Several area boys high school track and field athletes are trying to make their mark this season.
But Tyrone senior Nick Patton is trying to get back to the top of the podium at the state level.
Patton is a two-time Mirror all-star and is coming off of a silver-medalist performance in the 200 dash at the PIAA Class AA meet. He was also a part of the sixth-place 400 relay and 10th-place 1,600 relay teams, and finished 11th in the 400 dash.
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He won gold in the 200 and silver in the 400 as a sophomore.
Chestnut Ridge's Matt Dull, Northern Bedford's Zach Pressel and Cambria Heights' Zack Prohonic each will look to add to their already decorated resumes.
Returning Mirror all-star seniors Rafeeq Barnes and Ryan Steinbugl, and sophomore Dreux Stamford will help try to keep Altoona coach Mike Adams' perfect career record alive.
Adams is 61-0 entering his eighth season, but doesn't quite have the depth he's had in the past, which may give the Mountain Lions trouble against larger teams.
Altoona opens its season on the road with a tri-meet with Indiana and Penn Trafford.
The Mountain Lions host State College on April 10.
Here is a capsulized look at the teams in the Mirror's coverage area with information as provided by the coaches:
Altoona
Head coach: Mike Adams, eighth season
Career record: 61-0
League: Independent
Last year's record: 6-0
Returning letterwinners: Seniors-Rafeeq Barnes, Jon Graffius, Jake Healy, Dylan Mountain, Dan Moyer, Pat Reade, Korey Replogle, Killian Steinbugl, Ryan Steinbugl. Juniors-Uthman Hill, Kevin Johnson, Kolby Koeck, Josh Kutz, DeShea Lee, Tyler Romanowicz. Sophomores-Anthony Finochio, Dreux Stamford, Jon Stoltz, Brandon Weigand.
Other returnees: Seniors-Tim Banks, P.R. Caracciolo III, Jonathan Kelley, Brandon Lego, Shane Reeseman, Dalen Stroh. Juniors-Steve Adams, Terry Futrell, Devin Hainley, Connor Hallinan, Adam Hershey, Jabrill Hill, Colin Lingafelt, Parker Lopez, Cody Nail, Skyler Peterman, Damian Smith.
Newcomers: Seniors-Mike Finochio, Jon Flanigan, Mitchell Foose, Ben Mitchell, Josh Price. Juniors-Jeff Hancock, Nick Harclerode, Brennan Luciano, Brandon Lytle. Sophomores-Khristian Delozier, Nick Eckenrode, Marcus Edwards, Matt Eiman, Mitch Endress, Jake Foose, Austin Hallinan, Kyle Heasley, Terron Johnson Jordan Luciano, Josh Miller, Matt Parrish, Jeramiah Price, Jake Russo, Connor Schmitt, Joe Schnaubelt, David Simmons, Joe Smith, Manny Span, David Tinsley, Nick Villani.
Overall outlook: "Our athletes have been working extremely hard this season so far. We have a very dedicated team, and if we can continue to take care of the little things, we should have another successful season."
Assistant coaches: Steve Rhodes, Tom Musselman, Bill Reimer, Rob Veloz, Lars Steward, Rob Wahl, Tyler Fideli, Shane Graziosi, Doug Spayd, Pete Kishpaugh, Justin Genovese, Tom Fox, John Kutz.
Bedford
Head coach: Brian Creps, 11th season
Career record: 116-31-3
League: Laurel Highlands
Last year's record: 8-5
Returning letterwinners: Seniors-Christian Davis, Dylan Evans, Dakota Hess, Haden Hess, Gunnar Michael, Josh Wakefield. Juniors-Cody Bottenfield, Bill Dunkle, Paul Harrison, Ross Howsare, Connor Krauss, Steven Stroup, Tanner Williams, Jacob Wirick. Sophomores-Cody DeMoss, Graham Friant, Josiah Koontz.
Other team members: Seniors-Jesse Martin, Gel Van Den Eynde, Ben Wirick. Juniors-Stephen Calhoun, Tristan Calhoun, Devin Clark, Caleb Grimes, Jan Hardinger, A.J. Imler, Lane Karns, Robert Miller, Brandon Varner. Sophomores-Kaden Ellingson, Zane Growden, Alec Jones, Brandon Martin, David Seifert, Braden Thomas, Spencer Wallack, Wyatt Whitfield, Chance Williams, Jordon Yingling. Freshmen-Dan Arnold, David Cain, Jarrod Clapper, Kenneth Collins, Gaspare Grippi, Logan Myslinski, Matthew Piatt, Kyle Pittman, Korey Sabo, George Zubak.
