Area sees large coaching turnover, fresh program

By Nate Foreman

nforeman@altoonamirror.com

Seven area coaches will get brand new starts when the high school girls soccer season kicks off this weekend.

One program is brand new altogether.

Central is fielding boys and girls soccer teams for the first time in school history, and Brad Reininger will coach the Lady Dragons in their first game on Tuesday night at Clearfield.

"It's an honor to be the first coach," Reininger said. "I graduated from Northern Bedford and was around when we first started. It meant a lot to get program started out there, so I know what it's like. It took a lot of effort on behalf of the kids that were interested in playing and the parents that went to the board meetings. It's very nice to see the kids have another option to play sports in the fall.

"Everybody's working hard and trying to progress as quickly as we can. I'm not sure what the competition is going to be like, but we should do alright this season."

Six other coaches - Kathy Dull (Chestnut Ridge), Anita Valerio (Huntingdon), Bridget Beach Bechtel (Northern Bedford), Jessica Kline (Penn Cambria), Kristina McKenna (Philipsburg-Osceola) and Rena Drenning (Tussey Mountain) - will also make their debuts.

"I think a couple of things are happening that I've noticed with girls programs," former Penn Cambria coach Tom Schmitt said. "The major thing, to stay competitive, more and more programs have to set up year-round programs. The coach has to do that and that is a much bigger commitment than other coaches have made in the past. I think a lot of coaches are burning out because of that. It takes a toll on them."

Possibly correlating to that, out of the 17 PIAA schools with girls soccer programs in the area, 15 have coaches entering at most their fifth season at the helm.

Only Bishop Carroll Catholic's John Paul Scanlan (seventh season) and Everett's Rom Kalinouskas (32nd season) have longer tenures at their respective schools.

"It's different for every individual, but coaching just consumes a fair amout of time," Kalinouskas said. "A lot of times, family comes first.

"[For me, it's] love of the sport. I enjoy the game. I enjoy coaching."

More area teams landed in the postseason last year, but the success was mainly short-lived.

In District 6 Class AA, Central Cambria lost in the first round to Bald Eagle Area. Huntingdon defeated Cambria Heights, while Bedford fell short against Westmont Hilltop in the quarterfinals. The Bearcats fell to eventual champion Juniata in the semifinals.

Both Hollidaysburg and Altoona lost in the Class AAA quarterfinals.

District 5 didn't fare any better as Northern Bedford, Tussey Mountain and Everett each lost in the Class A quarterfinals.

"We lost a fair amount of players [from last year's team]," Kalinouskas said of his team's assessment. "We have a good number of players, but in terms of experience, we are a younger team. I don't know what to expect, but every practice we just have to continue to work hard and get better."

The following is a capsulized look at each of the teams in the Mirror coverage area with information as provided by the coaches:

Altoona

Coach: James John, third season

Career record: 13-21

League: Independent

Last year's record: 6-12

Returning starters: Seniors-Madison Hileman, Ashlyn Shaffer. Juniors-Selena Cardoza, Morgan Chathams, Sara Kelley, Alexis Mirenda. Sophomores-Michaela Bryan, Karlee Fink, Brooklyn Haugh, Molly Malone.

Other returnees: Juniors-Marissa Wagner, Joshlin Bracken. Sophomore-Andrea Ketcham.

Newcomers: Sophomores-Emilee Cuff, Taylor Campbell, Brittany Rovatsos. Freshmen-Alexandra Conrad, Kierra Irwin, Aalea Moore, Julie Reighard.

Strengths: "We have an excellent core of returning players from last season. The players have worked hard in the offseason and are eager to begin this season."

Concerns: "Finding the right mixture of players to maximize our field presence."

Overall outlook: "We need to continue to build upon the foundation from last season and develop our skills throughout the season."

Assistant coaches: Kyla Hollingshead

Bedford

Coach: Barrett Schrock, fourth season

Career record: 30-25-2

League: Laurel Highlands

Last year's record: 11-6-2

Returning starters: Seniors-Carrie Baker, Brook Emerick, Katie Pyle, Hannah Grimes, Erin Mueller. Junior-Autumn Beland. Sophomores-Paige Diehl, Taylor Easter, Megan Ooghe, Devon Layton.

Other team members: Juniors-Kellie Pyle, Monica Littleffield, Jessica Querry. Sophomores-Katie Fleener, Alayna Hammond, Kate Foor, Hannah Meyers, Kelsey Koontz, Jessica Evans, Jessica Hershberger. Freshmen-Emilee Fierro, Kalya Dawson, Alyssa Turkovich.

