Mirror file photo Luca Waibel returns for District 6 3A champ Hollidaysburg.

By Nate Ritchey

nritchey@altoonamirror.com

The Altoona Mirror core coverage area will have plenty of room for newcomers to the Mirror’s all-star teams as only 14 of the 35 players selected last season are back for the new campaign.

Penn Cambria and Hollidaysburg are the defending District 6 champions in their respective classifications, but the difference in returning starters is where the similarities end.

Last season, the Panthers were the fourth seed in Class 2A as they won a home playoff match, then upset top seed Penns Valley in the semifinals before knocking off second-seeded Philipsburg-Osceola in double overtime in the title game.

PC returns nine starters, including a first team all-star in junior Nick Marshall and a second-teamer in senior Duncan Gongloff.

On the other hand, the Golden Tigers must replace six starters from their Class 3A title team.

However, Hollidaysburg does welcome back two first-team selections in senior Micah Helsel and junior Luca Waibel.

All told, seven of the 13 first-team members are back as the Altoona trio of seniors Justin Bossler and Luke Mitchell, and sophomore Ian Lieb as well as Cambria Heights’ senior Cam Abrams return in addition to Marshall, Helsel and Waibel.

Only three of the 12 second-team picks are still in the mix in Gongloff, Altoona junior Jace Black and Central Cambria sophomore Jonathan Rivera.

The following is a capsule look at the boys soccer teams in the Mirror’s core coverage area:

Altoona

Coach: Dave McCarter, ninth year

Career record: 96-42-3

Last year’s record: 13-5-0

Conference: Independent

Returning starters: Seniors–Mazin Ahmed, mid; Justin Bossler, mid; Luke Mitchell, GK; Troy Peterman, F. Juniors–Jace Black, mid; Collin Etters, D/mid. Sophomore–Ian Lieb, GK.

Other returners: Seniors–Colton Chathams, D; Matt Harkins, mid; Brian Knott, mid; Zach McGary, D; Jude Plutko, mid; Spencer Spallone, D. Sophomores–Aaden Aveni, D; Braxton Eckenrode, mid; Bilal Eltayeb, mid; Yousif Idriss, D; Matt Iuzzolino, mid; Bradley Musselman, F; Cayden Shaw, D.

Newcomers: Juniors–Mohammed Adam, mid; Guillermo Pezzi, mid. Sophomore–Nathaniel Wolfe, F. Freshmen–Jackson Beckwith, mid; Carson Crawford, F; Elijah Gibson, mid; Diego Gil, D; Alexander Hainsey, F; Jack Hoyne, mid; Ryder Krause, GK; Jonah McClellan, mid.

Strengths: “We have seven returning starters, which is a luxury when filling gaps left from graduation. This group has the possession mindset, speed and high soccer IQ.”

Concerns: “Shifting new players into varsity roles is always a transitional process, but we are confident players are ready to step up.”

Overall outlook: “Anticipation is high to get the season started with this team. We have a fit, focused and driven squad that is a lot of fun to coach.”

Assistant coaches: Andy Aveni, Chris Bartley, Danny Cowan, Travis Young

Bishop Carroll-McCort

Coach: Chad Ryan, third year

Career record: 14-22-0

Last year’s record: 6-12-0

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Dan Farabaugh, D; Jude Hudkins, D/mid; Zach Novak, mid/D; Will Tremel, F/mid. Juniors–Eli Cunningham, F; Camden Galiote, D; Drew Lucko, F; Nick Oravec, F; Angus Ryan, GK.

Other returners: Juniors–Ben Krisch, F; Liam Shawley, mid. Sophomores–Landon Duman, mid; Keller Farabaugh, F; Andrew Ostinowsky, D; Elijah Sossong, D.

Newcomers: Sophomore–Dane Krauss, D. Freshmen–Winston Campbell-Hall, D; Jude Krauss, D.

Strengths: “We have a lot of returning starters from last year. The game experience this group has will be indispensable throughout the season.”

Concerns: “We have a shorter bench than we have had the past couple of seasons, which makes it harder on the team as a whole. Also, LHAC is a very tough conference with a lot of tough teams to compete with.”

Overall outlook: “It’s going to be a hard season, but we have a positive outlook to make playoffs and hopefully earn a chance to walk away with the District 6 Class 1A trophy.”