Strengths: "Nice balance of returning letterwinners."
Concerns: "Need for the inexperienced members of the team to excel in some events to provide depth."
Overall outlook: "With a nice balance of returning letterwinners, we hope to compete for the Laurel Highlands and District 6 championships."
Assistant coaches: Bill Creps, Gary Washington, Michelle Fisher, Matt Kline, Yvonne Bowser, Jeff Hamilton
Bellwood-Antis
Head coach: Nick Lovrich, 13th season
Career record: 141-14-1
League: Inter-County
Last year's record: 14-0 overall, 9-0 ICC
Returning letterwinners: Seniors-Jeremy Claypoole, Andrew DeGol, Eric Hollen, Thad O'Shea, Zach Sinisi, Brandon Thompson. Juniors-Kyle Bartlett, Tyler Campbell, Ian O'Shea, Cameron Worthing, Seth Worthing. Sophomores-Alex Bartlett, Daylon Breon.
Other returnees: Seniors-Jordan Adams, Josh Andrews, Alex Decker, Joe DelGrosso, Lucas Doyle, Kyle Fink, Trevor Helsley, Matt Jenkins, Greg Shuster, Kalub Warner. Juniors-Noah Davis, Dillon Denny, Lucas Dixon, Zach Miller, Sam Mills, Jerame Parson, Keith Shawley. Sophomores-Alec Bowers, Cory Dutrow, R.J. Focht, Josh Gates, Alex McCaulley, Tage Sickler, Ryan Snyder, Alec Steinbauer, Ryan White.
Newcomers: Seniors-Troy Boutiller, Bryant McCracken, Josh Steffan, David Wolfe, Jared Woomer. Juniors-Andrew Burget, Jake Pearson, Mike Wilson. Sophomores-Bruce Knisely, Devon Rupert, Kris Seminario, Tristan Tipton, Nick Torsell, Anthony Waite, Jonathon Waite, Owen Worthing. Freshmen-Duane Boone, Ryan Bouslough, Jesse Branstetter, Dallas Huff, Caleb Knisely, Kyler Larderi, Josh McCaulley, Matt McMillan, Tyson Miller, Isaac Mills, Aaron Mogle, Cameron Parson, Ian Schmoke, Cameron Wood.
Strengths: "We have a large number of athletes on the team this season, so hopefully we will be able to create some quality depth to help in our dual meets and invitationals. Our senior class has been very successful as a team and as individuals, so we are hoping that they continue to improve and be good examples for the younger guys on the team."
Concerns: "We have some big shoes to fill due to graduation from last year's team. Our younger guys need to step up and become more productive for us to reach out full potential."
Overall outlook: "We would like to improve individually and as a team throughout the season. We would like to do well in our conference this season and improve on our performances in the big meets at the end of the year."
Assistant coaches: Charlie Burch, Ken Swanson, Bill Edmiston, John Watchey, Ricky Shawley, Chris Edmiston, Anthony Jenkins, Doug Brown, Tyler Lucas.
Bishop Carroll
Head coach: Philip Woo, second season
Career record: 1-10
League: Laurel Highlands
Last year's record: 1-10
Returning letterwinners: Seniors-Jake Hegamann, Jared Krug, Ian Tarachko, Mason Koehle, Andrew Stiles.
Other returnees: Senior-Dillon Brown. Junior-Jordan Gorsuch.
Newcomers: Junior-Jesse Switzer. Sophomores-Alex Gruss, Tyler Krug, Mike Leslie, Dan Lesney. Freshmen-Alex Keim Matt Karlheim, Ed Hegamann, Dane Woo.
Strengths: "Great desire to improve, and willingness to work in practice. Better off-season workouts. More athletes than in previous years."
Concerns: "Lack of varsity experience in a number of events."
Overall outlook: "Looking forward to see individual improvement and team success as the season progresses."
