Reporter/Times Herald Area Cross Country Previews

The La Salle boys enter the season as the pack to chase.
“Last year was a historic year for the Explorers, but this year, this group has a chance to do something truly special,” coach Greg Bielecki said of the defending Class 3A State Champs. “If they fully commit to their process, control what they can control, and race tough all year, they should have a really exciting season.”
The Central Bucks West girls also enter the year as an accomplished group, defending champions of District 1-3A.
Coach Kiki Bell says: “After making school history by winning the District One Championship meet last season, this team’s outlook is high. This team is ready to have fun.”
Methacton could be running with the best in the Pioneer Athletic Conference.
“​This is one of the most experienced and dedicated teams I have had the privilege to coach since my tenure,” boys coach Steve Savitz said. “There are two PAC All-League runners returning and another three runners who will be competing to be on that list for this year’s season.
“There is also a large ninth-grade contingent added this year that is bringing new talent and energy to the team. They are fast and will be noticed. Their goal is to win the PAC this year.”
Following is a team-by-team look at the area.
Boys
Abington Friends School
Coach: Kyle Rankin (third season).
Last year: Seventh in the Friends School League.
Key returners: Chase Balick, Sr.
Others to watch: Jack Balick, Sr.; Rory Erlich, Jr.; Noah Vinogradov, So.; Toby Avery, Jr.; Ethan West, Sr.; Dexter Zapf, Fr.; Sam Shally Sr.
Strengths: Depth.
Question marks: How quickly do some of the youngsters develop? Who steps forward as the fifth and sixth runners?
Coach Rankin says: “I am guardedly optimistic that all of the hard work of the past couple of years will begin to yield results this fall. As a junior, Chase finished 14th in last year’s FSL championship meet and earned All-League honors for the first time. His commitment level over the past 12 months has been exemplary and there is every reason to expect to him have a strong season. Chase will likely be pushed by several newcomers: his twin brother Jack Balick, 11th grader Rory Erlich, and 10th grader Noah Vinogradov. AFS has had a Cross Country program since 1997. Over those 21 years, we’ve never had a team finish higher than 4th in the league championship meet. Without committing to anything specific at the risk of jinxing us, you may find yourself writing about this team again in late October.
Central Bucks West
Coach: John Mahoney (first season).
Last year’s record: 6-0; SOL Continental Champs; 9th in District 1-3A.
Key performers lost: Michael Samson, Ben Bunch, Brian Baker, Riley Warren, Owen Schiele.
Key returners: Carter Laatsch, Sr.; Nick Guillespie, Sr.; Butchy Peralta, Sr.; Jason Gilvary, Sr.; Nick Sidelinker, Sr.; Bret Hatzinger, Jr.; Jason Miller, Jr.; Julien Mackensen, So.; Liam Price, So.
Others to watch: Luke Fehrman, Sr.; Christian Crabtree, Sr.; Luke Cimakasky, Jr.; Alex Hartin, So.; Carter Fitzgerald, Fr.; Eric Mass, Fr.; Hunter Ewaskey, Fr.; Jason Lang, Fr.
Strengths: This year will be one of the largest teams CB West has ever had. The boys have a good combination of senior leadership followed by a very large pack of young Bucks that are eager to improve as the season progresses.
Question marks: The Bucks graduated five of the top seven varsity athletes from last year’s undefeated team. Given this year’s large number of rookies, it will be interesting to see who emerges as the top seven.
Coach Mahoney says: “CB West looks to remain competitive in the extremely challenging SOL Continental Conference despite the loss of a great graduating class. The boys have put in a lot of miles throughout the summer and it will be exciting to see this year’s senior class and young Bucks excel late in the season.”
Dock
Coach: Justin Feil (fourth season).
Last year’s record: 2-6; second at BAL’s; second in District 12A; four individual state qualifiers.
Key performers lost: Isaiah Denlinger, Chris Keach, Ian Anderson.
Key returners: Bobby Hadden, Sr.; Steven Seachrist, Sr.; Addison Schweizerhof, Sr.; Jonathan Anderson, Jr.; Josh Bauman, So.; Sean Robinson, So.
