Schuylkill Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country: Blue Mountain preps for big season
Runners sprint away from the starting line in the opening seconds of the varsity boys' race at the Schuylkill League Cross Country Championships on Oct. 16, 2024 at White Birch Golf Course. (Photo by Bob Lipsky)
Minersville’s Kolin Long and Schuylkill Haven’s Anna Schaeffer dominated Schuylkill League cross country last season.
They’ve both graduated.
Their departure creates opportunities for the rest of the field, opening the door for talent to emerge and capture some of the bigger prizes at the end of the season.
On the girls’ side, nine of the top 10 finishers from the Schuylkill League Cross Country Championships return. In addition, highly touted North Schuylkill freshman Genevieve Dando joins the fray.
On the boys’ side, just four of the top 10 finishers from the league meet return. A pair of seniors could battle for Schuylkill gold in October. Shenandoah Valley’s Robert Espinal placed second at leagues and second in District 11 Class A to qualify for states last season. Blue Mountain’s Francesco Carr took third at leagues and fifth in District 11 Class AA to punch his ticket to Hershey for the third time in his career. Carr won the Schuylkill League championship as a sophomore in 2023.
As the runners continue to log miles in preparation for a busy fall season, let’s break down the Schuylkill League:
New leaders
Dominique Ramer (Marian), Lacey Timony (Pottsville) and Amanda Hascin (Tamaqua) join the head coaching ranks in the Schuylkill League. On the other side of the coin, Schuylkill Haven’s Bob Girvin enters his 55th season as head coach.
Runners to watch (boys)
With Long’s graduation, Espinal and Carr step in as the runners to beat. They’ll be among the frontrunners at leagues and should be contenders at districts as well.
Marian returns a pair of state qualifiers in juniors Wade Eroh and Achilles Fitzpatrick, while Nativity junior Nash Stehr competed at the PIAA meet as well.
Minersville junior Johnny Burgess placed ninth and Blue Mountain junior Grayson Meck took 10th at last season’s league meet.
Runners to watch (girls)
Marian returns two state qualifiers on the girls’ side as well in senior Teaghan Biros and sophomore Addy Marek. Mahanoy Area senior Felicia Bro, third at leagues last season, qualified for states as well.
Tri-Valley sophomore Anna Cook, eighth at leagues, made it to states as well as Schuylkill Haven junior Lilly Wisner.
Blue Mountain dominated the league championships last season, placing five runners in the top nine. They’re all back: senior Hannah Wildermuth (second), sophomore Hope Scheidel (fourth), sophomore Emma Lazarchick (fifth), sophomore Sarah Satterfield (sixth) and junior Vanessa Frasnelli (ninth).
Tamaqua senior Ava Jones placed seventh, and Tri-Valley senior Alyssa Cook finished 10th at last season’s league championships.
The arrival of Dando to the varsity level will be interesting to watch as she comes in after great success at the junior high level.
Teams to watch (boys)
With six returning starters from last season’s division and league runner-up team, Blue Mountain enters the season as the solid favorite to sweep both titles this fall. In addition to Carr and Meck, the Eagles return sophomore Christopher Phipps, senior Joseph Cairne, sophomore Tyler Buchman and senior Evan McDonough. They also have a 17-runner roster and lots of young talent on the way.
“If our team groups up early, we should have a very strong team and hope to make a late-season push into leagues and districts,” Blue Mountain coach Tom Kanger said.
Minersville has to replace Long, and that won’t be easy. The Miners do have Burgess, three other returning starters and enough depth to fill a full team. Minersville has no seniors, so it will bear watching how high they can climb as underclassmen.
“Despite their youth, the squad remains competitive and is focused on making another run at qualifying for the PIAA State Championships,” Minersville coach Jason Burgess said.
Six seniors graduated from Tamaqua’s league championship team, including state qualifiers Tony Marchetti and Levi Kunkel. The Blue Raiders should be competitive but will have tough time hanging with Blue Mountain.
