Mercury Boys Track & Field Season Preview Capsules
Boyertown
Coach: Jon Zellers, ninth season.
Last year’s record: 2-3 Pioneer Athletic Conference (Liberty Division).
Athletes to watch: Shjon Meitzler, Sr., throws; Tyler Reigner, Sr., middle distance; Payton Stanziani, Sr., middle distance; Caleb Taylor, Sr., hurdles; Jake Eddinger, Jr., throws; Derek Klass, Jr., throws; Christian McComb, Jr., distance; Ethan Michaels, Jr., jumps; Jamie Moccia, Jr., sprints; Zach Raugh, Jr., sprints/middle distance/distance; John Black, So., middle distance/distance; Peyton Rotonda, So., hurdles; Julian Saunders, So., sprints.
Outlook: McComb was The MERCURY boys cross country Runner of the Year in the fall, and Stanziani qualified for indoor states in the 400 this past winter. … Moccia was a two-time PAC champion in the sprints (100, 200) while Michaels won the triple jump. … “The Bears suffered a big loss of senior leadership with the graduation of a great distance crew,” Zellers said. “This year, I look to a solid group of seniors and juniors. I have one of the strongest sprint crews I have had at Boyertown. We are a very young team that is depending on underclassmen to step it up.” … Boyertown’s ranks list more than 50 percent as sophomores and freshmen. “Who will step up is the big question.” Zellers said. “I will lean on an experienced group of coaches for this year’s success. I am anxious and excited to hit the track and field with a great group of kids.”
Daniel Boone
Coach: Patrick Kelly, first season.
Last year’s record: 4-3 Berks Conference Division I.
Athletes to watch: Eddie Barnett, Sr., sprints; Luke Cable, Sr., distance; Ryan Miller, Sr., throws; Nick Ruffing, Sr., Ben Watton, Sr., jumps; sprints; Jonathan Berry, Jr., throws; Nolan Cremi, Jr., throws; Anthony DeFusco, Jr., jumps; Brady Ferguson, Jr., jumps; Zack Huddleston, Jr., throws; Alex Pingitore, Jr., distance; Ben Spotts, Jr., sprints; Max Stefanelli, Jr., distance; Connor Stuart, So., sprints.
Outlook: The Blazers’ roster is bolstered by freshman Colin Welsh (jumps). … “The Daniel Boone boys squad looks to be very competitive within its Berks division behind its very dedicated, hard-working senior class,” Kelly said. “The 2019 team has strong athletes up and down the roster, with many talented underclassmen. Watch for several Daniel Boone athletes to be competing well into May.”
Hill School
Coach: Bill Yinger, 16th season.
Last year’s record: 4-1 Mid-Atlantic Prep League.
Athletes to watch: Bennett Booth-Genthe, Sr., sprints; Johnny Creciun, Sr., sprints; Tucker Dunn, Sr., middle distance/distance; Alberto Fernandez, Sr., sprints; Euan Forrest, Sr., middle distance/distance; Naz Higgins, Sr., throws; Yeob Kim, Sr., jumps/pole vault; Hale Lombard, Sr., jumps/pole vault; Antoine Neveu, Sr., middle distance/distance; Aidan Sullivan, Sr., jumps/pole vaut; Tim Youndt, Sr., hurdles; Eric Galante, Jr., sprints; Will Henriksen, Jr., throws; Owen Scott, Jr., jumps/vault; Shahzaib Umer, Jr., middle distance/distance; Gavin Guerrette, So., throws; Vince Ho, So., throws; Jamie Olson, So., middle distance/distance; Wyatt Steffy, So., throws.
Outlook: The Blues highlighted their 2018 season by finishing third in the team standings at the Pa. Independent Schools Athletic Association (PAISAA) championship meet. … “We have high expectations for the boys this season, coming off a successful indoor campaign as well as returning some good supporting cast from last year’s outdoor season,” Yinger said. “A few school records were set in the indoor, and we are hoping for similar results outdoors. We will be tested early with some tough duals versus Lawrenceville and Peddie and hope to ride a high into the last season where the boys should challenge for first in the league and possibly a high finish again in the Prep School State Meet in late May. We are senior-heavy, so this is going to be the year to push our limits as a group of individuals and a team alike.“
Methacton
Coach: Joe Catania, first season.
