Since first meeting as junior high school track and field participants in seventh grade, Kelly Davis and Lysa Mealing became fast friends who have also staged a personal rivalry.
At last spring's District 6 Class AAA Meet, Mealing won individual championships in the long jump, high jump and triple jump, while Davis won the 100 and 200 dashes and also qualified for the state meet with a second-place finish to Mealing in the long jump.
Now seniors, both Mealing and Davis hope to cap off their high school careers this spring with an exclamation point, and no doubt, at least one state meet medal.
Article Photos
Altoona coach Steve Rhodes cited the Lady Lions' returning nucleus as one of his team's strengths.
"We have a good nucleus of returning letterwinners, a good attitude and a good work ethic,'' said Rhodes, who begins his 18th season as Altoona's girls coach this spring.
Altoona returns 13 starters from last season's team, which posted a 5-1 record in dual meets.
Hollidaysburg, Central and Bellwood-Antis are all showing the promise of having good seasons, but each faces challenges as well.
Julie Roseborough starts her 46th year as Bellwood-Antis' coach with a good nucleus of returning letterwinners available, but she is also counting on several younger, less experienced athletes to develop by midseason.
At Hollidaysburg, Lady Tigers coach Don Tantius must also mesh youth with experience as his team seeks to improve on last season's .500 record.
The following is a closer look at each team in the area:
Altoona
Coach: Steve Rhodes, 18th season
Last year's record: 5-1
Career record: 119-33-1
League: None
Returning starters: Seniors-Kelly Davis, Alexis Ebersole, Lyndzi Lauritsen, Lysa Mealing, Kelsey Oswalt, Sasha Peterman, Teara Taylor, Makenzie Wilt. Juniors-Becky Hughes, Nikki Kerns, Bri Lender, Ashley Lidwell, Shalen Perehinec
Other returnees: Seniors-Carissa Hollows, Brianna Morgan. Juniors-Anna Bistline, Autumn Emswiler, Arianne Hoffman, Kristi Replogle, Courtney Schobel, Trista Thayer
Newcomers: Juniors-Amy Ketcham, Gabby Myrick. Sophomores-Kaylah Alexander, Maddie Bennetti, Katelyn Goodman, Aubrey Hileman, Maddie Hileman, Annie Keating, Rebecca Laich, Katie Liberman, Brianna Luciano, Marissa Morgan, Carly Port, Kaycee Reffner, Alexia Servello, Alexa Weston, Tierra Williams
Strengths: "We have a good nucleus of returning letterwinners, a good attitude, and good work ethic. We also have a strong desire for self-improvement that, hopefully, will lead to team success.''
Concerns: "Injuries, scoring depth in certain events, and developing underclassmen who can compete and contribute at our level of competition.''
Overall outlook: "We will compete against many state-caliber teams and individuals, and if we stay healthy, it will help prepare us for success at the district and state levels.''
Assistant coaches: Tyler Fedeli, Shane Graziosi, Stacey King, Pete Kishpaugh, Tom Musselman, Bill Reimer, Doug Spayd, Lars Steward, Rob Veloz, Rob Wahl
Bedford
Coach: Brian Creps, fourth season
Last year's record: 11-1
Career record: 29-12
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning letterwinners: Seniors-Laura Crabtree, Chelsea Diehl, Brittany Kidd, Kristen O'Brien, Ashley Waugerman. Juniors-Kelly Beegle, Darian Fetters, Katie Morris. Sophomores-Carrie Baker, Haleigh Easter, Katie Ritchey, Kaytee Sigler, Kayla Straub
Other upperclassmen: Seniors-Sarah Grimes, Rachel Kaszubski, Macy Yingling. Juniors-Sarah Elyard, LeeAnn Grimes, Summer Hartung, Tara McCann, Brooke Naglic, Mikaela Phillips, Sydney Samuel, Alessondra Treece, Victoria Verheyaen, Olivia Wess. Sophomores-Abby Cubbison, Rebecca Deremer, Kelsey Gould, Hannah Grimes, Jeri Rogish
Newcomers: Freshmen-Alyssa Bollinger, Kira Burnett, Alison Caddy, Megan Foster, Angie Glista, Paige Howard, Rebecca Howarth, Lauren Ickes, Breanna Lang, Leah Lingsch, Monica Littlefield, Johnni Logue, Mikala May, Marissa McCann, Cassie Nave, Kellie Pyle, Makayla Robinette, Rachelle Robison, Maddie Tegeler, Jessica Tokarczyk, Emma Wess, Jasmine Williams
Strengths: "We have a nice balance of returning letterwinners.''
