When veteran Bradford High track and field coach Larry Stillman
looks at the Lady Owls’ 2010 roster he sees a mix of experience and
youth.
“Our goals this year are to develop our experienced kids to the
highest level we can and teach our new kids the skills they need to
be successful,” said Stillman. “We are all willing to work hard to
achieve these goals.”
Bradford has 11 returning letterwinners on the roster.
The team’s strongest and most experienced area is the middle
distance runners.
“There are many talented girls in this group led by
letterwinners Brittni Wiseman, Marissa Buchheit, Myriah Wiseman,
Elizabeth Gardner, Erin Frisina, Alexandra Szczupak and Kacy
Huston,” Stillman noted. “They are capable of running many events
and relays. Brittni, Myriah, Liz and Kacy won the 3200 relay at
districts last year.”
They are joined by Brigid Colligan, Maddy Forbes and Alyssa
Holsinger.
“The girls are working very hard with coach Mark Kelley who has
incorporated many new workouts,” Stillman emphasized.
The throwers provide another group that has a good nucleus of
veterans.
“We bring back two of the top throwers in the district in
letterwinners Shelby Runyan and Natalie Frisina who have looked
good in practice so far,” Stillman pointed out.
They are joined by veterans Colleen Lipps, Chelsey Colosimo and
Katherine Moyer as well as newcomers Kenna Greek, Meagan Chase,
Mary Beth Ackerman, Paige Potter, Marissa Pattison and Sierra
Campbell.
“Coach Scott Mealy has really been working hard with the girls
and we are making solid progress,” Stillman stated.
The Lady Owls’ pole vaulters are led by district champion Nicole
Teribery. She will also do some sprinting for the team.
The team has three new vaulters – Sara James, Amanda Franco and
Mackenzie O’Brien.
“We have a full-time pole vault coach for the first time in many
years in Matt Teribery, who was a standout vaulter for us and
brings a great deal of knowledge to the event,” Stillman said.
“Our jumpers have some veteran talent and some new girls who
have looked good in practice.”
The jumpers are led by seniors Brittni Wiseman, Megan Race and
Nikki Pavone.
Other jumpers include Amanda Slavinski, Jodi Wichensky, Macy
Matzner, Tashia Carrow, Charlotte Busch and Christina Vance.
Working with the jumpers is new coach Ashley Fox, who
volunteered last year.
“She has been a big help especially with the high jump,”
Stillman admitted.
Senior Hilary Digel and freshmen Kate Visbisky and Montgomery
Burgoon lead a small group of hurdlers.
“I am really pleased with how hard they are working. Coach Tom
Tessena has brought them along quickly,” Stillman declared.
The sprinters are young, but are willing to work hard, the coach
said.
“I look for them to come along as the season progresses,”
Stillman commented. “Letterwinner Emily Marshall is our veteran
here and she will also do some hurdling.”
The team’s other sprinters are Francine Augustine, Zowe Orozeck
and Kaserra Owens. Many of the team’s jumpers and vaulters will
also do some sprint events.
In summing up the team’s outlook, Stillman said, “We have a nice
group of young ladies who are willing to work hard and to try to
improve.
“Our coaching staff is dedicated and will do all they can to get
the best from our kids. We all look forward to the season starting
and getting into the meets.
“We all believe this team will improve every time out, and we
will make adjustments to make us stronger as we go along.”
The Lady Owls open the season Saturday at the South Hills
Classic.
“The schedule is challenging as always, but that is what we
want,” Stillman concluded. “I think all of us are ready to get
going.”
