2024 Mercury Area Boys’ Track and Field Team-by-Team Preview
PAC Liberty Division
Boyertown
Head coach: Jon Zellers, 14th season
Last year’s record: 2-3
Athletes to watch: Throws: Nick Panarello, Sr.; Ethan Dierolf, Jr.; Giovanni Panarello, Jr.; Sprints: Paapa Ankoma-Mensah, Sr.; Nick Billetta, Jr.; Charleric Laguerre, Jr.; James Riefenstahl, Jr.; Isaiah Elwell, Jr.; Michael Boorse, So.; Hurdles: Paul Kennedy, Jr.; Distance: Aiden Voth, Jr.; Cole Peifer, Jr.; Evan James, So.; Sam Branford, Jr.
Season outlook: The Bears top returner is senior Nick Panarello, who placed 10th in the discus at the District 1 Championships last year. “This is the smallest team I have had to date,” Zellers said. “We only have six seniors and our underclassmen will have to step up earlier than expected. The Bears will be prepared and ready to compete. We are working for districts, states and nationals. Dual meets will be a lesser priority because of the size of the teams.”
Methacton
Head coach: Chris Torpey, third season
Last year’s record: 3-2
Athletes to watch: Wesley Conover, Sr. (100m, 200m); Yasser Jarhale, Jr. (100m, 300m hurdles, long jump, high jump); Matt Sandner, Sr. (1600m, 3200m); Akhil Yeluri, Sr. (1600m, 3200m); Avery Smith, Jr. (sprinter); Raymond Tai, Sr. (sprinter); Dylan Weber, Jr. (sprinter); Brody Mellow, So. (sprinter); Jackson Graham, So. (sprinter); Charlie Reith, Jr. (distance); Mitchell Alexander, Jr. (distance); Curtis Alexander, Jr. (distance); Tyler Rifkin, Jr. (distance); Quinn Kumfert, Jr. (distance); Jason Nagle, Fr. (distance); Brock Yoder, Fr. (distance); Colin O’Donnell, So. (distance); Ben Freese, Jr. (distance); Nate Alex, Sr. (distance); Nico Lumbrano, Sr. (throws); David Burnett, Jr. (throws); Abel Robles, Sr. (throws); Logan Courtney, Jr. (throws)
Season outlook: The Warriors boast a young but talented team after graduating an impressive class of track athletes in 2023. Zach Willen, a two-time state qualifier who holds seven school records and is now competing at Columbia University, headlines the key losses. Wesley Conover, a state qualifier a season ago, is back and aiming to improve personal best times in the 100m (10.96) and 200m (22.49). Yasser Jarhale is a versatile contributor who excels in the hurdles, 100m, high jump and long jump. The freshman duo of Jason Nagle and Brock Yoder has potential, too — Nagle qualified for the mile in indoor nationals and Yoder was a state qualifier in cross country in the fall. Nico Lumbrano placed eighth in the discus at last year’s PAC championship. “This is a younger team than we’ve had in recent years, but they have a veteran mentality,” Torpey said. “The other coaches and I have been impressed by their ambition and selfless attitude. This is a group that wants to see their teammates’ improvement as much as their own. Our goals are consistent with the last few years: striving for a balance across all events and improvement from each member of the team. We hope to qualify as many athletes for postseason competition as we can.”
Norristown
Head coach: Milton Williams, ninth season
Last year’s record: 0-5
Athletes to watch: Daunte Bell, Sr. (400m, 4×400); Miles Daniels, Sr. (sprints, long jump); Richard Matthews, Jr. (400m, 800m)
Season outlook: A young Norristown team will look to find its footing after an injury-plagued 2023 campaign. Sprinters Bell and Daniels return after both were state qualifiers in the 4×100 relay a year ago; additionally, Bell qualified in the individual 200m, while Daniels was a state long jump qualifier after placing second at the District 1 Championship. “We are looking forward to some young pieces stepping up and helping to fill the void of the graduated athletes while also helping some of the relays get to the district meet and beyond,” Williams said.