Last year’s record: 5-0 Pioneer Athletic Conference (Liberty Division).
Athletes to watch: Stephen Brown, Sr., sprints/jumps; Garrett Campbell, Sr., distance; Matt Capece, Sr., throws; Tommie Chimes, Sr., distance; Tonee’ Ellis, Sr., throws; Garrett McPhillips, Sr., distance; Jack Kapralick, Jr., distance; Joe Pacholski, Sr., sprints; Will Rebert, Sr., middle distance; Sean Ritchie, Sr., middle distance; Daniel Tabor, Sr., sprints/jumps; Matt Weisenberger, Sr.,. jumps; Andrew Bregman, Jr., hurdles/jumps; Maclan Herbison, Jr., throws; Mike Torcini, Jr., sprints; Tom Heffernan, So., jumps; Jordan Layos, So., sprints/jumps; Andrew Balek, sprints; Charles D’Orazio, distance; Anthony Gervais, sprints; Sean McCann, throws; Jake Peters, middle distance; Mike Ruppert, pole vault; Aaron Sanchez, sprints/jumps.
Outlook: Catania takes over as head coach from Chris Shaffer, whe held the post the previous three years. He spent seven years as an assistant. … “A solid team … a young team with veteran leadership,” is how Catania describes the Warriors. “As we mature competitively, we will get better. Key losses will hurt us, but it is the ‘next man up’ philosophy that will carry us to the championships.”
Norristown
Coach: Milton Williams, fourth season.
Last year’s record: 0-5 Pioneer Athletic Conference (Liberty Division).
Athletes to watch: Ramir Wiggins, Sr., hurdles/sprints; Austin Montgomery, Jr., sprints/jumps; Silas Wharton, Jr., sprints; Jamie Miller, So., sprints; Jordan Morse, So., sprints; Marco Olmedo, So., sprints/middle distance.
Outlook: “This year, our boys program has an opportunity to be very good on the district and state level,” Williams said. “While our depth is not idea on the dual meet side. We have some top-level talent in Austin Montgomery, who placed indoor in the 60 and 200 meters. Ramir Wiggins placed in the 60 hurdles indoors and was second in the District 1 110 high hurdles last year. We also have some developing young talent that gives us a lot of depth in relays and other events.”
Owen J. Roberts
Coach: Tim Marcoe, fourth season.
Last year’s record: 4-1 Pioneer Athletic Conference (Liberty Division).
Athletes to watch: Marshall Bergstresser, Sr., sprints/hurdles; Linus Blatz, Sr., distance; David Brunton, Sr., distance; Mo Gentry, Sr., sprints/hurdles; Aidan Hayward, Sr., throws; Scott Honicker, Sr., sprints/hurdles; Bronson Kilroy, Sr., jumps; Arnoldo Montagano, Sr., throws; Quentin Sherwood, Sr., distance; Darian Storti, Sr., throws; Aaron Brooks, Jr., sprints/hurdles; Vince Fennell, Jr., distance; Josh Jackson, Jr., sprints/hurdles; Matt Muthler, Jr., distance; Cole Smith, Jr., distance; Brendan Arcara, So., sprints/hurdles; Josh DiMartino, So., distance; Aidan Rohrbaugh, So., jumps; Zach Taylor, So., jumps.
Outlook: The Wildcats’ roster is bolstered by freshmen Thomas Damiani (distance) and Francis McCoy (throws). … Hayward won the PAC’s shot put competition last spring. … Honicker scored a gold medal in the 60 hurdles at indoor states this past winter. … “The boys are looking forward to building upon their success from last season, and are looking forward to defending their league championship,” Marcoe said. “The boys are excited at the opportunity for another successful season. The coaching staff is emphasizing hard work and commitment, day in and day out, in order for them to compete with anybody in the league and district.”
