The Parkland boys track team has one of its top two sprinters, its best hurdler and two best distance runners. It also has experience in other areas.
It is, again, the EPC favorite.
The Parkland girls team returns several of its top sprinters, most of the members from its championship relay teams and several top distance runners among others.
It is, again, the EPC favorite.
Rebuilding Emmaus will be in the hunt again. It is led by returning state jumping champion Kyle Moore.
Several other teams are poised to improve.
Important dates:
— Wednesday: EPC openers
— May 7-8: EPC Track & Field Championships at Whitehall
— May 14-15: District 11 Track & Field Championships at Blue Mountain
— May 24-25: PIAA Track & Field Championships at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium.
Here’s a look at each of the 18 EPC boys and girls teams for 2024:
EPC track & field capsules
ALLEN
Head coaches: George Clay (girls) and Jarrad Max (boys)
Last year: Boys 0-8; girls 0-8
No other information provided
BETHLEHEM CATHOLIC
Head coach: Fred Rice, 11th year
Last year: Boys 0-8 EPC, 0-9 overall; girls 0-8 EPC, 0-9 overall
Top returnees: (BOYS) Jr. Mekhi Britt (mid-distance, distance); Sr. Tim Kraus (mid-distance, relays); Jr. Michaael Montesano (mid-distance); Sr. Robert Williams (sprints); Jr. Carlos Perez; Mekhi Lapierre; Sr. Jared Benka Coker; Sr. Darius McNair; Jr. Jack Rushe (sprints, hurdles); Jr. Robet Couser; Sr. Devin Greene (jumps, sprints); Sr. Cody Grant (sprints, jumps); Sr. Isaiah Hodges (throws); (GIRLS) Jr. Remiah Rivera (sprints, mid-distance); Jr. Sarah Gowald (sprints, mid-distance); Sr. Lauren Arciolo (mid-distance); Sr. Jianna Brown (jumps, hurdles); So. Kendall Nickischer (mid-distance); Jr. D.J. Brown (throws); Jr. Olessya Minorics (throws)
Top newcomers: (BOYS) Fr. Jonathan Benka Coker; (GIRLS) So. Alliyah Brame (mid-distance); Jr. Mikyla Britt (jumps, hurdles); Sr. Akasha Santos (sprints, jumps); Fr. Rio Stoudt (sprints)
About the Golden Hawks: Britt set a school record in the indoor 800 (1:58.01). … Montesano is back after a year off. … Several members of Bethlehem Catholic’s girls basketball team will join the track & field team once their state playoff run is done. … “I expect it will be about the fourth meet until we start getting our track teams somewhat in order,” Rice said. “By the end of the season, our boys team will be very competitive in the district meet if we stay healthy. The girls I expect to be competitive also in the second half of the season.”
CENTRAL CATHOLIC
Head coach: Dave Ackerman, 15th year
Last year: Boys 1-6-1 EPC, 1-7-1 overall; girls 3-5 EPC, 4-5 overall
Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Clark Gulycz (EPC runner-up, District 11 2A and PIAA third in shot put); Sr. Nasir McLean (sprints); Jr. Duke Ebert (EPC fourth, District 11 2A third in 1,600); Jr. Lucas Mushrush (District 11 2A runner-up in 800); (GIRLS) Jr. Milly Wolf (EPC runner-up, District 11 tied for second in high jump); Sr. Amelia Michener (throws); Sr. Izzy Kehoe-Tuck (distance); Sr. Sammy Roth (sprints); Jr. Angie Braun (jumps)
Top newcomers: (BOYS) So. Di’Quawn Leak (jumps); Sr. Jahrel Vigo (jumps); (GIRLS) So. Emerson Springs (jumps); So. Maddie O’Brien (jumps)
About the Vikings: They have a lot of young athletes on the roster, so their development will go a long way in determining how well they do in dual meets. … They are strong in the throws and jumps on the boys and girls teams, led by Gulycz.