Strengths: "We have most of our core back from last season. This is probably the most well-rounded team that I've coached to date. As a team, our technical ability is much more advanced than it was a year ago."

Concerns: "Finishing. In both of the past two seasons, out top goal scorer has graduated. Generating offense and finishing our chances has been our focal point and we're hoping that our preparation pays off as the season progresses."

Overall outlook: "My goal, as always, is for us to consistently play 80 minutes of highly-competitive, intense, possession-oriented soccer. Our focus this season is to get away from playing the direct style and complete the transition to becoming a possession-first type of team."

Assistant coaches: Tom Brambley

Bishop Carroll Catholic

Coach: John Paul Scanlon, seventh season

Career record: 33-75

League: Laurel Highlands

Last year's record: 7-11 overall, 5-11 LHAC

Returning starters: Seniors-Olivia Kirsch, Maggie Lallemand. Juniors-Mary Holtz, Katelyn Clark. Sophomores-Paisely Zatek, Carrie D'Andrea, Jessica Shaffer, Jamie Whitham.

Other returnees: Senior-Erin Koehle. Sophomore-Alexanderia Dvorhak.

Newcomers: Sophomore-Kara Pyo, Kelly Deskevich, Madylene Seranko, Kimberly Sheridan. Freshmen-Montana Pigza, Cheyenne Sutton, Lea Sammarco, Annie Clapper, Taylor Clark, Taylor Sherry.

Strengths: "Team chemistry, athletic players, great team speed, fantastic work ethic, playing experience."

Concerns: "Keep everyone healthy throughout the season."

Overall outlook: "The team is super stoked about the upcoming soccer campaign. The girls believe in themselves and the girls coming back from last year played in and won close games."

Assistant coach: Chris Rozinsky

Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic

Coach: Harry McGhee, second season

Career record: 2-16

League: Laurel Highlands

Last year's record: 2-16 overall, 2-14 LHAC

Returning starters: Seniors-Addie Ruston, Allison Worley, Emily Frederick, Madison O'Leary, Sydney Lee. Juniors-Katelyn Nosek, Gabby Smith, Nicki Carrieri. Sophomores-Delaney Hallinan, Jessica Rudolph, Maria Ruggery.

Other returnees: Senior-Annie Foster. Junior-Anna Dunning. Sophomores-Caitlyn Harrison, Carly Rickens.

Newcomers: Seniors-Emmalee Hallinan, Michaela Dick. Juniors-Amy Mason, Alyssa Blackie, Chloe Lusk, Catlyn Berkheimer. Sophomores-Amanda Irwin, Ashland Drass, Maya Irwin, Shaelyn Rickens. Freshmen-Mikayla Mignogna, Alyssa McGhee.

Strengths: "Speed, well-conditioned and determined to win."

Concerns: "Staying healthy, playing aggressive and keeping up the intensity level."

Overall outlook: "After a year of training and dedication to the game, the core group of returnees has shown great improvements and have positive attitudes. With our diverse mix of experienced players on the field, I think it will be an exciting season."

Assistant coaches: Michael Drass

Cambria Heights

Coach: Andrea Wharton, third season

Career record: 22-14

League: Laurel Highlands

Last year's record: 11-6 overall, 9-5 LHAC

Returning starters: Seniors-Kady Bills, Kiera Bills, Kaitlyn Cunningham, Christine Sopata, Alyssa Wills. Junior-Makayla Price. Sophomore-Ashley Morchesky.

Other returnees: Seniors-Heidi Kranz, Cassy Paronish, Valerie Bender. Sophomore-Bethany Gray.

Newcomers: Seniors-Leah Gray, Morgan Miller. Junior-Kara Cordell. Sophomore-Alyssa Raho. Freshmen-Courtney Berish, Megan Dillon, Taylor Forsythe, Agnes Hoover, Courtney Hoover, Cassidy Hunt, Sara Patrick, MacKenzie Sherry.

Strengths: "Senior experience and leadership. Dedication and work ethic of new players to the team."

Concerns: "We are a young team and also a lot of new players of all different grade levels."

Overall outlook: "I believe that we will have a successful season with our strong returning players and with many new players. I am eager to see their growth and development on the field."

