10/23/23 Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski / Altoona's Cam Woomer place 1st.
By Nate Ritchey
nritchey@altoonamirror.com
The Altoona Mirror core coverage area has plenty of talent returning in high school boys cross country this season.
Six of the eight Mirror first-team all-stars from last year return to their respective teams.
Senior Dom Kuntz and junior Ethan Haycisak were first-teamers a year ago for a Central Cambria team looking for its 11th straight District 6 championship.
Also back for the Red Devils is sophom*ore Derek McConnell, who was a second-team star last year.
Altoona seniors Andrew Quinn and Camdyn Woomer, as well as junior Kody Webster, were all selected to the first team last year for a team that finished 6-2.
The Mountain Lions also welcome back Mirror second-team stars Eli Ebersole (senior) and Seth Lieb (sophom*ore).
Hollidaysburg looks to have an exceptional season as it returns six that were honored by the Mirror.
Seniors Sebastian Diaz (second team), Yvan Chen (honorable mention) and Abe Manfred (honorable mention), juniors Joseph McNicholas (honorable mention) and Isaac Watt (honorable mention), and sophom*ore Reuben Manfred (second team) lead the Golden Tigers.
Portage junior Logan Gentile was a second-team member, while Central junior Braden Allison was an honorable mention pick.
The following is a capsule look at the boys cross country teams in the Mirror’s core coverage area:
Altoona
Coach: Jim D’Angelo, fourth year
Career record: 15-3
Last year’s record: 6-2
Conference: None
Returning starters: Seniors–Eli Ebersole, Brandon Lyle, Andrew Quinn, Enoch VanEgdom, Camdyn Woomer. Juniors–Dean Sunderland, Kody Webster.
Other returners: Junior–Elijah Lucio. Sophom*ores–T.J. Dunkle, Xander Frederick, James Hord, Seth Lieb, Chase VanEgdom.
Newcomers: Junior–Eric Weyant. Sophom*ores–Ethan Henderson, Archie Glover. Freshmen–Evan Getty, Ben McKee, Lucus Morrissey.
Strengths: “For the first time in a couple of years, we can no longer be considered a young team. We have a solid nucleus of returning talent who have varsity experience. Their experience, along with a nice mix of younger runners, will hopefully be the strength of this team, not just for this season, but for many years to come.”
Concerns: “I have the same concern going into every season — getting them through the season healthy and having them peak at the right time. Although we are a veteran-laden team this year, it only takes one setback to jeopardize both our team and individual goals we have set.”
Overall outlook: “With the experience we have returning, we as a coaching staff have set lofty goals for our team. So far they have responded in the best kind of way, which is to buy in and work hard. We will face some of the best competition the state of Pennsylvania has to offer. We are very much looking forward to the challenges that lie before us.”
Assistant coaches: Lee Baranik, Travis Etters, Jason McKenzie, Todd Runk.
Junior high coaches: Jim D’Angelo, Lee Baranik, Travis Etters, Jason McKenzie, Todd Runk
Bellwood-Antis
Coach: Jennifer Soisson, first year
Career record: 0-0
Last year’s record: 5-6
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Senior–Jacob Caracciolo. Juniors–Martin Fatzinger, Cameron Gallagher. Sophom*ores–Domanick Halerz, Mason Nagle, Keagen Shanafelt.
Other returners: Junior–Collin Matthews. Sophom*ores–Elijah Grove, Hunter Shura.
Newcomers: Senior–Mcaulley Corle. Junior–Luke Gurekovich. Sophom*ores–Jonathan Bickel, Joseph Miller. Freshmen–Kirk Keen, Malachi Patterson.
Strengths: “We have a lot of experienced returning runners with the addition of some new talent who have a lot to contribute to the team this season. Our coaching staff is knowledgeable, and our runners are eager to develop their abilities.”
Concerns: “We lost some of our top varsity runners, but our returnees and newcomers are up for the challenge.”
Overall outlook: “Many of our runners had a highly successful spring track season and carried that momentum into their summer training. We have a positive team culture, and they’re excited to compete.”