Shenandoah Valley captured the Schuylkill League Division II crown and then the District 11 Class A team title. The graduation of Ayden Zamudio will be tough to replace, but the Blue Devils return four starters and have some depth behind them. Led by Espinal, they should contend for both the division and district crowns again this season.
Marian, Nativity and Schuylkill Haven could challenge on a given day, but depth is a concern for the Colts and Green Wave. The Hurricanes must replace state qualifier Carter Daniel and have a few other runners step up.
Teams to watch (girls)
Blue Mountain’s girls ruled the Schuylkill League in 2024, capping an undefeated season by scoring a miniscule 25 points in winning the Schuylkill League championship. The Eagles placed three in the top five, five in the top nine and all seven among the top 15. Six of those runners return seeking more hardware.
“We had a very good season last year and have a great returning core of girls,” Kanger said. “If we continue to improve and stay healthy, we will have a good run into the important late-season meets. The runners have been grouping well and support each other’s success.”
With eight returning runners, Tamaqua looks to be Blue Mountain’s main challenger. In addition to Jones, senior Mollie Walker and junior Madelyn Schaefer are back for the Blue Raiders.
“The girls are returning several key runners with the experience necessary to take them far,” Hascin said. “Our goal is to work as a team, improve every week and conquer all challenges that come our way.”
Shenandoah Valley made school history by winning its first-ever District 11 Class A crown last season, and should be in the mix in the division again this season. Schuylkill Haven won the division but graduated its top two runners and will need others to step into those roles. Marian has some excellent individuals but depth is a concern. Just two meets separated the Hurricanes, Fillies and Blue Devils in the standings, and another close race could be in the cards again this season.
Key dates
***Oct. 15 — Schuylkill League Cross Country Championships, White Birch Golf Course
***Oct. 22 — District 11 Cross Country Championships, DeSales University
***Nov. 1 — PIAA Cross Country Championships, Parkview Cross Country Course, Hershey
Schuylkill League Cross Country Preview Capsules
BOYS
DIVISION I
Blue Mountain
Head coach: Tom Kanger (2nd season at Blue Mountain, 23rd overall)
Last year: 14-1, 11-1 D-I. Division I runner-up (lost to Tamaqua in division runoff at league meet)
Returnees: Joseph Cairnie (sr.), Francesco Carr (sr.), Evan McDonough (sr.), Grayson Meck (jr.), Christopher Phipps (soph.), Tyler Buchman (soph.)
Newcomers: Spencer Baran (sr.), Raphael Liranzo (sr.), Stewart Cairnie (jr.), Elias Baran (soph.), Caleb Shenk (soph.), Quinnlon Tremaglia (soph.), Tim Barnes (fr.), Rusty Hunter (fr.), Liam Marinchak (fr.), Evan Williams (fr.), Noah Yackenchick (fr.)
Outlook: Bright. Eagles are loaded and deep, led by state qualifier Carr. With six returning starters who went stride-for-stride with Tamaqua last season, Blue Mountain is primed for a big season in the league and beyond. Division favorite.
Mahanoy Area
Head coach: Jen Zilker (8th season)
Last year: 4-8 D-I
Returnees: Nicholas Manley (sr.), Cameron Chilinskas (soph.), Jadiel Garcia Moya (soph.), Leivy Peralta (soph.), Grayson Zaremba (soph.)
Newcomers: Sonny Seritti (sr.), Cameron Smith (fr.), Aiden Tejeda (fr.)
Outlook: Graduated a pair of state qualifiers, but Golden Bears will reload with a young roster. Will look to improve and become more competitive in the division.
Minersville
Head coach: Jason Burgess (26th season)
Last year: 7-5 D-I. District 11 Class A runner-up, PIAA Class A qualifier
Returnees: Johnny Burgess (jr.), Daniel Koury-Schultz (jr.), Alan Zulick (soph.), Sheldon Fickes (soph.)
Newcomers: Grady McGovern (jr.), Thomas Zimmerman (soph.), Landon Govern (fr.)
