Opportunities for new all-stars this season
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From Mirror reports
The Hollidaysburg boys will attempt to defend the District 6 Class 3A soccer championship a year after going through the regular season and district playoffs unbeaten, but will have to do so without graduated prolific goal scorer Braden Callahan.
The only two returning Mirror first-team all stars will be Altoona's Kade Black and Northern Bedford's Collin Yeatts.
The following is a capsulized look at teams from the Mirror's coverage area.
Altoona
Coach: Dave McCarter, seventh year
Career record: 71-32-4
League: Independent
Last year's record: 8-10-0
Returning starters: Seniors -- Kade Black, midfielder; Elijah McCune, defender. Junior -- Alex Lieb, defender. Sophomore -- Justin Bossler, forward.
Other returning players: Senior -- Chris Bartley, defender. Juniors -- Connor Adams, forward; Josh Adams, midfielder; Mohammed Ahmed, defender; Yousif Ahmed, midfielder; Deniz Albayrakdileo, midfielder; Roman Dunio, midfielder; Dan Kelly, defender; Ian Long, midfielder; Mycah Long, defender; Brady Sassano, midfielder. Sophomores -- Mazin Ahmed, midfielder; Colton Chathams, defender; Matt Harkins, midfielder; Brian Knott, midfielder; Luke Mitchell, goalkeeper; Troy Peterman, midfielder; Kallen Plunket, midfielder; Derek Reed, midfielder; Spencer Spallone, midfielder.
Newcomers: Juniors -- Cohen Crawford; Roman Eilenberger, goalkeeper. Sophomore -- Jude Plutko, midfielder. Freshmen -- Jace Black, midfielder; Braxton Eckenrode, midfielder; Collin Etters, defender, Zach McGary, defender.
Strengths: "We have a lot of energy and drive. The soccer IQ is solid and this group loves the game and being on the field."
Concerns: "A lot of players have new roles and positions. I am confident they will grow into those responsibilities."
Overall outlook: "We are young but talented. These players know the game and will battle for a full 80 minutes."
Assistant coaches: Danny Cowan, Travis Young
Bishop Carroll
Coach: Chad Ryan, first year
Career record: 0-0
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Last year's record: 2-11, 2-10 in LHAC
Returning starters: Seniors -- Thomas Bernard, Jude Koehle, Naveen Sirsikar, Daniel Yunetz, Thomas Urbain. Juniors -- Matt Adams, Daniel Farabaugh. Sophomore -- Will Tremmel, Zachary Novak.
Other returning players: Seniors -- Alex Tebbs, Carson Boyle. Juniors -- Brode Ryan, Seth Cunningham, Mitch Dumm. Sophomores -- Jude Hudkins, Kevin Lynch.
Newcomers: Seniors -- Devan Wasser, Pablo Fernandaz. Sophomore -- Thales Varicoda. Freshmen -- Angus Ryan, Sam Tremel, Eli Cunningham, Camden Galiote, Ken Kirsch, Marcus Anderson, Nick Oravec.
Strengths: "I like that our team has great senior leadership that can bring this team together. This team has a lot of young men that have the drive to push themselves to be better for the team. This team has a lot of young men that that have the drive to push themselves to be better for the team, this is the team's biggest strength and what makes this team special."
Concerns: "I hate to call it a concern, but our defense is inexperienced. They have already started to overcome their inexperience through hard offseason work and becoming students of the game."
Overall outlook: "We have a positive outlook on the season. We have grown over the past year and feel better equipped to handle the challenges that we will face."
Assistant coach: Jessie Anderson
Junior high coach: Austin Wagner
Bishop Guilfoyle
Coach: Nathan Pownall, fifth year
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors -- Alex Pownall, midfield; Bradley Haun, defense; Max Kirkpatrick, forward; David Kim, defense. Junior -- Nathan Sutton, forward; Steven Chau, midfield. Sophomore -- Leo Dangler, forward.
Newcomers: Freshmen -- Jack Compton, defense; Evan Burke, keeper; Lincoln Dom, midfield; Aiden Schurr, defense; Jacob Sutton, defense; Adam Youssef, midfield.
Strengths: "Defense seems to have good speed at the middle. Offense has experience with two players who have played every game over the last three years."
Concerns: "We have always struggled with depth on the bench. This year is no exception. Though, we have a few more players than we have had other years."
Overall outlook: "This year I believe we will be competitive in more games and possibly win more than we have in the past. The program is growing and developing. We have a lot of freshmen and eighth graders who are looking to join next year. I'm looking forward to seeing the program grow."
Blair County Christian
Coach: Chaz Dull, first year
Career record: 0-0-0
League: Allegheny Christian Athletic Association Western Division
Last year's record: 16-2-0
Returning starters: Juniors -- Caedmon Dull, midfielder/defender; Harrison Hollis, defender. Sophomores -- Aidan Dull, goalkeeper; Seth Nicodemus, midfielder/defender.