Assistant coaches: Jude Keohle, Naveen Sirsikar

Junior high coaches: Amy Delauter, Lauren Long, Brian Miller

Bishop Guilfoyle

Coach: Colin Dangler, second year

Career record: 2-13-1

Last year’s record: 2-13-1

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Senior–Leo Dangler, F/mid. Juniors–Evan Burke, GK; Jack Compton, DB; Lincoln Dom, F/mid/GK; Aiden Schurr, mid; Jacob Sutton, D. Sophomores–Braydon Andros, mid; Aiden Carney, mid/D; Pearce Pham, D/mid; Brenden Young, mid/F.

Other returners: None

Newcomers: Juniors–Jimmy Colombo, F/mid; Jacob Mellott, mid. Freshman–Andrew Burke, F/mid.

Strengths: “The team has 10 returning players this year. I have seen a vast improvement in the teamwork and skill set of the team.”

Concerns: “Same concerns as last year. We only have a few substitution players, so we will need to be in top condition to stay competitive for the entire game.”

Overall outlook: “I feel the soccer team and coaching is coming together well this year. We laid the groundwork last year — focusing on fundamentals. This year, we are now getting into more advanced soccer techniques and plays. I look forward to watching the progress of the team this year.”

Assistant coaches: Shawn Burke, Patrick Schurr

Blair County Christian

Coach: Sean Teis, first year

Career record: 0-0-0

Last year’s record: 13-3-0

Conference: Allegheny Christian Athletic Association

Returning starters: Seniors–Seth Nicodemus, F; Dalton Snyder, D. Sophomores–Caleb Hileman, mid; Jon Marucci, D. Freshman–Donovan Bickings, mid.

Other returners: Sophomore–Malachi Teis, D. Eighth grader–Aaron Love, mid; Silas Marucci, mid; Titus Teis, GK/mid.

Newcomers: Junior–Brad Maretich, D. Sophomore–Aiden Lundy, GK. Seventh grader–Lincoln Brehm, mid; Devon Hewitt, D; Donovan Marucci, mid; Donny Shepherd, mid; Hayden Snyder, mid.

Strengths: “Our team doesn’t give up.”

Concerns: “None.”

Overall outlook: “We are excited for the season and to see where it takes us.”

Assistant coaches: Kevin Bickings, Dusty Huston

Cambria Heights

Coach: Adam Strasser, ninth year

Career record: 85-56-9

Last year’s record: 11-6-2

Conference: Heritage Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Cam Abrams, stopper; Landen Baker, D; Mason Eckenrode, mid/F; Cooper Fyock, GK; Ethan Kline, mid/F. Juniors–Ethan Gilbey, sweeper; Stevie Stevens, D. Sophomores–Nate Conaway, F; Ty McConnell, mid.

Other returners: Seniors–Jeramyah Hoffman, mid; Mark Stevens, D. Juniors–Evan Larkin, mid; Connor O’Shall, D. Sophomores–Owen Garrison, mid/GK; Hayden Kohn, mid; Tyler Kearnely, D; Nito Kutruff, mid; Levi Link, mid; Cameron Noel, D.

Newcomers: Freshmen–Carter Bradley, F/mid; Lucca Noel, mid; Noah Pierce, D; Beau Quilliam, D; Urban Sherry, D; Evan Sowers, D; Ben Valeria, mid/F.

Strengths: “One of our biggest strengths is we are returning nine starters from a team that played in the district semifinals. Our defense returns our starting goalie and four defenders who started the majority of our matches. The defense allowed only 1.11 goals per game, which was only 20 total goals for the season. Our offense returns four starters who all possess an extremely high soccer IQ.”

Concerns: “One concern is that we lost three starters from last season who were multiple-year starters and were very talented soccer players and phenomenal leaders. It will take a group effort from our returners to make up for their leadership. We lost a key player from each layer of the field, which will also take a group effort to replace. The final concern is playing tough competition with many playoff-level opponents.”

Overall outlook: “In my nine seasons as a head coach, this group has one of the highest soccer IQs. We are going to rely on this as we continue to grow and improve throughout the season. The 2024 Cambria Heights soccer team goal is to play to the best of our abilities and work to get better everyday.”

Assistant coaches: Bob Diamond, Matt Milanesi, Clayton Nelen, Mike Strasser.

Junior high coaches: Calem Illig, Brad O’Hara, Chase Rogal

Central

Coach: Caleb Stern, first year

Career record: 0-0-0

Last year’s record: 7-10-1

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Logan Hummel. Junior–Joey Bridenbaugh. Sophomores–Jacob Heuston.

Other returners: Seniors–Noah Davis. Sophomores–Jeremiah Hart, Korbyn Horon, Gavin Kuster.