Outlook: Graduation of state medalist Kolin Long will be felt, but Miners return four starters from last year’s team. A young roster with no seniors, Miners will look to peak at districts and become a contender to qualify for states.
North Schuylkill
Head coach: Matt Klingerman (3rd season)
Last year: 1-11 D-I
Returnees: Sean Dacus (jr.)
Newcomers: Zephaniah Johnstone (soph.), Cameron Jones (fr.), Owen Mentzer (fr.), Preston Lex (fr.), Ayden Smolock (fr.), Keiden Puls (fr.), Brendon Fetterolf (fr.), Conner Brutts (fr.)
Outlook: Extremely young team that will strive to become more competitive in the division. Look for the Spartans to put a few more wins on the board than last season.
Pine Grove
Head coach: Lynne Delinko (4th season)
Last year: 3-9 D-I
Returnees: Cameron Waite (jr.)
Newcomers: Mason Warg (sr.)
Outlook: With low numbers, Cardinals will focus on individual improvement.
Pottsville
Head coach: Lacey Timony (1st season)
Last year: 6-6 D-I
Returnees: Billy Davis (sr.), William Siegfried (sr.), Princeernest Grant (jr.), Aidan Corby (jr.), Tyler Prokop (soph.)
Newcomers: Nathan Reichert (jr.), Gavin Lutsky (fr.), Ethan Cappella (fr.)
Outlook: An experienced team, Crimson Tide could take some steps forward this season. Being competitive in the division and reaching or surpassing a .500 record are realistic goals.
Tamaqua
Head coach: Amanda Hascin (1st season)
Last year: 15-1, 11-1 D-I. Division I champion (defeated Blue Mountain in runoff at league meet), Schuylkill League champion.
Returnees: William Behun (sr.), Logan Morgans (sr.), Aidan Elston (soph.), Parker Steencken (soph.)
Newcomers: William Coombe (soph.), Luis Sanchez (soph.), Terran Wakefield (soph.), Memphis Kline (fr.), Kevin Lawfer (fr.), Hunter Steencken (fr.)
Outlook: Graduated six seniors, including five starters, and two state qualifiers. Young runners will have to step up for Tamaqua to have a winning season in the division.
DIVISION II
Gillingham Charter
Head coaches: Ian Young and Morgan Schreckengost
Last year: 4-8 D-II
Returnees: Collin Bird (jr.), Daniel Martin (soph.), Nikolai Bradley (soph.)
Newcomers: Jacob Maidenford (fr.), Edmund Knowleden
Outlook: Ability to field full team will make Wolfpack more competitive in the division. Could improve.
Marian
Head coach: Dominique Ramer (1st season)
Last year: 8-4 D-II
Returnees: Jacob Berlanda (jr.), Wade Eroh (jr.), James Gelatko (jr.), Achilles Fitzpatrick (jr.), Gavin Zola (jr.)
Newcomers: None
Outlook: State qualifiers Eroh and Fitzpatrick pace young, thin roster. If Colts can stay healthy and add a runner or two, they could be competitive in the division.
Nativity
Head coach: Vince Zimerofsky (4th season)
Last year: 3-8-1 D-II
Returnees: Nash Stehr (jr.), Shane Meyer (jr.), Wyatt Hylka (jr.)
Newcomers: Brady Loftus (fr.), Daniel Kim (fr.)
Outlook: With just five runners, Nativity has no depth and has to stay healthy. All underclassmen as team builds foundation. Led by state qualifier Stehr, Nativity could improve over last year’s results.
Schuylkill Haven
Head coach: Bob Girvin (55th season)
Last year: 8-3-1 D-II
Returnees: Jackson Brennan (sr.), Quinten Childs (sr.), Austyne Killian (jr.), John Smith (jr.)
Newcomers: Matthew Angelo (sr.), Colton McClusky (fr.), Jonah Sanders (fr.), Daniel Schock (fr.)
Outlook: Graduated state-qualifying frontrunner from last year’s team but return enough experience and depth to be a contender in the division.