DIERUFF
Head coaches: Chris Newhard (boys), 6th year; Tiffany Whitehead (girls), 1st year
Last year: Boys 4-4 EPC, 6-4 overall; girls 2-6, 3-7
Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Jorge Santana (hurdles, sprint relays); Jr. Jaquan Sanders (jumps); Sr. Christopher Lebron (sprints, sprint relays); Jr. Andrew Perez (mid-distance, distance); Sr. Delferson Contreras (mid-distance); (GIRLS) Aiyanna Miller (mid-distance); Aniya Holder (District 11 3A eighth in 200); Minty Helb (relays); Abigail McKenna (relays)
Top newcomers: (BOYS) So. Laquaye Hamilton (sprints); Jr. Juan Rivera (jumps); (GIRLS) Valentina Yurca (mid-distance, distance); Victoria Burden (sprints, mid-distance); Loreline Carmono (sprints)
About the Huskies: Santana was a national indoor qualifier in the 400-meter hurdles and the decathlon. Sanders was a national indoor qualifier in the high jump. … The boys could be solid in the sprints and jumps with the influx of new talent to go with the experienced athletes. … Hurdler Adrianna Fontalvo-Garcia is back after missing last season because of injury. … “I am super excited for this season,” Whitehead said. “We have some amazing returning athletes as well as some outstanding newcomers.”
EASTON
Head coach: Justin Patterson, 1st year
Last year: Boys 5-3 EPC, 6-3 overall; girls 6-2, 7-2
Top returnees: (BOYS) Jayden Ekoko (EPC champion, District 11 3A sixth in high jump); J.C. Wilson (EPC fifth in triple jump); So. Evan Guydish (mid-distance); Sr. Murad Carter (District 11 3A fifth in 110 hurdles); Sr. Robert Morgan (throws); Jr. Jacob Brunetti (pole vault); (GIRLS) Sr. Sidney Hutt (EPC fourth in 3,200, EPC fifth; District 11 3A seventh in 1,600); Jr. Maggie Scalzo (EPC and District 11 3A 100 and 300 hurdles champion); Rileigh Heitz (EPC third in 300 hurdles); Jariana Rivas (EPC runner-up, District 11 3A third in long jump); So. Camryn Baker (distance); Jr. Addison McPeek (distance); Jr. Faith Belote (distance); Sr. Emerson Beamer (mid-distance, relays); Jr. Temi Adebayo (hurdles); Sr. Sianna Sneath (jumps)
Top newcomers: (BOYS) Jayden Foreman (jumps, sprints); Keanu Edwards (mid-distance); Peter Diaz (throws); Amare Brown (sprints); (GIRLS) Asr Fideen (sprints); Vivian Clark (distance); Elena Brunetti (jumps, hurdles); Sophie Braido (pole vault); Lianna Cole (throws)
About the Red Rovers: Ekoko, a two-time EPC high jump champion, was 10th at the Nike national meet in the pentathlon. … Scalzo is a two-time state medalist in the hurdles. … The girls have enough talent and balance to be in the EPC team race.
EAST STROUDSBURG NORTH
Head coach: Marc Best, 14th year (boys 28-39; girls 29-38)
Last year: boys 1-7; girls 1-7
Top returnees: (BOYS) Jr. Isiaah Sorge (mid-distance); Sr. Christian Marrero (throws); So. Gustavo Mora (distance); (GIRLS) Sr. Celis Miranda (District 11 3A champion in shot put); Jr. Maiya Baptiste (District 11 3A seventh in shot put)
Top newcomers: (BOYS) Fr. Nasire Lovell (sprints); So. Wayne King (jumps); Fr. Jayden Redd (sprints); (GIRLS) Sr. Alicia King (throws)
About the Timberwolves: “Our team is very deep this year, so we are expecting to have contributions from many different people,” Best said. “This team will not rely on only one person but will require a whole team effort to be successful.”