Assistant coaches: Chris Henson, Fr. Matthew Russick, Br. Michael Tinker, Sammantha Fitzsimmons, Brian Gresko.
Bishop Guilfoyle
Head coach: Stuart Crocker, second season
Career record: 1-8
League: Laurel Highlands
Last year's record: 1-8
Returning letterwinners: Seniors-Sam Dunning, Jared Keller, Ben Unpingco, Mark Zaki. Juniors-Dan Baughman, Nick Ceshini, J.J. Hazenstab, Andrew Logue, E.J. Madey, Brian Norris, Alex Spencer.
Newcomers: Seniors-Andrew Johnson, Nick Johnson, Colin Wolf. Juniors- Adam Evanko. Sophomores-Nick Servello. Freshmen-Sean Anderson, Colin Berkheimer, Carl Klingbiel, Nick Miller, Kyle Murphy.
Strengths: "Our returning letter winners give us a little of everything."
Concerns: "We don't have much depth. We need our veterans to help bring along the new members."
Overall outlook: "We will do well for a team without a training facility."
Assistant coach: Carly Brumbaugh
Cambria Heights
Head coach: Jeff Koss, seventh season
Career record: 42-42
League: Laurel Highlands
Last year's record: 7-6 overall, 5-6 LHAC
Returning letterwinners: Seniors-Ben Brink, Mike Fouse, Eli LaSota, Zack Prohonic, Joel Snedden. Juniors-Eric Boothman, Drew Brown. Sophomores-Christian Bills, Shawn Lacue, Zac Strasser, Sam Waksmunski.
Other returnees: Seniors-Slava Cook, Dylan Kutruff, Kevin Lacue. Juniors-Cody Anna, Bernard Dunegan, Christian Eckenrode, Dustin Imler, Timothy Link, Joe Loughran, Brennan McMurray, Ben Myers, Dominic Novella, Bryce Stasko, Travis Yahner, Justin Zerbee. Sophomores-Josh Fees, Micah McConnell, Jed Price-Yuknavich, Ben Solensky.
Newcomers: Juniors-Nick Barnosky, Nathan Bradley, Nathan Lieb, Matt Ramsdell, Cody Shaw, Mitch Whiteford. Sophomore-William Hoover. Freshmen-Issac Bender, Cort Boring, Michael Dautlick, Jonathan Galinis, Robert Grove, Eric Kuskoski, Zac Lieb, Luke Seech, Justin Shaner, Issac Stasko.
Strengths: "Depth/experience in jumping events. Depth in distance events."
Concerns: "Depth/experience in throwing events. Depth in middle distance events."
Overall outlook: "We want to work hard each practice, improve on last year's dual meet win total, qualify as many athletes as possible to districts and hopefully advance a few to states."
Assistant coaches: Darren McLaurin, Tammy Nagel, Nick Jamison.
Central
Head coach: Brian Allison, third season
Career record: 12-14-1
League: Mountain
Last year's record: 4-10-1 overall, 3-7-1 ML
Returning letterwinners: Alex Baur, Connor Johnson, Andrew Brumbaugh, Derek Nicewonger, Mike Bush, Mike Wilt, Levi Steward, Cooper Hoeft, Mark Brumbaugh, Tyler McGraw, Alex Barkman.
Newcomers: Eric Trexler, Patric Davis, Brian Brumbaugh, Brody Greenleaf, Chris Carder, Nathan Smith, Jordan Irvin, Ben Decker, Mo Lupke, Jan Szafran, Ben Decker.
Strengths: "We have a lot of seniors returning to the squad this year which adds a lot of skill and strength to the team."
Concerns: "While I have a high number of returning starters, I also have an equally high number of freshmen and newcomers. They show great enthusiasm and potential."
Overall outlook: "With the high talent and strength of both upper and lower classmen, I expect to take many wins home with us this year."
Assistant coaches: Wes Imler, Ron Hileman, Jen Miller.
