Local Sports

Central Cambria Lady Red Devils cross country team thinking about No. 23

2025 high school girls cross country preview

Central Cambria continued its domination of District 6 in girls cross country last season by winning its 22nd district title in the last 25 years and will try to win another this fall behind returning sophomore Paige Alexander, who was the Devils' top individual finisher last year.

Alexander was third at districts and will be helped by Central Cambria's lone senior, Abigail Long, who was a second-teamer last season.

Central returns Lanee Berkhimer, a three-time first-team Mirror all star, who was the runner-up in the 2A race last year and finished 17th at the PIAA meet to earn state recognition.

Altoona's Ashlyn Noce, a first-teamer last year, is back after a runner-up performance in the 3A race at districts last season and a 27th-place finish at states.

Hollidaysburg also returns a first-teamer in Rylan Carney, who advanced to states as a junior last year.

The following is a capsulized look at all of the high school girls cross country teams in the Mirror's core coverage area.

Altoona

Coach: Tabitha Quinn, 25th year

Career record: 128-75

Last year's record: 5-2

Conference: None

Returning starters: Senior--Emerson Snare. Juniors--Brionna Adams, Lana Luke, Ashlyn Noce

Other returning letterwinners: Senior--Natalie Etters. Juniors--Abigail Harkins, Riley Ferguson, Ryanne Resig

Newcomers: Junior--Ava Conrad. Freshmen--Emma Etters, Evangeline Broadrick, Kaelynn Murtiff, Rowyn Resig.

Strengths: "With a strong frontrunner and a core group of returning runners, our freshmen will add to making our team more driven. They are preparing to push through their limits to compete with an impressive mindset, knowing they have their goals to continue racing at their best with even more intensity. We have a demanding travel schedule that will pit us against the state's best competition."

Concerns: "Although our overall numbers are smaller, we have a more focused roster this season. Our goal is to leverage our improved depth to close the spread and build a more cohesive, versatile, and competitive team."

Overall outlook: "This season, our team is ready to face top-tier competition. We know our placements may drop at larger invitationals, and we're excited for the challenge. Our focus is on individual growth and team goals, and we're committed to working with flexibility and patience to get there."

Assistant coach: Trevor Palfey

Volunteer and junior high coaches: Victoria Johnson, Gianna Marasco, Hayden Boutiller

Bellwood-Antis

Coach: Jennifer Soisson, second year

Career record: 8-3

Last year's record: 8-3

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Senior--Chloe Stoltzfus. Juniors--Peyton Hammond, Julie Kraft, Blake Pennington. Sophomore--Ava Franks

Other returning letterwinners: Juniors--Karley Dickinson, Jayden Maines. Sophomores--Maci Chronister, Sophia Fatzinger, Isabella Sloey

Newcomers: Junior--Morgan Snowberger. Sophomore--Abri Martin. Freshman--Sara Kraft

Strengths: "We have depth with our talented and experienced returning runners and enthusiastic newcomers. We have tough competition in the LHAC so we're always trying to find the balance between our short-term and long-term goals. Last year, Blake and Julie were state qualifiers in both cross country and track and field; Chloe was a state qualifier in track and field. They are a valuable resource to their teammates with their determination and positive attitudes. All the girls are encouraging toward each other and are working hard to improve this year."

Concerns: "Keeping everyone healthy."

Overall outlook: "We have challenging competition in the LHAC, and they've embraced it. We want them to stay healthy and push their limits this season. We just started a junior high program this year so there's been excitement around that. The veteran members of the team have stepped up to foster an inclusive environment."

Assistant coaches: Naomi Pennington, Brad Baronner, Rhonda Mills, Julia Roseborough

Junior high coaches: Jennifer Soisson, Jason Helsel, Naomi Pennington, Brad Baronner, Rhonda Mills

Bishop Carroll

Coach: Mike Bradley, fifth year

Last year's record: 10-3

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Ava Pablic, Avery Myers, Raigan Myers

Newcomers: Abbey Hines

Strengths: "Two returning state qualifiers."

Concerns: "Depth."

Overall outlook: "Great young ladies that are good runners as well."

