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Boys soccer

Area boys soccer teams return key first-team stars in pursuit of titles

By Michael Boytim 13 min read

Defending District 6 Class 3A champion Hollidaysburg got a stiff challenge from Tyrone in last year's championship game, and the two teams will both enter 2026 with plenty of talent which could lead to an eventual rematch.

The Golden Tigers will welcome back Alex Arbogast, a Mirror first-team all-star last season, as Hollidaysburg attempts to win its first Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference title and seeks to secure an elusive first-round PIAA playoff win.

Before Hollidaysburg can do that, it will have to get through the Golden Eagles, which took the Tigers to overtime in last year's final.

Tyrone brings back Mirror first-teamers Tytus Novak and Miles Smearman for a team that went 13-7, a drastic improvement from 8-10-1 the year prior.

Other Mirror first-teamers back in 2026 include Cambria Heights' Nate Conaway, Central's Jacob Heuston and Central Cambria's Jonathan Rivera.

In addition to Hollidaysburg, Bishop Carroll will also be trying to defend a District 6 championship, which it won in Class 1A last season. The Huskies bring back five starters but must replace first-team keeper Angus Ryan.

The following is a capsulized look at each team in the Mirror's core coverage area.

Altoona

Coach: Travis Young, second year

Career record: 8-10-1

Last year's record: 8-10-1

Conference: Independent

Returning starters: Seniors -- Aaden Aveni, Bilal Eltayeb, Abubaker Hussien. Juniors -- Carson Crawford, Elijah Gibson, Alexander Hainsey, Ryder Krause

Other returning players: Seniors -- Matt Iuzzolino, Miguel Oliveira, Yousif Idriss, Bradley Musselman. Sophomores -- Quin Sipes, Deveron Boore, Caleb Cox, George DelBaggio III, Donato Finelli, Braden Jubeck, Bryce Snare

Newcomers: Juniors -- Andrew Burke, Mouid Elsheikh, Leonardo Minatel-Chiminazzo, Xavier Rhodes. Sophomores -- Hazim Abdalla, Brady Carruthers, Blake Nachtman, Gonzalo Segura-Anton, Owen Witham. Freshmen -- Finn Black, Austin Beckwith, Dylan Eakins, Mahmoud Ibrahim, Bentley Irvin, Gino Morelli, Isaac Bechtel

Strengths: "Experience at the varsity level and roster depth."

Concerns: "Replacing players lost to graduation."

Overall outlook: "Competing for championships is always the goal at Altoona. This year is no different. The boys have worked incredibly hard in the offseason and are mentally and physically prepared for the difficult season schedule ahead."

Assistant coaches: Andy Aveni, Danny Cowan (volunteer), Austin Kravetz (volunteer)

Junior high coaches: Caleb Marasco, Tom Marasco, Dave McCarter (volunteer)

Bishop Carroll

Coach: Chad Ryan, fifth year

Career record: 31-44-2

Last year's record: 7-11, 6-10 in LHAC

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors -- Reed Miller, midfield/forward; Elijah Sossong, defense; Andrew Ostinowsky, defense. Sophomores -- Travis Delauter, winger; Jack Tremel, defense/midfielder

Other returning players: Seniors -- Landon Duman, forward; Dane Krauss, keeper. Sophomores -- Chase Duman, forward; Andrew Farabaugh, defense; Tyler Oravec, defense

Newcomers: Juniors -- Joey Kirsch, striker; Austin Keith, defense. Freshmen -- Declan Ryan, keeper; Sam Urbain, defense; Brady Oravec, striker

Strengths: "We have a lot of returning players that saw the field a lot last year. The majority of the returning players have had significant playing minutes on the field, which hopefully translates to be starters this year."

Concerns: "We have a small roster this year and everyone on the team will have to do a little more than they have in the past."

Overall outlook: "We always have a positive outlook on the season. The LHAC is a very tough conference, and we hope to be competitive and make the single-A District 6 playoffs."