Other returning players: Junior -- Micaiah Marucci, defender; Junior -- Dalton Snyder, midfielder/defender. Eighth graders -- Ian Grissinger, midfielder/forward; Caleb Hileman, midfielder.
Newcomers: Seniors -- Mason Andre, forward; Tim Claar, midfielder/forward; Jared Nicodemus, midfielder. Eighth grade -- Jonathan Marucci, midfielder. Seventh graders -- Silas Marucci, midfielder/defender; Elijah Paul, forward/midfielder.
Strengths: "Team unity will be one of our strengths as we take the field and focus on working together. We have a decent nucleus of players that should make us competitive in the Western Division of the ACAA."
Concerns: "We lost a lot of players from last year's team, so many of our guys will be getting their first opportunity to step up in game situations."
Overall outlook: "The first thing will be playing for God's glory and showing who He is as we play. We hope to see growth in players both spiritually and physically as we face the ups and downs of the season."
Assistant coaches: Andrew Fries, Ben Hartman
Cambria Heights
Coach: Adam Strasser, seventh year
Career record: 60-43-6
League: Heritage Conference
Last year's record: 6-8-4
Returning starters: Seniors -- Dravin Beatty, defender; Dylan Fyock, midfielder; Ethan King, defender; Darian Miller, midfielder; Caleb Patterson, midfielder; Colin Sherry, midfielder/defender; Cole Weiland, defender. Junior -- Chase Rogal, stopper. Sophomore -- Mason Eckenrode, midfielder.
Other returning players: Seniors -- Nate Farabaugh, defender/midfielder; Austin Malenich, midfielder; Zach Mislevy, defender. Juniors -- Aiden Bailey, midfielder/defender; Reese Garrison, midfielder/forward. Sophomores -- Cam Abrams, forward/midfielder; Landen Baker, midfielder/defender; Nathan Fyock, midfielder/goalkeeper; Ethan Kline, midfielder/forward; Mark Stevens, defender.
Newcomers: Sophomore -- Josiah Hockenberry, defender. Freshmen -- Ethan Douthitt, defender; Ryan Galinis, defender; Ethan Gilbey, midfielder/defender; Evan Larkin, forward/midfielder; Wyatt Mazenko, forward/midfielder; Conner Oshall, defender; Stevie Stevens, forward/midfielder; Kyle Watson, midfielder.
Strengths: "We bring back nine starters from last season and six lettermen from last season's playoff team."
Concerns: "We will have an inexperienced varsity goalie after losing starting keeper, Jake Gallaher, from last season."
Overall outlook: "The 2022 Cambria Heights soccer team will be my seventh team as a head coach. We bring back a lot of talent from last season's playoff team. We look to get better every day and compete against all the talented teams on our tough schedule."
Assistant coaches: Matt Milanesi, Bob Diamond, Mike Strasser.
Central
Coach: Brian Campbell, second year as boys coach, 10th year overall
Career record: 96-66-7
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Last year's record: 6-10-1
Returning starters: Seniors -- Noah Reed, defender; Ben Theys, forward. Juniors -- Ben Brumbaugh, goalkeeper; Avery Campbell, midfielder; Lane Kephart, forward.
Other returning players: Seniors -- Christian Cherry, defender/goalkeeper; Landon Snider, midfielder. Juniors -- Brandon Defibaugh, defender; Bennett Kensinger, midfielder; Caleb Peck, defender; Harrison Ritchey, midfielder.
Newcomers: Sophomores -- Ian Aungst, midfielder; Connor Biddle, defender/goalkeeper; Noah Davis, midfielder; Logan Hummel, midfielder. Freshmen -- Joey Bridenbaugh, defender; Tanner Daughtery, defender; Alexander Eicher, forward; Korbyn Horon, defender; Christian Hueston, midfielder; Hunter Keith, defender.
Strengths: "We have a great group of boys with quality soccer experience either at the varsity level or club level. They have a desire to succeed and will give everything they have to achieve their goals."
Concerns: "Staying healthy and injury free. I hope we can get the underclassmen up to speed and everyone on the same page in time for the season to start."
Overall outlook: "I feel we have a good mix of players at every level that should push each other to succeed and be competitive in every game."
Assistant coach: Travis Eicher
Junior high coaches: Shawn Kensinger, Alec Madden
Central Cambria
Coach: Jason Zaffuto, sixth year
Career record: 50-37-3
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Last year's record: 12-7
Returning starters: Seniors -- Hunter McMullen, defense; Ojha Ojha, midfield; Cody Roberts, midfield; Jonathon Wess, forward. Juniors -- Carter heeney, defense; Aiden Illig, wing/midfield; Jack Muldoon, wing/midfield.
