseph Dalton (fr.), Nathan Dierwechter (fr.), James Francisco (fr.), Richard Griffin (fr.), Janzen Rohrer (fr.)
Outlook: With 21 runners, Hawks have plenty of depth as they continue to look to close the gap on the powerhouse teams in the Berks League.
GIRLS
Division I
Blue Mountain
Head coach: Brian Rauenzahn (3rd season)
Last year: 10-0, 6-0 D-I. Division champion, Schuylkill League champion
Returnees: Sarah Brooks (sr.), Emily Leymeister (sr.), Courtney Dukmen (jr.), Jill Heffner (jr.), Shannon Henninger (jr.), Alexandra Johnson (jr.), Caroline Rickard (jr.), Kathryn Thompson (jr.), Gabrielle Krause (soph.)
Newcomers: Rebekah Dolbin (fr.), Emily Laughlin (fr.)
Outlook: Return of top six runners makes Eagles team to beat in Schuylkill League. Just missing qualifying for states as a team motivates Blue Mountain this season.
Col-Mon Vo-Tech
Head coach: Rick Slavick (6th season)
Last year: 1-10, 0-6 D-I
Returnees: Hanna Kramer (jr.), Danielle Dickson (soph.), Maisie Kramer (soph.)
Newcomers: Sarah Ventura (sr.), Paige Hubler (soph.)
Outlook: Low numbers will make team success difficult in Division I. Individual improvement and building for future are key.
Jim Thorpe
Head coach: Drew Benyo (27th season)
Last year: 6-4, 2-4 D-I
Returnees: Lindsay Capper (sr.), Emily Ruffa (sr.), Victoria Asbrock (jr.), Robbyn Loyd (soph.), Stephanie Zemaitaitis (soph.)
Newcomers: Lesley DeStefano (sr.), Kailee Romanchik (jr.), Kylee Gahaman (jr.), Sophie Monboussin (jr.), Gabrielle Stauffer (fr.), Starcasia Himes (fr.), Payton Kovac (fr.), Kayley Kovac (fr.), Annamarie Marrero (fr.), Cheyenne Meckes (fr.), Kayla Ward (fr.), Maggie Salerno (fr.)
Outlook: Graduation of two-time state qualifier Courtney Capper among six seniors makes Olympians a young team this season. Talent is there, though, for squad to improve as season goes on.
Lehighton
Head coach: Erica Pagotto (2nd season)
Last year: 8-4 Mountain Valley Conference
Returnees: Jennifer Beers (sr.), Cassandra Rehnert (sr.)
Newcomers: Cera Gaston (soph.), Mary Grace Collins (soph.)
Outlook: Lack of depth will be key issue as Indians compete in their first season in the Schuylkill League.
North Schuylkill
Head coach: Frank Briggs (4th season)
Last year: 6-2, 4-2 D-I
Returnees: Maggie Kergick (sr.), Ariana Kessler (sr.), Jess Yeneskie (sr.), Katelyn Huber (sr.), Nikki Kane (jr.), Vanessa Ferraiolo (soph.), Lexi Roche (soph.)
Newcomers: Brooke Antalosky (fr.), Chloe Stravinski (fr.), Chloe Zafransky (soph.), Jennie Lu (fr.)
Outlook: Lost a lot to graduation. Spartans still have some solid runners but will need several girls to step up to match last season’s success.
Pine Grove
Head coach: Brittney Zuver (1st season)
Last year: 3-8, 1-5 D-I
Returnees: Savannah Potts-Krammes (sr.), Elisa Seip (jr.), McKayla Lally (soph.)
Newcomers: Hunter Madison (jr.), Emily Greeninger (jr.), Sarah Micklo (jr.), Julia Harwi (jr.), Erika Lengle (jr.), Alexis Ramer (fr.), Ashley Somers (fr.), Angeline Wolfe (fr.)
Outlook: Led by District 11 Class A champion Lally, Cardinals will look to grow with young, but deeper, lineup.
Pottsville
Head coach: Barb McGinley (17th season)
Last year: 7-2, 4-2 D-I
Returnees: Emily Heinbach (sr.), Ashley Pogash (jr.), Bailey Nagle (jr.), Hannah Kostick (jr.), Carissa Kiapes (soph.), Rebecca Sites (soph.)
Newcomers: Brenna Nagle (fr.), Keelie McMullin (fr.)
Outlook: Graduation of Paige Stoner and Gabby DiRenzo impossible to replace. Inexperience and low numbers will be major challenges.