Others to watch: Camron Good, Sr.; Jesse Mong, Jr.; Aaron Lee, So.; Adam Suter, So.; Matthew Birch, Fr.; Daniel Shin, Fr.
Strengths: “After graduating some great leaders and four-year runners, depth was a concern but the team has been energized by an influx of talent and enthusiasm. We have some depth this year that will push our front-runners. Our leadership is emerging still led by a trio of returning seniors.”
Question marks: “We have a number of inexperienced racers who will be challenged to help the team. We should improve as they gain experience.”
Coach Feil says: “We strive for new personal records that will help the team develop. We will be looking to compete again for one of the top spots in the BAL and the district. Jenkintown is strong again and presents a formidable challenge. We would love to be able to match last year’s state qualifying standards and send another four runners from districts to the state final.”
Hatboro-Horsham
Coach: Derek Fromal (second season).
Last year’s record: 5-1; second in SOL American.
Key performers lost: Jared Bixler, Gio Cerisier, Matt Lenahan, Ngianni Cerisier, Dylan Hontz.
Key returners: Devon Comber, So.; Kyle Hontz, Sr.; Stef Isabella, Jr.
Others to watch: Ryan Allen, Sr.; Ben Clarke, So.; Michael Holman, Sr.; Jaylen Lasseter, Jr.; James Nolin, Sr.
Strengths: “Last year we had contributions from all four grades in varsity races. Runners five through 10 helped us win dual meets by pushing the top four.”
Question marks: “We lost five contributors (three to graduation and two to other sports) that we will need to replace to maintain our depth.”
Coach Fromal says: “After a summer that upped our mileage from last year, the guys came to preseason camp with a higher level of fitness. We have 8 new runners that we hope can help the program continue to grow. We will need to replace key contributors in order to stay near the top of the SOL American conference. Wissahickon, Upper Dublin and Plymouth Whitemarsh are returning a lot of quality runners.”
Lansdale Catholic
Coach: Matt Connelly.
Last year: Second in District 12-2A.
Key returners: Joe Menta, Sr.; John Murphy, So.; Jack Crotty, Jr.
Others to watch: Kevin McCullagh-Beatty, Jr.; Brinker Meers, So.
Strengths: Returning a young team from last year, that gained valuable experience. Some have dedicated to their summer training and have set a team goal to return to states.
Coach Connelly says: “Our program is continuing to grow almost double our boys numbers and still remaining a primarily young team, which is exciting for the future.”
La Salle
Coach: Greg Bielecki (12th season).
Last year’s record: PIAA-3A State Champions, PIAA District XII Champions, PCL Champions.
Key performers lost: Evan Addison, Sean Egan.
Key returners: Vince Twomey, Jr.; Bradden Koors, Jr.; Ethan Maher, Jr.; Paul Ghantous, Sr.; Jack Seiberlich, Sr.
Others to watch: Matthew Zilligen, Sr.; Griffin Pumilia, Jr.; Dan Gervino, Jr.; Michael Loftus, Sr.; Kellen Rechie, Sr.; Sean Krumenacker, Sr.; Patrick Coyle, So.; Michael Lombardi, So.; A.J. Frank, So.; Maxanganiello, So.; Owen Norris, So.
Strengths: “With five returners from last year’s State Championship team and some incredible depth coming back from last year’s JV team, the Explorers are well positioned to have a great year. They should get some great front running from Twomey, Koors, and Maher, and Seiberlich and Ghantous should add some great scorers.”
Question marks: “With two other top five teams in the state returning at least five from the state championship last year the Explorers will face some great competition. Can the top runners match the other top athletes in the state? Can the rising JV runners step up and progress to add key depth at the State level?”
Methacton
Coach: Steve Savitz (14th season).
Last year’s record: 2-3 in the PAC; fourth at the PAC Championships.
Keys Performers Lost: ​Myles Hovan.
Key returners: Garret Campbell, Sr.; Tommy Chimes, Sr.; Garrett McPhillips, Sr.; Jake Peters, Sr.; Sean Ritchie, Sr.; Jack Kapralick, Jr.; Matt Varghese, Jr.
North Penn
Coach: Michael Werner (ninth season).