Central Cambria
Head coach: Matt Miller, second season
Career record: 10-1
League: Laurel Highlands
Last year's record: 10-1
Returning team members: Seniors-Grant Barber, Scott Bellock, Austin Crimmins, Mike Dargay, Jacob Fedore, Kiel Gerlach, Timothy Hite, Mike Kinley, Jeremy McBreen, Kole Newcomer, Stephen O'Saben, Matt Pride, Anthony Risaliti, Evan Sokira, Thomas Thompson, Adam Westrick, Brian Winning, Luke Zearing, Brad Zeman. Juniors-Geno Berdomas, Alex Chiappini, Calvin Crow, Christopher Evans, Brandon Fox, Jordan Gibson, Jacob Hale, Gabriel Hall, Mike Jubas, Luke Kozorosky, Brandon Long, Luke Marcinko, Zachary Mazzarella, Nick Myers, Nick Pagano, Steven Papuga, Steven Rickard, Tayler Sechrengost. Sophomores-Justin Jeffers, Chase McHenry, Augusta Phillips.
Other team members: Seniors-Chris Gittings, Cody Kupchella, Zach Woodley. Junior-Tyler Gironda. Sophomores-Evan Babula, Steven Finn, John Gruca, Matthew Leary, Pedra Mejia, Nathan Radebach, Josh Rosenbaum, Brian Young. Freshmen-Simon Bodenschatz, Timothy Davis, Chase Dill, Adam Farabaugh, Michael Hale, Scott Holsinger, Mitch Jubas, Jonah Lambie, Jimmy McCulley, Gabe Seymour, Will Seymour, Shane Torchia, Sean Wasilewski, Perez Youmbi.
Strengths: "We have a nice core of returning seniors that should provide veteran leadership for our younger athletes."
Concerns: "The conference should be very competitive this year, so we'll be looking to kepp pace with our competition."
Overall outlook: "We will hopefully continue to run a successful program and compete at the conference and district levels. We will also be looking to get as many of our athletes to the state championships as possible."
Assistant coaches: Bob Nikolishen, Tom Aurandt, Jason Zaffuto.
Chestnut Ridge
Head coach: Bob McVicker, second season
Career record: 11-1
League: Sideling Hill
Last year's record: 11-1
Returning letterwinners: Seniors-Ryan Kegg, J.P. Hillegass, Matt Dull, Logan Corle, Vince Little, Chase May, Keyan Pineda, Adam Stultz, Mike Young, Steve Frankenberry, John Thompson. Juniors-Dan Albright, Jim Farnan, Dustin Bence, Jordan Shoenberger, Anthony Naugle, Jakob Knisely, Josh Ickes, Alex Griffith. Sophomores-Isaac Lankey, Joey Claycomb, Matt Miksich, Dakota Taylor, Brad Burkett.
Other team members: Seniors-Luke Fochtman, Laryan Sims, Dan Crist, Ben Sheirer, Ryan Dull. Juniors-Ben Pick, Seth Bittinger, Justin Fleegle. Sophomores-Beau Bosch, Tanner College, Marcus Grissetti, Dustin Heller. Freshmen-Trent Lohr, Jacobe Miksich, Seth Van Meter, Robert White, Pete Emerick, Tyler Bittinger, Dakota Kaufman, Paul Sims, Austin Taylor.
Strengths: "We have a lot of boys out and a nice returning senior core."
Concerns: "Getting new guys adjusted and in proper events."
Overall outlook: "We want to be competitive in the Sideling Hill and District 5 as a team."
Assistant coaches: Bob Stultz, Duane Cleveland, Jim Beatty, Bryce McVicker.
Everett
Head coach: Trent Potts, seventh season
Career record: Not provided
League: Inter-County
Last year's record: 7-7
Returning letterwinners: Seniors-Jubal Schmit, Aaron Shifflet. Juniors-Hunter Barton, Robbie Miller, DJ Rauser, Barklay Rhoat. Sophomores-Sam Finnegan, Austin Karns, Timmy Knox, Trevon Ward, Ben Sterling, Zach Steiner.
Other team members: Senior-Isiah Gibbons. Juniors-Jeff Eaton, Colton Mearkle. Sophomores-Joey Bryner, Austin Ronan, Justin Weist, James Wyns. Freshmen-Mac Bair, Ryan Hess.
Strengths: "Several returning district placewinners, and a group of kids that working hard in practice."
Concerns: "Lack of depth due to low numbers."
Overall outlook: "We are looking for improvement from week to week."
Assistant coaches: Josh Troutman, Samantha Downey.
