Reporter/Times Herald Area Boys Cross Country Preview
La Salle knocked on the door last fall and may have the squad to knock that door down in 2021.
The Explorers, State Runner-Ups in Class 3A a season ago, return the bulk of that group and are poised to take things a step further.
“We return four from last year’s team. After a great spring track season, they are ready to take on the challenges this fall will present,” Explorers coach Greg Bielecki said. “Defending State Champions North Allegheny, and numerous teams in the Northeast region, will be tough competition, but this Explorers team could combine the front running and depth necessary to be one of the best squads the program has ever had.
“If the team can progress throughout the season and compete tough, they have a chance to do some great things. It should be a fun and exciting season to follow.”
Central Bucks West also has big things in store for this fall.
“This is a highly motivated veteran lead squad that is extremely dedicated with high aspirations for this cross country season,” coach John Mahoney said. “The Bucks have run a lot of miles over the summer and are looking to improve on last season’s record and compete with the top teams in District One and the state.”
North Penn heads to the starting line with some new faces.
“With one of our largest senior groups graduating last year, the new 2021 Knights are presented with the opportunity to build a culture that will challenge a very young team to grow and improve throughout the season,” said coach Mike Werner.
Dock takes on the rest of the Bicentennial Athletic League with some eager newcomers.
“We graduated a lot and then lost a couple of other returning potential scorers as well,” coach Justin Feil said. “But the group that has come out will work hard and help us rebuild through the season.
“Many of them are seniors who haven’t done cross country before so we are relying on Trevor (Godshall) and Dan (Ringenberg) to lead the way. We’re looking for consistent improvement through this fall.”
Following is a team-by-team look at the area.
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST
Coach: John Mahoney (fourth season).
Last Year’s Record: 4-1; second place SOL Colonial Division; fourth in District 1-3A.
Key Performers Lost: Conor Gross; Alex Hartin; Nick Isaac; Will Jack.
Key Returners: Klaus Mangeot, Sr.; Brennan Wellock, Sr.; Eric Mass, Sr.; Owen Donaher, Jr.; Carter Fitzgerald, Sr.; Ryan Schiele, Sr.
Others to Watch: William Peralta, Jr.; Eric Barnwell, Sr.; Cole Lentini, Jr.; Hunter Ewaskey, Sr.; Elijah Barker, Fr.
DOCK MENNONITE
Coach: Justin Feil (seventh season).
Last Year’s Record: 4-2.
Key Performers Lost: Josh Bauman, Aaron Lee, Sean Robinson, Stanley St. Fleur, Drew Bauman, Anthony Bernardo.
Key Returners: Trevor Godshall, Jr.; Daniel Ringenberg, So.
Others to Watch: Ben Longacre, Sr.; Aidan Jurin, Sr.; Bryce Huang, Sr.; Randal Tang, Sr.; Zi Li, Sr.; Shane Fallon, Sr.; Owen Hunsberger, So.; Aaron Sensenig, Fr.
HATBORO-HORSHAM
Coach: D.J. Fromal.
Key Performers Lost: Devon Comber; Tyler Kirn; Ben Clarke; Kevin Allen.
Key Returners: Brian DiCola, Jr.; Joseph Acton, Jr.
Outlook for the Season: The Hatters lost some quality seniors but DiCola and Acton gained some big-race experience a season ago.
LA SALLE
Coach: Gregory Bielecki (15th season).
Last Year’s Record: Second place at PIAA-3A State Championships; District 12-3A Champions.
Key Performers lost: Max Manganiello, Patrick Coyle, Michael Lombardi.
Key Returners: Zach Brill, Sr.; Drew Brill, Jr.; Ryan McGinley, Jr.; Francis Dougherty, Sr.; Will Rau, Sr.; Matt Dyer, Sr.
Others to Watch: Cole Casadei, So.; Josh Lloyd, Sr.; Joe Solana, Sr.; Andrew Thomson, Sr.; Luke Burman, Sr.; Will Palopoli, So.; Phil Coleman, Jr.; Thomas Cresko, So.; Anthony Fedoruk, Jr.; George Hohenleitner, So.; Sam Kelchner, Fr.; Nolan Yeagel, Fr.; Aidan Twomey, Fr.; Noah Koors, Fr.
LANSDALE CATHOLIC
Coach: Matt Connelly (seventh season).
Key Performers lost: John Murphy; Eddie Dolan.
Key Returners: Anthony Gargani, Sr.; Matthew Sweeney, Sr.; Mark O’Brien, Jr.
Outlook for the Season: Gargani leads the pack for LC, which brings back several members of the group that ran at the District 12 meet a season ago.
NORTH PENN
Coach: Mike Werner (13th season).
Last Year’s Record: 5-0; SOL Colonial Division Champions.
Key Performers Lost: Ian Kelly, Karl Schafsteller, Sean Fisher, Jack Shove, Logan McHenry, Eliott Buera, Ethan Buera.
Key Returners: Gavin Zanck, Sr.; Colin Fisher, Jr.; Sacchith Miryalker, So.; Matthew Landis, Jr.; MD. Kaba, Sr.
Others to Watch: Joshua Hellmann, Sr.; Owen Leary, Jr.; Achilles Shui, Fr.
PENNRIDGE
Coach: Terry Permar (26th season).
Key Performers Lost: Diego Lera-Lozano; Terence Grenda.
Key returners: Mason Nyce, Sr.; Ryan Otto, Sr.; Ryan Martin, Sr.
Outlook for the Season: The Rams lost their front runner to graduation but still have some experience on their side.
SOUDERTON
Coach: John Donahue (22nd season).
Last Year’s Record: 1-4.
Key Performers Lost: Nic Morales, Owen Hershberger.
Key Returners: Aidan Maue, So.; Manny Rota-Talarico, Sr.
Others to Watch: Aidan Kearns, So.; Devon Maue, Sr.
Coach Donahue Says: “We return a solid core that are hoping to return to the upper echelon of the SOL.”
WISSAHICKON
Coach: Bill Gallagher (39th season).
Last Year’s Record: 5-1.
Key Performers Lost: Zac Dallal; Brett Lehman.
Key Returners: Doug Hoyer, Sr.; Jake Licata, Sr.; Dean DiGiovanni, Sr.; Matt Winkowski, Jr.
Others to Watch: Grayson Ruffner, So.; Brendan Tatko, Jr.
Coach Gallagher Says: “(We want to) run to our potential and win a championship.”
