George, Wilson, Kuntz return to lead Red Devils
Trending
From Mirror reports
The Central Cambria High School boys cross country team earned great success in 2022, winning the District 6 and PIAA Class 1A championships.
Gone are several key competitors from that team, but the new standard set should help propel the Red Devils to another solid season.
Senior Evan George will lead the way for Central Cambria, along with fellow returning Mirror first-team all-stars in Jake Wilson and Dom Kuntz.
Joining Central Cambria in the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference this year for the first time will be three area squads -- Hollidaysburg, Tyrone and Bellwood-Antis.
Of those three, Hollidaysburg figures to give Central Cambria some competition with 18 runners returning from last year, along with 10 newcomers.
Altoona doesn't compete in a conference but is expecting to build on last year's success after losing no seniors and welcoming back six starters, including Mirror first-team all-stars Andrew Quinn and Camdyn Woomer.
The following is a closer look at the area teams:
Altoona
Coach: Jim D'Angelo, third year
Career record: 11-1
Last year's record: 6-1
Conference: Independent
Returning starters: Seniors--Chris Fox, Ryen Webster. Juniors--Eli Ebersole, Andrew Quinn, Camdyn Woomer. Sophomore--Kody Webster
Other returnees: Juniors--Brandon Lytle, Enoch VanEgdom. Sophomores--Elijah Lucio, Dean Sunderland
Newcomers: Freshmen--Konner Broadrick, T.J. Dunkle, Xander Frederick, James Hord, Seth Lieb, Julian Trimmer, Chase VanEgdom, Nathaniel Wolfe, Xzander Woomer
Strengths: "The strength of our team will be the number of runners with varsity experience. We did not graduate any seniors last year, so the majority of our varsity squad has ample experience in big races. That experience will go a long way in helping accomplish both our individual and team goals."
Concerns: "Just like any coach of any sport, you want your athletes to stay healthy. We got hit with a bit of an injury big toward the tail end of last season. We have set lofty goals for ourselves, and I would hope thay can see it all the way through."
Overall outlook: "With a solid core of runners returning this season, and a batch of youngsters waiting in the wings but pushing the veterans every step of the way, this group has the potential to be very special."
Assistant coaches: Jason McKenzie, Lee Baranik, Travis Etters, Tood Runk
Bellwood-Antis
Coach: Connor Hunter, second year
Career record: 14-10
Last year's record: 14-10
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Senior--Corrigan Shanafelt. Sophomore--Martin Fatzinger
Other returnees: Seniors--Seth Hollen, Gabriel Thompson; Sophomores--Cameron Gallagher, Collin Matthews
Newcomers: Junior--Jacob Caracciolo. Sophomore--Logan Rodland. Freshmen--Elijah Grove, Domanick Halerz, Mason Nagle, Colin Neary, Keagan Shanafelt, Hunter Shura
Strengths: "We have a lot of new talent that we can develop, great team camaraderie and very knowledgeable assistant coaches that can give them the attention that they need."
Concerns: "We lost the majority of our varsity runners, so we're hoping our new athletes can fill the gaps that were left."
Overall outlook: "The future looks very bright for our team. Although we've lost some great runners, we've gained newcomers wtih great potential. We're entering our new conference with hopeful optimism. With a team that's this kind and fun to coach, it's a win no matter what."
Assistant coaches: Jennifer Soisson, Rhonda Mills, Naomi Pennington, Patrick Sachse, Julia Roseborough
Cambria Heights
Coach: John Kuskoski, 31st year
Career record: 180-232
Last year's record: 7-4
Conference: Heritage
Returning starters: Seniors--Dan Hock, Mitch Elias. Sophomores--Matt Senko, Kyle Watson
Newcomers: Junior--Eli Hoover. Sophomore--Kasin Shaffer. Freshmen--Carl Finet, Cameron Noel, Max Wendekier, Levi Kline
Strengths: "We have a decent nucleus of vets to lead us through a rebuild year. There's a 'hunger to run' in the new guys."
Concerns: "First, they need to realize how good their team could be and then make an 'all in' commitment to be that team."
Overall outlook: "This team should be respectable in their conference and in District 6. It's pretty much the Forrest Gump's box of chocolates."
Assistant coaches: Art "Buzz" Deckard, Dana Bender, Tammy Nagel
Central
Coaches: Lacey Ceshini and Joe Bilka
Last year's record: 10-8
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Ian Crilly, Ethan Olivieri. Juniors--Camden Custer, Jonah Strayer. Sophomore--Braden Allison
Newcomers: Reese Miller
Overall outlook: "The strengths of the season are five returning letterwinners, hard-working athletes and a junior high team building on the success of the team."
Central Cambria
Coach: Randy Wilson, 24th year
Career record: 238-24
Last year's record: 13-0 LHAC, District 6 Class 1A and PIAA Class 1A champions
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Evan George, Ian Ray. Juniors--Isaac Bradley, Henry Bradley, Dom Kuntz, Jake Wilson
Newcomers: Sophomores--Ethan Haycisak, Roy Lian. Freshmen--Max Bradley, Max Cafazza, Ben Garrity, Derek McConnell, Jayden Ritchey, Braden Thomas, Philip Ulmer, Will Yokitis
Strengths: "Leadership. This group of men have been running together for a few years and have had an extreme great summer of training. They are looking to continue the tradition of success that those before them have created.
Concerns: "Overcoming graduation of multiple state medal winners from the class of 2023."
Overall outlook: "We are hoping that through strong pack running, we can compete for a LHAC title, as well as a District 6 Class 1A title and compete once again at the state championships."
