2022 Mercury Girls’ Track and Field Team-by-Team Preview
Boyertown
Head coach: Jon Zellers, 4th season
Last year’s record: 4-0 PAC Liberty
Athletes to watch: Throws: Jessica Amico, Sr., Cassandra Trujillo, Sr., Alexandra Benson, Sr.; Sprints: Samantha Devlin, Jr.; Riley Ruyak, Jr.; Katie Macaluso, So.; Marissa Hillegas, So.; Harper Glennon, Fr.; Jocelyn Wissinger, Fr.; Hurdles: Emily Wilson, Jr.; Jocelyn Wissinger, Fr.; Lauren Wensel, Fr.; Jumps: Emily Wilson, Jr.; Riley Ruyak, Jr.; Marissa Hillegas, So.; Jentrey Sullivan, So.; Distance: Sarah Campbell, So.
Outlook: From a dual-meet perspective, it will be impossible to not feel the graduations of multi-event standouts Lillian Mauger (sprints, jumps), now at Lehigh University, and Renee Simmonds (hurdles, discus). Coach Jon Zellers still sees a team in good standing in the sprints – led by junior Samantha Devlin – and throwing events. Less established is the distance department outside of mid-distance standout Sarah Campbell. “We are trying to have young kids step outside their comfort zone and do distance events,” said Zellers. Without a large cast of seniors it’s a year for building at Boyertown.
Daniel Boone
Head coach: Robert Reismiller, 6th year (39th overall)
Last year’s record: 1-3 Berks I
Athletes to watch: Sprinters: Emma Kay, Sr.; Renee Camburn, Sr.; Giselle Yim, Fr.; Hurdles: Kayla Vitabile, Sr.; Amy Schafer, Sr.; Anna Beth Glass, Fr.; Jumps: Lily Ferguson, Sr.; Jamie Szarawara, Sr.; Amy Schafer, Sr.; Distance & Middle Distance: Hannah Santos, Sr.; Olivia Poore, Sr.; Natalee Kryman, So.; Emrie Watts, Fr.; Anna Beth Glass, Fr.; Throws: Zuheidi Hernandez, Sr.; Marielle Davis, So.; Taylor Cassner, Jr.; Joanna McClelland, Jr.
Outlook: The Blazers said goodbye to graduate Hannah Cassner, who placed fourth in the javelin at the PIAA Championships. Despite that departure, coach Bob Reismiller is excited about Boone’s potential this spring. Senior Lily Ferguson placed fourth in the long jump at the BCIAA Firing Meet last year. “We had a very good turnout with a good group of returning athletes,” said Reismiller. “Our division is very competitive. We do have a nice group that will do well at our championship meet. We also should have some advancing to the postseason. It will be an exciting season for the Blazers.”
Hill School
Head coach: Pat Lake
Last year’s record: 3-0 duals, MAPL champions
Athletes to watch: Sprints: Sarah Kenvin, Jr.; mid-distance: Adele Harris, Sr.; Sarah Kenvin, Jr.; Taylor Folk, Sr.; Rowan Karas, So.; Courtney Bodolus, Jr.; Throws: Kate McCaw, Sr.; Courtney Bodolus, Jr.
Outlook: Last spring proved to be a special one for the Hill girls track and field team as it won the MAPL championship, snapping rival Lawrenceville’s 20-year stronghold on the crown. They have a solid group of returners, including All-MAPL first team selections Kate McCaw (discus), Courtney Bodolus (javelin, 4×800 relay), Sarah Kenvin (4×100 relay) and Adele Harris (4×800 relay). The losses of Sydney Floyd (sprints) and Susanna Soderman (long jump, triple jump) likely won’t go unnoticed though. Time will tell if Hill can manage a repeat, but staying near the top of the MAPL is in the cards with a number of athletes capable of high finishes at the league and PAISAA levels.
Methacton
Coaches: Rob Ronzano, 18th season. Assistant Coaches: Rich Freeman, Steve Mahan, Elaine Annelli, Dana Arcangelo, Bill Corby, John Krais.
