Defending state champ Lady Devils hope to continue successful run
H.S. girls cross country preview
Central Cambria has enjoyed a run of dominance on the district and state levels in high school girls cross country in the last decade, and it continued last season, when the Lady Red Devils won Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference, District 6 and PIAA state Class 2A team championships.
Three members of that team, sophomores Stella Kuntz, Abby Walwro and Faith Wilson, return to form the nucleus of this season’s squad, and a strong incoming class of freshmen will help to fill the void left by the graduation of standouts Paige Wess, Grace Gerlach and Kacy McKeel.
Kuntz is the defending District 6 Class 2A champion and also earned a state medal by finishing ninth in the PIAA meet last season.
Wilson finished third in the district last season, while Walwro placed fourth.
“With the tough competition that we face in the LHAC, in addition to attending some competitive invites, we hope to be competitive at the conference, district level and state levels,” said veteran coach Randy Wilson, who is beginning his 20th season at the helm of both the Central Cambria boys and girls programs this season.
Portage boasts the highest returning girls finisher in the PIAA Class 1A state meet last fall in sophomore Lauren Shaffer, who finished second with a time of 19:51. Shaffer also finished second at districts.
Altoona coach Tabitha Quinn has two returning PIAA Class 3A state meet qualifiers in senior Riley Boutiller and sophomore Mackenzie Kelley, and Hollidaysburg coach Travis Singer believes that a few of his runners have the ability to reach the PIAA Class 3A state meet this year as well.
Kuntz, Faith Wilson, Walwro, Shaffer and Kelley were all selected as Mirror first-team all-stars in 2018, while Boutiller, current senior Maggie Greenland of Hollidaysburg, junior Maggie McMullen of Cambria Heights and sophomores Faith Dibert of Bedford, Jaden Quinn of Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic, Marissa Lewis and Ella Pearson of Tyrone, and Morgan Hess of Juniata Valley were all Mirror honorable mention all-star selections last fall.
Altoona
Coach: Tabitha Quinn, 23rd season
Career record: 101-60
Last year’s record: 4-3
Conference: Independent
Returning starters: Seniors–Riley Boutiller, Gianna Marasco. Sophomores–Mackenzie Kelley, Avery Reid.
Other returnees: Seniors–Julianna Kratzer, Emily Rentz, Kylee Wisor. Juniors–Morgan Baker, Karenna Kauffman, Jenahvi Nedimyer, Raina Plutko, Rylie Whitaker.
Newcomers: Seniors–Rachel Palmerine. Juniors–Elise Abbott. Freshmen–Madison Cowfer, Gweneth Fox, Reese Wilber, Makilee Woomer.
Strengths: “As with last season, we have four returning starters. The team’s depth, along with the experience of Mack and Riley racing at the next level (state qualifiers), promoted much opportunity for the team’s growth in the offseason. Additionally, newcomer Reese Wilber has been showing much potential in her summer and pre-season training.”
Concerns: “We have a few gaps to fill in our team spread. As the team will face some challenging invitationals throughout the season, they must continue to react in both large and small racing fields, and adapt quickly to the course and weather conditions. They know the pace is only going to quicken as the season progresses–as a team they have to be patient and strategic from the start to keep the grouping close.”
Overall outlook: “The team’s pace will be steady with improvements meet by meet. With consistent progressive development in their practices and in their races, by the season’s end, they will show gains and solid performances.”
Assistant coaches: Cali Free, Kathy Good, Deborah Kissell
Bedford
Coach: Michele Fisher, 13th season
Career record: 86-91
Last year’s record: 10-3 overall
Conference: Laurel Highlands
Returning starters: Seniors–Rachael Feaster, Ashley Ferguson, Katherine Hartman, Claudia Sigel. Sophomores–Jessica Dibert, Riley Ruffley.
Newcomers: Sophomores–Alexis Twigg. Freshmen–Emma Davis, Meah Eshelman, Kendra Feaster, Emily Lang, Savannah Nesbitt, Maura Thomas.
Strengths: “We have returning letterwinners who each have race experience. Ashley Ferguson has improved her strength and speed via her training regimen for the hurdles. Ferguson, Jessica Dibert and Riley Ruffey all qualified for the state track meet, and have been conditioning all summer. Claudia Sigel is looking much stronger. Meah Eshelman had a great junior high season last year, so we’re looking for her to contribute early. Savannah Nesbitt and Alexis Twigg have shown some mettle already in practice and should be ready to contribute early.”
Concerns: “The girls are young and several lack any cross country experience, so learning race pace and strategy will be the emphasis early in the season.”
