Lets hear it for the Girls: Denis, Filer, Miller are some of top high school female golfers in the area this season
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The top returnees in the Altoona Mirror's core coverage area in high school golf this season are mostly on the girls side of play.
Returning two-time District 6 Class 3A champion Crosby Denis will be a junior for Hollidaysburg -- which she helped lead to its first team District 6 title last season.
Denis is the only returning Altoona Mirror first-team all star.
One of Denis' top competitors in 3A this season will be Altoona senior Ellie Filer, who shot an 83 at districts last season and finished third. Filer was a second-team Mirror all star last season after a strong finish to her junior season.
Another returning second-teamer is Bishop Carroll senior Sarah Miller, who actually topped Denis to win the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference championship last season but was ineligible to compete in the District 6 2A championship due to transferring from Conemaugh Valley. Miller will be eligible for postseason play this season.
Some of the top male returnees include last year's second teamers in Bishop Guilfoyle's Grant Okonak and Central's Cody Clapper and Altoona honorable mention golfers Kreghoff Cumming and Adam Kanouff.
Tyrone senior Kaleb Sweitzer and Central Cambria's group of seniors -- Logan Black, Jake Kirsch, Xavier Jorinscay, Angelo Persio and Brayden Swope all might make some noise at districts.
The following is a capsulized look at all teams in the Mirror's coverage area.
BOYS
Altoona
Coach: Chuck Meyers, second year
Career record: 8-3
Last year's record: 8-3
Conference: None
Returning starters: Seniors--Adam Kanouff, Krieghoff Cumming, Luke Schimminger. Junior--Reese Hite
Other returning players: None
Newcomers: Seniors--Mason Lynn, Collin Lutz, Braiden Weaver. Juniors--Justin Pfeffer, Devin McNellis, Cole Civiello, Anthony Della, Wyatt Coon, Logan Shaffer, Jack Sipes, Lucas Helsel. Sophomores--Anthony Riccio, Owen White. Freshmen--Brandt Hite, Brycen Monahan
Strengths: "We have a new influx of talented players that can really move it. Once we round out our games, we'll be a solid team for the season. There's also great camaraderie with the team -- really fun to watch."
Concerns: "Lack of tournament golf experience. We are fostering a culture of constant competition within the team to improve."
Overall outlook: "Super excited for the season. I believe we'll be a deep and talented team."
Assistant coaches: Doug Meyers, Nate Hockenos
Bellwood-Antis
Coach: Dan Solomon, second year
Career record: 4-26
Last year's record: 4-26
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Sophomores--Tate Baughman, Avery Bardell, Maddox McCall, Killian Worthing, Nicolee Lovrich
Other returning players: Junior--Gabe Gummo. Sophomore--Dean Hoffer
Newcomers: Juniors--Chance Hawk, Colin McClellan, Landon Hostler, Hayden Mountz. Sophomore--Lindsay McKinnon. Freshmen--Cameron Imler, Tucker McCloskey, Roark Peterman
Strengths: "Overall numbers -- 17.''
Concerns: "Young team with no seniors. Consistency.''
Overall outlook: "We are in an extremely tough section of the LHAC with a young inconsistent team that has a lot of potential. The season will be a success based on individual development and not wins and losses.''
Assistant coach: Jeff Ciambotti
Bishop Carroll
Coach: Tim Holtz, fourth year
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Jace Casses, Caleb Shutty, Sean Fisanick, Sarah Miller. Juniors--Ethan Holtz, Matt Zernick. Sophomores--Patrick Phillips, Winston Hall-Campbell, Nate Carney
Other returning players: None
Newcomers: Seniors--Gus Becquet, John Seymour. Junior--Vincent Seymour. Sophomore--Connor Isaacson. Freshmen--Erin Statler, Katie Bradley, Layleigh Weiland, Ryan Myers, Lucas Becquet
Strengths: "Our returning players have definitely up their skill set. I'm so happy to see how their work/practice ethics have made them all better players. Sarah Miller, being one of those core players, is looking to have a dominating season with her eyes on playing in the PIAA championships.''
Concerns: "Honestly, I have no concerns relating to our team. We have some new players that want to learn and develop at the game. I truly enjoy not only coaching, but teaching the game and watching the team grow and mentor each other to become better.''
Overall outlook: "Our outlook this year is relative to every other year. We want to work hard, get better and be competitive with our competitors. We have players that push themselves very hard and are competitive. We are looking forward to a fun fall season.''
Assistant coach: Matt Shutty
Bishop Guilfoyle
Coach: AJ Marasco, first year
Career record: 0-0
Last year's record: 25-6
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Taryn Carruthers, Parker Knorr. Juniors--Aidan Sheehan, Grant Okonak, Troy Nachtman, Carter Boland
Strengths: "We have a young team, and they are eager to learn. Our starters have shown improvement from last year and are determined.''
