CB West boys and North Penn girls ones to watch

The Central Bucks West boys and North Penn girls will try to fend off stern competition from the rest of the Suburban One League Continental Conference and defend the titles they captured one season ago.
“As everyone knows, we are in a very competitive league with a great deal of talent from teams like CB East, CB West, Pennridge, and Souderton,” Knights coach Jim Crawford Jr. said. “All of the teams in our league have some excellent individual runners.”
Ariana Gardizy and Olivia Dyer — both with state meet experience — lead the North Penn pack into 2016. The West boys, looking to extend their unbeaten streak into a third straight season, have a strong collection of juniors and seniors returning to the trails.
Over in the Pioneer Athletic Conference, the Methacton girls aim to finish in the front pack.
“This is a close-knit team that has worked hard during the summer and during the preseason part of the schedule,” coach Steve Mahan said. “Carly Ukalovic, a freshman, gives this team another strong top-five runner.
“The PAC 10 is stacked with PV, OJR and Spring-Ford to run against in our division. We hope to develop the 10th grade class, as they are the ‘backbone’ and ‘future of the program.’”
Everybody in the Philadelphia Catholic League and in District 12 could once again be chasing La Salle.
“The three Explorers with state meet experience – Evan Addison, Stephen Paul and Brendan Price — should serve as great leaders and be low sticks at PCLs, districts, and potentially medalists (top 25 runners) in the state,” said coach Greg Bielecki. “And behind them is a very big group of talented and hard-working guys all competing to make the varsity.
“With only three state meet returners, if the Explorers are going to match or better their fourth-place finish from last year’s state meet, they will need a truly low stick (top 10 individual at states) and some newcomers to really step up, run fast, and be ready to compete on the big stage.”
The Hatboro-Horsham boys lost four of their top seven runners from a year ago but have a strong nucleus to depend on.
Said coach Michael Mahoney: “Jared Bixler and Kyle Hontz are both among top runners from their respective graduating classes. This team has improved its finish at the District One Championships each of the last three years and is determined to continue that streak.”
A streak is what the Dock Mennonite girls could be building in District 1-A. The Pioneers could be in the mix for another district trophy.
“We have six of our top seven back from last year so we have a good starting point in terms of talent and experience,” coach Justin Feil said. “We have three seniors who can give us good leadership. Even though we are small, our depth from our six returners is very good. All the girls are capable of pushing each other. We need to keep doing that to be better than last year.
“We are not completely healthy and still returning from some offseason injuries, but hope to be at full strength by the championship portion of the season. We need to believe we can be as good or better than last year.”
Following is a team-by-team look at the area.
Boys
ABINGTON
Coach: Bill Neely (second season)
Last year’s record: 1-5
Key performers lost: Jake Good; Keion Brodus
Key returners: Christian Gremel, Jr.; Cameron Mitchell, Jr.; Aaron Sokanan, Jr.; Tim Smith, Jr.; Josh Coleman, Jr.; Taeden Cloud, Jr.; Steven Moranski, Jr.
Coach Neely says: “We should be an improved team from a year ago.”
Opening meet: Sept. 10, Abington Invite
ABINGTON FRIENDS
Coach: Kyle Rankin (first season)
Last year’s record: 4-4
Key Returner: Noah Rosenfeld, Sr.
Others to watch: Madison Tillmann, Jr.; Chase Balick, So.
Question marks: How quickly the young runners can come along.
Opening meet: Sept. 2 vs. Phil-Mont Christian Academy
Outlook: Rankin comes to AFS after having spent the past couple of years coaching at Eastern University in St. Davids. “It is so secret that AFS’ running program has struggled over these past few years. Though we face some sizable challenges and it is going to take some time, I look forward to building a program that the entire AFS family can be proud of. My priorities this fall are to focus on culture, commitment, and work ethic. We are a very young team. In the short term, that is one of our greatest weaknesses. Longer term, that will prove to be one of our strengths.”
ARCHBISHOP WOOD
Coach: Mark Mullelly
Last Year: Placed fifth at the Philadelphia Catholic League Championships
Key Performers Lost: Kyle Ortiz
Key Returners: Andrew Flinn, Sr.; Mike O’Donnell, Sr.
Others to Watch: Justin Caniz, Jr.; Colin Spiecker, Sr.; Brian Woodring, Fr.
Strengths: A very dedicated group with a decent freshmen class.