Last season’s record: 4-1 PAC Liberty
Athletes to watch: Seniors: Coco Dunham, Addi Gormley, Lauren Haarmeyer, Kirsten O’Brien, Shannon O’Brien, Devon Pertrei, Kaitlin Richards, Kristen Riddell, Camryn Steere; Juniors: Kirsten Buggel, Brianna Christmann, Bella Coppola, Analiesa Geiling, Isabelle Gerhart, Bipasha Moktan, Lucy Wang; Sophomores: Aubrey Beaugard, Molly Keegan, Summer Mellow, Kenslee O’Donnell, Kate Thomas, Molly Thomas, Aubrey Wells; Freshmen: Soleil Bond-Johnson, Joanna Chung, Katie Rozinsky, Juliana Trigone, Caroline Welsh
Outlook: After missing out on an unblemished PAC Liberty run last year courtesy a two-point loss to Boyertown, Methacton looks well positioned to go again this spring. It will be tough to make up for the graduation of Madi Eastmure, a state medalist in the high jump in 2021, but the Warriors return another state qualifier in senior Coco Dunham (17th in PIAA triple jump as junior). Dunham placed ninth in the triple jump at the state indoor championships last month. Their returning district qualifiers are even more plentiful with Summer Mellow, Addison Gormley, Kaitlin Richards and two relays qualifying for Coatesville last spring. With only the throwing events a question mark, the Warriors are poised to compete for a PAC title and send a strong contingent to the districts and states.
Owen J. Roberts
Head Coach: Tim Marcoe, 7th year
Last year’s record: 2-3 PAC Liberty
Athletes to watch: Distance: Abby Norton, Sr.; Grace Fennell Jr.; Maggie Lustig Jr.; Claire Zubey, Jr.; Ava Taylor, Soph.; Khya D’Angelo, Fr.; Jane Kratz, Fr.; Sprints/Hurdles: Caleigh Bold, Sr.; Morgan Weaver, Sr.; Tara Wittlinger, Sr.; Natalie Spencer, Jr.; Kat Larsen, Jr.; Kaitlyn McGuire, Fr.; Mary Lustig, Fr.; Jumps: Reese Fisher, Jr.; Emerson Storti, Soph.; Julia Bold, Fr.; Grace Kolter, Soph.; Abby Smith, Soph.; Throws: Olivia Roach, Sr.; Katie Arcara, Jr.
Outlook: The Wildcats top returners enter the season already in form after Claire Zubey, Ava Taylor, Grace Fennell and Morgan Weaver placed 6th in the distance medley relay at the PTFCA Indoor Championships. Zubey, the three-time Mercury All-Area cross country runner of the year, added a sixth place in the mile to her medal tally. Weaver, last fall’s Mercury All-Area player of the year in soccer, was OJR’s other district qualifier in 2021. OJR isn’t far off, but some new names will need to emerge for the Wildcats if they want to knock off the Liberty’s lead trio (Methacton/Spring-Ford/Perkiomen Valley). “The goal is to continually improve throughout the course of the season and compete well at each meet,” Marcoe said. “We are going to be relying on our upperclassmen to show the new athletes how to prepare for competition as we lack some experience in some disciplines.” The primary goal is to maximize their qualifiers to PACs, districts and states.
Perkiomen Valley
Head coach: Joe Petsko, 16th year.
Last year’s record: 1-4 PAC Liberty
Athletes to watch: Sprints: Ashley Pickles, So.; Shea Lafferty, So.; Hurdles: Mackenzie Owens, So.; Distance: Summer Watts, Jr.; Lily Tremba, Jr.; Sydney Fitzpatrick, Jr.; Abrielle Schweitzer, Jr.; Sienna Miller, Fr.; Emerson Whetstone, Fr.; Jumps: Jane Fisher, Fr.; Throws: Julia Killar, Jr.; Emelia Flynn, So.