Concerns: "Experience in tournaments from the younger players who haven't really had the chance to play competitively.''
Overall outlook: "Overall, I think this is going to be a pretty good year for the team. I am excited to see how this year goes, especially with it being my first year. We have a great group of kids, they have been working hard, and they are excited to get out there and compete.''
Assistant coach: Trent Querry
Central
Coach: Robbie Keith, 18th year
Last year's record: 19-13
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Juniors--Cody Clapper, Ben Hartman. Sophomores--Tristan Ritchey, Ty Matthews
Other returning players: Senior--Hunter Keith. Juniors--Cameron Yingling, Kyle Gach
Newcomers: Junior--Brock Beach. Sophomore--Brody Weyant. Freshman--Rory Martin
Strengths: "We have a group of four-to-five players who were at the golf course all summer putting in the work. Although young, we have a fair amount of competition golf under our belts.''
Concerns: "We are a young team.''
Overall outlook: "I look for this young group to keep getting better as the season goes on. We will have some big tests early at the Happy Valley Invitational and the Bedford Springs Invitational to see how good we can be on really nice courses. If we can be focused and get better during competition throughout the season, who knows what might happen in the playoffs.''
Assistant coach: Joe Logan
Central Cambria
Coach: Keith Gilkey, 12th year
Career record: 119-31
Last year's record: 28-3
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Logan Black, Jake Kirsch, Xavier Jorinscay, Angelo Persio, Brayden Swope
Other returning players: Sophomore--Andrew Kasecky
Newcomers: Sophomores--Skyler Kozen, Maison Link. Freshmen--Cannon Forcellini, Kayden Legros, Max Smith
Strengths: "We are returning five players with match experience -- Jake Kirsh, Angelo Persio, Brayden Swope, Logan Black and Xavier Jorinscay. We also have a talented group of players pushing to break into the lineup.''
Concerns: "The expanded LHAC is loaded with talent, so every week will be a challenge. We need to come out focused, find fairways and make putts week in and week out.''
Overall outlook: "Any coach hopes that their best athletes are also their hardest workers; we've been blessed with that effort and combination this summer. We hope to advance the team and some individuals in the district playoffs.''
Assistant coaches: Jaylee Sikora (co-head coach), Alex Kiepert
Claysburg-Kimmel
Coach: Mike Harris, first year
Career record: 0-0
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starter: Senior--Brayden Haney
Other returning player: Sophomore--Garrett Bass
Newcomers: Senior--Corey Walter. Juniors--Elijah Ebersole, P.J. Mock, Cole Walter
Strengths: "Work ethic and attitude."
Concerns: "Inexperience in match play."
Overall outlook: "To get better every day and to love golf as a life-long activity."
Hollidaysburg
Coach: Bryan James, 15th year
Career record: 211-60-5
Last year's record: 36-2
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Junior--Tyler Steiner. Sophomore--Sam McLanahan
Other returning players: Juniors--Landen Petrunak, Isaac Tryninewski. Sophomores--Mason Bender, Braden Hatch, Dominik Johnston
Newcomers: Seniors--Colton Malusky, Tanner Rossman, Jayden Wolfe, Carter Mika. Sophomore--Beau Rabel
Strengths: "This group shares a strong desire to compete.''
Concerns: "We are lacking match experience in the back end of our lineup.''
Overall outlook: "Our guys understood that there were spots to fill in our starting lineup heading into this season. Up to this point, there have been many encouraging signs of improvement as a result of practice and preparation during the offseason.''
Assistant coach: Steve Genter
Penn Cambria
Coach: Mark Mardula, second year
Career record: 9-15
Last year's record: 9-15
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Junior--Colten Karlheim. Sophomores--Luke Michina, Kingston Durbin
Other returning players: Junior--Madden Farabaugh. Sophomore--Callen Gides
Strengths: "Commitment and dedication from our student athletes and a solid core returning from last year's team.''
Concerns: "Our youth -- we have a lot of young kids that will need to step up and be leaders for this team. But I know they are up for the challenge.''
Overall outlook: "Get better each and every day, and improve on the late success we had at the end of last season.''
Assistant coach: Jim Ronan
Portage
Coach: Scott Burda, ninth year
Career record: 64-43
Last year's record: 10-8
Conference: Heritage Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Logan Gentile, Britton Myher, Konner Zock. Juniors--Aden Gabel, Aiden Pauley, Nathan Phillips
Other returning players: None
Newcomers: Junior--Kendall Bednarski. Freshman--Jaden Minick
Strengths: "A very coachable group that wants to improve.''
Concerns: "Match experience and consistency.''