Concerns: "We have a need for inexperienced members of the team to excel in some events to provide depth.''
Overall outlook: "We hope to compete for both Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference and District 5 championships.''
Assistant coaches: Yvonne Bowser, Bill Creps, Michelle Fisher, Jeff Hamilton, Matt Kline, Sarah Lashley, Gary Washington
Bellwood-Antis
Coach: Julie Roseborough, 46th season
Last year's record: 9-6
Career record: 355-72-2
League: Inter-County Conference
Returning letterwinners: Seniors-Karissa Collier, Sam Damiano, Brittany Lantz, Emiley Stapleton, Molley Stapleton. Juniors-Hannah Claar, Emily Dinges, Morgan Dutrow, Chelsea Krepps, Morgan Mercer, Kira Schmoke. Sophomores-Bailey Campbell, Katy Leamer, Lauren Nevling, April Taylor, Tori Thomas
Other returnees: Seniors-Jessica Beeler, Kaydee Gathagan, Amanda Grannas, Cynthia Miller. Juniors-Katie Cover, Jessica Focht, Allison Friday, Kristin Moore, Ashley Speicher, Angela Wyland. Sophomores-Marina Bennettti, Allison Berry, Valerie Chamberlin, Amber Evans, Lindsey Merer, Rachel Tuggy
Newcomers: Seniors-Ashley Boutiller. Sophomores-Kristin Davis, Kori Gardner. Freshmen-Christina DeGol, Emily Hanwell, Jessica Killinger, Mara Lundberg, Megan Martin, Bailey Swogger
Strengths: "We have 16 letterwinners returning, plus, some of the newcomers should help us.''
Concerns: "We need some time for the younger members of our team to develop.''
Overall outlook: "We hope to be competitive by midseason.''
Assistant coaches: Robin Campbell, Lauren Gehret, Sarah Rendos, Ricky Shawley
Bishop Carroll
Coach: Stacy McCombie, first season
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors - Danielle Deskevich. Juniors - Megan Schall. Sophomores - Caroline Dillon, Eileen Shoemaker
Newcomers: Juniors - Christina D'Angelo, Josie Yahner. Sophomores - Erin Koehle. Freshmen - Mary Holtz
Strengths: "Dedication and perseverance."
Concerns: "Small team and minimal availability for practice at a track facility."
Overall outlook: "We are setting high goals to get our experienced athletes to place at districts and our new athletes to qualify for districts."
Assistant coaches: Teri Bills, Matt Russick, Phil Woo
Bishop Guilfoyle
Coach: Stewart Crocker, seventh season overall. This is his first season in his second coaching tenure with the program.
Last year's record: 1-8
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors-Morgan Berger. Juniors-Katherine Crocker. Sophomores-Lexi Luciano, Shannon Murphy, Madison O'Leary, Addie Ruston
Strengths: "Good numbers. This is the largest team BG has fielded in quite some time for both the boys and the girls teams.''
Concerns: "A lot of these athletes are first-year runners, so it may take some time to determine their strengths.''
Overall outlook: "I think our chances of improving upon last year's record are pretty good.''