Last year’s record: 6-3; 4-2 SOL Continental; third at SOL’s; 12th in District 1-3A.
Key performers lost: SOL Champion and State Medal Winner Brendan O’Toole.
Key returners: Noah Demis, Jr.; Samir Razi, Jr.; Brian Johnson, Sr.; Erik Kull, Jr.; Dylan Reid, Jr.; Nick Cataldi, Sr.
Others to watch: Gavin Zanck; Jack Shive; Logan McHenry; Karl Schafsteller; Joe Byers.
Strengths: Large number of returning varsity runners, including 2017 state qualifier Noah Demis.
Question marks: “Race day experience and leadership. In 2017, Brendan O’Toole brought an incredibly consistent and reliable level of determination that helped all his teammates. I believe the pieces are in place with this years team to fill the void left by his graduation, but only time will tell if this years runners are ready to fill that void.”
Coach Werner says of the goal: “Compete well within the Suburban One League Continental Conference and beyond.”
Pennridge
Coach: Terry Permar (23rd season).
Last year’s record: 2-4.
Key returners: Ethan Saville, Jr.; Matt Vaders, Jr.; Matt Eissler, Sr.; Cole Doster Sr.
Others to watch: Jacob Kascsak, Jr.; Thomas Geiger, Sr.; Rob Yochum, Soph.; Christian Hangey, Sr.; Nick Alvarez Sr.
Question mark: “For Pennridge, it’s always, can key runners stay healthy and not get injured?”
Coach Permar says: “Too early to make any predictions. Well intention plans are all well and good, until the starters gun goes off. Have to wait and see.”
Pope John Paul II
Coach: Lisa Cagliola (first season).
Last year’s record: Seventh at PAC Championships; second in PAC Frontier; District 1-2A Champs; 16th in PIAA-2A.
Key performers lost: Shane McKeon, Mike Florig.
Key returners: Jack Phillips, Sr.; J.P. Schiele, Sr.; Jack Brosius, So.; Kaden Buchler, So.
Others to watch: Jack Flynn, So.; Jason DeMarco, Fr.; Will Woodall, Fr.; Pat McCafferty, Fr.
Strengths: “Our freshmen are not first-time runners and know how to race and will complement the upperclassmen nicely. We are young and strong on both sides.”
Question marks: Keeping everyone healthy.
Coach Cagliola says of the outlook: “Bright.”
Souderton Area
Coach: John Donahue (19th season).
Last year’s record: 6-3; sixth in SOL Continental; 33rd in District 1-3A.
Key performers lost: Tim Kennel; Kyle Ryan.
Key returners: Josiah Moyer, Sr.; Paul Boehm, Sr. 12.
Others to watch: Tommy Greve, Sr.: Brian Bruno, Sr.
Strengths: “Large and experienced senior class.”
Question marks: “Health and how quickly underclassmen develop.”
Outlook for the season: “Very excited to see how far the 17 seniors can take this team.”
Springfield Montco
Coach: Niara Woods (third season).
Key returners: Will Strutton, So.
Others to watch: Colin Wash, So.; Teddy Baughn, Jr.; Simon Mcdowell, So.
Coach Woods says: “This year, we are strong in numbers with our men’s team. Goal this year is to try and get some state qualifiers this year to compete in Hersey. Will finished his season running 18 minutes in a 5k and this year is looking to go 17 as well as hopefully making it to the states.”
Upper Dublin
Coach: Paul Vandegrift (10th season).
Last year’s record: 3-3; fourth at SOL’s.
Key performers lost: Ben Bruger; Josh Skiner; Jeff Shepherd.
Key returners: Sam Griffin, Sr.; Will Mead, Jr.; Craig Stenstrom, Jr.; James Fitzmaurice, So.
Others to watch: Kevin Huey, So.; Oliver Griffin So.; Karen Aldarwish Jr.
Strengths: Solid four up front.
Question marks: Will they be consistent, and will a legitimate fifth man emerge from the pack to bridge the gap between four and five.
Coach Vandegrift says: “We have a chance to win the League. Wiss has graduated their solid core from last year so they don’t look beyond our abilities.”