Assistant coaches: Holly Stanek

Central

Coach: Brad Reininger, first season

Career record: 0-0

League: Mountain

Last year's record: 0-0

Newcomers: Juniors-Marisa Brumbaugh, Alison Decker, Morgan Ebersole, Katherine Orczeck, Kaitlyn Zimmerman. Sophomores-Michelle Couch, Brittany Miller, Hannah Moore, Jessica Orczeck, Megan Replogle, Carolina Santos, Briana Shriver, Brooklyn Welsh. Freshmen-Madeline Bartek, Jenna Brown, Kyra Larson, Mackenzie Manherz.

Strengths: "We have a great group of young ladies who are excited about the season who are willing to work hard to get better."

Concerns: "Our team is young and inexperienced since this is our first year at the varsity level."

Overall outlook: "We are excited about the season, and if the ladies play to their potential, I know they will be a competitive team."

Assistant coach: Samantha Carlington

Central Cambria

Coach: Renee Thompson, second season

Career record: 9-10

League: Laurel Highlands

Last year's record: 9-10 overall, 8-8 LHAC

Returning starters: Seniors-Kelsey Hagens, Larissa Hunt, Taylor King-Brothers, Rebekah Pinkowski, Allie Thompson. Juniors-Ashley Evans, Klein Kimball, Bri Wasser. Sophomore-Ashley Shaheen.

Other returnees: Seniors-Kandace Long, Victoria Roberts, Jessica Russell. Juniors-Abby Davidson, Ashley Hildebrand, Kaysee Rorer, Hannah Schofield. Sophomores-Taylor Albertelli, Jill Bracken, Kassy Brown, Rachel Pinkowski.

Newcomers: Freshmen-Amanda Campbell, Mikayla Fox, Hailey Gibson, Jordan Johnson, Courtney Keiper, Sadie Lightner, Hannah, McGlynn, Maria Minor, Lindsey Monito, Kendra Sherry, Samantha Thomas.

Strengths: "We have a strong core group returning."

Concerns: "Inexperienced keepers."

Overall outlook: "If they can avoid injuries, they should be able to meet their goal of at least 12 wins. We plan on being in the playoffs again."

Assistant coaches: Tim Miller

Chestnut Ridge

Coach: Kathy Dull, first season

Career record: 0-0

League: Inter-County

Last year's record: 5-10-1

Roster: Seniors-Stephanie Carson, Giannie Weaver, Josie Neatrour, Jarica Seese, Stephanie Deaner. Juniors-Abby Martin, Kirsten Reed, Mackenzie Feather, Alicia Sharer, K.C. Hockenberry. Sophomores-Sadie Gohn, Mylee Dull, Molly Dull, Allison Miller, Katie Weaver, Justice Fleck, Emily Sprigg. Freshmen-McKenzie Lohr, Lexi Smith, Brooke Corle.

Strengths: "Experienced lettermen."

Concerns: "New coaching staff."

Overall outlook: "To be a competitive team."

Assistant coaches: Dawnette Corle, DaeLene Crouse

Everett

Coach: Rom Kalinouskas, 32nd season

Career record: Not available

League: Sideling Hill

Last year's record: 7-9

Returning starters: Seniors-Emily Mountain, Kasi Payne. Juniors-Josie Clark, Kim Clark, Serena Hess, Shiane Pittman. Sophomore-Alexis Foor.

Other team members: Juniors-Madison Foor, Rachel Foor, Meghan Hammond, Olivia Hillenbrand, Natalie Sterling, Megan Stup. Sophomores-Makayla Foor, Haley Pavlis, Madysen Smyers. Freshmen-Jessica Appel, Sarah Finnegan, Tessa Hershberger, Leah Oakley, Kayla Kimmel, Kestrel Kuhne, Selena Munoz.

Strengths: "Our strengths lie in our returning letterwinners and starters."

Concerns: "One major concern is out lack of experience at the varsity level. With many beginning and younger players, it takes time to adjust to the quality of play at this level."

Overall outlook: "We are hoping to have a productive season with growth in our soccer skills and continuous improvement in our team's playing ability."

Assistant coaches: L. Miller, B. Clark

Great Commission

Coach: Gayle Johnson, 10th season

Career record: Not available

League: ACAA

Last year's record: Not available

Returning starters: Seniors-Rachel Clark, Jordan Dawson, Leah Holton, Jaissle McCoy. Juniors-Kiersten Cover, Kansas Klock, Lydia Pepper. Sophomores-Sarah CLark, Kyrstin Johnson.