Assistant coaches: Naveen Sirsikar, Brode Ryan

Blair County Christian

Coach: Chaz Dull, Dave Huston

Last year's record: 1-10-2

Conference: Allegheny Christian Athletic Association

Returning starters: Seniors -- Jon Marucci, midfielder; Julian Sponsler, defense. Juniors -- Silas Marucci, striker; Isaiah Snyder, wing; Sage O'Donnell, keeper/defense. Sophomore -- Blake Grissinger, striker. Freshmen -- Donnie Shepherd, midfielder; Hayden Snyder, defense/midfielder. Eighth grade -- Wesley Trogen, defense

Newcomers: Senior -- Caleb Hileman, defense. Junior -- Donovan Bickings, wing

Strengths: "We have much more experience than last year, and the younger starters from last year have gained size and speed. With some players returning that weren't here last year, we have gained strength in every area right down the middle of the field."

Concerns: "Even with the extra experience and returning players, we still have areas where we lack size and experience. Those areas will force the bigger, more experienced players to have to help out in certain situations and then recover to their own areas. This is a concern but we are in a way better spot than last year."

Overall outlook: "We are excited for this upcoming season. After coming off a very difficult year like last year, it is encouraging to see things falling into place so quickly. We are looking forward to a much improved year over last year."

Assistant coaches: Aaron Winters, Davis Dull, Harrison Hollis, Dusty Huston

Cambria Heights

Coach: Adam Strasser, 11th year

Career record: 107-70-11

Last year's record: 10-7-2

Conference: Heritage Conference

Returning starters: Seniors -- Nate Conaway, forward; Owen Garrison, keeper; Mason Kline, midfielder; Nito Kutruff, midfielder; Levi Link, defense; Ty McConnell, midfielder. Juniors -- Carter Bradley, midfielder; Noah Pierce, defender. Sophomore -- Ethan Lechene, defender

Other returning players: Juniors -- Dom Mulraney, defense; Beau Quilliam, defense; Urban Sherry, defense; Ben Valeria, midfielder. Sophomores -- Chris Galinis, defense/midfielder; Max Galinis, defense-keeper; Leo Jones, midfielder; Tucker Link, forward/midfielder; Nathan Mislevy, defense; Andre Smithmyer, midfielder

Newcomers: Sophomore -- Ayden Warefield, midfielder. Freshmen -- Linkon Baker, defender; William Bollinger, midfielder/defender; Dawson Groer, forward/midfielder; Owen Luther, defender/ midfielder; Aidyn Marble, midfielder; Derek O'Leary, forward/midfielder; Kolby Snyder, forward/ midfielder; Wade Spanik, midfielder; Grant Tackett, defense/ goalie; Talan Taylor, forward/midfielder

Strengths: "We bring back a number of talented starters and letterwinners from a team that qualified for the district playoffs last season. We have a strong nucleus of players who understand the game, possess a high soccer IQ and have a desire to win. Our team has also shown tremendous work ethic throughout the preseason. The players have come in motivated, prepared, and committed to improving every day. With our returning experience, team mindset, and competitiveness, we are excited about the potential this group has for the upcoming season."

Concerns: "While we are fortunate to return a great deal of talent, including several starters and letterwinners, we also graduated a few multi-year starters and lettermen who played a major role in helping us qualify for the district playoffs. We play many exceptionally coached teams loaded with talented players. That means there is very little room for error on any given night. We will need to continue developing throughout the season, stay focused."

Overall outlook: "The 2026 Highlanders will be an experienced team with a high soccer IQ. Our goal will be to improve every day, work hard, and to play to the best of our abilities."

Assistant coaches: Clayton Nelen, Bob Diamond, Mike Strasser

Junior high coaches: Calem Illig, Dravin Beatty, Mason Eckenrode

Central

Coach: Caleb Stern, third year

Career record: 5-30-1

Last year's record: 5-12-1

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors -- Jeremiah Hart, Jacob Heuston. Juniors -- Benjamin McIntier, Wyatt Kensinger, Mason Robison. Sophomores -- Abel Corley, Owen Brown, Conner Rudnick

Other returning players: Senior -- Gavin Kuster. Junior -- Owen Smith. Sophomores -- Drew Dillon, Nathan Hockenberry, Christian Reese

Newcomers: Juniors -- Carter Bookhammer, Owen Huber. Freshmen -- Jakob Bechtel, Joseph Campbell, Jack Huber, Colby Landis, Landon Reed

Strengths: "The team has plenty of depth and talent to carry us through the year."

Concerns: "Not conceding easy goals."

Overall outlook: "Really promising. We want to try and make the District 6 playoffs."