Question Marks: After the top two runners, the team is looking for five boys to really step up and take it to the next level.
Home Course: Belmont Plateau
Opening Meet: Sept. 10 at the Abington Invitational
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST
Coach: Greg Wetzel (sixth season)
Last year’s record: 7-0; Suburban One League Continental Conference Champs; second in District 1-3A; third at states
Key performers lost: Rock Fortna (14th at states, 1,600 school-record holder); Brian Iatarola (25th at states); Declan McDonald (state qualifier); Logan Mazullo (state qualifier)
Key returners: Ben Bunch, Jr.; Teagan Fortna, Sr.; Alec Hofer, Sr.; Brian Mass, Sr.; Mark McClenahan, Sr.; Michael Samson, Jr.; Ben Smullen, Sr.
Others to watch: Brian Baker, Jr.; Stephen Bolton, Sr.; Nick Gillespie, So.; Jason Gilvary, So.; Carter Laatsch, So.; Butchy Peralta, So.; Owen Schiele, Jr.; Nick Sidelinker, So.; Connor Smullen, So.
Strengths: Front-running and experienced returning athletes.
Question marks: Can we keep our one-to-five gap close enough to advance a third consecutive team to the PIAA State Championships? Can we extend our dual meet win streak a third year?
Home Course: Lake Galena/Peace Valley Park
Opening meet: Sept. 14th vs. Quakertown
DOCK MENNONITE ACADEMY
Coach: Justin Feil (second season)
Last year’s record: 4-5; second at District 1-2A Championships
Key performers lost: Michael Gunden (Catholic University)
Key returners: Ian Anderson, Jr.; Isaiah Denlinger, Jr.; Bobby Hadden, So.; Chris Keach, Jr.; Tim Kennel, Jr.; Addison Schweizerhof, So.
Others to watch: Steven Seachrist, So.
Strengths: “We have a strong junior class that we need to lead us without any seniors on the roster,” Feil said. “Denlinger and Kennel should be able to run with anyone in our district. This group of juniors is all running for a third straight year so they have experience. Our returning sophomores have come back in better shape and will help our depth. Newcomer Steven Seachrist ran track in the spring and did well.”
Question marks: “We are a small team so we need to stay healthy,” Feil said. “We still need improvements across the board, and if our runners compete hard for the top five spots in practice and in meets we will be able to compete with some of the tougher teams.”
Opening meet: Sept. 6 at Souderton Area with Quakertown
GERMANTOWN ACADEMY
Coach: Peter Jennings (10th season)
Last year’s record: 3-4; fourth in Inter-Ac; sixth at PAISAA States
Key performers lost: Carter Skeel
Key returners: Owen Ritz, Sr.; Peter Butler, Sr.; LeRoy Moser, Sr.; Gavin Rees, Sr.; Vinit Joshi, So.; Braden Cody, Sr.
Others to watch: Ale Gonzalez, Sr.; Danny Ritz, So.
Strengths: “We have a really experienced and deep team this year,” Jennings said. “Our seniors have come a long way in their time in the program, and they know the kind of work it is going to take to challenge for the league championship.”
Question marks: “We have all the components of a championship team: experience, leadership, depth,” Jennings said. “The only question is whether these guys can rally around our goals and do all the things necessary to go after the title.”
Opening meet: Aug. 31 vs. Plymouth-Whitemarsh
HATBORO-HORSHAM
Coach: Michael Mahoney (second season)
Last year’s record: 7-2 overall, 5-2 in SOL Continental; seventh at District 1-AAA Championships.
Key performers lost: Matt Allen; Zach Gutekunst; Connor Irwin; Anand Koshy.
Key returners: Jared Bixler, Jr.; Kyle Hontz, So.; Brendan Quinn, Sr.; Jack Duffy, Sr.
Others to watch: John Metzgar, Sr.; Sean Cisler, Sr.; Dylan Hontz, So.
Opening meet: PTXC Invitational on Sept. 10
LANSDALE CATHOLIC
Coach: Matt Connelly (first season)
Last year: Second at the District 12 Championships
Key returners: Pat Burnham, Sr.; Pat McCabe, Sr.; Andrew Danielson, Sr.
Other to watch: Ryan McDonald, Sr.; Joe Hughes, Jr.; Eric Logan, Jr.; James Corrigan, Jr.