Assistant coach: Carly Brumbaugh
Cambria Heights
Coach: Skip Jarvis, 12th season
Last year's record: 9-5
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors-Jessica Crowell, Hannah Farabaugh, Paige Karlheim, Amanda Lacue, Ashley McDonald, Katelynn Novella, Alyssa Pagano, Shannon Shero, Samantha Sherry, Katheryn Wendekier, Christine Yeager. Juniors-Serafina Bills, Christine Crowell, Casey Henry. Sophomores-Kady Bills, Leah Gray
Other returnees (classes not available): Valerie Bender, Kiera Bills, Megan Bricker, Haley Delosh, Erin Henry, Brittanie Illig, Samantha Lamb, Samantha Lechene, Nicole Mulraney, Shylah Novak, Samantha Rairigh, Michaela Sherry, Jamie Snedden, Brenna Sumner, Briana Weakland, Courtney Weakland
Newcomers (classes not available): Lindsey Boring, Katherine Burley, Kaitlyn Cunningham, Kylie Dillon, Breanna Farabaugh, Sarah Farrell, Nikki Helbig, Mariah Hertzog, Kaitlyn Janosik, Devan Jewett, Amber Koegler, Sarah Lane, Sonya McConnell, Angela Morgan, Cloey Mulligan, Makayla Price, Marki Schaefer, Janette Shank, Jennifer Shero, Shelby Vasile
Strengths: "Our 3200 meter relay team qualified for districts. Our 400 meter dash, and 800 meter run events are also strong.''
Concerns: "Sprints. We're also young, with 13 freshmen."
Overall outlook: "To improve every meet, and take as many to districts as we can this year."
Assistant coaches: Jeanette Taylor
Central
Coach: Brian Allison, second season
Last year's record: 7-5
League: Mountain Conference
Returning starters: Seniors-Stephanie Miller. Juniors-Sarabeth Bean, Courtney Burkett, Becca Butler, Branden Lang, Kayla Shriver, Lauren Strum. Sophomores-Alyssa Clark, Alyssa Maurer, Caroline Smith
Newcomers: Juniors-Kendra Grove. Sophomores-Jenna Gunnett, Breanne Moore. Freshmen-Mackenzie Cherry, Kayley Garrett, Kaitlyn Zimmerman
Strengths: "I have many talented athletes returning from last year. All ninth graders ran in junior high, so they have a year or two of experience to bring to the team."
Concerns: "We are low in numbers. This will make it hard but not impossible to win against bigger teams.''
Overall outlook: "I'm not really sure what this year will bring.''
Assistant coaches: Ron Hileman, Wes Imler
Central Cambria
Coach: Randy Wilson, first season
Last year's record: 8-3
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Roster (classes not available): Alysa Allison, Katie Antol, Emma Baker, Katie Bracken, Alyssa Brandis, Katie Brumbaugh, Jessie Brown, Megan Brumbaugh, Elizabeth Campbell, Alyson Caplea, Kaylee Chappel, Alesha Charles, Kalee Collins, Kelsie Conrad, Renee Cook, Katy Corcoran, Dawn Craft, Emily Daughenbaugh, Abby Davidson, Melissa Eck, Sundeana Eiselman, Sam Elkin, Kayla Fisher, Hope Freeman, Savannah Goshey, Kelsey Hagens, Emily Harteis, Ashley Hildebrand, Larissa Hunt, Amber James, Taylor Keiper, Taylor King-Brothers, Emily Leary, Melissa Leary, Melissa Luther, Olivia Lipnic, Cortney Mack, Behtann Mackanick, Breanna Maglet, Sarah Makin, Samantha Maley, Laken McKeel, Josie McKinley, Anya Pennington, Alyssa Phillips, Rebecca Pinkowski, Marisa Ritchey, Victoria Roberts, Kasey Rorer, Jessica Russell, Kendall Seymour, Ashely Stump, Jane Swope, MaryClaire Takacs, Katie Taylor, Renee Wahl, Brianna Wasser, Samantha Waterhouse, Hanna Wentz, Cheyanne Williams, Emily Wright, Punjari Vyas
Strengths: "We have a decent number of athletes out for the team, and we have some very experienced athletes.''
Concerns: "We do not have experience in many events.''
Overall outlook: "We hope to be competitive in the LHAC.''