Owen J. Roberts
Head coach: Tim Marcoe, ninth season
Last year’s record: 3-2
Athletes to watch: Distance: Oscar Lorenzi, Sr.; Ben Pittek, So.; Ben Herrada, So.; Jimmy Faust, Fr.; Sprints/hurdles: Ian Pennypacker, Sr.; Andy Famawa, Jr.; Presley Przyborowski, Jr.; Lex McCurry, So.; Matt Gregory, Fr.; Mekhi Graham, Fr.; Jumpers: Gabe LaGrossa, Jr.; Troy Swittenburg, Jr.; Johnathan Miller, So.; Declan Gallagher, So.; Joseph Ryan, So.; Throwers: Alex Braun, Sr.; Doug Keck, Jr.; Liam Egan, Jr.; Doug Keck, So.; Gus Smith, So.
Season outlook: “The boys are looking forward to competing again this season,” Marcoe said. “The goal is to continually improve throughout the course of the season and compete well at each meet. We are hoping to have a balanced team with potential point-scorers in all 18 events. 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. Our goal is to get as many boys qualified for the PAC and district championships in order to have a chance to qualify for the state championship. We are looking forward to competing again and seeing how the season unfolds.”
Perkiomen Valley
Head coach: Joe Petsko, 18th season
Last year’s record: 2-3
Athletes to watch: Sprints: Markell Davis, Jr.; Xavier Nunez, Sr.; Theo Pecora, So.; Distance: Ian Johnson, Sr.; Cooper Hey, So.; Nate Boyer, So.; Jumps: Ryan Anglace, So.; Zakiye Bright, Jr.; Markel Davis, Jr.; Throws: Doug Ledger, Sr.; Cole Euker, Jr.; Colin Sturgis, So.; Eddie Smith, So.
Season outlook: Perk Valley is coming off a terrific winter indoor season, capped off by Ian Johnson’s fourth-place finish in the mile run at the PTFCA Indoor Track and Field Championships. Johnson and Doug Ledger (javelin) were state qualifiers last spring. “The Vikings will be deep in the field events with many outstanding jumpers and throwers looking to complement a talented group of distance runners,” Petsko said. “A young group of sprinters will look to make a name for themselves as they look forward to a great season.”
Spring-Ford
Head coach: Danielle Stauffer, 10th season
Last year’s record: 5-0
Athletes to watch: Sprints: Mason Scott, Sr.; Chris Brittingham, Sr.; Andre Jackson-Littlejohn, Sr.; Justin Johnson, Jr.; Hurdles: Jack Redcay, Sr.; Josh An, Sr.; Mid-distance: Jacob Delgado, Sr.; Jack Stanick, Sr.; Belal Abdelrahman, Sr.; Willie Wiles, Sr.; Elijah Dunham, Jr.; Will Garman, Jr.; Distance: Ethan Tharp, Sr.; Gus Smith, Jr.; Jumps: Abe McNelly, Sr.; Zach Stead, Jr.; Pole vault: Hayden Collier, Sr.; Throws: Luke Ellor, Sr.; Andrew Donohue, Sr.; Parker Delgado, Jr.; Nate Reagan, Jr.
Season outlook: Spring-Ford is well in front of the pack in the sprint and mid-distance races with most of its state-medal relay teams returning. Jack Stanick, Justin Johnson, Chris Brittingham and Mason Scott scored silver in the 4×400, and Scott and Brittingham ran on the sixth-place 4×100 relay. Scott was also a PIAA qualifier in the 100m and 200m. “The Rams have an experienced group of athletes who are ready to compete. We have a large team that is really focused this season,” Stauffer said. “Our main goal is to work hard and stay healthy this season to ensure individual and team successes, as well as to compete for the championship and advance as many as possible to districts and states.”
