Area District 6 cross country runners well represented in 3A, 2A and 1A
2026 High school boys cross country
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All-stars from Class 3A, 2A and 1A all return for area boys cross country teams this season.
Bishop Carroll Catholic's Noah Knobloch won the District 6 Class 1A championship as a freshman last year and was selected as an Altoona Mirror first-team all-star and will be hoping to repeat in 2026.
In Class 2A, Reed Takacs and Miles Doyle helped Central Cambria win a District 6 team championship and both earned Mirror first-team status as well as trips to the PIAA championships a year ago.
Hollidaysburg will be led by a pair of first-teamers from last year in Reuben Manfred and Sam Chestney while Altoona's own first-teamer, Seth Lieb, will be back to lead the Mountain Lions.
The following is a capsulized look at each team in the Mirror's core coverage area.
Altoona
Coach: Paula Foreman, first year
Career record: 0-0
Last year's record: 1-2
Conference: Independent
Returning starters: Seniors--Konnor Broadrick, TJ Dunkle, Xander Frederick, Archie Glover, James Hord, Seth Lieb, Chase VanEgdom. Juniors--Evan Getty, Ben McKee. Sophomores--Sohan Campbell, Carson Despot, Trey Stephens.
Newcomers: Freshmen--Aedan Conley, Evan Kelly, Andrew Leeper, Drew Mountain, Gavin Pyeatt, Max Stahlman, Jack Stewart
Strengths: "We have a strong senior class of runners who bring a lot of experience and leadership to the team. The boys have been training hard this summer and are focused on continual improvement. We are excited to see how we compete as the season progresses."
Concerns: "We do not have a large number of middle school runners which is concerning for the growth of the program."
Overall outlook: "We are excited to get the season started to see how the boys compete. We stress the importance of consistency in training and the development of a competitive mindset. We're looking forward to seeing improvement throughout the season."
Assistant coach: Trevor Palfey, Travis Etters (volunteer), Todd Runk (volunteer)
Bellwood-Antis
Coach: Jennifer Soisson, third year
Career record: 14-13
Last year's record: 10-6
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Domanick Halerz, Hunter Shura
Other returning runners: Seniors--Jonathan Bickel, Brayon Litzinger, Keagen Shanafelt. Junior--Kirk Keen. Sophomore--Jace Rimmey
Newcomers: Junior--Max Miller. Sophomore--Jace Rimmey. Freshman--David Alley
Strengths: "We're excited to work with this year's team. We graduated a lot of seniors last year, but they inspired their returning teammates to be consistent in their summer training. The team is focused and ready to build on last year's success."
Concerns: "Numbers with our underclassmen."
Overall outlook: "We've had some big holes to fill from our graduated seniors. The upperclassmen are eager to face that challenge, so we're excited to see what they will achieve this season."
Assistant coaches: Naomi Pennington, Bradley Barroner, Jason Helsel, Rhonda Mills
Bishop Carroll
Coach: Mike Bradley, sixth year
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Brody Pablic, Jonathan Bishop. Sophomores--Noah Knobloch, Zach Shedlock, Sebastian Houser
Newcomers: None
Strengths: "Good senior leadership. Talented sophomores."
Concerns: "The team is small this year. Everyone needs to stay healthy."
Overall outlook: "I am excited for the season ahead. I hope to see my runners go far in the postseason."
Assistant coach: Jessica Smith
Cambria Heights
Coach: John Kuskoski, 34th year
Career record: 203-245
Last year's record: 9-2
Conference: Heritage Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Levi Kline, Mason Kline, Max Wendekier. Sophomores--Logan Paronish, Landon Polites
Other returning runners: Senior--Tyler Smith. Sophomores--Nick Bender, Blayze Neal, Aiden Owens
Newcomers: None
Strengths: "We return five from the varsity seven of last year. Those guys and their back up runners are battle tested and eager to go. I know that I'll see great leadership from our tri-captains, Levi Kline, Mason Kline and Max Wendekier. I expect these three to be the spark plugs for our team machine."
Concerns: "These guys need to take on an 'all in' attitude. Everyone, every day. They need to improve on pack running. They'll get it."
Overall outlook: "I don't like to go out on a limb, and then have my limb sawed off. I think that these boys want to be a better team than last year. I believe they can be a better team."