Assistant coach: Dan McMullen
Chestnut Ridge
Coach: Stephanie McVicker, first season
Last year's record: 11-1
Returning letterwinners: Seniors-Sierra Dull, Catie Roadman, Leanna Showalter, Tori Smith. Juniors-Samantha Melango. Sophomores-Jarica Seese, Morgan Weyant
Roster: Seniors-Sierra Dull, Rebekah Jaratt, Catie Roadman, Leanna Showalter, Tori Smith, Rachel Snider. Juniors-Samantha Melago, Shayla Robossan, Tana Tew. Sophomores-Kayla Bruning, Angel Freeburger, Jarica Seese, Morgan Weyant. Freshmen-Hannah Butler, Katelynn Freeburger, Serena Hess, Kari Jingozian, Amanda Kostryk, Tiara Malec, Rachel Messersmith, Angel Miller, Robyn Mills, Kristina Pataki, Kirsten Reed
Strengths: "We have some good individual performers. I am looking for big things out of my sprinter, Jarica Seese. She is already looking strong in the sprints, so hopefully, she continues to improve as the season progresses and the weather warms up.''
Concerns: "We are not going to be real strong for dual meets as we are thin in numbers.''
Everett
Coach: Sue Conner, fifth season
Last year's record: 8-4
League: Inter-County Conference
Returning letterwinners: Seniors-Raiza Barton, Jessica Calhoun, Kelsey Kimmell, Annissa Miller, Alex Zanella. Juniors-Keira Bair, Caitlyn Droz, Nichole Feuillet, Theole Feuillet, Taylor Hillenbrand, Ashley Morningstar, Sarah Steckman, Amanda Weaver. Sophomores-Emily Mountan, McKayala Ott
Other upperclassmen: Seniors-Alison Perrin. Juniors-Caylee Blake, Natasha Felton. Sophomores-Alexis Clippinger, Kayla Murr, Bridget Weaver, Samantha Weicht
Newcomers: Freshmen-Rachel Barkman, Baylee Beegle, Kim Clark, Macy Colledge, Autumn Conley, Olivia Hillenbrand, Brianne McFarland, Chelsey Morningstar, Shianne Pittman, Alexis Weicht, Shyanne Wigfield
Strengths: "We have some depth in each area - on the track, in the jumps, and in the throws. Our relay teams should be solid and we have good leadership on the track and in the field.''
Concerns: "That injuries could occur early because some came not prepared for the season ahead of time. Also, we may not be able to fill all the spots in the hurdles.''
Overall outlook: "We look to be competitive in our league and, with our numbers, we're looking to grab many second and third-place finishes.''
Assistant coach: Brian Koontz
Hollidaysburg
Coach: Don Tantius, 25th season
Last year's record: 5-5
League: None
Returning starters: Seniors-Amanda Beckstead, Alyssa Beyer, Ashley Beyer, Alyssa Gallagher, Kayle Giarth, Jamie McConnell. Juniors-Alyssa Black, Rachel Bowser, Maria Bush, Janell Cobler, Taylor Clark, Emily Gonsman, Tessa Lindsey, Sara Monts, Alexis Preston, Morgan Shade, Natalie Smith. Sophomores-Emily Ansley, Meghan Grassadonia, Shalin Lovette, Michelle Muir, Lindsey Parnell, Lauren Pheasant, Amy Tomassetti
Newcomers: Juniors-Alysha Pond. Sophomores-Megan Daisley, Susannah Ellis, Eden Henry, Ilene Hernandez, Taylor McCalpin. Freshmen-Madison Aungst, Caitlyn Batiste, Taylor Baum, Alexandria Galanti, Taylor Givler, Megan Keefer, Kianna Martinelli, Jess Melusky, Andrea Ridenour, McKenzie Roberts, Claire Rosenberger, Urwa Siddiqui, Makayla Williams, Randa Zammam
Strengths: "We are strong in our numbers, and we have a strong group of distance runners, four whom are current school record-holders.''
Concerns: "As was the case last year, we have a good deal of younger athletes, some whom have not run track before and are still trying to find their niche.''
Overall outlook: "We will take one meet at a time, hoping to improve on last year's .500 record.''