Newcomers: Freshmen–Drew Heltzel, Wyatt Kensinger, Ben McIntire, Mason Robinson, Owen Smith, Reed Sollenberger.

Strengths: “A strong core group of players that will be able to help lead the team.”

Concerns: “Depth in the lineup. It’s going to be a long 20 games with very few subs.”

Overall outlook: “This will be a growth year. It’s a great opportunity for some ninth graders to step up. We want to get better at every chance, learn from our mistakes and grow as a team.”

Assistant coach: Josh Bridenbaugh

Junior high coach: Gordon Hockenberry

Central Cambria

Coach: Bryce Croyle, second year

Career record: 3-14-1

Last year’s record: 3-14-1

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Tanner Archangelo, D; Tanner Braniff, mid; Landon Cuppett, GK/D; Jarrett Werner, mid. Junior–Liam O’Brien, D. Sophomore–Jonathan Rivera, mid.

Other returners: Juniors–Trey Hall, F/mid; Wyatt Hunt, mid. Sophomores–Ben Garrity, mid; Logan Kukla, mid.

Newcomers: Freshmen–Rocco Barra, F/mid; Sawyer Devlin, mid/D; Miles Doyle, mid/D; Owen Harshberger, GK/D; Eli Illig, mid/D; Jack Illig, mid; Ethan Knarr, F/mid; Caleb Lewis, D; Hunter Link, mid; Ben Muldoon, mid/D; Isaac Oravec, mid/D; Lucas Rainey, mid/D; Owen Stossel, mid/D; Chase Thomas, mid.

Strengths: “We have a lot of young guys coming in, some who will be ready to contribute from day one. We also have a pretty strong core of returning starters and other contributing players from the prior year who will be seeing an increase in minutes. I think they will be up for the challenge.”

Concerns: “Strength of our defense. Still looking to build back and solidify our defense.”

Overall outlook: “We are looking to improve on our performance from last season. Last year, we were in a number of games but were unable to take advantage of a few opportunities we had or were just unlucky. I feel we should have a much better season and should be much improved offensively.”

Assistant coach: Dan Garrity

Chestnut Ridge

Coach: Aaron Harris, first year

Career record: 0-0-0

Last year’s record: 5-14-0

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Connor Bence, D/mid; Bronson Buchanan, GK. Juniors–Grady McDonald, F/mid; Evan Showalter, mid/F. Sophomore -Brant Gardner, D; Dominic Ponder, mid/F/GK.

Other returners: Senior–Thomas Kostenbauder, D/mid. Junior–Nathan Allison, D/GK; Parker Ebersole, mid/F. Sophomore–Jacob Kaminsky, D/F.

Newcomers: Junior–Brady April, D; Bryce Showalter, D/F. Freshmen–Ashton Deremer, D/F; Nathan Fee, F/mid; Brody Myers, D/mid/F.

Strengths: “A lot of energy and a lot of heart.”

Concerns: “We gained some athletes this year, but could use more depth.”

Overall outlook: “It’s a great group of young men. The coaches and I are looking forward to what this group of young men can and will do.”

Assistant coaches: Greg Gibbner, Rick McDonald

Junior high coaches: Ellen Krouse, Caleb Smith

Great Commission

Coach: Eric Moore, first year

Career record: 0-0-0

Last year’s record: 9-5-1

Conference: Allegheny Christian Athletic Association Western Division

Returning starters: Seniors–Charlie Lohsl, Eli Michael, Jakson Moore, Landyn Summers. Junior–Danny Kurty. Sophomores–Aaron Kurty, Grant Michael, Van Nachtman. Eighth grader–Blake Nachtman.

Other returners: Sophomores–Ian Grissinger, Wesley Hicks, Owen Huber. Eighth grader–Joel Lohsl. Seventh grader–Josiah Mauk.

Newcomers: Juniors–Alex Guise, Marco Palazzi.

Strengths: “Number of returning players.”

Concerns: “Navigating the challenges of being a first-year head coach.”

Overall outlook: “GCS looks to have a promising year, led by an experienced group of returning players.”

Assistant coaches: Sam Higgins, Josh Steward

Hollidaysburg

Coach: Craig Shale, 21st year

Career record: 270-117-8

Last year’s record: 15-6-0

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Senior–Micah Helsel, D; Juniors–Andrew Chestney, D; Asher Miles, mid; Owen Naugle, mid; Luca Waibel, mid.

Other returners: Seniors–Yven Chen, F; Sebastian Dias, D. Sophomores–Alex Arbogast, F; Garrett DeJohn, GK; Bryce Hollingshead, F; Isaac Jandora, F/GK; Liam Sawyer, D; Jacob Sydney, mid.