Assistant coaches: Connor Hunter, Rhonda Mills, Naomi Pennington, Julie Roseborough, Patrick Sachse
Bishop Carroll
Coach: Mike Bradley, fifth year
Career record: 2-40
Last year’s record: 2-8
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Juniors–Isaac Bennett, Joe Phillips. Sophom*ore–Brody Pablic.
Other returners: None
Newcomers: Sophom*ore–Jonathan Bishop. Freshman–Connor Isaacson.
Strengths: “Discipline.”
Concerns: “Numbers.”
Overall outlook: “Great group of young men.”
Assistant coaches: None
Cambria Heights
Coach: John Kuskoski, 32nd year
Career record: 187-237
Last year’s record: 7-5
Conference: Heritage Conference
Returning starters: Senior–Eli Hoover. Juniors–Matt Senko, Kasin Shaffer, Kyle Watson. Sophom*ores–Levi Kline, Maximilian Wendekier.
Other returners: Junior–Jared Robenolt.
Newcomers: Sophom*ore–Mason Kline. Freshman–Asher Fels.
Strengths: “For most of these boys, it’s not their first rodeo. I feel that there’s a common goal to quickly fill the shoes of the graduated seniors and springboard off last year’s success.”
Concerns: “I think these guys realize how good their team could be. They need to make an ‘all in’ commitment to become that team.”
Overall outlook: “This team will live up to the challenges of cross country admirably.”
Assistant coaches: Dana Bender, Art “Buzz” Deckard, Tammy Nagel
Junior high coaches: John Kuskoski, Dana Bender, Art “Buzz” Deckard, Tammy Nagel
Central
Coach: Joe Bilka, first year at Central; 20th year overall
Last year’s record: 2-5
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Senior–Camden Kuster. Junior–Braden Allison.
Other returners: None
Newcomers: Freshmen–Tristin Caporuscio, Kevin Dick, Liam Weimart.
Strengths: “This year we will field a full boys team with three returning starters and hope that we return state qualifier Braden Allison and another boy to Hershey this year.”
Concerns: “The important factor is to stay healthy.”
Overall outlook: “Looking forward to coaching this new, young group of runners.”
Assistant coaches: Vicki Bilka, John Horton
Central Cambria
Coach: Randy Wilson, 25th year
Career record: 250-24
Last year’s record: 12-0
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returners: Senior–Dom Kuntz. Juniors–Ethan Haycisak, Roy Lian. Sophom*ores–Max Bradley, Max Cafazza, Derek McConnell, Jayden Ritchey, Philip Ulmer, Will Yokitis.
Newcomers: Freshmen–Sam Brannigan, Miles Doyle, Jacob Fisher, Luke Petrick, Reed Takacs, Giles Westrick
Strengths: “A good blend of upper and underclassmen have been working hard all summer to continue the success of the Central Cambria boys cross country program.”
Concerns: “Overcoming the overall youth of the team. Eighty-percent of the roster are freshmen and sophom*ores.”
Overall outlook: “We are hoping that through strong pack running, we can compete for a LHAC title as well as a District 6 Class 2A title.”
Assistant coaches: Bryce Descavish, Jeff Dick, Tyler Gibson, Tim Miller
Hollidaysburg
Coach: Travis Singer, 11th year
Career record: 47-43
Last year’s record: 7-2
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors–Yvan Chen, Sebastian Diaz, Abe Manfred, Andrew Shanafelt. Juniors–Gordon Batchelder, Evan Daum, Joseph McNicholas, Isaac Watt. Sophom*ore–Reuben Manfred.
Other returners: Seniors–Caleb Engle, Elliot Farabaugh, Carson Krupka, Logan Krupka, Isaac Pramuk, Joel Stock. Sophom*ores–Liam Cannarsa, Landon Krupka, Charlie Pollock.
Newcomers: Senior–James Bialo. Junior–Simian Snyder. Sophom*ore–Nathan Kanish, Isaac Tryninewski. Freshmen–Logan Burns, Sam Chestney, Matt Peachey, Jack Singer.
Strengths: “Best depth we’ve had in awhile. Most of our top 10 return from last season, and we’re adding a few talented freshmen to compete and push the upperclassmen.”
Concerns: “Competing in the LHAC and the larger schools of District 6 can be a grind. Balancing season-long goals with weekly competitions.”