Hollidaysburg
Head coach: Adam Ulery, sixth season
Career record: 26-23
League: Independent
Last year's record: 4-6
Returning letterwinners: Seniors-Steve Caro, Neville D'Agaro, Andrew Hess, Sam Hess, Trey Matthews, Austin Hanyock, Dustin Servello, Zach Waltz, Ryan Dobbins, Alex Satkunas, Alex Baker, Josh Daisley, Clark McCredy, Kris Stern. Juniors-Matt Barton, Zane Brunner, Dan Fleck, Daniel Monts, J.T. Ventura.
Other returnees: Seniors-Haadi Ali, Alex Baker. Juniors-Bradley Baronner, John Lin, Aaron Pierce, John Shoemaker, Emerson Trimble. Sophomores-Eric Stern, Braden Lashinsky, Derek Carey.
Newcomers: Seniors-Ronald Baum, Josh Bondi, Shane Conway, Joseph Dimitroff, Josh Matthews. Junior-Danny Weitzel. Sophomores-Jason Anderson, Derek Carey, Mace Long, Alec Menard, Tyler Miller, Derik Robertson, Eric Jennings, Ben Riggen, Dan Baker. Freshmen-David Foreman, Justin Harpster, Cody Harris, John Hanlon, Colter Long, Hunter Marks, Marcus Pierce, Colin Shultz, Collin Terchanick, Nick Consiglio, Tyrell Barnes, Jacob Mattern, Kyle Pechtold.
Strengths: "We have a very positive, energetic team that wants to win and improve. Our upperclassmen are providing great leadership and our younger guys are eager to learn."
Concerns: "We have some inexperienced athletes in a lot of events that will need to find their place on this team. Lack of depth in hurdles and middle distance."
Overall outlook: "We have a very positive outlook for this season. This is by far the hardest working group I've coached. What they lack in talent, they make up for in work ethic. We are very excited to compete this season."
Assistant coaches: Lois Appleman, John Anderson, Scott Daisley, Todd Walace, Travis Singer, Megan Sommers, Matt Stinson.
Huntingdon
Head coach: Nate Freitag, fifth season
Career record: 3-42
League: Mountain
Last year's record: 3-8 overall, 2-8 ML
Returning letterwinners: Seniors-Sean Busko, Owen Peters, Tyler Reed, Richard Sponeybarger, Nathan Walters. Juniors-Logan Fultz, Alex Hall, Wyatt Moyer, Ben Ardrey, Dalton Kocik, Sam Gibbs. Sophomores-Drake Biddle, Brandon Conway, Ian Kidd, Elias Smolcic-Larson, Lance Chambers.
Newcomers: Freshmen-Austin Bauman, Luke Clites, Michael Cunningham, Zack Dail, Kobren Frederick, Jacob Lake, Dylan Leonard, Kyler Miller, Danny Oldring, Trent Stevens, Alex Teitjens.
Strengths: "There are a lot of talented underclassmen on out team as well as a very experienced and talented group of upperclassmen."
Concerns: "Last year, we battled through some injuries, so we hope to stay healthy this year."
Overall outlook: "We look to successfully develop the skill of underclassmen and hope to have a lot of athletes competing at the district meet."
Assistant coaches: Adam McBride, Drew Ketterer, Andrew Hallihan, Sam Slicker, Chad Vestich, Katie Norris.
Juniata Valley
Head coach: Jim Rivello, sixth season
Career record: Not provided
League: Inter-County
Last year's record: Not provided
Returning letterwinners: Seniors-Greg Spillman, Josh Ruiz, Morgan Shoemaker, Stewart Borst. Juniors-Brett Grissinger, Cody Sneath, Dakota Kurtz, Ian Hawn, Kristopher Gardner.
Other team members: Juniors-Abe Eisenhart, Alex Culp. Sophomore-Caleb Taylor. Freshmen-Gunther Frehn, Isaac Thatcher, Nathan Feagley, Lucas Grubb.
Strengths: "The sprinters and field should be competitive all year. They continue working hard and making daily gains."
Concerns: Not provided
Overall outlook: "We have a nice group of returning letterwinners."
Assistant coaches: Bill Musser, Shane Thomas, Evan Lewis.