EAST STROUDSBURG SOUTH
Head coaches: Barry Krammes (boys), 20th year; Brett Yeomans (girls)
Last year: Boys 5-3; girls 4-4
Top returnees: (BOYS) Michael Acheampong (sprints); Cole Carvalho (javelin); Jalian Cherif (throws); Jeremiah Derival (sprints); Gianni Gonella (sprints); Taj Herbert (sprints, jumps); Noah Hilgert (sprints, jumps); Amari Hough (throws); Kondwani Keitt (throws); Liam Kiesling (throws) Lucas Kitt (hurdles); Adam Korytkowski (distance); Ivan Laubach (throws); Hunter Miller (jumps); Bryce Moskovitz (sprints); Joseph Ng (jumps); Anthony Panepinto (hurdles); Shane Plant-King (distance); Bill Udeh (sprints, jumps); Xavier Williams (jumps); Kaden Zerfoss (throws); (GIRLS) Shaela Bedell (javelin); Rylee Davis (javelin)
Top newcomers: (BOYS) Charles Capers (throws, sprints); Ayden Walker (sprints); Michael Udeh (throws); Nekhi Spencer (sprints, jumps); Bonnie Wanjohi (distance); Lewis Wanjohi (sprints); Joe Montiel (hurdles); (GIRLS) Angelica Velasquez (sprints); Taylor Cofer-Walcott (sprints)
About the Cavaliers: The group of senior boys have the Cavaliers headed in the right direction. … “We are young and promising,” Yeomans said of the girls team. “They are starting to really round out all of our events, and coach Krammes is starting to develop some very dedicated and talented javelin throwers.”
EMMAUS
Head coach: Kami Reinhard, 7th year (boys 36-9; girls 41-4)
Last year: Boys 7-1 EPC, 8-1 overall; girls 7-1, 8-1
Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Kyle Moore (EPC, District 11 and PIAA 3A champion in long jump; EPC champion, District 11 runner-up, PIAA 3A 13th in triple jump; PIAA fourth in 400 relay); Jr. Jared Petre (District 11 3A champion in 1,600 relay); Sr. Tyler Finck (District 11 3A champion in 1,600 relay); Jr. Tyler Grabinski (EPC fourth, District 11 runner-up, PIAA 3A 13th in pole vault); Sr. Haven Tarbox (EPC fourth, District 11 runner-up, PIAA 3A 18th in javelin); Jr. Conor Fisher (District 11 3A fourth in 3,200, seventh in 1,600); (GIRLS) So. Mady McCartney (EPC and District 11 3A runner-up in 3,200; EPC and District 11 3A third in 1,600); Jr. Payton Campbell (EPC third, District 11 3A fourth in 3,200); So. Claudia Walls (EPC champion, District 11 3A ninth in high jump); Jr. Kayla-Rayne Quinones (EPC seventh, District 11 3A eighth in 100 hurdles; District 11 3A eighth in 300 hurdles)
Top newcomers: (BOYS) Jr. Michael Milot (sprints); Jr. Jaylen Davis (sprints); So. Kai Jefferson (sprints); So. Maqhil Wimberly (jumps); (GIRLS) So. Gabrielle DeVita (sprints); So. Kayleen Louis (throws); Fr. Arianna Koberlein (jumps)
About the Green Hornets: This is the biggest rebuilding season in Reinhard’s career. They are coming off a season with five school records were broken and several state medals were collected. “The talent is there,” Reinhard said of the girls. “It’s just a matter of putting the pieces of the puzzle together. On the boys’ side, we have five of our PIAA qualifiers returning. We look to them to lead the rest of the boys team as we will need to train and develop in all of our event groups.”
FREEDOM
Head coach: Charlie Heidecker, 6th year
Last year: Boys 2-6; girls 2-6
Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Brooks Britt (District 11 3A third in triple jump); Sr. Jayden Colon (jumps, sprints); Sr. Brayden Curry (javelin); Sr. Nashawn Deroche (sprints); Sr. Xavier Dunbar (jumps, sprints, relays); Sr. Zach Irvin (throws); Sr. Cameron Kashner (pole vault); Sr. Ryan Parkin (distance); Sr. Noah Pierre (sprints, relays); Sr. Giovanni Richardson; (GIRLS) Sr. Jasleen Dhillon (sprints); Sr. Avaline Fihlman (District 11 3A seventh in 3,200); Sr. Tanasia Jones-Riddick (jumps, shot put); Sr. Kaitlin Glick (throws); Sr. Dayalieris Gonzales (sprints); Sr. Trinity Gray (sprints); Sr. Gretchen Hagenbuch (throws); Sr. Makayla Kerbaugh (distance)
About the Patriots: “The level of activity and positivity at practice is great to see,” Heidecker said of the boys. “More than half of the [girls] team are freshmen and sophomores, but everyone is working like it’s their senior season.”