Shenandoah Valley
Head coach: Tony Pytko (4th season)
Last year: 12-0 D-II. Division II champion. District 11 Class A champion, PIAA Class A qualifier (16th).
Returnees: Robert Espinal (sr.), Toby Gudinas (sr.), Gabriel Saba (jr.), Chris Meza (sr.), Ibraaheem Porter (soph.), Zachariah Kropp (soph.)
Newcomers: Carlos Meza (jr.), Angel Flores (fr.), Jadiel Rojas (fr.)
Outlook: Led by district runner-up Espinal, Blue Devils are the favorites to repeat in the division until somebody proves otherwise. Should be a factor at districts as well.
Tri-Valley
Head coach: Pam Ulicny (10th season)
Last year: 0-12 D-II
Returnees: Gabe Julian (soph.)
Newcomers: None
Outlook: With low numbers, Bulldogs will focus on individual improvement.
Weatherly
Head coach: Ryan Kately (6th season)
Last year: 5-6 D-II
Returnees: Raymond Montz (sr.), Isaiah Williams (sr.), Alex Best (soph.)
Newcomers: Rex Bellizia (fr.)
Outlook: With low numbers, individual improvement will be the focus.
GIRLS
DIVISION I
Blue Mountain
Head coach: Tom Kanger (2nd season at Blue Mountain, 23rd overall)
Last year: 15-0, 12-0 D-I. Division I champion, Schuylkill League champion.
Returnees: Lucy Scheidel (sr.), Hannah Wildermuth (sr.), Vanessa Frasnelli (jr.), Victoria Frasnelli (jr.), Emma Lazarchick (soph.), Sarah Satterfield (soph.), Hope Scheidel (soph.)
Newcomers: Makayla Bahm (jr.), Stella Baran (jr.), Madeline Dalkner (jr.), Sophia Palmeri (jr.), Taylor Eckert (soph.), Meredith Lonergan (soph.), Alexis Minnick (soph.), Abby Phillips (soph.), Anna Kaplafka (fr.), Casey Savage (fr.)
Outlook: Eagles return six starters from last season’s undefeated league championship team and add some talented younger runners to the mix. Superior depth will be key for a roster of 17 with just two seniors. Division favorite until somebody proves otherwise. The goals for Blue Mountain are to perform at the big meets at the end of the season and bring home some hardware. They’re capable of doing that.
Mahanoy Area
Head coach: Jen Zilker (8th season)
Last year: 3-9 D-I
Returnees: Felicia Bro (sr.), Allison Leibowitz (soph.), Lillian Brown (soph.)
Newcomers: Qadriyah Ozuna (fr.), Aryanna Aponte Hernandez (fr.)
Outlook: Bears have an excellent frontrunner in state qualifier Bro, but they’ll need to stay healthy and have the younger runners step up to be competitive in the division.
Minersville
Head coach: Jason Burgess (26th season)
Last year: 6-6 D-I
Returnees: Ellie Purcell (soph.), Alora Smith (soph.), Alexa Sukeena (soph.)
Newcomers: Marley Zimmerman (sr.), Isabella Plesnarski (soph.), Myah Bosack (soph.), Ava Bosack (fr.), Alexa Eisenhart (fr.)
Outlook: A really young team with just one senior, improved depth could lead to a solid season for the Miners. A team on the rise. Could surprise.
North Schuylkill
Head coach: Matt Klingerman (3rd season)
Last year: 0-12 D-I
Returnees: Tatiana Salefski (soph.)
Newcomers: Genevieve Dando (fr.)
Outlook: Spartans have two talented runners, but lack of depth is a concern. Look for Dando to push toward the front in many of her races.
Pine Grove
Head coach: Lynne Delinko (4th season)
Last year: 8-4 D-I
Returnees: Essie DeBruyn (jr.)
Newcomers: Mallory Schneck (fr.), Petra DeBruyn (fr.)