Overall outlook: “This is a great group of kids. They have shown resiliency as a group over the years, and we’re looking forward to seeing their hard work and competitiveness pay off.”
Assistant coaches: Lilly Clayton, Cassie Kachur, Matt Manfred, Nicole Stouffer
Juniata Valley
Coach: Dolores Gahagan, 40th year
Last year’s record: Not enough runners to compete as a team
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starter: Junior–Caden Walters.
Other returners: None
Newcomer: Freshman–Max Harman.
Strengths: “We only have two varsity boys, but both are working very hard. Junior Caden Walters had a successful season last year and is coming back looking stronger this preseason. He is joined by freshman Max Harman, who has a lot of potential and will work well with his teammate.”
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: Ruthie Hess, Krista McCrum
Northern Bedford
Coach: Whitley Mellott, fourth year
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Senior–Dhylan Miller. Junior–Nate Eckenroad. Sophom*ore–Weston Hart.
Other returners: None.
Newcomers: Senior–Logan Dilling. Sophom*ore–Matthew Hess.
Strengths: “We have great team leaders that are very positive and encouraging to our new and younger runners.”
Concerns: “We have a lot of young athletes that have never run cross country before, but I, as head coach, have full faith in the new runners.”
Overall outlook: “As stated before, we have a strong and level-headed group of upperclassmen that are a huge help with the younger kids. I think this strength and the number of athletes we have out this year will help our season to run smoothly.”
Assistant coach: Stewart Crocker
Junior high coach: Lucas Miller
Penn Cambria
Coach: Kristin Talko, second year
Career record: 2-8
Last year’s record: 2-8
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Senior–Austin Gray. Junior–Ryan Giraurd.
Other returners: None
Newcomers: Senior–Caleb Pisczek. Freshman–Brett Stoudnour.
Strengths: “Our returning letterwinners.”
Concerns: “Our numbers.”
Overall outlook: “We look for all athletes to continue to improve.”
Assistant coaches: Todd Niebauer, Lois Smith
Junior high coaches: Kristin Talko, Todd Niebauer, Lois Smith
Portage
Coach: Bob Newlin, third year
Career record: 15-11
Last year’s record: 10-3
Conference: Heritage Conference
Returning starters: Juniors–Logan Gentile, Ayden Westover. Sophom*ores–Simon Girard, Layden Porter, Nolan Westover.
Other returners: None
Newcomers: None
Strengths: “A young, motivated group that is looking to build off of last year.”
Concerns: “We lost a lot of athletes from last year. Our numbers are very low–depth is our biggest concern.”
Overall outlook: “A small but determined group has been working hard all summer. They all have the same goals this year, so I’m excited to see them compete each week.”
Assistant coaches: Amy Burkett, Lance Hudak
Tyrone
Coach: Tammy Wills, 23rd year
Last year’s record: 10-2
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors–Aiden Detwiler, Thomas Sutt. Juniors–Alex Brumbaugh, Nathan Erikson. Sophom*ores–Eric Goodman, Adam Ray.
Other returners: None
Newcomers: Junior–Tyke Beck. Sophom*ore–Cart Gwinn. Freshmen–Brody Hoover, Aidan Luther, Nicholas Sutt.
Strengths: “We have several experienced and talented returning runners. We also have some new runners and runners moving up this season from our junior high that are sure to make an impact.”
Concerns: “Numbers.”
Overall outlook: “Looking forward to what will hopefully be a challenging but successful season.”
Assistant coach: Randy Wilson
Junior high coaches: Tammy Wills, Randy Wilson
Williamsburg
Coach: April Wheland, fifth year
Conference: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Senior–Ethan O. Juniors–Ryland Corl, Dayne Mock.
Other returners: None
Newcomers: Sophom*ore–Logan Stewart.
Strengths: “Positive attitudes, willingness to train in any conditions and impressive sportsmanship.”
Concerns: “Small roster size.”
Overall outlook: “I am confident that this group of runners will step up and push each other to reach their personal best. The varsity runners are also outstanding role models and work with the junior high runners to fuel their love of the sport.”
Assistant coaches: Rachel Biddle, Loc O
Junior high coaches: April Wheland, Rachel Biddle
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