Upper Moreland
Coach: Mark Mullelly (second season).
Last year’s record: 1-5; sixth in SOL American.
Key performers lost: Kyle Murphy.
Key returners: Shane Coll, Sr.; Chris Stewart, Sr.; Gustavo De Leon, Jr.; Kevin Johnston, Jr.
Strengths: A solid group of upperclassmen will determine the fate of the season for the boys team. They will need to show purpose in everything they do in order to achieve their goals.
Question marks: We need one of the underclassmen to really step up and develop in order to round out our top five. We have a lot of inexperience from runners five through 10.
Coach Mullelly says: “We would like to compete a little better than we did last year in the SOL American Conference where we finished last out of qualifying teams. In order to do so we will need to rely on the development of the underclassmen.”
Wissahickon
Coach: Bill Gallagher (36th season).
Last year’s record: 8-0; 6-0 SOL American.
Key Performers Lost: Ben Hoyer; Matt Maiale; Sam Klugherz; Nathan Leung; Aiden Marcelis.
Key Returners: Bryce Miles, Sr.; Ahmed Shamsi, Sr.; Josh Chaiken, Jr.; Hanson Leung, Jr.; Michael Licata, Jr.; Caymus Ruffner, Jr.; Solomon Thistle, Jr.; Zac Dallal, So.
Strengths: Hardworking and enthusiastic.
Question marks: How soon JV runners can step up to the Varsity Level?
Coach Gallagher says: “Our goal is always to win the League Championship.”
Girls
Abington Friends
Coach: Kyle Rankin (third season).
Last year: Last in the FSL.
Key performers lost: Madison Tillmann (Ursinus).
Key returners: Charly Avril, So.
Coach Rankin says: “I am guardedly optimistic that all of the hard work of the past couple of years will begin to yield results this fall. There are several youngsters coming up through the Middle School who will ultimately be able to contribute to the girls’ cause. They can’t get here soon enough.”
Central Bucks West
Coach: Kiki Bell (18th season).
Last year: SOL Continental Champs; District 1-3A Champs; ninth in PIAA-3A.
Key performers lost: Erin Chinnici; Vanessa Barrow.
Key returners: Julia Flood, So.; Emmi Simon, So.; Piper Wilson, Jr.; Grace Kolbe, Jr.; Darby Roth, Sr.; Katie Jenkinson, Sr.
Others to watch: Francie Ebert, So.; Lexi Gartenberg, So.; Steph Hiltpold, Sr.; Shannen Roy, Sr.
Strengths: “The pack, the pack, the pack. Coming off of last season’s successes with a relatively young team magnifies the potential this year’s team has to exceed year.”
Question marks: “It is one thing to be a team that surprises the district, it is altogether another thing to be a team other teams are aware of — there is no hiding this team’s potential. So, the big question will be how this team responds to the pressure and how closely they can work together and rely/trust one another. So far, preseason has looked promising.”
Dock
Coach: Justin Feil (fourth season).
Last year: Fifth at BAL’s; fourth in District 1-2A.
Key performers lost: Lindsey Bernd, Erica Gunden, Abby Woods (Gwynedd Mercy).
Key returners: Laura Bergey, Sr.; Sara Kennel, So.; Isa Rodriguez, So.
Others to watch: Rachel Jin, Jr.; Lauren Birch, So.; Rebecca Crissman, So.; Lydia King, So.; Sydney Putera, So.
Strengths: “We are definitely deeper than a year ago since we should be able to run a full team in most meets. Our new runners will strengthen us and compete well with our returners. We are still a little thinner than we’d like to be, but we have the potential to compete for the league and district titles.”
Question marks: “The key is getting our new runners experience. Most of them have not raced cross country before, but they are ready to test their limits.”
Coach Feil says: “We have some excellent teams in our district like Calvary Christian and Sacred Heart. We’d like to put ourselves in that mix at the top of the district and compete well within the league as well. We could surprise some teams coming off a year when we didn’t have the numbers. Our girls are figuring out what it will take to meet our potential.”
Lansdale Catholic
Coach: Matt Connelly.
Key returners: Sara Murphy, Sr.; Mary Gunder, Sr.