Assistant coaches: Laura Frederick, Jenn McConnell, Paul Rowe
Huntingdon
Coach: Nate Freitag, third season
Last year's record: 18-16
League: Mountain League
Returning starters: Seniors-Brittany Bair, Natalie Isett, Sofia Kistler, Bethany Ledford, Kate Norris. Juniors-Amber McBride, Kirstin McKenzie, Alissa Sellers, Rachel Woods. Sophomores-Samantha Bernard, Kasie Brown, Hannah Cunningham, Kayla Erb, Tori Hess, Summer Hunter-Kysor, Kaitlin Kozak, Jessi Roth, Alexis Stone, Brittany Weidell
Newcomers: Sophomores-Ayren Garber, Christina Garde. Freshmen-Rachelle Fairish, Hannah Lynn, Shannon McKenzie, Marirose Risbon, Natalie Romano, Wendy Ulrich, Sara White, Courtney Wood, Cammie Worthy, Michelle Zoerner
Strengths: "The past three years have been a rebuilding process. We finally have a roster that is balanced from grades 9-12. There are a lot of talented underclassmen on our team as well as a very experienced and talented core group of upperclassmen. We are also practicing on an all-weather surface at Juniata College this year so we will be much better prepared and we should avoid a lot of injuries.''
Concerns: "Staying healthy and developing the skills of our underclassmen as the season progresses.''
Overall outlook: "We should be more competitive within our conference this year and we hope to be successful at the district meet.''
Assistant coaches: Andrew Hallihan, Adam McBride, Crystal McNeal, Sam Slicker, Ashley Snyder
Juniata Valley
Coach: Suz Price, 34th season
Last year's record: 4-6
League: Inter-County Conference
Returning letterwinners: Seniors-Kylie Berrena, Ashleigh Boss, Sierra Hall, Ashley Snyder, Jennifer Slippey. Juniors-Brittany Kurtz, Dakota Kyper, Lydia Jenkins, Shawna Kennedy, Rachel Kyper, Sara Myers. Sophomores-Ashlee Dick
Newcomers: Seniors-Alena Stolz, Helena Tavares. Juniors-Heather Carper, Cecilia Grugan, Taylor Walker. Sophomores-Kitana Downs, Alecia Murray, Emily Thatcher, Scarlett Vogel. Freshmen-Kerrigan Ammerman, Megan Forgey, Christina Kurtz, Haley Myers
Strengths: "We have experience in every event.''
Concerns: "We lack depth.''
Overall outlook: "Our goal is to have a winning season.''
Assistant coaches: Bill Musser, Jim Rivello
Northern Bedford
Coach: Jeff Batzel, 29th season
Last year's record: 12-0
League: Inter-County Conference, Sideling Hill League
Returning starters: Seniors-Deena Hauze, Kelsey Shoemaker. Juniors-Nicole Batzel, Madison Dick, Jayda Diehl, Kendra Guyer, Katie Reighard. Sophomores-Cierra Cottle, Leah Hershberger, Alyssa Smith, Maria Snyder
Other returnees: Sophomores-Brittany Beach, Jillian Bottenfield, Anna Clapper, Bethany Cronrath, Danielle Johnson, Marina Replogle, Ashley Rhodes, Ashley Ritchey
Newcomers: Senior-Esther Wind. Freshmen-Stephanie Ellis, Lauren Morris
Strengths: "We have strong individual performers, a large and talented sophomore class, and we're strong from middle distance on up.''
Concerns: "Lack of depth, and field events.''
Overall outlook: "We should be very competitive, and we look to have another winning season.''