Perkiomen School
Coach: Richard Irven.
Last year’s record: Not available.
Athletes to watch: Jake Dent, Sr., throws; Daniel Pasiada, Sr., hurdles; Keeshawn Kellman, PG, hurdles; Hunter Eschallier, Fr., jumps.
Outlook: “I expect to have group of students in contention at the PAISAA state championships for medals again this year,” Irven said. “I am hopeful for another good season.”
Perkiomen Valley
Coach: Joe Petsko, 13th season.
Last year’s record: 3-2 Pioneer Athletic Conference (Liberty Division).
Athletes to watch: Azeez Adedokun, Sr., sprints; Isaiah Domine, Sr., sprints; Cole Peterlin, Sr., hurdles/jumps; Albert Pickles, Sr., pole vault; Jordan Thomas, Sr., sprints; Jason Wagner, Sr., throws; Anthony Bruno, Jr., sprints; Tyler Clifford, Jr., distance; Ryan Curry, Jr., throws; Dylan Danowski, So., distance; Winton Osei-Bonsu, Jr., sprints; Randy Washington, Jr., hurdles/jumps.
Outlook: “A great group of seniors forms a very solid core to this year’s team,” Petsko said. “Led by indoor high jump state champion Cole Peterlin and indoor state shot put medalist Jason Wagner, the team looks to compete well in the PAC. The team will look for some great performances from its sprinters, led by Azeez Adedokun and distance runners led by Tyler Clifford. The team is poised to accomplish great things and is looking forward to a great season.”
Phoenixville
Coach: Jess Conran, second season.
Last year’s record: 3-2 Pioneer Athletic Conference (Frontier Division).
Athletes to watch: Pat Darcy, Sr., distance; Isaac Gale, Sr., sprints; Connor Wilchusky, Sr., distance; Nick Gatcha, Jr., distance; Matt Johnson, Jr., throws; Gabe Puleo, Jr., distance; Kris Grinstead, So., jumps.
Outlook: “Although the team lost a lot of seniors last year,” Conran said, “this group of young men has a great deal of potential. With a strong distance crew and a large group of incoming freshmen, we look to have some success while rebuilding the program.”
Pope John Paul II
Coach: Lisa Cagliola, fifth season.
Last year’s record: 0-5 Pioneer Athletic Conference (Frontier Division).
Athletes to watch: A.J. Natale, Sr., sprints/throws; Jack Phillips, Sr., middle distance; Cole Ridgely, Sr., sprints; J.P. Schiele, Sr., middle distance; Kamal Gray, Jr., sprints; Andrew McDonald, Jr., sprints; Kaden Buchler, So., middle distance; Jack Flynn, So., middle distance; Liam Hunter, So., middle distance; David Kephart, So., throws; Jacob Peifer, So., middle distance.
Outlook: The Golden Panther roster is bolstered by freshmen Jason DeMarco (middle distance), Josh Little (sprints), Pat McCafferty (middle distance) and Will Woodall (middle distance). … “We’re looking to better our standing with some strong additions to the team,” Cagliola said. “We are young but have added strength with pole vaulters and jumpers and many strong throwers. As long as we stay, healthy look for the team to show well.”
Pottsgrove
Coach: Megan DeLena, first season.
Last year’s record: 5-0 Pioneer Athletic Conference (Frontier Division).
Athletes to watch: Justin Adams, Sr., throws; Bryce Hampton, Sr., long distance; LaRee Hills, Sr., 300 meter hurdles/middle distance; Brett Pennington, Sr., pole vault; Jay Sisko, Sr., middle distance; Brandon Hendrickson, Jr., long distance; Simon Keen, Jr., middle distance; Ahmed Moussa, Jr., throws; Addison Wangia, Jr., hurdles; Lennie Hall, So., jumps, sprints; Ethan McHugh, So., throws.
Outlook: The Falcons’ ranks are bolstered by freshman Vinny Scarnato in sprints. … DeLena takes over as head coach from Larry Rechtin, who remains with the program as an assistant. … “The boys team hopes to repeat their undefeated 2018 season,” DeLena said. “In addition, we hope to see Justin Adams repeat qualifying for the state meet, and possibly one or two other athletes.”