PAC Frontier Division
Phoenixville
Head coach: Justin Winters, eighth season
Last year’s record: 3-2
Athletes to watch: Distance: Hayden Bray, So.; Will Brennfleck, Sr.; Brenden Cunningham, Jr.; John Hamid, Sr.; Kyle Padilla, So.; Mid-distance: Ryan Pratte, Sr.; Sprints: Trey Arnold, Jr.; Zach Brown, Sr.; Deacon Williams, Jr.; Trey Lear, Jr.; Logan Halliday, Jr.; JR Shea, Fr.; Hurdles: Aaron Bull, So; Jumps: Ian Gatawa, So.; Peter Gibson, So.; Matt LaBarge, Sr.; Trevor O’Neill, So.; Nate Stackhouse, Jr.; Dawson Brown, So.; Throws: Cam English, So.; Jamie Gray, Sr.; Talon Romance, Jr.
Season outlook: “The boys lost some key pieces due to graduation, but have experienced a major upgrade in talent this spring with lots of new additions,” Winters said. “If they can learn quickly, the boys will be equipped to make a great run in the conference and turn a lot of heads. Overall, the team is excited, big and ready to compete.”
Pope John Paul II
Head coach: Lisa Cagliola, ninth season
Last year’s record: 1-4
Athletes to watch: Sprints: Dom DiBricida, Sr.; Braden Reed, Jr.; Kieran Sgarra, Jr.; Liam Conrad, So.; Jimmy Dauphinee, So.; IJ Morales, So.; Brandon DeAngelo, So.; Michael Zollers, Fr.; Imanol Gonzalez-Jamie, Fr.; Distance: Oscar Luna, Sr.; Mark Heffner, Sr.; Aiden Radcliffe, Jr.; Ryan Edde, Jr.; Jack McNicholas, Jr.; Throwers: Jake Robinson, Jr.; Becket Cordrey, So.; Mark Stidham, Fr.; Luke Storti, Fr.; Dom Testa, Fr.
Season outlook: “We’re taking it slow,” Cagliola said. “The juniors and seniors are ready to show what they’ve got. Watching our sophomores and a big group of freshmen develop is fun, and it looks like it will be an interesting season.”
Pottsgrove
Head coach: Dean Wright, fifth season
Last year’s record: 4-1, PAC Frontier champions
Athletes to watch: Sprinters: Jason Peters, Sr.; Aajeirh Trammell, Sr.; Distance: Jordan Raudenbush, Jr.; Bryan Castro, So.; Throws: Bryson Ellis, Jr.
Season outlook: “The track team has grown in popularity at Pottsgrove, with over 100 students signed up for the 2024 season,” Wright said. “The boys look to defend the Frontier and possibly compete for the overall PAC championship.”
Pottsgrove’s Trevon Foster, right, and Pottstown’s Tyrese Washington clear the final hurdle during the boys’ 3A 110-meter hurdles at the District 1 Track and Field Championships in 2023 at Coatesville. (Austin Hertzog – MediaNews Group)
Pottstown
Head coach: Justin Gibbs, fourth season
Last year’s record: 0-5
Athletes to watch: Tyrese Washington, Sr.; Mekhi Jones, Sr. (shot put); Kyree Stillman, Sr. (400m, 800m); Evan Smith, Jr. (400m, 800m); Dillion Mayes, Sr. (high jump); Ezriel Felder, Jr. (shot put, discus); Arman Thorpe, So. (110 high hurdles); Kobina Miller, So. (400m); Kingston Allen, So. (shot put)
Season outlook: Senior Tyrese Washington, a state champion in the 110 high hurdles and PAC champion in the 300 hurdles, leads an exciting and versatile group of athletes into the 2024 season. The team showcases a blend of experienced veterans and promising freshmen, setting the stage for a strong season,” Gibbs said. “I anticipate personal bests and victories, as the athletes are geared up to compete and put in the effort to succeed.”