Newcomers: Freshmen–Micah Blake, mid; Gannon Zonts, mid.

Strengths: “Large returning group of experienced players. Should be an exciting team to watch going forward.”

Concerns: “With only one projected senior starter, we will be looking for leaders to step up. Lack of depth­ — we will be a small varsity squad, so injuries could be worrisome.”

Overall outlook: “We will be a good possession team, and with the quality of players going forward, we should be a free scoring team. Our goals remain the same: win the newly formed LHAC, repeat as District 6 champs and win the elusive first round of states.”

Assistant coach: Grant Glass

Junior high coaches: Adam Naugle, Parker Zonts

Northern Bedford

Coach: Dan Oberman, second year

Career record: 5-12-0

Last year’s record: 5-12-0

Conference: Inter-County Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Logan Dilling, Alex Kochara. Juniors–Nate Eckenrode, Dangelo Wojcik. Sophomores–Logan Cottle, Weston Hart, Ashton Whisker.

Other returners: None

Newcomers: Senior–Dhylan Miller. Junior–Max Gochnour. Sophomores–Cavan Lloyd, Ian Smith, Ben Steele. Freshmen–Ryan Crawford, Noah Zelanko.

Strengths: “A great goalkeeper, and for the team willingness to learn and to be better everyday.”

Concerns: “Half of our team is new, and some of them, this is their first time playing soccer.”

Overall outlook: “To play good defense, move the ball well and keep games close.”

Assistant coaches: Damian Corle, Todd Eckenroad

Junior high coaches: Jason Barton, Brandon Horton

Penn Cambria

Coach: Nick Wanyo, seventh year

Last year’s record: 13-8-0

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Kyle Conrad, mid; Duncan Gongloff, GK; Cayden Helsel, F; Jake Zunich, mid. Juniors–Seth Conrad, mid; Nick Marshall, F; Jackson Rice, D. Sophomores–Elijah Chyr, mid; Carter Panick, D.

Other returners: Seniors–Evan Connacher, mid; Cody Farabaugh, mid; Zach Farabaugh, mid. Juniors–Levi Baker, mid; Ryan Giraud, mid. Sophomores–Frank Wallis, D; Charlie Golden, mid.

Newcomers: Seniors–Austin Gray, D; Jordan Shedlock, mid. Juniors–Drew Latterner, mid; Aidan Ligas, mid. Freshmen–Garrett Ligas, D; Thomas McSweeney, mid.

Strengths: “We are going to have a pretty good attack this year. We lost our leading scorer, but Cayden Helsel has transitioned well from defense to offense this offseason. He has been working well with our returning forward, Nick Marshall, and they are finding chemistry. We also have a very experienced and skillful goalie, Duncan Gongloff. He will be our leader in the back and will keep us in games.”

Concerns: “We are moving our sweeper from last year to a forward position, so we need to solidify that position first. It seems like every year it is harder and harder to find players that are committed to playing that position. We have our returning outside backs in Carter Panick and Jackson Rice, which is a great start to a defense.”

Overall outlook: “We lost two important players from last year, but I believe we have some new players that have worked hard this offseason to fill those shoes. Jake Zunich will take the center-mid position this year and will be asked to lead them. I believe we have a great chance of repeating as District 6 champions, but I know everyone is coming for us. It should be a great season as long as we can stay healthy.”

Assistant coach: Justin Magnotti

Junior high coach: Tom Creehan

Tyrone

Coach: Alex Bartlett, sixth year

Career record: 18-69-4

Last year’s record: 3-13-2

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors–Jake Baker, F; Nate Ellenberger, D. Junior–Devon Nardelli, GK. Sophomores–Noah Gulvas, F; Grant Miller, D; Cameron Nelson, D; Caleb Posnett, D.

Other returners: Juniors–Ethan D’Onofrio, F; Rowan Moore, D. Sophomores–Ned Smearman, mid; Wyatt Walls, GK.

Newcomers: Sophomore–Tytus Novak, D. Freshmen–Karter Bouklich, D; Gavin Brasher, mid; Cameron Coffey, F; Ethan Fritts, mid; Potter Myers, mid; Gavin Tuskovich, F; Griffin Warren, D.

Strengths: “Team chemistry and team tactics.”

Concerns: “Youth.”

Overall outlook: “Solid overall young team, lots of talent.”

Assistant coaches: Kyle Bartlett, Bailey Christine, Daron Daly

Junior high coaches: Rusty Davis, Craig Gabel