Other returnees: Seniors-Lindsey Beagan, April Petersen. Sophomores-Alexis Beagan, Adrienne Krater, Lyndsey Longstreth. Freshmen-Casea Detwiler, Megan Stuart. 8th grade-Abigail Mills, Mara Pepper.

Newcomers: Sophomores-Hannah Kennedy, Emily Noel, Alyssa Wertman. 7th grade-Lauren Longstreth.

Strengths: "This year's team is the hardest-working team I have ever had. They have great teamwork. We have a lot of older returning starters for a small school."

Concerns: We have some tough games at the beginning of our schedule, so we will be tested early."

Overall outlook: "I think it's very positive. We should have a good season with the leadership and hard work that has been shown."

Assistant coach: Tyler Pepper

Hollidaysburg

Coach: Dave Soellner, fifth season

Career record: 51-23-1

League: Independent

Last year's record: 7-10

Returning starters: Seniors-Nicole Day, Mikayla Dongell, Michele Muir, Allison Stubbs. Juniors-Madison Aungst, Madison Bernard, Peyton Civils. Sophomores-Emily Brown, Laura Horne.

Other returnees: Juniors-Ariana Kriebel, Mckenzie Roberts. Sophomore-Caroline Ellis, Abbey Nebelski, Farrah Younces.

Newcomers: Juniors-Anne Mielnik, Alyce Ritchey. Freshmen-Tia Biesinger, Esther Elkins, Hannah Madara, Erica Lindsey, Lauren Singer, Caitlin Smith, Tori Surma, Lexis Wood.

Strengths: "Nine returning starters, a lot of young talent and strong senior leadership."

Concerns: "Staying healthy."

Overall outlook: "Young team that is talented, patient and hard-working."

Assistant coaches: Rick Madara, Lauren Azeles

Huntingdon

Coach: Anita Valerio, first season

Career record: 0-0

League: Mountain

Last year's record: Not available

Returning starters: Seniors-Hannah Cummingham, Katelyn Shoemaker. Juniors-Mary Katherine Kurtz, Samantha Mansberger, Shannon McKenzie, Kyra Shea. Sophomore-Rachel Fleming.

Other returnees: Juniors-Ashley Laird, Shannon Henney, Natanya Shingler.

Newcomers: Sophomores-Alyssa Handy, Olivia Kruse, Madison McCool, Linni Suba. Freshman: Logan Felton.

Strengths: "Playing outside to flanks and using widths of field. Being able to ge behind backs with some speed."

Concerns: "Defending as a team and keeping possession for longer periods of time."

Overall outlook: "Very solid outlook. We will be very competitive in the Mountain League."

Assistant coaches: Holly Harris, Linzee Ruby

Moshannon Valley

Coach: Carl Yaple, fifth season

Career record: Not available

League: Inter-County

Last year's record: 2-12

Returnees: Seniors-Sarah Stillman, Zoe Stiles, Samantha Heinrich, Natalie Domanick, Brittany Pershing, Katelynn Landberry. Juniors-Abby Williams, Mackenzie Kitko, Brita Campbell, Sarah Dugan, Mikayla Shawver, Katherine Miller. Sophomores-Kaleigh Domanick, Julie Stillman.

Newcomers: Sophomores-Wynter Adams, Morgan Capobianco, Jessica Lobb, Alex Vadeboncoeur.

Strengths: "I have more depth than in past years. They are working together very well as a team. I have a lot of leadership being shown."

Concerns: "They don't always keep their momentum during a game."

Overall outlook: "Positive - they will work together as a team. I feel confident in our ability to win a lot of games this year."

Assistant coaches: Frank Stillman, Dan Smeal

Northern Bedford

Coach: Bridget Beach Bechtel, first season

Career record: 0-0

League: Sideling Hill

Last year's record: 7-12 overall, 4-5 SHL

Returning starters: Allie Eckenroad, Bethany Cronrath, Jillian Bottenfield, Danielle Dodson, Brooke Guyer, Mikayla Gates, Morgan Eshelman, Alyssa Smith, Lauren Morris, Evie Johnson.

Other returnees: Liyah Feight, Miranda Brallier.

Newcomers: Gabrielle Clark, Jennifer Bertoldi, Savannah Heaton, Shelby Crooks, Lindsay Over, Makenzie Eshelman.

Strengths: "[We have] 10 returning letterwinners with game experience. Strong goalie in Morgan Eshelman."

Concerns: "Speed and depth of our defense."