Other returning players: Seniors -- Shay Adams, middle/forward; Brody Geis, defense; Aaron Lasinsky, wing/middle; Cody Novitski, defense/middle; Wyatt Link, keeper. Juniors -- Matt Kirsch, wing/middle; Jack Trostle, middle; Christian Vasil, defense. Sophomores -- Tanner Archangelo, middle/wing; Tanner Brannif, middle/wing; Tyler Burbaker, defense/wing; Landon Cuppett, defense/keeper; Everett Devlin, middle; Aiden Evans, defense; Jackson McElhinney, defense/keeper; Jarrett Werner, defense/middle.
Newcomers: Freshmen -- Shane Calpin, middle; Wyatt Hunt, defense/middle; Braden Swope, defense/middle; Liam O'Brien, defense.
Strengths: "This is one of the most talented offensive units we've had."
Concerns: "We are rebuilding most of our defense, so we will need some new guys to step up."
Overall outlook: "This team should do well under excellent senior leadership. A lot of our guys are multi-sport athletes, a few of them hold various Central Cambria records. They know how to work hard and they know how to set a goal and achieve it."
Assistant coach: Bryce Croyle
Chestnut Ridge
Coach: Nate Ritchey, second year
Career record: 8-9-0
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Last year's record: 8-9-0
Returning starters: Seniors -- Collin Osman, defender/midfielder; Ben Whisker, midfielder/goalkeeper. Juniors -- Cameron Claycomb, midfielder; Levi Mock, defender; Levi Moyer, defender/midfielder/goalkeeper; Preston Pittman, forward; Elias Ritchey, midfielder/forward/defender. Sophomore -- Connor Bence, defender.
Other returning players: Junior -- Nicholas Rizzo, forward. Sophomores -- Triston Boyce, defender; Bronson Buchanan, forward/goalkeeper; Thomas Kostenbauder, midfielder/forward; Zander Faupel, forward/goalkeeper.
Newcomers: Senior -- Brent Holderbaum, forward/midfielder. Freshmen -- Nathan Allison, defender; Parker Ebersole, defender; Brayden Haney, midfielder/defender; Levi Kennedy, forward/midfielder; Grady McDonald, forward/midfielder.
Strengths: "We do have eight starters returning -- seven able to play as one is out for the year after having offseason surgery. So, those seven played a lot of minutes last year which should serve us well this season."
Concerns: "While we have a good group of starters returning, the holes left behind by the three seniors that graduated and the player out for the year, are big holes to fill. How quickly the four new starters and everyone else adjusts to either increased minutes from a year ago or to the varsity level as a whole will go a long way to determining how this season unfolds."
Overall outlook: "First, and foremost, we want to honor God in all we do -- on and off the pitch. Our theme for this year is Colossians 3:17 which states, 'And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him'. We want to give 100% in everything we do and continue to improve every day. Our returning starters have been doing a good job of bringing the other returnees and newcomers along."
Assistant coaches: Greg Gibbner, Dylan Gibbner, Rick McDonald, Dave Van Meter
Junior high coaches: Jeff Muir, Vicki Corle
Great Commission
Coach: Scott Hildebrand, 24th year
Career record: 199-125-10
League: Allegheny Christian Athletic Association Western Division
Last year's record: 4-5-4
Returning starters: Seniors -- Sam Higgins, goalkeeper/forward; Isaac Moore, forward. Juniors -- Liam Gibbons, defender; Hunter Hatch, midfielder. Sophomores -- Landyn Summers, midfielder; Jakson Moore, defender; Elijah Michael, midfielder/forward. Freshman -- Alex Guise, midfielder/goalkeeper.
Other returning players: Freshmen -- Peyton Hicks, forward; Daniel Kurty, defender. Eighth graders -- Andrew Haire, forward; Wesley Hicks, forward; Aaron Kurty, forward; Grant Michael, midfielder/defender.
Newcomers: Juniors -- Luke Fleck, midfielder/forward; Daniel Replogle, defender. Eighth grader -- Van Nachtman, midfielder/forward. Seventh grader -- Zachariah Best, forward.
Strengths: "I expect to have a strong defense this year Also, team speed is pretty impressive."
Concerns: "I hope to improve in depth scoring."
Overall outlook: "We expect to be competitive in the ACAA Western division."
Assistant coach: Joshua Long
Hollidaysburg
Coach: Craig Shale, 18th year
Career record: 240-106-8
League: Mountain League
Last year's record: 20-1-0
Returning starters: Seniors -- Eric Arbogast, forward; Nate Crum, midfielder; Spencer DelGiudice, defender; Derek Desort, midfielder; Haddy Obeid, midfielder; Jadd Younes, midfielder. Junior -- Owen Bender, defender.
Other returning players: Juniors -- Ben Johnson, defender; Caleb Tryninewski, midfielder. Sophomore -- Micah Helsel, defender.