Associate head coach: Tracy Muthler
Assistant coaches: Bridget Bechtel, Garry Black, Danyel Brallier, Matt Franks, Mark Muthler, Mike O'Dellick
Northern Cambria
Coach: Jim Rocco, 21st season
Last year's record: 10-1
League: Heritage Conference
Returning lettermen: Seniors-Ashley Kirsch, Becky Krumenacker, Emily Krumenacker, Alison Paronish, Kristen Paronish, Alexis Waksmunski. Juniors-Mindy Bernard, Liz Cunningham, Leah Paronish, Reba Yahner. Sophomores-Adrian Tubo
Other returnees: Seniors-Abi Gobrecht, Monica Kuzio, Kayla Nanna, Kayla Sowalla, Jenna Zemlock. Juniors-Katelyn Baker, Julie Pawlikowski, Alexandra Trout. Sophomores-Bridget Jones, Rache Kirsch, Jen Mundy, Torri Raach, Emily Shook
Newcomers: Freshmen-Brooke Bernard, Melody Brady, Audra Britton, Mikaela Gobrecht, Allyson Kopera, Martina Leonard, Renee Paronish, Siena Previte, Karissa Steiner
Strengths: "We return some decent middle-distance runners and Ashley Kirsch in the triple jump. Alison Paronish has been consistent in the throws, but she and Kristen Paronish both now need to step up and be top throwers. Our seniors and junior lettermen need to go from role players to leaders and be willing to take on more events. Our hurdlers should be decent.''
Concerns: "Mindy Bernard is recovering from a major injury last year and can really help us if she stays healthy. We have a major problem with depth in sprints and jumps. Leah Paronish needs to step into the role of first-rate distance runner.''
Overall outlook: "We simply can never replace the kind of talent we had in the past four years, but these girls saw what we could accomplish with strong senior leadership and commitment. This is clearly a rebuilding type of year, but, if we can stay healthy and get some help from our freshmen, as well as have some sophomores and juniors grow into stronger roles, we can be very competitive in every meet, and should challenge for [the] conference [championship].''
Assistant coach: Tom Rocco
Penn Cambria
Coach: Lauren Kudlawiec, first season
Last year's record: 2-11
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returnees: Seniors-Jessica Delic. Juniors-Lynette Connacher, Candace Conely, Brittany Mazur, Jocelyn Myers, Kelsey Orlosky. Sophomores-Bethany Conley, Tiffany Conley, Kaitlyn McGary, Jalynn Smithmyer, Danielle Sral
Newcomers: Seniors-Kathrine Alsaker. Juniors-Angelique Gorba, Emily McDaniels. Sophomores-Karissa Buzzella. Freshmen-Sara Clauto, Abby Hogue, Hayley Holsberger, Kaitlyn Krug, Devin Myers, Carly Petney, Danielle Pompa, Tori Shingler, Debbie Slovikosky
Strengths: "We have a lot of promising young sprinters and jumpers this year. We have a returning state tournament qualifier in Jess Delic in the javelin and long jump. We also have a lot of very talented distance runners, who brought their cross country skills to the track team this year.''
Concerns: "We are a young team, as evidenced by the majority of underclassmen on our team. However, we believe their enthusiasm and dedication will carry us successfully through the season and into the years to come.''
Overall outlook: "Even though we are still building our program as the season progresses, we believe that the talent and skills we develop this year will take us through to become a dominant force in our district and state both this year and for many years to come.''
Assistant coach: Marissa Cerully
Philipsburg-Osceola
Coach: Doug Perry, 12th season
Last year's record: 11-2
League: Mountain League
Returning starters: Seniors-Kristen Fox, Elizabeth Josephson, Tess Kitko, Rachel Knepp, Mary Komisar, Karisa Matusko, Emily Meersand, Alison Patrick, Randa Reams, Molly Smeal, Ashton Wasilko, Chelsea Webster, Ashley Wood. Juniors-Marissa Albert, Kallie Corrigan, Annetta Czar, Brianna Hockenberry, Katie Reese, Lauren Simcox, Amanda Speed. Sophomores-Cassidy Bauman, Alayna Bertothy, Melanie Boop, Cheyenne Hutton, Jen Moul, Brittany Neff, Rachel Wardo
Newcomers: Seniors-Megan Haney. Juniors-Amanda Hacker, Ambria Sopic. Sophomores-Katherine Evans, Maggi Ferguson, Taylor Martel. Freshmen-Sarah Belinda, Meili Belko, Tiffany Bertothy, Stephanie Brown, Ashley Bucior, Caitlin Burns, Erica Coval, Rebecca Groff, Carley Hahn, Mary Merryman, Drew Peters, Jordyn Powell, Michala Whitehead, Hannah Winchester, Jacquelin Zawisa
Strengths: "We have good numbers.''