Overall outlook: “The girls have been running well, so, barring any injuries, they should be contenders at the end of the season.”
Assistant coaches: Brian Creps, Rachel Morningstar, Brooke Smith, Tanner Williams.
Bellwood-Antis
Coach: Julie Roseborough, 26th season
Career record: 160-127
Last year’s record: 6-4
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning letterwinners: Seniors–Olivia Caporuscio, Ashley Yohn, Joyce Zheng.
Other returnees: Junior–Cynthia Baldwin.
Newcomers: Sophomores–Emma Corrado, Gabby Musselman. Freshmen–Olivia Kelly, Elayna McCaulley.
Strengths: “The letterwinners have improved and the new team members are working hard.”
Concerns: “We need time for some of our younger girls to improve.”
Overall outlook: “With some more work, we expect to be competitive.”
Assistant coaches: Rhonda Mills, Jamey Rimmey
Bishop Guilfoyle
Coach: Matt Manfred, second season
Career record: 0-10
Last year’s record: 0-10
Conference: Laurel Highlands
Returning starters: Seniors–Olivia Butler. Sophomores–Jaden Quinn.
Newcomers: Freshmen–Katie Williams.
Strengths: “These women are happy to train with the larger team of varsity men and the junior high teams and to offer their focus and leadership to help everyone. Though they won’t be scoring as a women’s team this year again, they have clear individual goals that are great and worth working toward.”
Concerns: “Every small team like us needs to be cautious of injury and overtraining.”
Overall outlook: “The tenacity and commitment that it takes to train like these women are when you know you won’t be given a team score is admirable. They are leaders among the BG team and will have a great season.”
Assistant coach: Becky Merilli
Cambria Heights
Coach: John Kuskoski, 27th season
Career record: 210-159
Last year’s record: 13-5, 5-5 in LHAC
Conference: Laurel Highlands
Returning starters: Seniors–Kiersten Henry, Paige McMullen, Elizabeth Sopata. Juniors–Maggie McMullen, Beth White
Newcomers: Sophomores–Maggie Wallen. Freshmen–Kayla Abrams, Julia Kopera, Andrea McMullen, Cam Shero.
Strengths: “Great coachability, excellent captains, good team unity.”
Concerns: “The school’s renovation work presents some challenges as to how we train and compete. These kids have done very well in adapting to the new things they’ve been faced with.”
Overall outlook: “Our new course is slow and does not yield indications about how well these kids can run. But intuition tells me that these runners will do just fine.”
Assistant coaches: Kathryn Kuskoski, Deborah Link, Alyssa Keirn, Art Deckard
Central
Coaches: Lacey Ceschini and Allison Caddy, second season
Last year’s record: 4-8
Conference: Mountain League
Returning starters: Seniors–Lauren Crilly. Juniors–Joclynn Ramsey. Freshmen–Maia Jeffreys.
Strengths: “We have a younger team this year which appears to be eager to make a mark in the Mountain League. We have recruited athletes from other sports and are conditioning on a new course.”
Concerns: “Loss of experienced seniors from last season. The team continues to search for additional female athletes to join and challenge our ladies.”
Overall outlook: “We are excited to be starting the season on a new course this year. We can’t wait to set our school and, hopefully, course record and bring home some wins for Central High School this year. New runners have joined the team and are coming in with a drive to win. We are striving to achieve personal records at every meet.”
Assistant coach: Susan Keith
Central Cambria
Coach: Randy Wilson, 20th season
Career record: 216-3
Last year’s record: 12-0. Won Laurel Highlands Conference, District 6-AA and PIAA Class 2A team championships.
Conference: Laurel Highlands
Returning starters: Seniors–Julienne Casper. Juniors–Anna Dill, Olivia Ratchford, Jenna Smith, Ella Vrabel. Sophomores–Rebecca Cree, Karlie Heeney, Laura Heinzeroth, Stella Kuntz, Marlo Soyka, Abigail Walwro, Faith Wilson.
Newcomers: Juniors: Olivia Ratchford. Freshmen: Laila Ashurst, Abby George, Lydia Knarr, Annalise Niebauer, Abby Sheredy, Jensen Westrick.
Strengths: “A strong incoming freshman class will help bolster the loss of the seniors from the class of 2019.”
Concerns: “Over one half of the team consists of underclassmen, so experience is a concern.”
Outlook: ” With the tough competition we face in the LHAC in addition to attending some competitive invites, we hope to be competitive at the conference, district level and state levels.”