Strengths: Burnham, McCabe and Danielson all ran on the team that qualified for states a year ago.
Coach Connelly says: “Even though the teams are small, the coaches are looking for a change in culture which the kids have embraced, showing up each day with a great attitude.”
Home Course: Belmont Plateau, Philadelphia
Opening meet: Sept. 10 at Centaur Invitational, DeSales
La SALLE
Coach: Greg Bielecki (14th season)
Last year: Philadelphia Catholic League Champions; District 12 Champs; fourth at PIAA AAA State Championships
Key performers lost: Eddie Goebel; Patrick Grant; Frank Livolsi; Nick Camusi
Key returners: Evan Addison, Jr.; Brendan Price, Sr.; Stephen Paul, Sr.
Others to watch: Greg Galbreath, Sr.; Jack Galbreath, Sr.; Quinn O’Neill, Sr.; Matthew Zilligen, So.; Jack Seiberlich, So.; Nick Cardamone, Sr.
Home Course: Belmont Plateau
Opening meet: PCL League Meet on Sept. 7
LOWER MORELAND
Coach: Dick Rapson (48th season)
Last year’s record: 9-6 overall, 9-4 in the Bicentennial Athletic League; seventh at District 1-2A Championships
Key performers lost: Greg Gallagher; Tyler Millan
Key returners: Tim McCreesh
Strengths: Long tradition of success which will certainly be tested this year.
Question marks: Will ninth and 10th-grade runners be able to help carry the team?
Opening meet: Sept. 7 vs. George School
METHACTON
Coach: Steve Savitz
Last year’s record: 4-5
Key performers lost: Jeff Kirshenbaum
Key returners: Nick DeFilippis, Sr.; Josh Brycki, Sr.; Mike Clark, Jr.; Tommy Chimes, So.; Garrett McPhillips, So.
Others to watch: Matt Connolly, Sr.; Garrett Campbell, So.; Sean Ritchie, So.
Strengths: “We are a young team with a great work ethic,” Savitz said. “This team has been running the workouts prescribed and then voluntarily adding on sets at the end of practice to improve their times.”
Question marks: Many seniors graduated last year and the team is ready for a new leader to emerge.
Opening meet: Sept. 7 at Boyertown
NORTH PENN
Coach: Mike Werner (eighth season)
Last year: Fourth in the Suburban One League Continental Conference.
Key performers lost: Alex Davis
Key returners: Brendan O’Toole, Jr.; Hank Hoffman, Sr.; Zach Thomas, Sr.; Colin Grace, Jr.; Lucas Apple, Jr.
Outlook: A young team last year, the Knights should be a more experienced group out on the course. O’Toole was a 12th-place finisher at the conference meet last fall.
PENNRIDGE
Coach: Terry Permar (21st season)
Last year’s record: 3-4; 14th at District 1-3A Championships
Key performers lost: Tucker Desko; Sam Schaeffer; Edison Fowler; Taylor McManus
Key returners: Andrew Saville, Sr.; Jared Pleibel, Sr.; Matt Eissler, So.
Others to watch: Luke Eissler, So.; Christian Hangey, So.
Question marks: Overall depth as well as the gap between the third and fourth runners
Opening meet: vs. Central Bucks South
PHIL-MONT CHRISTIAN
Co-coaches: Chip Struck (33rd season) and Pete Tyson (12th season)
Last year: Fourth in the Bicentennial Athletic League Constitution Division
Key returners: Aaron Krpata, So.; Andrew Chez, Jr.; Maxwell Vance, Jr.; Daniel McKay, Jr.
Others to watch: Josiah Cumens, Jr.; Eric Berry, So.
Strengths: Younger but experienced team.
Question marks: Forming a solid pack.
Opening meet: Sept. 2 vs. Abington Friends
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH
Coach: Jamar Jones (first season)
Last year’s record: 4-3 in the Suburban One League American Conference.
Key performers lost: Aaron Paskin.
Key returners: Doug Luba; Sam Meyers; Carver Schildt; Nate Jones; Chris Johnson.
Others to watch: Jarod Miller, Sr.
Opening meet: Aug. 31 vs. Germantown Academy
SOUDERTON AREA
Coach: John Donahue (17th season)
Last year’s record: 2-6 overall, 1-6 in the Suburban One League Continental Conference
Key performers lost: Austin Carlson
Key returners: Connor McMeniman, Sr.; Joe Breen, Sr.; Brian Bruno, So.; Mike Greve, Sr.; Sean Bonaventure, Sr.
