Rockets to lean on youth movement

By SAM TALLARICO Eagle Staff Writer

March 30, 2010 Last Updated: March 30, 2010 12:48 PM High School

Freeport is counting on junior Harley Westerman's talent in the long jump to help the Yellowjackets improve on her 4-4 record.

If you think replacing a senior class is a challenge, imagine being in the shoes of Slippery Rock High girls track and field coach Mike Kish.

Replacing Angie Shaffer, Elissa McCune, Samantha Amyx, Michelle Grossman, Brittney Richter, Candace Hogue and Chelsea Stanley, among others, won't be easy.

The group posted four Region 2 championships, going undefeated in the process.

"We've got the numbers (of athletes), but not the depth," said Kish. "We have a lot of holes to fill and some nagging injuries.

"We still have a good nucleus and some very good freshmen coming in," he added.

State qualifiers Bre Northcott (throws) and Casey Dudek (distance), both sophomores, will be part of talented sophomore and freshman classes that will try to bolster the squad this year.

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

Coach: Annessa Schnur, first yearLast season: 5-2 in the sectionTop returners: Seniors Bri Lumley (throws), Amy Metrick (throws), Erin Bell (jumps), Katresa Savisky (middle distance), Becky Nowacki (hurdles, long jump), Tara Lowe (sprints), Marina Gracik (javelin), Casie Cygan (hurdles), Olivia Bresnahan (high jump, middle distance), Adair Robinson (high jump); juniors Megan Studds (jumps, hurdles), Hannah Williams (jumps), Danica Snyder (middle distance), Trisha Brandt (middle distance), Emily Petrak (middle distance), Jill Mudrick (hurdles); sophomore Jasmine Bailey (sprints)Strengths: Throws, jumps, middle distanceWeaknesses: DistanceCoach's comment: "Our cross country team made it to states. Now they've had some success, some of the girls who ran the 800 might move up. They may have to help the team in the big meets."

Coach: Ray Peaco, third yearLast season: 7-3 overallTop returners: Seniors Erin Lopresti (middle distance, distance), Kate Kelly (sprints, middle distance), Mandy Cerminara (hurdles, sprints) and Alexa Baron (hurdles); juniors Bri Sieminski (long jump, sprints), Maria Royal (throws), Kaitlin Powell (throws), Bri Mitchell (sprints, long jump), Keara Lydon (throws), Caitlin Fenello (pole vault) and Haley Fox (sprints); sophomores Sarah Stevens (sprints), Natalie Richard (middle distance) and Madison Kozlowski (sprints)Strengths: Sprints, hurdles, jumps, distance, middle distanceWeaknesses: ThrowsCoach's comment: "The girls will be looking for their 28th consecutive winning season. It will take some doing in our section. ... We should be up for the task."

Coach: Dale Boring, first yearLast season: 7-3 overallTop returners: Seniors Gina Robb (hurdles) and Allyson Cress (throws); juniors Jolene Kunkel (distance), Shannon Evanchec (distance), Lea Welker (jumps) and Tori Lark (jumps); sophomore Tess Haverstick (sprints, middle distance)Strengths: Talent in every areaWeaknesses: Depth in those areasCoach's comment: "We have 35 kids, which is up from last year. We have a lot of freshmen who came out, including a couple of talented freshmen."

Coach: Deb Knox, third yearLast season: 4-4 overallTop returners: Seniors Michelle Perri (distance) and Sarah Williams (sprints), junior Ashley Cress (sprints, jumps) and sophomores Kristen Check (sprints), Mani Brueckner (sprints, jumps) and Salina Smialek (distance)Strengths: Sprints, jumps, distance, large freshman classWeaknesses: Throws, freshman inexperienceCoach's comment: "We haven't had a meet yet (Wednesday will be the first), but I see us being very strong, very competitive. I think in the track events, we'll be competitive in every event."

Coach: Bill Dillen, 17th yearLast season: 8-2 overall, third place in the sectionTop returners: Senior Brittany DeMeno (throws); juniors Harley Westerman (jumps), Chelsea Chapman (sprints), Camry Brestensky (sprints) and Allison Moore (sprints, relays); sophomore Lynsey Gugino (hurdles)Strengths: Jumps, sprintsWeaknesses: Middle distanceCoach's comment: "We've got some young kids. I'm excited to see what they can do."