Overall outlook: "Very positive. We are aiming high and building a good technical and tactical foundation for years to come."

Assistant coach: Danyel Brallier

Penn Cambria

Coach: Jessica Kline, first season

Career record: 0-0

League: Laurel Highlands

Last year's record: 4-14-1

Returning starters: Seniors-Sabrina Palguta, Marisa Robriguez, Chayenne Gohn, Jessica Ryan, Vanessa Capovellez. Juniors-Alli Reese, Kaitlyn Krug. Sophomores-Kasey Creehan, Katie Little, Sophia Funari.

Other team members: Seniors-Kelly Bennett, Tiffany Conley. Junior-Shadyn Swope. Sophomore-Kayla Cully. Freshman-Stephanie Seymore.

Strengths: "The players worked hard in the offseason and gained experience through various club teams. They have a dedicated work ethic and play well as a team."

Concerns: "We have a small team this year, which could cause trouble if we encounter any injuries."

Overall outlook: "The players have a great attitude and are looking forward to being a competitive team in the Laurel Highlands."

Assistant coaches: Pamela Kenawell

Philipsburg-Osceola

Coach: Kristina McKenna, first season

Career record: 0-0

League: Mountain

Last year's record: 3-14

Returning starters: Seniors-Alayna Bertothy, Olivia Brown, Maggi Ferguson. Juniors-Sarah Belinda, Meili Belko, Erica Coval, Carley Hahn, Jordyn Powell, Jacqueline Zawisa.

Other returnees: Seniors-Katrina Clark, Mara Winters. Juniors-Stephanie Brown, Rebecca Groff, Cassandra Lewis, Drew Peters, Jenna Stamm, Michala Whitehead, Sarah Yarger. Sophomore-Kaelie Fox.

Newcomers: Junior-Teaica Putillion. Freshmen-Abby Slogosky, Makayla Jury, Makenzie Myers, Cheyanne Cowfer, Vanessa Kephart.

Strengths: "We are a team full of dedication and heart. Large returning junior class with good technical and tactical skills."

Concerns: "As a team with a new coach, this year is a building year for us."

Overall outlook: "We look forward to a successful season - one that breathes new life and a new identity to the Philipsburg-Osceola girls team."

Assistant coaches: Jeff Powell, Leslie Long

Tussey Mountain

Coach: Rena Drenning, first season

Career record: 0-0

League: Inter-County

Last year's record: 12-6

Returning starters: Seniors-Lindsey Buseck, Olivia Claycomb, Tess Drenning, Lindalle Foore. Juniors-Sam Coffman, Paige Reed, Paige Thomas. Sophomore-Courtney Rupert.

Other returnees: Seniors-Jackie Mock, Kaylee Rhodes. Sophomores-Alyse Starr, Lora Meck.

Newcomers: Sophomores-Morgan Brumbaugh, Temma Border, Hannah Dickson, Tanesha Hinkle, Dreana Kendrick, Alex Watkins.

Strengths: "We are fortunate to have many of our letterwinners returning this year."

Concerns: "Last year we lost three members of our defense."

Overall outlook: Not available

Assistant coaches: Wendy Kendall

Tyrone

Coach: Jonathan Virgilio, third season

Career record: Not available

League: Mountain

Last year's record: 1-15

Returning starters: Seniors-Kristin Bonsell, Samantha Bowman, Baily Campbell, Kristlyn Dibert, Mikayla Fisher, Kendra Voyzey. Juniors-Ellen Crook, Lucy Raftery, Katelyn Shaulis. Sophomores-Carrie Vance, Hope Wilson.

Other returnees: Senior-Kelsey Emeigh. Juniors-Tristen Miller, Sarah Parker. Sophomores-Kristina Barr, Ivy Bowser, Taylor Dibert, Lena Walk, Heidi Walls.

Newcomers: Senior-Kelsey Prough. Junior-Alyssa Wombacher. Sophomore-Paige Dinges. Freshmen-Christina Kowalski, Anna Baran, Raegan Plowman, Morgan James, Kalea Hammond, Anna Shawley, Erika Voyzey.

Strengths: "We have many returning starters who have played together for the last three years and know the importance of working as a team."

Concerns: "It is important that we stay healthy, fit and keep out eyes on the goal of improving each and every game."

Overall outlook: "This season will be much improved and we are hoping to achieve our best season in the history of our program. We look forward to being very competitive this fall."

Assistant coach: Tiffany Bradford