Others to watch: Gabby Rolley, So.; Taylor Connelly, Jr.
Coach Connelly says: “This year, we have enough girls to score in meets. We are still continuing to grow this side of the program. Overall for both programs, we are trying to compete better this year and remain healthy.”
Methacton
Coach: Steve Mahan (36th season).
Last year’s record: 2-3 in the PAC Liberty; fourth at the PAC Championships; 25th in District 1-3A.
Key performers lost: Sarah Nicoletti.
Key returners: Olivia Leber, Sr.; Julia Malachowski, Sr.; Becky Sobeck, Sr.; Mia Sheldon, Jr.; Carly Ukalovic, Jr.; Maddy Ziegler, Jr.
Others to watch: Lindsay Coia, Sr.; Maya Leber, So.; Mackenzie Clark, So.; Devon Petrei, So.
Strengths: “This is a hard-working team that has joined together to run some awesome summer miles. They have been dedicated to their training during the pre-season part of the schedule.”
Question Marks: “The PAC Liberty Division is stacked with PV, OJR, Spring-Ford & Boyertown to race against. We hope to develop some mental toughness and make our opponents race when they meet us out on the course.”
Mount St. Joe’s
Coach: Kitty McClernand (8th season).
Last year: fourth at AACA Champs.
Key performers lost: Jen DeGroat; Jade killion; Mollie Mullen.
Key returners: Megan Ciasullo, Sr.; Annie lemelin, So.; Lauren Ehnow, Jr.; Maeve Gallagher, Jr.
Others to watch: Kylie McGovern, Jr.; Bridget Orr, Jr.; Erin Shea Mirabella, Jr.; Olivia Millevoi, So.
Strengths: “Megan ciasullo and Annie lemelin are coming off a strong track season and should lead our team this season.”
Question marks: “Hoping everyone stays healthy and performs to their ability.”
Coach McClernand says: “Looking to finish strong at the league championship, do well at invites and perform well at districts.”
North Penn
Coach: James Crawford (45th season).
Last year: Second in SOL Continental; third in District 1-3A; 14th in PIAA-3A.
Key performers lost: Ariana Gardizy (Penn), Conference Champion, District Champion, 14th at PIAA’s, second team All-State; Olivia Dyer (Bucknell), second in the conference, 15th in District 1-3A; Clare Dentner, 4-year letter winner; Lauren Matulevich, three-year letter winner; Ximena Trejo-Mora, two-year letter winner.
Key returners: Maeve Gimbert, Sr., 12th in District 1-3A; Jenna Webb, Sr.; Rachel Ahlmark, Jr.; Jaime Diedel, So.; Angela Wu, Sr.
Others to watch: Kelley Selheimer, Jr.; Rongrong Wang, So.
Strengths: Experience, good attitude, anxious to improve.
Question marks: Avoiding injuries; running development of younger incoming runners.
Coach Crawford says: “Our team needs our younger, inexperienced runners to adjust to high school cross country in one of the strongest and most competitive leagues in the state for girls’ cross country.”
Pennridge
Coach: Bill Smith (13th season).
Last year’s record: 2-4; fifth place in the SOL Continental.
Key performers lost: Nicole DeHaven; Shea McGowan.
Key returners: Sarah Townsend, Jr.; Kayla Horn, Jr.; Melena Musgrove, Sr.; Isabella Musgrove, So.; Sierra Schaeffer, Sr.
Others to watch: Delaney Denton, So.; Annabelle Huckerby, Sr.; Megan Lysek-Hagy, So.; Olivia Corbett, Fr.
Strengths: Good numbers.
Question Marks: Inexperienced.
Coach Smith says: ”Very young team. We will have to see how we improve throughout the season. It will be tough in this highly-competitive league.”
Pope John Paul II
Coach: Lisa Cagliola (first season).
Last year’s record: Ninth in the PAC; fifth in District 1-2A.
Key returners: Julia Costello, Sr.; Natalie Florig, Jr.
Others to watch: Sarah Abruzzo, Jr.; Claudia Dolan, Jr.; Gianna Cagliola, Fr.; Kayla Croiger, Fr.; Tess Crossan, Fr.; Jack Flynn, So.; Jason DeMarco, Fr.; Will Woodall, Fr.; Pat McCafferty, Fr.