Others to watch: Paul Boehm, So.; Josiah Moyer, So.; Kyle Russell, So.; Connor Williams, So.; Cole Keel, Fr.; Justin Ziegler, Sr.
Strengths: A large group of seniors that has been together for four years.
Question marks: The gap between the No. 3 and No. 4 runners.
Opening meet: Aug. 31 vs. Upper Perk
SPRINGFIELD MONTCO
Coach: Niara Woods (first season)
Last year’s record: 0-7
Key performers lost: Aaron Morris, 11th place at District 1-AA Champs
Key returners: Jared Shiffert, Sr.; Christian Donohoe, So.; Shawn Burrell, So.
Strengths: “The future. We are such a young, talented team. If we can solidify these young men by mid-season, they can score well in October and become a dominant force in XC for the next two years,” Woods said.
Question marks: Youth and inexperience.
Home Course: Fort Washington State Park, near parking lot number three.
Opening meet: Sept. 14 at Plymouth-Whitemarsh
UPPER MORELAND
Coach: Meredith Fleck (first season)
Last year’s record: 2-5
Key performers lost: Steven Stahl; Maria Antoni
Key returners: Shane Coll, So; Connor Hurst, Jr.; Tori Leister, Jr.; Mary Thompson, So.
Others to watch: Ciaran Mullen, Jr.; Jill Kelly, So.
Strengths: “This is a young and eager team willing to put in hard work,” Fleck said. “They are ready to grow and have the potential to develop into a competitive program.”
Opening meet: Sept. 10 at the Abington Invitational
WILLIAM TENNENT
Coach: David Fries (10th season)
Last year’s record: 6-1 overall, 6-1 in the Suburban One League National Conference; 11th in District 1-3A
Key performers lost: Conor Cicchitti (DeSales); Dylan McHenry (DeSales)
Key returners: Evan Hutton, Sr.; Sean Rahill, Jr.; Matt Kraus, Sr.; Christian Craig, Sr.; Jake Ringers, Jr.; Adam Veltman, Sr.; Joel Cammarota, Jr.
Others to watch: Will Clift, Jr.; Andrew Duddleston, Sr.; Billy Solly, So.
Strengths: Lots of experience; dedicated group that likes to compete.
Question marks: Hutton and Rahill will set the pace for the team, but pack running will be key if the team is to be successful.
Opening meet: DeSales Centaur Invitational
WISSAHICKON
Coach: Bill Gallagher (34th season)
Last year’s record: 6-3; 5-2 in the Suburban One League American Conference; Conference Champions
Key performers lost: Lukas Marcelis; Andy Harman
Key returners: Ben Hoyer, Jr.; Cameron Christopher, Sr.; Josh Zimmerman, Sr.; Matt Maiale, Jr.
Others to watch: Nathan Leung, Jr.; Randy Schwemmer, Sr.; Sam Klugherz, Jr.; Josh Chaiken, Fr.; Sean Robinson, So.; Michael Licata, Fr.
Strengths: Hardworking group with a very good attitude.
Question marks: Experience; the varsity will be mostly underclassmen.
Opening meet: Sept. 7 vs. North Penn
Girls
ABINGTON
Coach: Bill Neely (second season)
Last year’s record: 2-6
Key returners: Kelly Jawork, Sr.; Danielle Andrews, Jr.; Sophia Marino, Jr.; Kara Travers, Sr.; Aba Leone, Jr.; Taylor Stamets, Jr.; Nora McDonald, Jr.
Coach Neely says: “It’s a young group — should be improved from a year ago.”
Opening meet: Sept. 10, Abington Invite
ABINGTON FRIENDS
Coach: Kyle Rankin (first season)
Last year’s record: 1-6
Key newcomer: Madison Tillmann, Jr.
Opening meet: September 2nd vs. Phil-Mont Christian Academy
Highlight meet: Landon Invitational in Maryland on 9/24.
Coach Rankin says of his pair of newcomers on the boys and girls side: “Neither of these kids ran cross country last year. Both of them worked hard over the summer and bring a lot to the table in terms of attitude and leadership. I am excited to see what they are capable of accomplishing this fall and expect both to catch a lot of people by surprise. These are the types of kids that I will be looking to build around over the next couple of years.”