Outlook: Young team will count on some freshmen to step up and become contributors right away. Goal will be to stay competitive in the division.
Pottsville
Head coach: Lacey Timony (1st season)
Last year: 4-8 D-I
Returnees: Izzy Walchalk (soph.)
Newcomers: None
Outlook: With low numbers, Pottsville will focus on individual improvement.
Tamaqua
Head coach: Amanda Hascin (1st season)
Last year: 14-2, 10-2 D-I
Returnees: Lyla Clemson (sr.), Cali Frantz (sr.), Adrianna Geronimo (sr.), Ava Jones (sr.), Mollie Walker (sr.), Madelyn Schaefer (jr.), Lila Stegemerten (jr.), Gia Clemson (soph.)
Newcomers: Bailey Pliska (jr.), Kathryn Behun (soph.), Millie Black (soph.), Chloe Jones (soph.), Mikayah Steigerwalt (soph.), Shaylee Gormley (fr.)
Outlook: Experienced and deep roster will look to challenge Blue Mountain at the top of the division and beyond. Eight returning runners, including five seniors, will provide leadership as Tamaqua competes for big goals.
DIVISION II
Gillingham Charter
Head coach: Ian Young and Morgan Schreckengost
Last year: 0-10 D-II
Returnees: Valery Billman (jr.)
Newcomers: None
Outlook: With low numbers, focus will be on individual improvement.
Marian
Head coach: Dominique Ramer (1st season)
Last year: 10-2 D-II
Returnees: Teaghan Biros (sr.), Anna Keer (soph.), Addy Marek (jr.)
Newcomers: Maddie Biros (sr.), Azrael Zito (fr.)
Outlook: State qualifiers Teaghan Biros and Marek lead thin roster. Need to stay healthy and perhaps add a runner or two. Could be a factor in the division.
Nativity
Head coach: Vince Zimerofsky (4th season)
Last year: 2-8 D-II
Returnees: None
Newcomers: None
Outlook: Nativity will look to bring girls into the program in the future.
Schuylkill Haven
Head coach: Bob Girvin (55th season)
Last year: 11-1 D-II. Division II champion.
Returnees: Faith Krammes (sr.), Ryleigh Younger (sr.), Ayla Essler-Kiryaman (jr.), Eve Terleton (jr.), Lilly Wisner (jr.), Joy Schock (soph.), Farrah Yule (soph.)
Newcomers: Allie Bright (jr.), Kalynne Miller (soph.)
Outlook: Graduated top two runners, both state qualifiers, but Hurricanes have enough depth and experience to challenge in the division. Wisner qualified for states last season, too.
Shenandoah Valley
Head coach: Tony Pytko (4th season)
Last year: 9-3 D-II. District 11 Class A champion, PIAA Class A qualifier (18th).
Returnees: Paloma Monjaraz (sr.), Victoria Hernandez (jr.), Valeria Hernandez (jr.), Gianna Donovan (soph.), Ruby Ruiz (soph.), Ashley Gonzalez (soph.)
Newcomers: Lucero Zavala Perez (sr.), Jeninneine Ferguson (sr.), Sugeiris Nunez (jr.), Elizabeth Salmeron (fr.), Litzy Salguero (fr.)
Outlook: Superior depth makes the Blue Devils the favorite in the division. Graduated two seniors, but they return plenty from last season’s District 11 championship squad.
Tri-Valley
Head coach: Pam Ulicny (10th season)
Last year: 6-6 D-II
Returnees: Alyssa Cook (sr.), Bella Dietrich (jr.), Anna Cook (soph.),
Newcomers: Scarlett Foreman (soph.)
Outlook: Despite low numbers, Bulldogs have a few quality runners led by state qualifier Anna Cook. Should be competitive in the division if they can add a runner or two to score as a team.
Weatherly
Head coach: Ryan Kately (6th season)
Last year: 0-9 D-II
Returnees: None
Newcomers: Alexia Kehler (fr.)
Outlook: With low numbers, individual improvement will be the focus.