Northern Bedford
Head coach: Jeff Batzel, 31st season
Career record: 266-102, 87-35 with NBC boys
League: Inter-County, Sideling Hill
Last year's record: 12-2
Returning letterwinners: Seniors-Quinton Hixson, William Kline, Seth Lingenfelter. Juniors-Zach Pressel, Tayler Pressel, Conner Kagarise, Justin Baker, Trenton Barnes. Sophomores-Coltin Ebersole, Mike Heck, Colin Sherlock, Blake Over, Bryan Raab.
Other returnees: Senior-Kyle Musselman. Junior-Joe Walter. Sophomores- Josh Weidler, Toby Quarry.
Newcomers: Juniors-Tanner Russell, Dalton Troutman, Ty Douglas. Sophomores-Matt Gochnour, Marcus Crawford. Freshmen-Skyler Baker, Aaron Batzel, Cody Eller, Derek Keith, Seth Povich, Dylan Wright.
Strengths: "A couple of experienced returnees and strong distance running group."
Concerns: "Lack of throwers and depth in all events."
Overall outlook: "We will be very inexperienced and in a rebuilding mode."
Assistant coaches: Matt Franks, Tracy Muthler, Garry Black, Mike O'Dellick, Bridget Bechtel, Danyel Brallier.
Northern Cambria
Head coach: Bob Anderson, first season
Career record: 0-0
League: Heritage
Last year's record: 4-4
Team members: Seniors-Rick Cidor, Mason King, Joel LeGars, Brandon Nagle, Steven Prasko, Andy Rietsche. Juniors-Eric Jennings, Evan Ludwig, Tyler Olish, Mike Sowalla. Sophomores-Allen Bacho, Joe Frontino, Reis Hill, Brennen Lee, Dartagnan Suchar, Christopher Woodley, Gus Yahner. Freshmen-Seth Bearer, Jamie Myers, Joseph Nealan.
Strengths: "A strong and versatile junior and sophomore roster."
Concerns: "Depth at shot put, discus and distance."
Overall outlook: "This season will be a strong building block for our underclassmen. We expect steady improvement from last year's starters, while other team members gain valuable experience and step up."
Assistant coach: Tom Ruddeh.
Penn Cambria
Head coach: Tim Whited
Career record: Not provided
League: Laurel Highlands
Last year's record: 6-8
Returning letterwinners: Seniors-Nick Frank, Ian Lewis, Paul Risban. Juniors-Nathan Keagy, James Mardula, Josh Maruska. Sophomores-Dante Selerme, Jordan Fabbri, Mike Kost, Seth McClendon, Chad Tsikalas.
Other team members: Senior-Jake Henderson. Juniors-Nick Geisbrecht, Aaron Gorba, Nathan Pryzbys, Tyler Prebish, Dave Motel, Warren Wills. Sophomores-Eric Baker, Zach Chirdon, Sean Fulton, Dan Galebach, Denver Jones, Robert Pramuk, Nathan Rambeau, Jon Wilkinson, Jacob Yarnish, Derek Dietrich, Payton Behe. Freshmen-Nathan Brown, Mike Eckenrode, Brett Fabbri, Jake Hurley, Mark Mardulla, Alex Reed, Bryce Smithmyer, Drew Slatko, Garret Sutton.
Strengths: "Good numbers, excellent attitude, experience in some events."
Concerns: "Youth in certain areas."
Overall outlook: "Hope to be competitive in LHAC."
Assistant coaches: Tony Tomaselli, Ernie Fetzer.
Philipsburg-Osceola
Head coach: Doug Perry, 14th season
Career record: 62-92-1
League: Mountain
Last year's record: 8-5 overall, 7-4 ML
Returning letterwinners: Seniors-Kyle Lanich, Aaron McKnight, Greg Kojadinovich, Cole Curtis, Michael John, Dallas Smith-Bordas. Juniors-Logan Groff, Kaleb Bennett. Sophomores-Tim Eason.
Other team members: Seniors-Brad Anstine, Alex Boumerhi, Jesse Chencharick, Andrew Evans, Dakota Moul, Matt Schuster, Dallas Husar, Jordan Stiner. Juniors-Chris Barnhart, Chris Godissart, Ryan Good, Zach Hynd, Jared Johns, Sage Komidar, Brian Mathews, Melvin Quick, Joey Whitehead, Josh Williams, Dalton Wisor. Sophomores-Daniel Fowler, Denver Greenawalt, Matt Holden, Hunter Kephart, Collin Maurer, Nick Megahan, Dustin Shuey, Dallas Thompson. Freshmen-Lodan Day, Alex Hunsaker, Mark Jablonski, Kyle Witmer, Nathan Quick, Nick Templeton, Ben Webster, Carl Webster. 8th grade-Austin Slother. Not specified-Jake Foster, Alex Gray, Jarrett Lebeau, Todd Wilson.