Assistant coach: Josh Bridenbaugh

Junior high coach: Gordon Hockenberry

Central Cambria

Coach: Bryce Corle, fourth year

Career record: 15-38-2

Last year's record: 8-10-1

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors -- Ben Garrity, midfielder; Jonathan Rivera, midfielder. Juniors -- Rocco Barra, defense/midfielder; Miles Doyle, defense; Jacob Fisher, keeper; Eli Illig, defense; Ben Muldoon, centerback; Isaac Oravec, midfielder. Sophomores -- Andres Rivera, defense/midfielder, Brock Williamson, defense

Other returning players: Juniors -- Sawyer Devlin, Jack Illig, Caleb Lewis, Hunter Link, Owen Stossel. Sophomores -- Levi Arnold, Jacob Bobby, Christopher Griffiths, Eli Gutilla, Jonah Hoffman, Tyler Staruch, John Stock, Jacob Stohon

Newcomers: Junior -- Naythan Branas. Freshmen -- Roan Koss, Kaleb Kozen, Brandon Lecorchick, Camden Nileski, Isaac Ostinowsky, Noah Ostinowsky, Jaxson Roush

Strengths: "We have a number of returning starters and/or players with playing experience this year. I'm looking for a number of these guys to have a breakout season this year. We should be a very good ball controlling team in the midfield area which should hopefully create a number of scoring opportunities for us."

Concerns: "We are in the process of replacing a former senior centerback who has graduated. This will be a big challenge for us, but I have a couple of players who I'm looking at filling this position."

Overall outlook: "I think overall we should be making a push into the playoffs again this year. Hopefully improving on our performance from last season."

Assistant coach: Dan Garrity

Great Commission

Coach: Dave Long, 17th year for boys team

Career record: 121-31-2

Last year's record: 9-3-1

Conference: Allegheny Christian Athletic Association

Returning starters: Seniors -- Aaron Kurty, striker; Wesley Hicks, midfielder; Ian Grissinger, striker/midfielder; Grant Michael, defense. Sophomores -- Joel Lohsl, keeper; David Wolford, defense

Other returning players: Eighth grade -- Luke Stachmus, striker; Jared Edwards, defense

Newcomers: Senior--Maliki Ties, defense. Junior--Zach Best, midfielder. Sophomores--Israel (Izzy) Rosillo, midfielder; Titus Ties, striker/midfielder. Eighth grader--Jacob Walters, defense

Strengths: "We have a very strong group of returning experienced senior soccer players. With the senior leadership of Aaron Kurty and Wesley Hicks, our offense has the ability to score goals. Our defense is led by senior Grant Michael and sophomore David Wolford. We should be competitive this season, if we start working together."

Concerns: "We have several new starters, so they have not played together a lot, and it is showing. Scrimmages are helping, but we still have a lot to work on that will help the chemistry of this team. Our first scrimmage had the opposing team beating us to the ball in many situations. We will work on our aggressiveness."

Overall outlook: "We should end the season with a winning record and a trip to the ACAA Tournament."

Assistant coach: Israel Rosillo

Hollidaysburg

Coach: Craig Shale, 23rd year

Career record: 302-124-10

Last year's record: 17-3-1

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors -- Jacob Sweeney, defense; Liam Sawyer, defense; Bryce Hollingshead, midfield; Alex Arbogast, forward. Juniors -- Liam Jancula, keeper; Gannon Zonts, defense; Micah Blake, midfield. Sophomores--Caiden Galioto, midfield; Devin Walters, forward

Other returning players: Junior -- Brady Lewis, midfield. Sophomore -- Nolan Lloyd, defense

Newcomers: Sophomores -- Max Buchman, midfield; Levi Lytle, midfield; Mason Stephens, defense; Eli Boland, defense

Strengths: "Nine returning starters blended with the addition of five talented sophomores gives us a great mixture of experience and youth. Every player on the team plays at a good travel level."

Concerns: "With a small squad of 16, we can't afford any lengthy injuries."

Overall outlook: "Our goal is to win the Lauren Highlands Athletic Conference championship for the first time. We are then looking to retain our District 6 championship and ultimately win a first-round game in the state playoffs."