Newcomers: Seniors -- Colin Agnew, defender; Nate Barton, forward; Jack Naugle, defender. Juniors -- Drew Banks, goalkeeper; Travis Weyandt, midfielder; Derek Wright, goalkeeper. Freshman -- Luca Waibel, midfielder.
Strengths: "Good returning core of players that have plenty of experience."
Concerns: "How to replace the 90-plus goals that we lost through graduation. Lack of depth so can't afford injuries."
Overall outlook: "We have an experienced team that is looking to repeat as Mountain League champions and District 6 champs. We'd liked to win that elusive first round game of states."
Assistant coach: Don Tantius
Northern Bedford
Coach: Marcus Yeatts, 23rd year
League: Inter-County Conference
Last year's record: 15-3-0
Returning starters: Seniors -- Drew Childers, defender; Evan Coffey, striker; Dominic Francis, defender; Collin Yeatts, midfielder. Junior -- Noah Kochara, defender.
Other returning players: Seniors -- Cody Miller, midfielder; Jacob Sensenig, goalkeeper. Juniors -- Chase Imes, defender; Zach Lawton, defender; Paedon Logue, midfielder/goalkeeper; Aiden Wadel, midfielder. Sophomores -- Alex Kochara, midfielder; Logan Dilling, defender.
Newcomers: Freshmen -- Nate Eckenroad, goalkeeper; Max Gochnour, defender; D'Angelo Wojcik, striker.
Strengths: "We have some very good players with a lot of experience at the varsity level. Collin Yeatts and Evan Coffey have been playing up front together for the past three years and work well together. Drew Childers, Dom Francis and Noah Kochara have experience together on defense. Jake Sensenig and Cody Miller basically played starters minutes a year ago off the bench."
Concerns: "Developing depth and replacing key players. We lost a great senior class and a couple key underclassmen from last year. We need some players to step up and give us quality minutes."
Overall outlook: "We expect to compete for the ICC and district championship again this year. We fell just short of each last season."
Assistant coaches: Jonas Bequeath, Damian Corle, Kevin Lawton
Penn Cambria
Coach: Nick Wanyo, fifth year
Career record: 34-22-0
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Last year's record: 10-8-0
Returning starters: Seniors -- Vincent Gongloff, midfielder; Nick Sposato, defender; Austin Wheeler, defender. Juniors -- Andrew Dillon, midfielder/forward; Sean Tomlinson, midfielder. Sophomores -- Conlan Ball, midfielder; Kyle Conrad, midfielder; Luke Noel, midfielder; Jake Zunich, forward.
Other returning players: Seniors -- Nick Clark, forward; Sam Podrasky, defender. Junior -- Joey Hite, defender. Sophomore -- Zach Farabaugh, midfielder.
Newcomers: Junior -- Gabe Irving, forward. Freshmen -- Levi Baker, midfielder; Seth Conrad, defender; Kurtis Eger, forward; Cody Farabaugh, forward; Ryan Giraud, midfielder; Nick Marshall, midfielder/defender; Jackson Rice, defender.
Strengths: "I think we have a very strong team mentality. Before, we had some talented individuals but struggled working together as a team. This year, all the players get along and really enjoy playing with each other. The chemistry of our team will help us find success on the field."
Concerns: "We are going to have a good starting 11, but we are going to need players coming off the bench that can change the game. We are still fairly young with seven incoming freshmen, so we will see if they can step up and make an impact early."
Overall outlook: "I think we can do well this year. We have players that are ready to step up and lead this team. The players want to get better every time they step on the field and are very coachable. I am hoping we can stay healthy and contend for a district title."
Assistant coaches: Justin Magnotti, Luke Rosemas
Tyrone
Coach: Alex Bartlett, fourth year
Career record: 14-40-1
League: Mountain League
Last year's record: 0-17-0
Returning starters: Seniors -- Kevin Carper, defender; Brayden Daniels, defender; Eric Sims, goalkeeper. Juniors -- Connor Bardell, forward; Connor Bennett, defender; Elijah Knarr, midfielder; Noah Newlin, midfielder; Rocky Romani, midfielder. Sophomores -- Jake Baker, forward; Landon Berry, forward; Evan Chichester, defender/forward; Nate Ellenberger, defender.
Other returning players: Senior -- Michael Labella, defender.
Newcomers: Seniors -- Brandon Buss, defender; William Grot, defender. Freshmen -- Ethan D'Onofrio, forward; Aiden Lewis, defender; Rowan Moore, midfielder; Devon Nardelli, goalkeeper.
Strengths: "Team chemistry, culture and experience."
Concerns: "Consistency."
Overall outlook: "We are a completely different team from last year. We have young, but experienced players that have tackled adversity before. We are on track for a very successful season."
Assistant coaches: Kyle Barlett, John Statham