Assistant coaches: Jeff Dick, Tim Miller, Tammy Nagel, Lisa Swope
Chestnut Ridge
Coach: Jason Tew, 11th season
Conference: Laurel Highlands
Returning starters: None
Newcomers: Seniors–Ali Price. Juniors–Hayley Angiolieri. Sophomores–Natalie Linder. Freshmen–Ava Whysong, Savannah Webb, Abby Emerick.
Strengths: “We have more depth in our girls team. Ali Price and Hayley Angiolieri both placed at districts in track last spring, so I expect them to be strong for us.”
Concerns: “Our team has little experience with running cross country, so we have some learning to do.”
Overall outlook: “I do think the girls team will be able to challenge for the district title, which is exciting for a first-year team.”
Assistant coach: Rebecca Mishler
Hollidaysburg
Coach: Travis Singer, sixth season
Career record: 23-23
Last year’s record: 2-4
Conference: Independent
Returning starters: Seniors–Maggie Greenland. Juniors–Elaina Fisher, Aggie Hoover. Sophomores–Celina McIntire.
Other returnees: Seniors–Lily Evans, Rachel Ross.
Newcomers: Sophomores–Abby Batzel, Lexi Weyandt. Freshmen–Sydney Imler, Maddie Shanafelt, Kaleigh Werner.
Strengths: “Great attitudes. This group comes every day ready to work. Returning runners have all increased their summer mileage from previous years.”
Concerns: “Numbers. We have graduated two great groups of leaders over the past couple of years and we need to rebuild our overall depth.”
Overall outlook: “A few girls have a chance to advance to the state meet, if good health holds out. We are looking forward to working with this group. Their personalities and work ethic are outstanding.”
Assistant coaches: Dave Berkheimer, Geordie Edmiston, Cassie Kachur, Janey Schwind
Juniata Valley
Coach: Dolores Gahagan, 35th season
Last year’s record: 9-0
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Seniors–Kathryn Hopsicker, Lexie Reed, Bridget Simpson, Lilly Yoder. Juniors–Alexandra Dyreson, Ella McGargle, Maelyn Payne. Sophomores–Morgan Hess, Anna Kuntz, Reese Zurybida.
Newcomers: Seniors–Halee Smith. Juniors–Natalie Zimmerman. Sophomores–Taylor Barron, Bella Stania. Freshmen–Grace Brown, Gabby Coffman, Makenna Hartman, Alayna Luther, Makayla Moskel, Adria Russel.
Strengths: “We have terrific numbers, with 20 varsity runners. We have a great group of returners who will provide leadership and race experience. Several of our returning runners were top scorers for us last year, including Morgan Hess, who was an ICC All-Star. Along with our experienced runners, we also have a large group of talented newer runners. All of the girls have had a great preseason, continuing to work on their fitness and strength. We are also excited to have five junior high school girls who will also make an impact on the future of our program.”
Concerns: “We want to work on closing the gaps between our runners, and our hope is to keep everyone healthy.”
Overall outlook: “Our hope with the girls team, as with the boys team, is to get stronger and more fit over the course of the season and to be competitive within the Inter-County Conference. For our girls team in particular, we hope to finish higher within our district.”
Assistant coaches: Ruthie Hess, Krista McCrum, Maria Snyder
Moshannon Valley
Coach: Abby Houston, first season
Newcomers: Seniors–Aubrey Dotts, Rachel Howard, Journee Varner. Juniors–Abby Leskovansky. Sophomores–Eleanor Faulds, Arionna Houser. Freshmen–Paige Frailey.
Strengths: “I feel that our students will push themselves to be the absolute best runners that they can be with training guidance. Even in the short time that we have had together in our first season, I have seen all my runners rise to new successes and personal bests. In addition, the students have been very encouraging to one another, and have even been meeting up on non-practice days to run together. Our team already feels like a family, which makes it even more unique. I enjoy the environment and energy that is brought to the table when we meet for practice. All of these strengths allow the athletes to feel included and to continue to strive to do their best.”
Concerns: “In our first season, my concern is inexperience, as this is a new sport for all involved.”
Overall outlook: “I feel very positive about the new program at Moshannon Valley. This is the first year for Moshannon Valley to have a cross country team. We have a brand new course that has been wonderfully mapped out. The course cuts into the woods and onto a neighboring farm. It circles around the school property and showcases the beauty of our area.”
Assistant coach: Mike Simone
Northern Bedford
Coach: Wayne Sherlock, third season
Career record: 0-13
Last year’s record: 0-9
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Seniors–Denae Hershberger. Juniors–Courtney Morris.
Newcomers: Freshmen–Hailey Bollman, Emilee Sherlock, Harley Socie.
Strengths: “The girls are hard-working, goal-oriented and very coachable. This is a very enjoyable group to coach.”