Assistant coaches: Art "Buzz" Deckard, Dana Bender, Andrew Owens, Tammy Nagel
Junior high coaches: Art "Buzz" Deckard, Dana Bender, Andrew Owens, Tammy Nagel
Central
Coach: Joe Bilka, sixth year at Central, 26th year overall
Last year's record: 5-5
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starter: Seniors--Preston Salsgiver, Ben Hartman.
Newcomers: Freshmen--Deryk Gibson, Josh Walter
Strengths: "All the runners from last season are returning, and we are adding two new runners which will make it a lot more interesting of a season."
Overall outlook: "We will compete, and we expect to do well. We want to run faster than last year and improve on times."
Assistant coach: John Fitzpatrick
Central Cambria
Coach: Randy Wilson, 27th year
Career record: 277-24
Last year's record: 17-0, 13-0 in LHAC
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Max Cafazza, Derek McConnell, Jayden Ritchey, Phil Ulmer, Will Yokitis. Juniors--Josh Bearer, Sam Brannigan, Miles Doyle, Luke Petrick, Reed Takacs, Giles Westrick
Newcomers: Freshmen--Nate Dorsch, Cameron Jones, Lukas Miller, Liam Williams
Strengths: "We have a great mix of experienced upperclassmen and talented underclassmen who have been committed all summer to preparing for the season. Our five seniors have done an outstanding job setting the tone with their leadership, work ethic and positive example. This team has embraced the tradition of Central Cambria boys' cross country and is motivated to continue building on that success."
Concerns: "One of our biggest challenges this season will be replacing the production and experience we graduated from last year's team. While we have strong leadership from our seniors, we'll need our younger runners to continue developing and gaining valuable varsity experience. By staying consistent with our training, supporting one another, and continuing to improve throughout the season, we believe we'll be ready when the championship meets arrive."
Overall outlook: "Our goal is to compete for both an LHAC championship and a District 6 2A championship. To accomplish that, we'll need to stay healthy, train consistently and continue improving our pack running from the first race through the postseason. Our five seniors have provided outstanding leadership throughout the offseason, and if the entire team continues to buy into the process, we believe we can put ourselves in a position to achieve those goals."
Assistant coaches: Bryce Descavish, Jeff Dick, Tyler Gibson, Tim Miller, Amy O'Donnell
Hollidaysburg
Coach: Travis Singer, 13th year
Career record: 70-46
Last year's record: 14-1
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Nathan Kanish, Landon Krupka, Reuben Manfred. Juniors--Sam Chestney, Jack Singer
Other returning runners: Seniors--Liam Cannarsa, Isaac Tryninewski. Junior--Swayam Patel
Newcomers: Senior--Brenden Young. Sophomore--Jude Capone. Freshmen--Ryan Grosser, Mason Kephart, Mason Klock, Thomas Wagner, Emmett Wolfe
Strengths: "We have a very talented, battle-tested group of frontrunners who have made it their mission to achieve more as a team than Hollidaysburg ever has. Though we have graduated many quality teammates over the last two seasons, we have a group of juniors and seniors who are taking their roles of leadership seriously."
Concerns: "We need to maintain perspective, be careful to avoid and return from injury, and learn to support and rely on each other. Though we are pleased with the talent and dedication of our returners, we have a whole lot of new additions to the roster, so we need to get to know each other and establish a positive team identity."
Overall outlook: "I don't think we're going to sneak up on anybody this season. After qualifying for the state championship last fall and again in the 1600 meter during spring track season, senior Reuben Manfred leads a very talented varsity group that has high expectations and high standards. Whether we can fulfill our potential will be up to us."
Assistant coaches: Elaine Baney, Matt Manfred, Nicole Stouffer
Junior high coach: Cassie Kachur
Juniata Valley
Coach: Ruthie Hess, first year
Career record: 0-0
Last year's record: 0-8
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Senior--Stephen Franks. Sophomore--Ethan Worthy.
Newcomer: Freshman--Alan Hershey
Strengths: "The Hornets will return three runners who will look to provide leadership and experience -- senior Stephen Franks, sophomore Ethan Worthy and freshman Alan Hershey. One of the team's biggest strengths is the leadership provided by Franks, whose experience will be valuable as the younger runners continue to develop. Our younger runners are already putting the work into building for the future."