Upper Merion
Head coach: Kevin Mobley, fifth season
Last year’s record: 3-2
Athletes to watch: Sprinters: Seth Jackson, Erick Ramirez-Perez, Alan Nichols, Nate Roberts-Clapper, Zyair Jones, Tito Ward; Distance: Dante Churchville, Nick Albini, Anthony and David Tornambe, Ray Mayo, Hunter Hope, Ryan Francis, Allen Cole
Season outlook: “We are looking forward to competing in the Frontier Division and hopefully placing some athletes in the PAC and district championships,” Mobley said.
Upper Perkiomen
Head coach: Dave Dusza, eighth season
Last year’s record: 4-1
Athletes to watch: Sprints: Zach Schwartz, Jr.; Isaac Pratt, Jr.; Sprints/jumps: Asher Zonis, So.; Distance: Roman Macedo, Jr.; John Kuzmission, So.; Jumps: Darius Reid, Fr.; Ben Northern, Jr.; Throws: Eric Romanowski, Sr.; John Strohl, Jr.; Hurdles: Grayson Riggins, So.; Pole vault: Theo Deskevich, Sr.
Season outlook: “We have a lot of young athletes this year and are looking forward to the experienced athletes to lead and show them the ropes,” Dusza said. “We graduated some top talent last year, but have some strong returning athletes. Our coaching staff is excited for this season and looking for some great successes.”
Others
Daniel Boone
Head coach: Peter Gilmore, second season
Last year’s record: 0-5
Athletes to watch: Brenden Smartwood, Sr. (shot put, discus); Daniel Shank, So. (800m, 1600m, 3200m); Cameron Cremi, Fr. (100m, 200m)
Season outlook: “The Blazers will look to continue the rebuild off of the 2023 season,” Gilmore said.
Hill School
Head coach: Bill Yinger, 22nd season
Last year’s record: 4-1
Athletes to watch: Sprinters: Colby Dobek, Sr.; Barkley Reid, So.; Price Savage, Sr.; Deven Vennera, Sr.; Nathan Vogt, Fr.; Josh Ansu, So.; Jacob Meachem, Jr.; Distance: Shane Duo, So.; Collin Ditty, So.; Damien Giannikas, Sr.; Henry Zidek, So.; Richard Liu, So.; Hurdlers: Nick Bressi, Sr.; Trevon Foster, So.; Jahiem Pratt, So.; London Ezell, So.; Liam Mpofu, So.; Throwers: Charlie Hewitt, Jr.; Aaron Meadows, Sr.; Hilton Johnson, Jr.; Jumpers/vaulters: Collin Ditty, So.; Axel Linquist, Jr.; Nick Bressi, Sr.; Bash Bashiru, Jr.; Ethan Wills-Johnston, So.; Joe Terreri, So.
Season outlook: Hill boasts incredible depth in the sprints and hurdles from the 400m down, including both hurdle races with returning talent that has only been augmented. Foster, who transferred from Pottsgrove to Hill after finishing 4th at PIAAs last spring, won the 60m hurdle title at state indoors in February. A reclassified sophomore, Foster and Bressi should vie for league and state titles in the short and long hurdles, respectively. Pratt, Ezell, and Mpofu are threats to win at a moment’s notice. Dobek and Vennera lead a talented group of sprinters that can sweep 100 and 200 on good days. The 800 and 1600 duties will fall to Ditty and Duo, who will be supported in those efforts by newcomer Zidek from Alaska. Hewitt returns as one of the best javelin throwers in the area and could break the 200 feet mark this year. Meadows and Johnson hold down the heavy throws to carve out what points they can. The jumps should be solid too, as Ditty looks to improve in the pole vault and Bressi continues to break the 6 feet mark in the high jump on a regular basis. Bashiru, Wills-Johnston, and Terreri are talented basketball players who will add natural talent to the jumps and could provide well-needed points in those events. “The team will look to threaten for the league title,” Yinger said. “A top three finish at PAISAAs is always an accomplishment for us.”