ARCHBISHOP WOOD
Last year’s record: Second at Philadelphia Catholic League Championships; District 12 Champions in Class AA; 13th at states
Key performers lost: Erin Young; Katryn Bowren; Kristen Boligitz
Key returners: Jessica Nangle, Sr.; Natalie Cornely, Sr.; Victoria Nangle, Sr.; Anne Fleming, So.
Others to Watch: Leah Meyers, Jr.; Savannah Mueller, So.; Emma Foley, Jr.
Strengths: A very dedicated team with a lot of championship experience and great leadership.
Question Marks: With a lot of depth, who will separate themselves from the pack to make varsity?
Home Course: Belmont Plateau
Opening Meet: Sept. 10 at the Abington Invitational
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST
Coach: Kiki Bell (16th season)
Last year’s record: 7-1 overall and third in the Suburban One League Continental Conference; eight at the District 1-AAA Championships
Key performers lost: Maddie Villalba (four-year State Medalist); Jillian Keyte (part of a State Qualifying team as freshman and an individual qualifer as a senior)
Key returners: Megan Kolbe, Sr.; Vanessa Barrow, Jr.; Ashley Lafferty, Sr.; Olivia Lafferty, Sr.
Others to watch: Erin Chinicci, Jr.; Sonia Ritzmann, Jr.; Amelia Krause, Sr.; Piper Wilson, Fr.
Strengths: “After a week of working together, it looks like the strength of this team will be developing a pack that can stay within 30 seconds of our top runners.”
Question marks: “We have a great group of girls who enjoy running, so the big question mark will be whether or not they enjoy running faster than they think they can,” Bell said.
Home Course: Lake Galena/Peace Valley Park
Opening meet: Sept. 10 at the PTXC Invite in Kutztown
CHELTENHAM
Coach: Tom Hasty (11th season)
Last year’s record: 3-4; 28th at District 1-AAA Championships
Key performers lost: Sarah Richart (George Mason)
Key returners: Mary Grace Rittler, Jr.; Catherie Kluchinski, Sr.; Lia Hyman, Sr.; Lila Harmar, Jr.
Others to watch: Sophie Cohen, Jr.; Katelin George, Fr.; Chinyelu Ojukwu, Fr.
Strengths: Hills.
Question marks: Lack of summer miles for some veteran runners due to spring injuries.
Home Course: Curtis Arboretum
Opening meet: Abington Invitational
DOCK MENNONITE ACADEMY
Coach: Justin Feil (second season)
Last year’s record: 5-1; Bicentennial Athletic League Champions; District 1-A Champs; third at Class A states
Key performers lost: Maddison Landis (Messiah College)
Key returners: Alana Bergey, Sr.; Lindsey Bernd, Jr.; Lael Flores, So.; Erica Gunden, Jr.; Camryn McCloskey, Sr.; Jules Rotelle, Sr.
Others to watch: Abbey Keller, Fr.
Opening meet: Sept. 6 at Souderton Area with Quakertown
GERMANTOWN ACADEMY
Coach: Judy Krouse (29th season)
Last year’s record: 7-1 overall, 5-1 in the InterAc; second at the InterAc Championships; third at the PAISAA Championships
Key performers lost: Maggie Hallahan (UVM); Jillian Silverman
Key returners: Abbe Goldstein, Sr. (three-time InterAc champion); Jackie DeRusso, Jr.; Kelsey O’Hara, Jr.
Others to watch: Anna Hennessy, Jr.; Issy Goldstein, Fr.; Gianna Murgia, Fr.
Strengths: “Abbe emerged last year as one of the best runners in the state. Jackie won our ‘most improved’ award. Kelsey had a good spring in track. We have good experience from them and several others and should have strong leadership.”
Question marks: “Whether the new girls can step up and fill in for the loss of Maggie and Jillian. Our numbers are down a bit, too, so we’ll have to be careful, especially if we have injuries or illness, to maintain our depth.”
Opening meet: Aug. 31 vs. Plymouth Whitemarsh
GWYNEDD MERCY
Coach: Larry Wilson (38th season)
Last year’s record: 6-1 (third in the Catholic Academies League)
Key performers lost: Taylor Webster
Key returners: Emily Webster, Sr.; Sarah Waddington, Sr.; Gina Boccuti, So.
Coach Wilson says: “We have a small team this year — just nine girls, but Emily Sarah and Gina should be our top three.”