LIBERTY
Head coach: Kevin Bush, 1st year of 2nd stint
Last year: Boys 4-4; girls 5-3
Top returnees: (BOYS) So. Anthony Otero (jumps); Sr. Spencer Sabo (District 11 3A third in 3,200 relay); (GIRLS) Sr. Milani Lockhart (District 11 3A third in 100 hurdles); Sr. Peyton Davis (EPC runner-up in 300 hurdles)
Top newcomers: (BOYS) So. Calen Michaels (jumps, hurdles); (GIRLS) Fr. Katie Drabouski (distance)
About the Hurricanes: “The team is very young with a large turnover in the coaching staff,” Bush said. “But we had a great indoor season with some newcomers who could surprise some teams.”
NAZARETH
Head coach: Ken Rolek, 37th year
Last year: Boys 6-2; girls 4-4
Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Giovanni Mastromonaco (District 11 3A third in 1,600); So. Marquez Wimberly (District 11 3A fourth in long jump); (GIRLS) Jr. Amanda Mercurius (District 11 3A runner-up in 100, fourth in 200); Jr. Kylie Karavitch (District 11 3A seventh in 800); Sr. Emma Shafnisky (EPC third, District 11 3A fourth in 100 hurdles; District 11 3A runner-up in long jump); Jr. Naomee Adisa (District 11 3A third in triple jump; jumps, pole vault); Jr. Camryn Hoff (EPC fifth in 300 hurdles)
Top newcomers: (BOYS) Sean Gorman (distance); Ryan Wack (distance); J.T. Cunningham (distance); Jacob Casey (distance); Caleb Newsome (sprints)
About the Blue Eagles: Mastromonaco is headed to Duquesne in the fall to continue his running career. … “Both teams are very young. Half the team is first-time track athletes, so I’m not sure how strong the team will be until we start competing,” Rolek said. “We have a lot of strong-looking young athletes who are showing promise. We will see once the gun goes off at our early-season meets.”
NORTHAMPTON
Head coach: Tim Caffrey, 19th year
Last year: Boys 6-2 EPC, 7-2 overall; girls 6-2, 7-2
Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Andrew Whitman (EPC sixth, District 11 3A fifth in 400); Sr. Brady Dolak (EPC fourth, District 11 3A third in 800); Sr. Deric Fritzges (EPC fifth, District 11 3A seventh in 300 hurdles; District 11 3A seventh in 110 hurdles); Sr. Tristen Pinnock (jumps); Jr. Tymir Williams (jumps); Jr. Andrew Szeplaki (EPC and District 11 3A third in pole vault; District 11 3A fifth in high jump); Sr. Elias Spencer (throws); (GIRLS) Jr. Brooke Saul (mid-distance); So. Liv Jusinski (distance); Jr. Anne Beenders (EPC third in long jump; District 11 3A fifth in triple jump); Jr. Olivia Hayes (EPC sixth in pole vault); Jr. Lucy Colyer (throws); So. Alexa Wiland (EPC sixth in javelin)
Top newcomers: (BOYS) Jr. Wesley Valeria (hurdles); Jr. Brody Eisenhart (mid-distance); Sr. Braden Korpics (mid-distance); Jr. Abel Veltri (distance); Fr. Jeremiah Strowder (jumps; Sr. Jake Biery (throws); Sr. Bo Wheeler (throws); Jr. Brandon Downey (throws); Sr. Sam Duerr (throws); So. Sam Hayes (pole vault); (GIRLS) So. Joyce Shammas (sprints); Jr. Brianna Caulwell (hurdles); Jr. Lilly McRoberts (throws)
About the Konkrete Kids: “We had a great winter track team with 50-plus members on the team who attended four meets at various colleges,” Caffrey said. “This 2024 senior group is looking forward to holding on to last season’s success. Two large junior and sophomore classes are attempting to fit into the senior group to round out the team. Couldn’t ask for a better group at Northampton.”