Outlook: The Viking girls look like an upwardly mobile team with a young but talented group. Sophomores Ashley Pickles (sprints) and Mackenzie Owens (sprints/hurdles) are big threats after medaling at the PTFCA Indoor Championships – Pickles 7th in the 400 meters, Owens 6th in the 60-meter hurdles. Owens also competed at the New Balance Indoor Nationals. PV also features maybe the deepest distance group in the PAC, led by juniors Summer Watts, Abrielle Schweitzer and Lily Tremba. With few impact performers in the field events, it will be tough to contend for the division title, but the Vikings should send more than a couple athletes to districts and beyond.
Phoenixville
Head coach: Justin Winters, 2nd season
Last year’s record: 4-1 PAC Frontier
Athletes to watch: Sprints: Chloe Zach, Jr.; Elle McNamee, Jr.; Liza Barbash, So.; Mid-distance: Josie Reed, So.; Distance: Kenzie Padilla, So.; Alyssa Cunningham, Jr.; Griane Reed, Sr.; Hurdles: Megan Schulz, Jr.; Nevaya Carr, Jr.; Jumps: Aubrey Wright, sr.; McKenzie Hodges, Sr.; Gildera Garner, Sr.; Pole vault: Alexa Irons, Fr.; Throws: Emine Ulcay, Fr.; Scout Woronko, Jr.; Sienna Cervino, Jr.; Kristen Brown, Fr.; Chaela Hodges, So.
Outlook: Phoenixville is the favorite in the PAC Frontier with a roster capable of scoring across 18 events. Despite no athlete competing at districts a year ago, the Phantoms are considered to be very strong in the mid-distance races, a group led by sophomore Kenzie Padilla, while they will also be solid in the jumps with seniors Aubrey Wright, McKenzie Hodges and Gildera Garner, which few other division teams can boast.
Pope John Paul ll
Head coach: Lisa Cagliola, 7 years; assistant coaches Doug Symonds, Kimm Galbraith
Last year’s record: 5-0 PAC Frontier Division
Athletes to watch: Sprints: Amaya Ransom, Sr.; Anna Patterson, Sr.; Cecilia Abruzzo, Jr.; Hutton Cordrey, So.; Gabby Cooper, So.; Gabby Manza, So; Mia Cathcart, Fr.; Mid-distance: Tess Crossan, Sr.; Anna Patterson, Sr.; Gianna Cagliola, Sr.; Jo Benensky, Jr.; Gabby Cooper, So.; Distance: Gianna Cagliola, Sr.; Katy Todd, Sr.; Colleen Schiele, Sr.; Olivia Brogan, Fr.; Allie Mitchell, Fr.; Throws: Amelia Reedinger, So.; Maeve Gallagher, Fr.; Jumps: Ava McNicholas, So.; Mia Cathcart, Fr.
Outlook: PJP used its depth on the track to go unbeaten in the PAC Frontier a year ago. That will be a bigger challenge this spring, but the Golden Panthers benefit from the return of district qualifiers Tess Crossan (sprints) and Gianna Cagliola (distance). “As the smallest school in the Frontier Division we don’t go as deep in any events run or field as other schools,” said coach Lisa Cagliola, “so we have to rely on our relays to score and top individual runners to run multiple events in a meet which is not always optimal.” PJP is thinner in the field events so staying the Frontier favorite isn’t expected. But success at PACs and qualification for districts is within reach for a number of PJP athletes.
Pottsgrove
Head coach: Dean Wright, 3rd season
Last year’s record: 3-2 PAC Frontier
Athletes to watch: Nevada Grant, Sr., jumps; Samiaya Smythe, Sr., sprints, jumps; Saniaya Bellamy, Jr., hurdles; Allison Hakes, So., sprints; Harper Latham, Fr., sprints.
Outlook: Coach Dean Wright is encouraged by the Falcons’ team numbers, but the squad must attempt to fill the voids left by graduates Naomi Hillen (distance), Hailey Strain (hurdles) and Emily Krause (shot put, discus). Senior Nevada Grant and Samiaya Smythe are experienced in the jumps and freshman Harper Latham is promising in the sprints. A winning division record would be a good result for Pottsgrove.