Opening meet: Sept. 14 at Nazareth
HATBORO-HORSHAM
Coach: Anna Baker (fifth season)
Last year’s record: 0-7
Key performers lost: Alyssa Quinn (La Salle); Danielle DeSimone; Jordan Higgins; Erin Wingen; Emma Raudenbush
Key returners: Hannah Knudsen, Sr.; Kelsey Quinn, Sr.; Miranda Cahill, Sr.; Grace Weaver, So.; Lauren Palmer, So.
Others to watch: Nicole Neborg, Sr.; Sophia Boyer, So.
Strengths: Strong ppperclassmen and leadership; newcomers add more depth than previous years
Question marks: How will we adapt to entering a new SOL League?
Opening meet: Sept. 10 at the PTXC Invite at Kutztown University
LANSDALE CATHOLIC
Coach: Matt Connelly (first season)
Last year: Qualfied three girls for states
Key returners: Kayla Connelly, Sr. (three-time District 12 Champ, three-time State Medalist — third in 2015); Gabby Huber, Sr.
Others to watch: Kat Holz, Sr.; Amy Forst, Jr.; Sara Murphy, So.
Coach Connelly says: “Even though the teams are small, the coaches are looking for a change in culture which the kids have embraced, showing up each day with a great attitude.”
Home Course: Belmont Plateau, Philadelphia
Opening meet: Sept. 10 at Centaur Invitational, DeSales
LOWER MORELAND
Coach: Mary Esposito (10th season)
Last year’s record: 5-2
Key performers lost: Mary Kate Barton; Hannah Assour
Key returners: Kerry Kovacs, Sr.; Lizzie Harmon, Sr.
Others to watch: Shannon Long, Sr.; Corinne Nagle, Sr.
Strengths: “We have a lot of senior leadership on our team, and a lot of girls with varsity experience. I also feel very strongly about the schedule we’ve put together, and feel it will prepare us well for the big meets at the end of the season.”
Question marks: Depth.
Opening meet: Sept. 10 at the PTXC Invite at Kutztown University
METHACTON
Coach: Steve Mahan (34th season)
Last year’s record: 6-3 in the Pioneer Athletic Conference; fourth in the PAC 10
Key performers lost: Abby Konkoly; Sarah Lebold
Key returners: Ryan DeOrio, Sr.; Emily Shea, Sr.; Anna Price, Jr.; Rebecca Sobeck, So.; Olivia Leber, So.; Julia Malachowski, So.
Others to watch: Carly Ukalovic, Fr.; Hope Kim, Sr.; Sarah Nicoletti, Jr.; Julia Foley, Jr.
Opening Meet: Sept. 2 at the Oakbourne Relays
NORTH PENN
Coach: Jim Crawford Jr. (42nd season)
Last year’s record: 8-1, 6-1 in the Suburban One League Continental Conference; Conference Champions; sixth in District 1-3A
Key performers lost: Phoebe Clowser; Rebecka Wilson; Tara MaLaughlin; Katie Kornienko
Key returners: Ariana Gardizy, Jr. (state qualifier); Olivia Dyer, Jr. (state qualifier); Jenna Webb, So.; Mikaela Vlasic, Sr.; Lauren Matulevich, Jr.; Maeve Gimbert, So.
Others to Watch: Clare Dentner, Jr.; Lauren Follis, Sr.; Devon Stella, Sr.; Kate Sullivan, Sr.
Strengths: Experience; competitive; past success; ability.
Question Marks: Can the Knights avoid injuries and illnesses? Can the team show improvement both individually and as a team? Can the less experienced and younger girls learn from the veterans?
Opening Meet: Sept. 2 vs. Lower Merion and Harriton
PENNRIDGE
Coach: Bill Smith (11th season)
Last year’s record: 4-3; fourth in the Suburban One League Continental Conference
Key performers lost: Julia Foster; Natalie Mamrol
Key returners: Monika Brill, Sr.; Juliet Ryan, Sr.; Madison Polson, Sr.; Carly Musco, Jr.; Nicole DeHaven, Jr.
Others to watch: Margot Brill, Sr.
Strengths: Senior leadership and experience
Question marks: Small team
Opening meet: PTXC Meet at Kutztown
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH
Coach: Kim Diamond (first season)
Last year’s record: 4-3 in the Suburban One League American Conference
Key performers lost: Emily Kaminecki
Key returners: Kylie Shalala; Danielle Harper; Emma Clancy
Others to watch: Ally Buksel, So.; Amanda Choi, Jr.