PARKLAND
Head coach: Stephen Ott, 5th year
Last year: Boys 8-0, EPC regular-season and league meet champion; girls 8-0, EPC regular-season and league meet champion
Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Trey Tremba (EPC, District 11 3A champion in 100; District 11 champion, PIAA 3A fifth in 400 relay); Sr. Paul Abeln (District 11 3A champion in 3,200); Sr. Ethan Willard (District 11 3A runner-up in 3,200; District 11 3A eighth in 1,600); Sr. Andrew Beers (District 11 champion, PIAA 3A sixth in 110 hurdles; District 11 champion, PIAA 3A fourth in 300 hurdles); Sr. Xander McWhite (District 11 champion, PIAA fifth in 400 relay); Sr. Julius Reyes (District 11 3A third in discus); Jr. Leo Dauberman (EPC champion, District 11 3A third in javelin); Sr. Tyler Rothrock (District 11 3A fourth in 800); Sr. Jacob Barnes (District 11 3A sixth in 1,600); Jr. Jorge Rinker (District 11 3A eighth in 3,200); (GIRLS) Jr. Cierra Valley (District 11 3A champion, PIAA fifth in 400 relay; District 11 3A champion in 1,600 relay); So. Kaley Seide (District 11 3A champion, PIAA fifth in 400 relay; District 11 3A champion in 1,600 relay); Jr. Lucy Tobia (District 11 3A runner-up in 400; District 11 3A champion in 1,600 relay; District 11 champion and PIAA 3A fifth in 3,200 relay); Sr. Gracie Trexler (District 11 3A champion in 1,600 relay; District 11 champion and PIAA 3A fifth in 3,200 relay); Sr. Lana Hurwitz (EPC champion, District 11 3A third in 800, runner-up in 1,600; District 11 champion and PIAA 3A fifth in 3,200 relay); Sr. Madi Seed (District 11 champion and PIAA 3A fifth in 3,200 relay; District 11 3A eighth in 800)
Top newcomers:(BOYS) Fr. Colin McGuigan (distance); Fr. Brycen Smith (distance)
About the Trojans: Beers was seventh in the 60 hurdles at the Pennsylvania Track & Field Coaches Association’s indoor state meet. … “Our expectation is to be in contention for those titles again this year,” Ott said. “It won’t be easy, but I know our athletes are up for the challenge.” … Beers and Tremba have legitimate state title chances in the hurdles and sprints, respectively. Tremba suffered a hamstring injury at last year’s state meet.
PLEASANT VALLEY
Head coach: Isaac Blagogee, 2nd year (boys 4-4; girls 5-3)
Last year: Boys 4-4; girls 5-3
No other information provided
POCONO MOUNTAIN EAST
Head coach: Nicole Metzger, 3rd year (boys 6-10; girls 7-9)
Last year: 2-6 boys; 3-5 girls
Top returnees: (BOYS) Jr. Khaden Daley (jumps); Jr. Kyle Jarrett (jumps); Jr. Nate Brooks (jumps); So. Drayton Hoop (jumps); Sr. Julio Moreira (sprints) Sr. Demetrius Lewis (sprints); Sr. Rasu Wearing (sprints); Jr. Kornel Szumniak (hurdles); Sr. Jelani Duffus (hurdles); Sr. Nick Fisher (throws); So. A.J. Formica (throws); Sr. Angel Ortiz (throws); Sr. Evan Seymour (distance); Sr. Jacob Anlauf (distance); Jr. Parker Scotz (distance); (GIRLS) Sr. Mia Lopez (District 11 3A seventh in long jump); Jr. Keziah Wilson (jumps, hurdles); Jr. McKenna Snyder (jumps, hurdles); Jr. Destiny Hilliman (sprints); Jr. Alana Burnette (sprints); So. Kennedi McGuire (sprints); Jr. Sanai Sterling (throws); So. Laila Scott (distance); Sr. Chloe Bellow (distance); So. Alexi Frable (distance)
Top newcomers: (BOYS) Sr. Anthony Burke (jumps); Sr. Jaquin Goodridge (sprints); Fr. Payton Hoop (jumps); Sr. Liam Frey (sprints); Sr. Jola Fasun (sprints); Sr. Cole Price (throws, jumps); Sr. Evan Murphy (throws, jumps); Jr. Alex Stafaniak (distance); (GIRLS) Fr. Nyesa Lynch (jumps, throws); So. Taylynn Davis (distance); Fr. Heidi Regan (throws, sprints); So. Chevelle Owusu (sprints); Jr. Nyah Bilal (hurdles)
About the Cardinals: “For the first time in a long time, the boys team has depth,” Metzger said. “Lots of new athletes are out for track, and we will be able to use them in multiple areas. The boys have an opportunity to be very competitive in the EPC. The girls team is young with only two seniors. They will be successful if they keep focused on their goals and continue to work hard.”