Assistant coaches: Bryce Descavish, Tim Miller
Hollidaysburg
Coach: Travis Singer, 10th year
Career record: 40-41
Last year's record: 6-2
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Maxwell Baronner, Vincent Pollock, Dominick Watt, Carl Statler, Dylan Deur. Juniors--Yvan Chen, Sebastian Diaz, Abe Manfred, Logan Krupka, Carson Krupka, Isaac Pramuk, Andrew Shanafelt, Alex Servello, Joel Stock. Sophomores--Gordon Batchelder, Evan Daum, Joseph McNicholas, Isaac Watt
Newcomers: Senior--Elijah Ransom. Juniors--Caleb Engle, Liam Everett, Elliot Farabaugh, Jack Peterson. Sophomore--Raymond McCready. Freshmen--Brayden Andros, Landon Krupka, Reuben Manfred, Charles Pollock
Strengths: "Every runner from last year's varsity squad at districts returns this fall. That varsity experience helped these athletes to mature quicker than past teams have needed.''
Concerns: "We have a number of runners that could possibly be our No. 1 finisher. All are quality runners, but we're looking to see them assert themselves as the race day leader and develop the confidence to do so consistently.''
Overall outlook: "It's a large group with a positive attitude, and that should lead to success. We competed well in the Mountain League over the past two seasons, and we look forward to an expanded challenge in the Laurel Highlands Conference.''
Assistant coaches: Cassie Kachur, Matt Manfred, Emily Rouzer, Nicole Stouffer
Juniata Valley
Coach: Dolores Gahagan, 39th year
Last year's record: 0-10
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Freshman--Gavin Allison
Newcomers: Sophomores--Peyton Houck, Caden Walters
Strengths: "We only have three varsity boys, but they are working very hard. Gavin has been a junior high runner in the past and has some racing experience. Peyton is new to cross country but already looks strong and is excited to race."
Concerns: "We don't have huge numbers, so depth is definitely an issue. We will work hard to keep all of our runners healthy throughout the season."
Overall outlook: "We are excited to work with such an enthusiastic and positive group of kids. We hope to remain competitive within our league. Our goal is to keep everyone healthy, improve fitness and strength over the course of the season and hopefully have everyone running their best during the championship portion of the season.
Assistant coaches: Krista McCrum, Ruthie Hess, Felicia Abrashoff
Northern Bedford
Coach: Whitley Mellot, fourth year
Returning starters: Junior--Dhylan Miller
Newcomers: Senior--Chase Imes. Sophomore--Nate Eckenroad. Freshmen--Weston Hart, Callie Miller
Strengths: "We have two seasoned (boys and girls) runners who have been through many courses over the years and are great leaders to help with all of the newcomers that are joining the team."
Concerns: "We are a very young team and have many newcomers, but the newcomers are very ambitious to learn and are willing to work hard."
Overall outlook: "We have a young and determined team that can do well with experience and mileage."
Penn Cambria
Coach: Kristin Talko, second year
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Joshua Stolarski, Sammy Wirfel. Juniors--Anthony Smithmyer, Austin Gray. Sophomore--Ryan Giraud
Newcomers: Sophomores--Andrew Hotzworth, Joe Hanlon. Freshman--Ethan Menton
Strengths: "We have some runners who have been with us that will provide leadership."
Concerns: "Our numbers and depth."
Overall outlook: "We are anticipating a very competitive season."
Assistant coaches: Todd Niebauer, Lois Smith
Portage
Coach: Bob Newlin, second year
Career record: 5-8
Last year's record: 5-8
Conference: Heritage
Returning starters: Senior--Gabe Corte. Sophomores--Logan Gentile, Xavier Meyers, Ayden Westover
Newcomers: Freshmen--Simon Girard, D'mitrius Krumenacher, Layden Porter, Nolan Westover
Strengths: "A group, led by senior Gabe Corte, who is determined to go to Hershey this year, have worked hard all summer on their conditioning. We are looking to build upon their individual success from last year and continue to improve each week."
Concerns: "With only one senior, we are a young team that needs to continue to grow while staying injury-free. The younger kids will need to learn their pacing quick and gel as a team."
Overall outlook: "These athletes are determined to continue to improve and lower their times from last year. They have put in the work over the summer -- we just need to keep the motivation high and continue to grow as a team."
Assistant coaches: Amy Burkett, Lance Hudak (volunteer)
Tyrone
Coach: Tammy Wills, 23rd year
Last year's record: 5-3
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Senior--Sam McCloskey. Junior--Aiden Detwiler. Sophomores--Caleb Miller, Alex Brumbaugh, Thomas Sutt
Newcomers: Sophomore--Nathan Erickson. Freshmen--Adam Detwiler, Eric Goodman
Strengths: "Solid group of talented returning runners, and the new runners are showing great potential.''
Concerns: "Numbers.''
Overall outlook: "Looking forward to what I think will be a successful season.''
Assistant coach: Randy Wilson
Williamsburg
Coach: April Wheland, fourth year
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Senior--Jeremiah Ross. Junior--Ethan O. Sophomores--Dayne Mock, Ryland Corl
Strengths: "Positive attitudes and impressive sportsmanship."
Concerns: "Our small size is always a concern, but our junior high program has been growing and we look forward to higher numbers in the next year or two."
Overall outlook: "Coach O and I are looking forward to watching our runners continue to grow in the sport and for some to run their final season. We have a great appreciation for the respect and sportsmanship we have in this year's group of runners."
Assistant coach: Loc O