Strengths: “The girls team has put in a lot of miles this summer and we seem to have a strong pack of four that push and encourage each other,” Diamond said. “I think it will be a good season.”
Question marks: “Injuries. Shin splints were a big problem for the girls team last year, so I am trying to be proactive in preventing these injuries this season.”
Opening meet: Aug. 31 vs. Germantown Academy
SOUDERTON AREA
Coach: Jake Marushak (second season)
Last year’s record: 3-4; fifth in Suburban One League Continental Conference; 26th in District 1-3A
Key performers lost: Ellie Bell; Katie Halteman; Alexa Spause
Key returners: Emily Bonaventure, Jr.; Rosie Moody, Jr.; Ellie Kohler, Sr.; Sadie Stehr, So.; Kristie Scott, So.; Kalena (Little) Le, Sr.; Madison Fortier, So.
Others to watch: Kayla Maue, So.; Ally Krevolin, So.; Megan Moll, Jr.; Ashley Schlosser, Fr.
Strengths: Large number of returning veterans; numbers are up; young team.
Question marks: Staying healthy.
Opening meet: Sept. 6 vs. Christopher Dock, Plymouth Whitemarsh and Hatboro Horsham
SPRINGFIELD MONTCO
Coach: Niara Woods (first season)
Last year’s record: 0-6
Key performers lost: Zoe Edalatpour
Key returners: Sydni Stovall, Sr. (two-time state qualifier); Megan Liebfried, Jr.; Avery Griffin, Jr.
Strengths: “Team leadership. Stovall, Liebfried, and Griffin are excellent examples of spirit and dedication. They are outstanding examples for all the young men and women at Springfield High School and true ambassadors for our school when we compete. Elevating their performance will be key to making it a much more fulfilling experience this season,” Woods said.
Question marks: “Depth. Will we score five girls for every meet this year?”
Home Course: Fort Washington State Park, near parking lot number three
Opening meet: Sept. 14 at Plymouth-Whitemarsh
UPPER DUBLIN
Coach: Tony Giammarco
Last year’s record: 8-0 overall, 7-0 in the SOL American
Key performers lost: Aubrey Haggerty
Key returners: Sarah Smith, Sr.; Sophie Gustafson, Sr.; Sadie Gustafson, Jr.; Madeline Spaulding, So.; Grace Murphy, Jr.; Leslie Quan, Jr.; Amelia Shaddinger, So.; Madelyne Ray, So.
Strengths: The top three runners will run close to one another and could all qualify for the state championship as individuals.
Question marks: The emergence of impactful No. 5, 6 and 7 runners.
Opening meet: Sept. 3 at the Northampton Invitational
UPPER MORELAND
Coach: Meredith Fleck (first season)
Last year’s record: 2-5
Key performers lost: Steven Stahl; Maria Antoni
Key returners: Shane Coll, So.; Connor Hurst, Jr.; Tori Leister, Jr.; Mary Thompson, So.
Others to watch: Ciaran Mullen, Jr.; Jill Kelly, So.
Strengths: “This is a young and eager team willing to put in hard work,” Fleck said. “They are ready to grow and have the potential to develop into a competitive program.”
Opening meet: Sept. 10 at the Abington Invitational
WILLIAM TENNENT
Coach: Ashley Lewis (first season)
Last year’s record: 3-3
Key performers lost: Erin Cichitti; Ellen Cichitti
Key returners: Lynne O’Connor, Jr.; Abby Christofas, Jr.; Lauren Gugger, Sr.
Others to watch: Shauna Zodrow, Sr.; Elena Goines, Fr.; Roxy Iliescu, So.
Coach Lewis says: “We have a small team this season. They have been working hard at practices and I am excited to see what they can achieve.”
Opening meet: vs. Council Rock South and Abington
WISSAHICKON
Coach: Heidi Butt (ninth season)
Last year: Third in the Suburban One League American Conference
Key performers lost: Lotte Black; Jenna Feltes
Key returners: Kendall Quesenberry, Jr.; Hayley Ross, Jr.
Outlook: The Trojans lose a great front runner with Black graduating, but Quesenberry showed promise in 2015, placing 11th in the conference.