Assistant coach: Jessica Smith

Cambria Heights

Coach: John Kuskoski, 33rd year

Career record: 247-194

Last year's record: 8-4

Conference: Heritage Conference

Returning starters: Senior--Margaret Elias. Junior--Megan Eckenrode. Sophomore--Sierra Hoover

Newcomers: Sophomores--Ava Adams, Rylee Lane. Freshman--Kira Stein

Strengths: "Our three returning runners are proven competitors and are a solid core to build around."

Concerns: "Our numbers are low. We need to stay healthy to bring at least five to the line and then get at least five across the finish. I'm looking for one of our returners to step up to a leadership role."

Overall outlook: "We've only had one practice, making it tough to assess team potential. If we can get our No. 4, 5 and 6 girls to run with fire in their bellies, we'll do just fine."

Assistant/junior high coaches: Art "Buzz" Deckard, Dana Bender, Tammy Nagel, Ian Hall

Central

Coach: Joseph Bilka, five years at Central, 25 overall

Last year's record: 6-6

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Senior--Lanee Berkhimer. Junior--Reese Miller. Sophomore--Kenley Bennett.

Newcomers: Freshmen--Nora Kuster, Bayley Moushlian, Peyton Shonefelt

Strengths: "We return Lanee Berkhimer, a three-time state qualifier."

Concerns: "Starting a new training regimen hoping it will improve our speed and times."

Overall outlook: "Looking for a good season and returning to Hershey with two runners."

Assistant coaches: John Horton, Vicki Bilka (volunteer)

Central Cambria

Coach: Randy Wilson, 26th year

Career record: 285-5

Last year's record: 11-0

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Senior--Alaina Long. Juniors--Katie George, Kylee Krumenacker. Sophomores--Paige Alexander, Leah Bowersox, Courtney Gleason, Alyson Sheehan

Newcomers: Sophomores--MaKenzie Hite, Lydia Sheehan. Freshmen--Abby Claar, Emma Kirsch, Abby Snyder, Delaney Snyder, Bella Templeton

Strengths: "We have an exceptional mix of upperclassmen leadership and a strong group of incoming freshmen and returning sophomores. Many of these girls have been training together for the past few years, and they've had an outstanding summer. They're motivated to build on the tradition of success established by the teams before them."

Concerns: "The graduation of the five girls from last year is without a doubt the biggest hurdle we face heading into the season. You don't just replace athletes like that; not just for what they brought in terms of performance, but also their leadership, experience, and the standard they set every day. It's a huge gap, but we're excited about the potential in this year's group and especially encouraged by the leadership our lone senior has shown. She's been outstanding, taking charge of team communication, making sure the underclassmen are up to speed on workouts, and setting the tone for what it means to be part of this program."

Overall outlook: "With the level of competition in the LHAC, nothing comes easy, but we're aiming to be competitive at the conference and district levels. This group has the potential, and we're excited to see how the season unfolds."

Assistant coaches: Bryce Descavish, Jeff Dick, Tyler Gibson, Tim Miller, Amy O'Donnell

Hollidaysburg

Coach: Travis Singer, 12th year

Career record: 55-48

Last year's record: 9-2

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors--Rylan Carney, Nora Statler. Juniors--Katie Etters, Addison Smith, Josie Watt. Sophomores--Adalai Carney, Sophie Fiore

Other returning letterwinners: Senior--Christine Diaz. Sophomores--Alexis Barger, Sophia Beiswenger

Newcomers: Freshmen--Anna Hileman, Devanie O'Gorman, Paige Rutter, Ruth Stephens, Emily Zenobia

Strengths: "This is an experienced team that has been through highs and lows. They are a close-knit group with a lot of talent. Depth is developing behind our returning state qualifiers."

Concerns: "District 6 and the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference are full of fantastic teams and individuals who are among the best in the state. We've got to continue to improve in all areas to achieve our goals."

Overall outlook: "This team has flourished with a similar core to the last two seasons. They are looking forward to taking the next step to truly establish the program as a championship contender."