Tamaqua
Head coach: Tom Kanger (12th season)
Last year: 8-2, 4-2 D-I
Returnees: Chelsea Frantz (jr.), Melanie Kostecky (jr.), Victoria LaBar (jr.), Nicole Wasserleben (soph.)
Newcomers: Genevieve Beck (soph.), Abby Fiorilla (fr.), Arianna Ryan (fr.), Janette Kabana (fr.), Kailee Carroll (fr.)
Outlook: Young team — no seniors — with lots of talent. How quickly newcomers adjust to varsity life will determine if Blue Raiders can challenge top teams in and out of division.
Division II
Mahanoy Area
Head coach: Dave Holmes (25th season)
Last year: 6-4, 4-2 D-II
Returnees: Jacqui Pitts (sr.), Kelly Walinchus (sr.), Courtney Levy (sr.), Anne Stramara (sr.), Noel Bernardyn (sr.), Maddison Lawrence (sr.), Laura Bisco (jr.)
Newcomers: Gia Hannon (sr.), Payton Bernardyn (fr.), Sierra Ward (fr.), Sophia Granados (fr.), Megan Bisco (fr.), Megan Babinsky (fr.)
Outlook: Bears return six of their top seven runners from last year’s team. Will look to seniors to provide leadership. Could be a factor in division.
Marian
Head coach: Jeremy Dormer (6th season)
Last year: 1-8, 1-5 D-II
Returnees: Alex Valusek (sr.), Kristina Matunis (soph.)
Newcomers: Tina Capparell (fr.), Camaryn Wheeler (soph.), Katie Blozusky (soph.), Emily Pulaski (jr.), Emily Reinoehl (jr.), Shawna McArdle (jr.)
Outlook: Young team that will look to improve as season moves along. Capparell is one to watch.
Minersville
Head coach: Jason Burgess (16th season)
Last year: 7-3, 5-1 D-II. District 11 Class A champion, state qualifier
Returnees: Brittany Cory (sr.), Katie Glore (sr.), Cassidy Mason (sr.), Kara Pytko (sr.), Amanda Conshue (jr.), Mallory Hoffman (soph.), Reiley Lonergan (soph.), Kristen Lowe (soph.), Autumn Pedron (soph.), Emily Stuck (soph.), Karina Yutko (soph.)
Newcomers: Tara Forte (jr.), Corrine Ellis (fr.), Gabrielle Hoban (fr.), Kailei Ochenrider (fr.), Janelle Oshman (fr.), Kaylene Raczka (fr.)
Outlook: Depth makes Miners favorite to regain Division II title and challenge for third straight District 11 team championship.
Nativity
Head coach: Margie Young (1st season)
Last year: 0-8, 0-5 D-II
Returnees: None
Newcomers: None
Outlook: Nativity will not have a girls’ varsity team this season.
Schuylkill Haven
Head coach: Bob Girvin (44th season)
Last year: 3-8, 3-3 D-II
Returnees: Casey Renninger (sr.), Haleigh George (jr.), Maddie Schaeffer (soph.)
Newcomers: Lynzi Garvey (fr.), Trinity George (fr.), Rebecca Nye (fr.), Lexi Pascucci (fr.), Meghan McBreen (fr.), Hannah Palladino (fr.)
Outlook: Lost top runners to graduation, so young team will try to grow and become competitive.
Shenandoah Valley
Head coach: John Brennan (15th season)
Last year: 9-2, 6-0 D-II. Division champion
Returnees: Liz Cole (sr.), Brittany Joseph (sr.), Kelsey Uholick (sr.), Alexis Luna (jr.), Julia Najera (jr.), Carly Teaschenko (soph.)
Newcomers: None
Outlook: With graduation of seven seniors and no newcomers, depth will be an issue. If they stay healthy, Devils should be competitive in division.
Weatherly
Head coach: Jonathan Kiddish (1st season)
Last year: 1-7, 1-4 D-II
Returnees: Kayla Craver (sr.), Katie Sernak (jr.), Morgan Gower (soph.),
Newcomers: Erika Shuman (jr.), Kaitlyn Moffett (fr.), Kaitlyn Lindemuth (fr.)
Outlook: Low numbers will make team success difficult. Must focus on individual improvement.
Berks League
Hamburg
Head coach: Phil Kistler (12th season)
Last year: 2-13, 2-5 Berks II
Returnees: Shelby Levan (sr.), Jenna Kauffman (soph.), Erika Williams (soph.)
Newcomers: Brienne Millette (sr.), Isabelle Caruso (jr.), Sarah Terifay (soph.)
Outlook: With just six runners, Hawks have a depth issue. State medalist Karlie Heistand is now a freshman midfielder on the University of Connecticut field hockey team.