Concerns: "We lack experience.''
Overall outlook: "We will have a good year.''
Assistant coaches: Dave Caslow, Kelly Dobo, Kathryn Ritter, Robert Rocco, Rob Thompson, Tracy Vipond, Roy Warlow, Kylie Wood
Portage
Coach: Gary Gouse, 28th season
Last year's record: 2-7
League: WestPAC
Returning starters: Seniors-Alyssia Bandzuh, Jess McConnell. Juniors-Sheila Adams, Katie Carney. Sophomores-Shannon McConnell
Newcomers: Sophomores-Chelsea Dividock. Freshmen-Emily Chobany, Vanessa Kuisick, Olivia McCabe.
Strengths: "We have some good individual talent.''
Concerns: "We lack depth. We have only 20 girls on the team, so that's a problem.''
Overall outlook: "I think we have some good individual kids who can advance to districts, and I think they'll do well. We have some young freshmen and sophomores who have some good talent, and we have an experienced thrower in Alyssia Bandzuh who went to districts last year, and we're looking for her to return.''
Assistant coaches: Debbie Black, Cindy Brickley, Jeremy Burkett, Lance Hudak, Terry Miller, Brad Rousell
Tyrone
Coach: Chris Shedd, second season
Last year's record: 0-12
League: Mountain League
Returning starters: Juniors-Brittany Friday, Jennie Kobuck, Alicia Kurtz. Sophomores-Olivia Adams, Casey Branstetter, Lindsay Emigh, Cheyenne Ferris, Angela Hewitt
Newcomers: Seniors-Ariane Miller, Stephanie Snyder. Juniors-Maria Aquadro, Kayla Barony, Ally Boytim, Emily Brokenshire, Rebecca Fry, Kailee Simondale. Sophomores-Desiree Angelo, Samantha Bowman. Freshmen-Katie Bowser, Lexi Patton, Mariah Robison, Israel Stroud, Jordan Swogger, Liz Walk
Strengths: "We have some experience in sprints, hurdles, middle and long distances, jumps and throwing events.''
Concerns: "We have a young team with limited experience. We will need to develop our skill positions.''
Overall outlook: "We have some solid performers, but not a lot of experience. We will need to develop our newcomers and younger members in order to compete successfully.''
Assistant coaches: Andy Dill, Ryan Emigh, Steve Everhart, Ryan Hildebrand, Rob Hopkins
Tussey Mountain
Coach: Amber Yutzy, fifth season
League: Inter-County Conference
Returning letterwinners: Seniors-Sadey Crooks, Jordan Kaminsky, Victoria Mitchell, Adrienne Snyder. Juniors-Caitlin Foster, Elainea Hess, Taylor Mitchell, Kylea Myers. Sophomores-Carlee Bussard, Lauren Dodson, Jacqueline Mock
Newcomers: Sophomores-Cameron Querry, Brittany Norris, Shyanna Shipley. Freshmen-Lauren Cerett, Kelsey Coffman, Samantha Coffman, Chasity Crooks, Allyson Gearhart, Stevie Hess, Lizzie Kizer, Morgan Lynn, Sarai Pringle, Alexis Young
Strengths: "I think our team is going to be strong in most areas. We have an extremely talented freshman class that moved up from junior high, as well as the leadership and talent of the returning letterwinners.''
Concerns: "At this time, injuries are my main concern. Senior Jordan Kaminsky is out with a broken elbow, as well as some other returning letterwinners with knee and ankle problems.''
Overall outlook: "I hope this team can come together and compete at the level that I know they're capable of. The goals as a team are to win more dual meets, set a few new school records, and have some athletes make an appearance at states.''
Assistant coaches: Chris Carrier, Jessica Little, Haylee Runk, Dave Yutzy