Concerns: "Low numbers present a challenge for the Hornets as they work to build a competitive group."
Overall outlook: "The overall outlook is working toward building fitness and improving every meet. Enjoying all the big/small takeaways that the sport of cross country is all about. With a focus on steady progress and making the most of each opportunity, Juniata Valley hopes to take positive steps throughout the season while continuing to build its boys cross country program."
Assistant coaches: Kelly Richner, Liz Radabaugh
Northern Bedford
Coach: Nicole Zimmerman, second year
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Senior--Weston Hart. Sophomores--Christopher Corle, Jake Keller
Other returning runners: None
Newcomers: Sophomores--Waylon Fluke, Jaidyn Shaulis. Freshmen--Sole Rhoat, Jeremiah Dasher
Strengths: "A very determined and capable group. Returning runners are strong and have gained more experience. New group coming in to make a team, and we are very excited for it."
Concerns: "A young group, with newcomers, we are uncertain about how the season will play out."
Overall outlook: "I am very excited to have the boys run as a team and build dynamics. As a team we are very excited to see how far we could go."
Assistant coach: Ian Zimmerman (volunteer)
Junior high coach: Nicole Zimmerman
Penn Cambria
Coach: Kristin Talko, fourth year
Career record: 5-25
Last year's record: 2-8
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Senior--Jesse Horning. Junior--Brett Stoudnour. Sophomores--Vincenzo Ricupero, Xavier Noel
Strengths: "Our varsity runners have all run with us before. They all have their own strengths that will drive our junior high runners."
Concerns: "Our numbers continue to be our biggest obstacle. Our challenge will be all our runners being able to compete for scoring opportunities."
Overall outlook: "The runners need to set their own goal times for the season, and we look for all athletes to continue to improve."
Assistant coach: Lois Smith
Portage
Coach: Bob Newlin, fifth year
Career record: 29-27
Last year's record: 9-6
Conference: Heritage Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Simon Girard, Nolan Westover. Sophomores--Evan Boland, Gabriel White
Newcomers: Senior--Josh Papcun. Freshman--Rylan Miller
Strengths: "Our greatest strength this year is we have a strong core of experienced returning runners who have run together for several years. With a mix of talented younger runners, we should continue to improve each week."
Concerns: "Our biggest concern is remaining healthy throughout the season, especially with a smaller roster this year. With fewer runners available, each athlete plays an important role in our team's success, so staying healthy and managing the demands of training and competition will be a priority."
Overall outlook: "Our overall outlook for the season is very positive. Facing top notch competition each week will be a great test for our team, but we're excited about the challenge and the opportunity to compete against some of the best athletes in the area. Strong competition will push us to improve, compete with confidence, and get the best out of every athlete. We'll focus on taking things one race at a time, continuing to build as a team, and learning from each competition along the way."
Assistant coaches: Amy Burkett, Lance Hudak (volunteer)
Junior high coaches: Bob Newlin, Amy Burkett, Lance Hudak (volunteer)
Tyrone
Coach: Tammy Wills, 26th year
Last year's record: 8-5
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors--Eric Goodman, Adam Ray. Juniors--Gavin Brasher, Nicolas Sutt. Sophomores--Brenson Davis, Jonah Wicker
Newcomers: Sophomores--Colin Moore, Mason Biter, Ryan Linan Rimmer. Freshmen--Levi Latchford, Jayden Savino, Ian Erikson, Logan Harris, Vincent Ammerman
Strengths: "The number of returning runners we have coming back along with the new runners moving up from junior high."
Concerns: "Injuries and the balancing of participating in two fall sports for some of our boys."
Overall outlook: "These boys have been very working hard and have set great goals for themselves this season. I think this will make for a great season."
Assistant coaches: Randy Wilson, Zach Kolher (volunteer)
Williamsburg
Coach: April Wheland, seventh year
Last year's record: 5-10
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Senior--Logan Stewart. Sophomore--Tanner Ross
Newcomers: Freshmen--Willy Ferguson, Cameron Gillam
Strengths: "Their competitive energy fuels each practice."
Concerns: "Unexpected injuries are always a concern and small numbers."
Overall outlook: "Despite small numbers, they have the grit and determination to put in the work to be successful."
Assistant coaches: Rachel Biddle, Loc O