Assistant coach: Grant Glass

Junior high coach: Adam Naugle

Northern Bedford

Coach: Dan Oberman, fourth year

Career record: 11-42-1

Last year's record: 3-15

Returning starters: Seniors -- Logan Cottle, Ashton Wisker, Weston Hart. Juniors -- Noah Zelanko, Ryan Crawford. Sophomores -- Turner Helsel, Asher Reffner, Jude Sheptock, Ayden Walter, Ryan Harper

Newcomers: Senior -- Ian Smith. Juniors -- Zach Koontz, Crosby Leighty. Sophomores -- Alex Dodd. Freshmen -- Jaidyn Shaulis, Ryen Pepple, Kaden Russel, Dregan Oberman, Dane Barnes, Braylan Barton, Cameron Risbon

Strengths: "We have many returning starters that have played together well with a short bench. Last year, they got plenty of field time at different positions."

Concerns: "Still have a young team in the fact that many of my players have only a few short years of playing, but as they grow, they are figuring out how to play together."

Overall outlook: "This year we are hoping to compete well in the ICC West and District 5 with a strong freshman class and good group of upperclassmen. Hopefully we can play some good soccer."

Assistant coaches: Damian Corle, Jeremy Reffner

Junior high coach: Brandon Horton

Penn Cambria

Coach: Rick China, second year

Career record: 6-13

Last year's record: 6-13

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors -- Carter Panick, midfielder/defense; Elijah Chyr, midfielder/defense; Charlie Golden, forward. Sophomore -- Dan Hanlon, defense/midfielder.

Other returning players: Sophomores -- Rocco Ricupero, defense/midfielder; Tristan Moyer, defense; Cooper Sasse, keeper; Xavier Noel, defense/midfielder

Newcomers: Senior -- Frank Wallis, defense. Sophomores -- Vinny Ricupero, defense; Greg Grimprel, midfielder/defense. Freshmen -- Carter Nileski, midfielder/defense; Kaiden Rickens, defense/midfielder; Nathaniel Fisher, defense; Cole Conrad, midfielder/forward; Ian Baugus, forward; Wesson Gailey, defense, Eli Stevens, Ben Rainey, Jared Lynch

Strengths: "We have some good incoming talent. What makes this team special? Young with a few upper class leaders. What are its strengths? Hard workers. Very coachable and there is enough talent we can build for the future."

Concerns: "We are very young. Sixteen of our 20 players are ninth or 10th graders. Our age, inexperience and size will be real challenges this year."

Overall outlook: "Last year was a bit disappointing, in that, most of our losses were one-goal games and three of those losses were in double overtime. Graduating the school's all-time leading goal scorer and three-time first-team all-conference player in Nick Marshall and first-team all-conference centerback in Jackson Rice will create some challenges, but also some opportunities for younger players to step up. I'm very pleased with the early leadership displayed by our four seniors -- Carter Panick, Charlie Golden, Elijah Chyr and Frank Wallis and some of the young returning talent and incoming freshmen."

Assistant coach: Justin Magnotti

Junior high coach: Mike Smith

Tyrone

Coach: Alex Bartlett, eighth year

Career record: 39-87

Last year's record: 13-7

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors -- Grant Miller, defense; Cameron Nelson, midfielder/defense; Noah Gulvas, forward; Caleb Posnett, defense; Tytus Novak, midfielder/defense. Juniors -- Potter Myers, midfielder; Karter Bokulich, defense; Gavin Tuskovich, forward. Sophomore -- Miles Smearman, defense/forward

Other returning players: Senior -- Ned Smearman, midfielder. Sophomores -- Gavin Brasher, midfielder; Cameron Coffey, forward; Ethan Fritts, forward; Griffin Warren, defense. Freshmen -- Brenson Davis, defense; Colby Bardell, forward; Jaryn Wilson, keeper

Newcomers: Junior -- Wyatt Walls, keeper. Freshmen -- Jack Carper, defense; Leonidas DelBaggio, defense; William Gabel, forward/midfielder; Asher Lauder, forward; Avery Metz, midfielder; Ethan Myers, forward; Brody Parsons, midfielder/forward; Parker Pastelok, midfielder

Strengths: "Senior leadership, talent, culture."

Concerns: "Internal mistakes, looking too far ahead."

Overall outlook: "All positive. We have a great senior class coming back and got a couple players back from injury along with a stellar freshman class that will only raise our level."

Assistant coaches: Bailey Christine, Kyle Bartlett, Daron Daly, Craig Gabel

Junior high coaches: Tom Brasher, Donny Coffey, Paul Pastelok

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