Strengths: “Our freshmen are not first-time runners and know how to race and will complement the upperclassmen nicely. We are young and strong on both sides.”
Question marks: Keeping everyone healthy.
Coach Cagliola says of the outlook: “Bright.”
Springfield Montco
Coach: Niara Woods (third season).
Key returners: Katie Komorowski, So.
Coach Woods says: “The womens team is looking to build this year. Katie is looking to improve on her time by breaking 23 minutes this year.”
Spring-Ford
Coach: David Cain (first season).
Last year’s record: Third in the PAC; sixth in District 1-3A.
Key performers lost: Gabriella Bamford; Sidney Galster; Julia Vleddar.
Key returners: Emily Smith, Sr.; Ahila Moorthy, Sr.; Rachel Murphy, Sr.
Others to watch: Devon Pytel, Jr.; Kayla Breisch, Jr.; Brooke Donoghue, So.; Alyssa Mullhall, So.; Julia Breisch, Fr.
Strengths: Strong core of senior leaders.
Question marks: After the top five, the team will need a lot of help from its young roster.
Coach Cain says: “A senior-led team that graduated a strong class last year. The team will be led by Senior Emily Smith, who finished 23 at Districts, and fellow seniors Ahila Moorthy and Rachel Murphy. Junior Devon Pytel, sophomore Brook Donoghue and freshman Julia Breisch look to close the gap and make this team very competitive PAC’s and districts.”
Souderton Area
Coach: David Klein (second season).
Last year’s record: 4-2 in the SOL Continental; fourth at SOL Continental’s; 28th in District 1-3A.
Key runners lost: Emily Bonaventure; Brittany Hayden; Rosie Moody; Devin Lawn.
Key returners: Lael Flores, Sr.; Jennifer Sidarous, Jr.; Hailey Moyer, So.; Kristie Scott, Sr.
Others to watch: Francie Flores, Fr.; Gina Smyth, So.; Allison Malmquist, Fr.
Coach Klein says: “It looks like we’ll have a pack of runners up front, which is always beneficial. We hope to stay healthy, be competitive within our league, and place well at districts.”
Upper Dublin
Coach: Tony Giammarco (10th season).
Last year’s record: 6-0 in SOL American; 17th in District 1-3A.
Key performers lost: Sadie Gustafson; Grace Murphy; Rachel Pappalardo.
Key returners: Maddy Spaulding, Sr.; Sarah Eskew, So.; Elaina O’Toole, So.; Emma Kedziora, Jr.; Charis White, Sr.; Abby Michalek, So.
Others to watch: Amanda Kulak, Fr.; Abbey Broderick, So.; Caitlin Burmester, So.; Lena Shaddinger, Fr.
Strengths: Combo of talent and depth.
Question marks: Willingness to take the step from good to great.
Coach Giammarco says: “Conference championship, top-10 finish at districts and potential trip to states.”
Upper Moreland
Coach: Mark Mullelly (second season).
Last year’s record: 1-5; third in the SOL American Conference and 31st in District 1-3A.
Key performers lost: Tori Leister; Ashley Choi.
Key returners: Mary Thompson, Sr.; Catherine Thompson, Sr.; Jillian Kelly, Sr.
Others to watch: Chloe Kramer, So.
Strengths: “We have four very solid runners who are very dedicated to the sport.”
Question marks: “We need a fifth runner in order to have a complete team.”
Coach Mullelly says: “We have the talent one through four to compete with anyone in the SOL American Conference and District One (2A this year) but we need a solid fifth runner and we need to stay healthy for the duration of the season. No room for error with such small numbers.”
Wissahickon
Coach: Heidi Butt (11th season).
Last year’s record: Second in SOL American Conference.
Key performers lost: Hayley Ross.
Key returners: Maddy Hippensteal, Jr.
Others to watch: Leah Dubin, Fr.; Lindsey Frenia, So.
Strengths: Depth.
Question marks: Pack time.
Coach Butt says: “If the team stays healthy, they can improve personal and pack times from last season significantly.”