Overall outlook: "This season we will have several new starters in the lineup. We are hoping that as the season progresses, our new starters will gain experience, and our team scores will continue to improve. We have golfers that are capable of qualifying for the postseason, but they must continue to improve their consistency on the course. Our goals are to finish the season with a winning record and send golfers on to the district and state tournaments.''
Assistant coach: Jeff Vasilko
Tyrone
Coach: Mike Funicelli, seventh year
Career record: 145-46
Last year's record: 17-14
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Kaleb Sweitzer, Caleb Miller, Ty Uplinger, Preston Long. Juniors--Will Lower, Ethan Reffner
Other returning players: Senior--Colin Burket. Sophomores--Teagan Harpster, Aidan Luther
Newcomers: Junior--Tyler Connelly. Sophomore--David VanAllman. Freshmen--Hayden Brown, Peyton Lauder, Trenton Rivera, Lucas Rudden, Cole Smith, Blake Sweitzer
Strengths: "Our returning starters are experienced and have played a lot of competitive golf. Coach (Doug) Sweitzer and I will have trouble only picking five players to compete each match, especially with a group of strong newcomers to challenge the returners.''
Concerns: "Consistency. We have strong players, and we will continue to work on posting consistent scores under the pressure of a very competitive conference.''
Overall outlook: "Our goal is to win the Laurel Highlands this season and compete for a district championship as a team. We have the players and the drive, and we'd welcome a little luck.''
Assistant coach: Doug Sweitzer
GIRLS
Altoona
Coach: Joel Gilbert, fifth year
Career record: 18-21
Last year's record: 7-4
Conference: Independent
Returning starters: Seniors--Ellie Filer, Sofia Hallinan, Bailey Diehl, Ella Albright. Junior--Vionna Jackson. Sophomores--Natalie Baker, Averi Wilkinson, Brionna Hudson
Other returning players: None
Newcomers: Junior--Ryann Lantzy. Sophomores--Emma Hovan, Karis McGhee, Taylor Knepper. Freshmen--Kennady Bankert, Kendyl Carney
Strengths: "Experience, with our four returning girls that played in districts.''
Concerns: "We have a lot of new faces on the team this year.''
Overall outlook: "We are looking forward to having a great season. Ellie Filer returns with three district medals. Sofia Hallinan placed seventh in the District 6 Tournament last year and continues to improve. We are looking for great things from Vionna Jackson, Natalie Baker and Averi Wilkinson after getting a year experience under their belt.''
Assistant coaches: Tom Fox and Mike Wilkinson
Central Cambria
Coach: Keith Gilkey, 10th year
Career record: 70-16
Last year's record: 11-6
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Juniors--Bella Mesoras, Samantha Hill. Sophomores--Maddie Dumm, Leah Papcunick
Other returning players: None
Newcomers: None
Strengths: "We have four girls with match experience returning -- Bella Mesoras, Sam Hill, Maddie Dumm and Leah Papcunick. The girls do a great job of helping each other on the range and challenging each other on the course.''
Concerns: "With only four girls on the team, we will need each girl to play well in the 'play 5, count 3' format adopted by the LHAC.''
Overall outlook: "Coach (Jaylee) Sikora and I expect the girls to have another great year.''
Assistant coach: Jaylee Sikora (co-head coach), Alex Kiepert
Hollidaysburg
Coach: Jill Hileman, fifth year
Career record: 58-8-1
Last year's record: 15-0
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Lucy Carles, Laila Panaro. Junior--Crosby Denis. Sophomore--Maliah Malausky
Other returning players: Reagan Bihary, Aerie Kerstetter, Piper Weidley
Newcomers: Jillian Beard, Brianna Luther, Camilla Yost
Strengths: "We have four returning starters who were important contributors to our team's overall success last year. Also, our returners have district and state championship play experience, and it's something we look to build off of this season.''
Concerns: "Overall, we have a solid core of returning players. However, beyond our returning starters, much of the roster has limited match experience.''
Overall outlook: "Our returning players will be strong contributors in all our matches. Our main goal is to repeat as district champions and finish top three in the state.''
Assistant coach: Mitch Johns
Penn Cambria
Coach: Mark Mardula, second year
Career record: 4-9
Last year's record: 4-9
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Kiya Thomas, Avery Glass. Sophomores--Mikayla Durbin, Kendall McConnell, Ava Wirfel
Other returning players: None
Strengths: "Commitment and dedication from our student athletes and a solid core returning from last year's team.''
Concerns: "Our youth -- we have a lot of young kids that will need to step up and be leaders for this team. But I know they are up for the challenge.''
Overall outlook: "Get better each and every day, and improve on the late success we had at the end of last season.''
Assistant coach: Jim Ronan