Concerns: “Numbers and inexperience overall.”
Overall outlook: “To keep everyone healthy to compete in meets as a team. If we keep everyone healthy, our goal is to have a winning record in the ICC. Hopefully, Denae remains healthy and returns to states this year and some of our other runners also qualify for the state meet.”
Assistant coaches: None
Penn Cambria
Coach: Todd Niebauer, 13th season
Last year’s record: 3-7
Conference: Laurel Highlands
Returning starters: Juniors–Collette Costlow, Sydney Dignan.
Newcomers: Seniors–Alyssa Crynock. Juniors–Micah Smith. Sophomores–Tara Crynock. Freshmen–Sage Dignan, Kasey Farabaugh, Jaedyn Latta.
Strengths: “We have some great girls who are working hard, and who are very easy to coach.”
Concerns: “Lack of experience, and numbers. We need to stay healthy.”
Overall outlook: “We look to improve every week.”
Assistant coaches: Lois Smith, Kristen Talko
Philipsburg-Osceola
Coach: Jason McKenzie, fourth season
Career record: 16-19
Last year’s record: 9-5, 3-3 in ML
Conference: Mountain League
Returning starters: Seniors–Samantha Bainey, Megan Kosut, Hannah Wildman, Brittne Williams. Juniors–Katie Trentham, Natalie Shaw. Sophomores–Audrey Smith, Kylie Timko.
Other returnees: Seniors–Rachel Burger, Alysa Butterworth, Roselyn Weaver. Sophomores–Cassie Butterworth.
Newcomers: Freshmen–Manna Potter, Madelinn Howell.
Strengths: “Our biggest strengths for both the boys and girls teams are our senior classes. Many of these athletes have been running in track or cross country since their 7th grade year. They know what it takes to be successful in this sport, and they are willing to put in the necessary work. Our seniors have also done a great job in welcoming any new kids into the fold and bringing the team together.”
Concerns: “Our schedule is once again going to be a tough one. All the schools in the Mountain League field quality teams, so every meet is going to be competitive. Our non-league meets should also prove to be challenging, but we look forward to having such a competitive and challenging schedule.”
Overall outlook: “My main goal for this season is that these kids enjoy themselves at practice and at their meets. If we can create a passion for running in these athletes, I will consider it a successful season, regardless of the wins and losses.”
Assistant coaches: Renee Lanager, Andy Rea, Patrick Holoviak
Portage
Coach: Lance Hudak, fifth season
Conference: WestPAC
Returning starters: Sophomores–Julia Papcun, Lauren Shaffer.
Newcomers: Freshmen–Sydney Castel, Madelyn Hudak, Lexi Slanoc.
Strengths: “The runners have great attitudes, and they’re hard-working and coachable.”
Concerns: “Injuries and inexperience. With only five girls out for the varsity team, we cannot afford any injuries in order to score as a team for the first time. Our returnees have a few years under their belts. However, two of our three newcomers will be running the 500 meter distance for the first time.”
Overall outlook: “As a team, competing for dual meet wins will be difficult, but we plan on surprising some opponents along the way. Lauren Shaffer returns for 2019 as the number one-ranked Class 1A girls runner in Pennsylvania after her silver-medal performance last fall. She has worked extremely hard over the offseason to put herself in position to win district and state championships. We expect all five of our girls to improve throughout the season, and to be running their best times when the district meet arrives.”
Assistant coaches: Amy Burkett, Bob Newlin
Tyrone
Coach: Tammy Wills, 19th season
Conference: Mountain League
Returning starters: Juniors–Laura Kohler, Paige Webster. Sophomores–Marissa Lewis, Ella Pearson, Stephanie Ramsey.
Newcomers: Freshmen–Beth Pearson.
Strengths: “We have five strong and experienced returning runners this season.”
Concerns: “Low numbers.”
Overall outlook: “Although our numbers of runners isn’t high, we have a great group of girls, and the talent is definitely there. I think this will make for an exciting season for us.”
Assistant coaches: Randy Wilson. Sara Cox, Zach Lonsinger
Williamsburg
Coach: April Wheland, first season
League: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Juniors–Kelsie Butler, Maddie Mikesic, Aliyah Ross.
Newcomers: Sophomores–Shelby Aurandt.
Strengths: “Overall positive attitudes, high academics, and willingness to put in the time to achieve personal goals.”
Overall outlook: “Looking forward to seeing my returning ladies improve upon last year’s times and watching my new runner take on her first cross country season.”
Team goals: “To apply what they have worked on over the summer and during practice to take on any course they encounter this season.”
Assistant coaches: Volunteers Lizzy Isenberg, Loc O