Coach: Mike Kish, 31st yearLast season: 5-0 overall, Region champions for fourth year in a rowTop returners: Seniors Mallory Ralston (hurdles) and Jess Vitous (hurdles); juniors Haley Sefton (pole vault), Chelcie Ketterer (sprints), Hunter Macri (sprints), Chelsea Master (throws), Alexis Reeher (middle distance) and Rachel Richter (middle distance); sophomores Jess Bennett (distance), Casey Dudek (distance), Allie Lotz (hurdles, jumps), Bre Northcott (throws), Alyssa Waryanka (middle distance), Megan Cravener (throws), Danielle Wissinger (pole vault, middle distance), and Cassie Rasely (distance)Strengths: Middle distance, hurdlesWeaknesses: Sprints, depth in distanceCoach's comment: "It should be a tough year. ... We'll be challenged, but if we put it all together, we'll do well. Everyone needs to be healthy."

Coach: Mickey Hardenburg, third yearLast season: N/ATop returners: Seniors Hanna Casanova (middle distance) and Shannon Bishop (jumps); juniors Kylie Fagan (jumps) and Sarah Chuzie (distance); sophomores Eliza Lowe (hurdles, 1,600 relay) and Kelly Baglia (pole vault)Strengths: Middle distance, distance, hurdles, jumpsWeaknesses: Pole vault, sprints, throwsCoach's comment: "We're young, all over the place. ... Any time with younger kids, you have to see where they belong and they have to get stronger."

Coach: Roger King, first yearLast season: 8-1 in the KSAC, second placeTop returners: Seniors Corrine Conto (jumps, hurdles), Nicole Harmon (middle distance, distance, relays), Kara Sypulski (jumps, sprints), and Stephanie Stoughton (throws); junior Brittany Lessner (hurdles); sophomores Emily Olszak (sprints), Alyssa King (sprints) and Sydney Smith (pole vault)Strengths: Sprints, jumps, throwsWeaknesses: DistanceCoach's comment: "I think we'll do really well once we get started and get a couple of meets under our belt."

Coach: Sue Scialabba, eighth yearLast season: 3-7 overallTop returners: Seniors Tarra Burk (sprints), Mimi Haney (middle distance), Kathleen Harding (hurdles), Jenna McCorry triple jump, javelin, middle distance), Karlie Bly (pole vault, shot put), Courtney Catterall (sprints, long jump), Sarah Miller (middle distance, distance), Taylor Shaffer (sprints), Katie Brehm (shot put, discus), Brooke Schwab (300 hurdles, throws), Amanda Sloan (300 hurdles, high jump), Krista Snyder (sprints, jumps, hurdles)Strengths: Hurdles, relays, middle distance, jumpsWeaknesses: Lack of depth in throws, sprints, inexperienceCoach's comment: "We have a nice mix of experience in all events that should definitely help us this year. We have several first-year participants that will be expected to make an impact right away. The senior leadership is great and the work ethic will help with the success of the season."

Coach: Al Pryor, third yearLast season: 0-9 in the KSACTop returners: Seniors Lepha Logue (jumps, middle distance), Kendra Guth (javelin), and Courtney Shimmons (pole vault); juniors Haley Huffman (sprints), Kelsey Johnson (sprints) and Sammi Barger (hurdles, distance); sophomores Larissa Roberts (throws), Jess Brink (javelin), Sierra Smith (pole vault), Janesa Buzard (middle distance), Shanna Johnston (middle distance), Brittney Murray (hurdles) and Jill DiPippa (distance)Strengths: Jumps, throwsWeaknesses: Depth in track eventsCoach's comment: "I think we'll be improved. We're very young. ... We look more for improvement than actually winning the meets.

Coach: Dave Sherman Jr.Last season: .500 recordTop returners: Seniors Erika Rothen (hurdles), Caroline Blauser (sprints, jumps), Emily Gardner (sprints, jumps), Sam Kerlin (hurdles, jumps), Lauren Snyder (throws, jumps) and Nikki Marshall (distance); juniors Meghan Cratty (discus, sprints) and Emily Milford (middle distance, distance); sophomore Tricia Kerlin (jumps)Strengths: Experience, jumps, hurdlesWeaknesses: Depth, throws, distanceCoach's comment: "We're senior-heavy this year. ... We've got a lot of experienced kids back. We should be where we left off last year."