POCONO MOUNTAIN WEST
Head coach: Bri Palazzi, 14th year
Last year: Boys 6-2; girls 7-1
Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Mark Jackson (EPC and District 11 3A champion in 400; EPC champion, District 11 3A third in 1,600 relay); (GIRLS) Jr. Mia Bowden (EPC seventh in 100); Sr. Kaya Meler (EPC fourth in 800 and 1,600)
About the Panthers: Meler finished 26th in the fall at the state cross country meet.
STROUDSBURG
Head coach: Brett Youngken, 11th year
Last year: Boys 8-0, EPC North champion; girls 8-0, EPC North champion
Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Logan Weitzman (District 11 3A sixth in 800); Sr. Kamoni Smith-Johnson (District 11 3A seventh in high jump); Sr. Kevin Polonia (District 11 3A fifth in long jump; PIAA fifth in triple jump); Sr. Josh Shuler (sprints, relays); Aiden Neiman; Abiel Quartey; Ben Picher; Nate Kloss; Ryan Francis; James Kelly; (GIRLS) Jr. Alena Murray (EPC third, District 11 3A fifth in 100; EPC seventh in 200; District 11 3A third in 1,600 relay); So. Julia Grant (EPC and District 11 3A third in 400; EPC champion, District 11 3A fifth in 200; District 11 3A third in 1,600 relay); Jr. McKayla Strunk (District 11 3A eighth in discus); Sr. Lindsey Pelaez (EPC fourth in 100 hurdles, eighth in 300 hurdles); Cate Brinker; Ella Henritzy; Drew Bigley; Amelia Nieman; Sydney Moritz; Zoe-Marie Brown; Chelsea Connell; Clodagh Conboy
Top newcomers: (BOYS) Nico Perini; Austin Herman; Eddie Cruz; Jack Mitchell; Nick Radoi; Kaiden Hein; Anthony Delgado; Andrew Paxson; Owen Balcik; (GIRLS) Teagan Strunk; Grace Coyne; Cailin Mignosi; Emily Bozena; Adriana Borzio; Fayth Winkelman; Athena Skarlis; Abena Aidoo
About the Mountaineers: The girls have experienced talent in the sprints and throws but are looking for newcomers to step up in the jumps and distance races. The boys team is solid in the jumps, but will be relying on many newcomers in the other events.
WHITEHALL
Head coach: Nicole Richards, 2nd year (boys 3-6; girls 2-7)
Last year: Boys 3-5 EPC, 3-6 overall; girls 2-6, 2-7
Top returnees: (BOYS) Sr. Ian Thomas (District 11 3A runner-up in long jump); Tommy Lloyd (District 11 3A champion, PIAA 14th in javelin); Tony Bullock (sprints); (GIRLS) Jr. Tessa Hopkins (District 11 3A sixth in pole vault)
About the Zephyrs: “We are lucky to have an athletic department that believes in and endorses multisport athletes, and we have a ton of newcomers on the boys’ side from wrestling, football, volleyball and baseball all looking to make an impact,” Richards said.
Morning Call reporter Tom Housenick can be reached at 610-820-6651 or at thousenick@mcall.com
