The 2025 season for the girls track and field team is one of transition.

“We had eight letter winners graduate who had been with our program from middle school. Five of the girls were in our top seven point scorers,” said Bradford coach Larry Stillman. “We know it will be difficult to replace them, but the girls have been working hard and are up to the challenge. We are looking forward to getting the season started at Altoona on Saturday. Each week we will work to improve and get the girls into their best events.”

The Lady Owls have five seniors, three of those letter winners.

“Jumpers Eliana Curcio and Grace Close and thrower Lillian Erickson are returning letter winners and team leaders. Sprinter Bella Prince and thrower Chloe Button return to the team also, and it is very good to have them back,” Stillman stated. “They all provide needed leadership.”

Bradford also has three juniors: letterwinner Jenn Bouquin (distance), Madison Vinelli (distance) and team Manager Mady Stark.

There are seven sophomores participating this year, all letterwinners and competitors in multiple events.

“Emma Pilon is the returning district champion in the high jump and runs sprints. Alyssa Mangold anchored our district champion 4 x 100 relay last season as a freshman and competes in the hurdles and jumps as well,” Stillman explained.

“Aliya Corignani and Olivia Funk(hurdles, sprints), Maranda Davis(sprints), Miley Swanson(distance) and Sophia Lama(throws) make up the rest of the sophomore class of very good athletes. They are very versatile and can compete in many events.”

There are eight freshmen on the team: Brynn Benedict, Jomayra Colondres, Aubrey Hough and Payten Thomas-all in the throws; Addison Benson, Brianna Haven and Rylann Terwilliger in distance events and Anna Benedict in the sprints.

“The girls are a nice addition to our team,” Stillman said. “I am fortunate to have outstanding assistant coaches: Mrs.

Natalie Marasco and Dr.

Mark Kelley. We work together in all aspects to help the girls achieve their potential. We also work with Coach Tessena and Coach Cercone from the boys staff.

“We are excited to get started after four weeks of practice and look forward to watching the girls improve every week. Our schedule is challenging with four quality invitationals and a strong dual meet schedule. The key to success is focusing on being at our best in May.”