Strengths: "Numbers."
Concerns: "Experience."
Overall outlook: "We will have a good year."
Assistant coaches: Kelly Dobo, Neil Rager, Tracy Vipond, Amanda Eason, Dave Caslow, Rob Thompson, Roy Warlow, Robert Rocco.
Portage
Head coach: Gary Gouse
Career record: Not provided
League: WestPAC
Last year's record: 5-3
Returning letterwinners: Jesse Kreutzberger, Jerry Pourban, Dean Bimle, Chad Gageby, Donny Watters, Randy Wizen, Galen Nelson, Paul Husar, Devin Brown, Scott Giles, Chris Onder.
Other returnees: Not provided
Newcomers: Not provided
Strengths: "Several letterwinners placed at districts and return with experience."
Concerns: "Need to improve in the throwing events, and lack of depth in the sprinting events."
Overall outlook: Not provided
Assistant coaches: Jeremy Burkett, Lance Hudak, Terry Miller, Deb Black, Andrew Blair.
Tussey Mountain
Head coach: Amber Yutzy, seventh season
Career record: Not provided
League: Inter-County
Last year's record: 0-11
Returning letterwinners: Juniors-Zachary Folk, Colton Reasey, Andrew Willis. Sophomores-Tyler Runk, Brent Leabhart, Darin Sipes.
Other returnees: Juniors-Sam Sosak. Sophomores-Brock Rhoat, Dylan Park.
Newcomers: Seniors-Gabriel Orellana Goizueta. Juniors-Colby Heefner. Sophomores-Matt Broke, Cainan Bussard. Freshmen-Andrew Black, Skylar Brumbaugh, Austin Bussard, Rylan DeLuca, Tyler Lemin, Trekoda Morrow, Jeremiah Reid, Hunter Runk, Curtis Wentz.
Strengths: "The boys team is a bit larger this year than the past few years. There are a lot of newcomers that are showing a lot of potential. Hopefully this year we will have more individuals qualify for districts and also win some meets as a team."
Concerns: "Experience. We only have one returning athlete that qualified for districts last year. We lost a large senior class last year. The boys team is also young and still learning, but hopefully they gain experience throughout the season and grow as a team."
Overall outlook: "The boys team should have a few athletes do well individually.. I look forward to watching the newcomers develop and hopefully they will do well throughout the season and qualify for districts."
Assistant coaches: Jessica Little Chris Carrier, Garret Cloud
Tyrone
Head coach: Chris Shedd, third season
Career record: 20-4
League: Mountain
Last year's record: 10-2 overall, 8-1 ML
Returning team members: Seniors-Nick Patton, John Guy, Ryan Myers, Devon Wiser. Juniors-Brent Kurtz, Brandon Plowman, Corey Snyder, Trevor Swartzendruber, Charles Wilson-Adams, Hayden Zook. Sophomores-James Oliver, Brittan Riggleman, Seth Umholtz.
Newcomers: Seniors-Cody Dickson. Juniors-Justin Reader, Chase Wallace, Lucas Woomer. Sophomores-William Sessamen, Johnny Payne. Freshmen-Cameron Bakhsheshe, Ryan Cassett, Connor Harper, Alec Hunter, Noah Tepsic.
Strengths: "Experience in sprints, hurdles, middle and long distance, javelin and jumps."
Concerns: "Depth in pole vault and jumps, and experience in the throws."
Overall outlook: "We lost some key positions to graduation. We have a core group that has big-meet experience. The new team members show great potential, but they will need to get some meet experience and develop their skills. Barring injury, we should have several athletes perform well at the district and state meets."
Assistant coaches: Steve Everhart, Marcus Owens, Adam DePiro, Danielle Eckert, and volunteers Rob Hopkins, Wally Miller, Ryan Hildebrand, Barbara Mozina, Rick Emigh.