Pottstown
Coach: Mary Ann Hill, 31st season (36th overall).
Last year’s record: 2-1 Pioneer Athletic Conference (Frontier Division).
Athletes to watch: Sprints – GianKirk Kimmell, Daniel Darden, Derek Darden, Jonathan Brusk, Mitchell Aquino, Robert Burruss, Jonathan Oister, Emmanuel Tamayo, Jahzeel Watson, Kamaj Young, Demond Thompson. Distance – Noah Patten, Jarred Hill, Riley Meade, Jamie Sharp, Christian Albert, Darius Smallwood, Collin Stone.
Throws – Jamie Diego, Dawik Phillips, Destyn Snyder, Matthew Walker, Jeremiah Barnes.
Outlook: “With many of our varsity returning,” Hill said, “Pottstown is looking for a winning season and hopefully many district qualifiers.”
Spring-Ford
Coach: Danielle Stauffer, sixth season.
Last year’s record: 2-3 Pioneer Athletic Conference (Liberty Division).
Athletes to watch: Max Bunn, Sr., jumps; Josiah Chapman, Sr., hurdles; Reese Grenbam, Sr., hurdles; Sal Ibarra, Sr., pole vault; Alex Koretke, Sr., jumps; Gabe Locke, Sr., middle distance; Nate Orkfritz-Robinson, Sr., throws; Devon Paris, Sr., pole vault; Joseph Power, Sr., middle distance; Max Simpson, Sr., sprints; Ryan Yang, Sr., jumps; Jarrell Brown, Jr., sprints; Maclen Lewis, Jr., hurdles; Blaize Scarcelle, Jr., sprints; Devyn Solomon, Jr., throws; Anthony Bamford, So., distance; Andrew Carlin, So., distance; Max Collins, So., distance; Alex Fink, So., middle distance; D.J. Francis, So., sprints; Kyle Kennedy, So., throws; John Zawislak, So., distance.
Outlook: Up-and-coming performers for the Rams are senior Noah Baker and junior Armantes Haynes, both first-time participants. A freshman, Dean Wright, bolsters the roster as a sprinter. … “The Rams are regrouping this season,” Stauffer said. “We have a lot of raw talent that hopefully can meld into a contender. We have a large group that is really focused this season. Our goals are to compete for the championship and advance as many as possible to districts and states. We plan to work hard and have fun through individual and team achievement.”
Upper Merion
Coach: Kevin Mobley, first season.
Last year’s record: 1-4 Pioneer Athletic Conference (Frontier Division).
Athletes to watch: Chimezie Amaefuna, Sr., middle distance; Owen Ebersole, Sr., distance; Michael Freaney, Sr., middle distance/distance; Harrison Sieker, Sr., middle distance/distance; Dontae Slocum, Sr., throw; Joseph Tornetta, Sr., sprints/hurdles/jumps; Abhiram Vagvala, Sr., middle distance/distance.
Outlook: “My expectations for the season,” Mobley said, “are to compete at a high level and win our dual meets. Set a standard of excellence that will continue to grow throughout the season. Our goal is to compete for the PAC Title every year.”
Upper Perkiomen
Coach: Dave Dusza, fourth season.
Last year’s record: 2-3 Pioneer Athletic Conference (Frontier Division).
Athletes to watch: Drake Conklin, Sr., sprints; Dylan Simms, Sr., middle distance; Chalmers Stroup, Sr., throws; Tyrese Reid, Jr., sprints/jumps; Hunter Flack, So., pole vault.
Outlook: The Indians’ roster is bolstered by the addition of freshman Donnie Miller (distance). … “Although we graduated a couple good athletes last year,” Dusza said, “we have a few top performers returning from last year. In addition to those who we have returning, we have had a lot of new and young athletes join us this year. We are looking forward to our younger athletes and hoping for some big performances from them. Our hope is to have more athletes qualify for districts and states this year, as well as improve on our record from last year.”
