Steele has Golden Tornado primed for WPIAL title run

By Sam Tallarico Eagle Staff Writer

March 25, 2011 Last Updated: March 25, 2011 12:10 PM High School

It seems everything Butler girls track and field coach Annessa Steele touches turns to gold.

She was a key part of the Golden Tornado's four consecutive WPIAL Class AAA championships from 1997-2000

Then as a first-year coach in 2010, she guided Butler to the WPIAL title, the first since that 2000 season.

“Last year, the girls started to believe what kind of team we were,” said Steele. “I think, this year, they'll know. If we can stay healthy, we can win the WPIAL.”

The following are previews for the upcoming girls track and field seasons:

Coach: Annessa Steele, second yearLast season: 11-1 overall, 6-1 in the section; WPIAL Class AAA championsTop returners: Seniors Meghan Studds (jumps), Hannah Williams (jumps), Katelyn Wetzel (sprints); Danica Snyder (middle distance), Trisha Brandt (middle distance); juniors Alexis Frost (hurdles, jumps), Jasmine Bailey (sprints), Paige Rittelmann (jumps); sophomore Ava Bonetti (throws), Alexis Swiergol (distance)Strengths: Jumps, sprints, middle distanceWeaknesses: Depth in throwing eventsCoach's comment: “We have a really strong senior class, a lot of good point scorers since the 10th grade.”

Coach: Ray Peaco, fourth yearLast season: 8-2 overallTop returners: Seniors Caitlin Fenello (pole vault), Haley Fox (sprints), Marena Royal (throws), Bri Sieminski (sprints); juniors Kristen McKinney (distance), Natalie Richards (middle distance); sophomores Melissa Lynskey (sprints), Rachel McAndrew (jumps), Jayme Rutkowski (throws)Strengths: Sprints, jumpsWeaknesses: Throws, hurdles, distanceCoach's comment: “The girls are definitely in rebuilding mode. We're very young. We have about 100 total girls and more than 40 freshmen.”

Coach: Dale Boring, second yearLast season: 0-1 overall, 5-0 in the section for first placeTop returners: Seniors Tori Lark (throws, jumps), Jamie Mahan (sprints, middle distance), Heather Cooper (throws), Storm Hajek (pole vault); juniors Emilee Hertweck (middle distance, distance), Tess Haverstick (middle distance); sophomore Samantha Logan (sprints)Strengths: SprintsWeaknesses: Depth in all eventsCoach's comment: “Our expectations haven't changed. We still want to win our section and get as many kids to states.”

Coach: Deb Knox, fourth yearLast season: 4-3 overall, 2-3 in the sectionTop returners: Seniors Carly Clark (middle distance) and Ashley Krause (jumps, sprints); juniors Mani Brueckner (middle distance, hurdles), Kristen Check (sprints), Salina Smialek (middle distance); sophomores Erica Hans (sprints, middle distance), Erica Schwab (distance), Emily Thomas (throws), Brittney Wills (distance)Strengths: Sprints, middle distanceWeaknesses: Depth in field eventsCoach's comment: “I anticipate us doing very well. However, to me, losing by five points is doing well. I think we'll be more competitive than last year.”

Coach: Bill Dillen, 18th yearLast season: 13-1 overall, 10-0 in the section for first place; WPIAL Class AA runner-upTop returners: Seniors Harley Westerman (jumps), Katie Pullano (hurdles), Kamri Brestensky (sprints), Chelsea Chaffman (sprints), Taylor Bombalski (middle distance), Nicolette Blake (jumps, relays); juniors Lynsey Gugino (hurdles) and Ally Moore (relays, sprints)Strengths: Sprints, jumpsWeaknesses: ThrowsCoach's comment: “We got the runner-up trophy last year and we want to get there again and be able to become back with the first-place trophy.”

Coach: Tony Consbruck, first yearLast season: N/ATop returners: Senior Alexis Reeher (sprints); juniors Jessica Bennett (distance), Bre Northcott (throws), Hope Vitous (sprints); sophomore Morgan Siebka (hurdles)Strengths: Throws, middle distance, distanceWeaknesses: SprintsCoach's comment: “The kids are getting used to a new program (longtime coach Mike Kish retired after 31 years). We have a very young team with a lot of new kids. We will have a decent team this year.”

Coach: Mickey Hardenburg, fourth yearLast season: N/ATop returners: Seniors Sara Chuzie, Breanna Anderson (jumps), Kylie Fagan (jumps), Jocelyn Gruber (javelin); juniors Evyn Seldon (distance), Eliza Lowe (sprints, hurdles), Vanessa Sprando (throws); sophomores Lauren Decker (sprints), Elizabeth Depew (hurdles)Strengths: Depth in most eventsWeaknesses: Sprints, distanceCoach's comment: “We are a pretty balanced team. The kids are working hard. I'm happy with the work ethic. It's a real nice situation.”

Coach: Roger King, second yearLast season: 8-1 in the KSAC for second placeTop returners: Seniors Brittany Lessner (hurdles), Kate Williams (field), Natalie Ealy (javelin), Kara Yasika (sprints); juniors Alyssa King (sprints), Ally Olkowski (field), Ain-Soph Williams (distance); sophomore Lacee Scheerbaum (distance)Strengths: Sprints, distanceWeaknesses: Throw, jumpsCoach's comment: “This is my second year, so the girls know what's expected of them. I think we can do real well. We have some ninth graders who will help.”

Coach: Sue Scialabba, ninth yearLast season: 6-2-1 in the KSACTop returners: Seniors Karlie Bly (shot put, pole vault), Courtney Catterall (sprints, long jump), Kaici McBride (throws); Sarah Miller (distance), Danielle Rider (discus, distance), Taylor Shaffer middle distance); juniors Desire Best (distance); Katie Brehm (throws); Brooke Schwab (throws), Amanda Sloan (hurdles, high jump), Krista Snyder (jumps, relays), Brittany Wright (hurdles, relays); sophomores Ashley Brehm (javelin, distance), Chelsea Miller (relays, distance), Heather Porter (pole vault, jumps, distance), Nikki Yeckel (hurdles, relays)Strengths: Senior leadership, numbers (46)Weaknesses: Depth in some eventsCoach's comment: “The seniors are extremely focused on the season. I am pleased with the dedication and hard work of the team so far.”

Coach: Tisha Frederick and Karen Raybuck, first yearLast season: 1-8 in the KSACTop returners: Juniors Larissa Roberts (throws), Jessica Brink (javelin), Sierra Smith (pole vault, sprints), Daneka Stuart (hurdles), Alyssa Lewis (throws), Stephanie Solida (throws); sophomore Janessa Buzard (jumps)Strengths: Jumps, throws, good freshman classWeaknesses: Middle distance, distanceCoach's comment: “It will be a rebuilding year. We're changing how we do everything. We're all adjusting to it.”

Coach: Dave Sherman Jr.Last season: N/ATop returners: Seniors Meghan Cratty (sprints, discus, jumps), Emily Milford (distance), Natasha Brenneman (sprints); junior Tricia Kerlin (jumps); sophomores Meredith Snyder (jumps), Emily Quaill (hurdles), Hannah Hetrick (throws)Strengths: Field eventsWeaknesses: Numbers (17), distanceCoach's comment: “We're going to be kind of thin, the same old story. We'll try to get as many points as we can.”