Pottstown
Head coach: Shanaye Glenn, 1st season. Assistant coach: Michaela Richardson
Last year’s record: 0-5 PAC Frontier
Athletes to watch: Sprints: Nashiya Dowling, Fr.; Alyssa Gibbs, Fr.; Mylika Pernell, Sr.; Susan Summerville, So.; Distance: Ariana Torres, Sr.; Annabelle Poston, Sr.; Throws: Ariana Torres, Sr.; Ashley Weller, So.; Jumps: Mylika Pernell, Sr.; Susan Summerville, So.
Outlook: Shanaye Glenn, a former Pottstown and Hill School basketball standout, takes over as head coach this year after serving as an assistant the last three. It’s a small group for the Trojans but Glenn is excited about the potential of her incoming sprinters and noted the gains shown by her throwers. “The size of our team may seem as if it is a disadvantage but we pack a lot of punch,” Glenn said. Glenn has high hopes for the 4×100 relay team and has set district qualification as a goal for the foursome. “We are looking forward to having an exciting season this year. We have some new student-athletes that bring some talent with them and are progressing every day,” Glenn said.
Spring-Ford
Head coach: Danielle Stauffer, 9th season
Last year’s record: 3-2 PAC Liberty Division
Athletes to watch: Sprints: Kaleigh Hudson, Sr.; Elizabeth Nguyen, So.; Kayla Croiger, Sr.; Nene Mokonchu, Sr.; Addison Pritz, So.; Mid-distance: Abigail Tuturice, Fr.; Aubrey Grossman, Fr.; Distance: Julia Breisch, Sr.; Hurdles: Kayla Croiger, Sr.; Akene Moutchia, Sr.; Jumps: Nene Mokonchu, Sr.; Kayla Croiger, Sr.; Kaleigh Hudson, Sr.; Throws: Ester Mokonchu, Sr.; Vania Mokonchu, Jr.; Dynasia Speaks, Jr.; Claire Lanzisera, Sr.
Outlook: The Rams bring back all of their top talent, except for PIAA medalist Maura Baker (4th in shot put). That includes state qualifiers Kaleigh Hudson and Nene Mokonchu, who was high jump champion at the Pa. indoor championships last month. Hudson, who placed 18th in the 60 meters at the indoor finals, is a sprint standout who will also contribute in the long jump. Mokonchu isn’t a high jumper – she’s a top contender in the 400 meters. S-F also features sister throwing tandem Ester and Vania Mokonchu (fifth in shot put at indoor states), who will score plenty of points in the shot put and discus. Kayla Croiger, a transfer from Pope John Paul II, is a key addition in multiple events including the hurdles and pole vault. Spring-Ford has a slew of frontline talent but is inexperienced in the mid- and distance events, a spot their fellow PAC Liberty contenders fare well. The Rams remain a good bet to claim the division title, the PAC championship and have a handful of athletes competing in Shippensburg on the season’s final day.
Upper Merion
Head coach: Michelle Franko, 4th season
Last year’s record: 1-4 PAC Frontier
Athletes to watch: Olivia Rosado, Fr.; sprints; Anna Fleischer, Jr., distance; Megan Chaing, So., hurdles; Sedona Hansell, Jr., jumps
Outlook: Upper Merion has a solid number of competitors across many events, which means it could be on the rise after going 1-4 in 2021.
Upper Perkiomen
Head coach: Clayton Mowrer, 5th season
Last year’s record: 2-3 PAC Frontier
Athletes to watch: Samantha Pedrick, Fr., pole vault; Maren Landis, Fr., distance; Lauren Donahue, So., distance
Outlook: It’s a very young roster for Upper Perk, but growing according to coach Clayton Mowrer. “We have built up our numbers this year and are hoping to continue off of last year’s successful season,” he said. “We are hoping to be strong in our field this year, especially jumps.” With so many underclassmen, a taste of the first typical track and field season since 2019 will benefit the team now and in the future.