Assistant coaches: Cassie Kachur, Matt Manfred, Nicole Stouffer

Juniata Valley

Coach: Dolores Gahagan, 41 years

Last year's record: 8-1

Conference: Inter-County Conference

Returning starters: Seniors--Eve McCrum, Lauren Kline. Junior--Lilly Sunderland

Newcomers: Seniors--Miley Byler, Anna Taylor. Junior--Aubrey Anderson. Freshman--Alayna Hutton

Strengths: "Our girls team has a few returning runners who should help make an impact with scoring. Seniors Eve McCrum and Lauren Kline were consistent scorers last year and are looking competitive in preseason. Junior Lilly Sunderland had a solid sophomore year and is looking to make an impact going into her junior season. Seniors Anna Taylor and Miley Byler are new to the sport, but are excited to improve and be competitive. Junior Aubrey Anderson is also new to cross country but is a talented track athlete with a competitive nature. Freshman Alayna Hutton is working very hard and will likely score as well. "

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

Northern Bedford-Tussey Mountain

Coach: Nicole Zimmerman, Brooke Kurtz, first year for Zimmerman, seventh for Kurtz

Career record: 0-0

Conference: Inter-County Conference

Returning starters: Junior--Jocelyn Fay

Newcomers: Junior--Zoey Baker, Carson Miller, Lily Miller

Strengths: "We are a young team with lots of room to grow and seasons to develop. That also allows us to start from the beginning and basics, thus we are developing a learning environment where it's OK to fail. The athletes and coaches are excited."

Concerns: "As a first-year coach, I am concerned about being able to keep up with all the coaching duties (paperwork and such). I also have athletes who do multiple sports that I am concerned about overtraining, but it is all doable, so that's good."

Overall outlook: "I am very excited for the season and can not wait to see how much my athletes thrive and grow. It will be fun, the good type of challenging, and exciting. To learn what it takes to be a coach and not an athlete is exciting to me as well."

Assistant, junior high coach: Ian Zimmerman

Penn Cambria

Coach: Kristin Talko, third year

Career record: 4-15

Last year's record: 1-8

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Senior--Miley Hoover. Sophomore--Sydnee Plummer

Newcomers: Sophomore--Anna Schilling. Freshmen--Leah Conway, Raina Chislow, Laila Milavec, Lauren Giraud

Strengths: "We have senior leadership with many new runners."

Concerns: "We would be happy to gain more runners to join our cross country family."

Overall outlook: "We are excited to see our runners achieve personal records."

Assistant coaches: Lois Smith, Todd Niebauer

Portage

Coach: Bob Newlin, fourth year

Career record: 15-22

Last year's record: 5-8

Conference: Heritage Conference

Returning starters: Senior--Cassie Burkett. Juniors--Brynn Burkett, Lily Haney, Jada Irvin, Kennedy Myers, Kendall Stancovich. Sophomores--Jemma Lidwell, Avery Smith, Josephine White

Newcomers: Freshmen--Anastasia Bracken, Addyson Burkett, Reese Pinizzotto, Anneka Gribbin

Strengths: "We have a strong core of experienced returning runners and a promising group of talented newcomers."

Concerns: "Remain healthy throughout the season."

Overall outlook: "We know the competition is tough every week, but we're working hard to get stronger as a team. We'll be ready for the final push into the championships."

Assistant/junior high coaches: Amy Burkett, Lance Huak (volunteer)

Tyrone

Coach: Tammy Wills, 25th year

Last year's record: 2-7

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Senior--Grace Corl. Juniors--Skyla Hart, Sophia Witkamp. Sophomores--Lillian Ammerman, Laney Corl, Kiana Gardner, Sophia Raneri

Newcomers: Freshmen--Hallie Troutman, Ella Savino, Addison Davis

Strengths: "Our numbers are much better than they have been in previous years. We also have a great deal of talent among our returning runners and with the additions of our freshmen coming up."

Concerns: "Injuries and lack of depth."

Overall outlook: "Looking forward to a successful and exciting season. I believe this girls team is going to be a pleasant surprise."

Assistant coach: Randy Wilson

Williamsburg

Coach: April Wheland, fifth year

Conference: Inter-County Conference

Returning starters: Senior--Macy Norris. Junior--Adilyn Isenberg. Sophomore--Ava Dixon

Newcomers: Freshmen--Emma Biddle, Emma Stonex

Strengths: "We finally have a full girls team, and they work really well together."

Overall outlook: "To stay positive and healthy throughout the season."

Assistant coaches: Rachel Biddle, Loc O