There will be two individuals – one an athlete, the other a
coach – missing from the Bradford Lady Owls track and field program
this season.
One of the best athletes ever in Bradford High School history –
Erin Hannon – has graduated, and veteran mentor Greg Ambuske has
retired.
In her four-year career, Hannon broke several school records and
led the Lady Owls to four straight District 9 Class AAA titles and
a co-PIAA Class AAA championship.
“For the first time in four years, eight-time state outdoor
medalist Erin Hannon will not lead us,” Bradford coach Larry
Stillman said. “Erin led us to our state title last year, winning
four medals including two gold medals.
“She has moved on to the University of Nebraska and we wish her
well. We will never forget her but we must try to find other girls
to step up in her place.”
The Lady Owls also said goodbye to long-time coach Ambuske.
“Greg has been with us since the 1970s,” Stillman noted. “He has
retired. All of us will miss him.
“It will be a year of change for us. In 2006 we reached the top
of the uppermost, as John Lennon used to say.
“We had the year to remember last season, finishing as co-state
AAA champions. It was a great achievement for our team and for our
school. It is something we will cherish forever but this is a new
year and we have new goals and new dreams to follow. This team must
and will carve out its own identity and its own path.”
Stillman has set high goals for this year’s team.
“We are determined to win our fifth straight District 9 Class
AAA title,” he declared. “We also hope to continue our run of
undefeated seasons and to be competitive in the invitationals.”
Bradford returns 18 letterwinners this season.
“We do return the vast majority of our team,” Stillman
emphasized. “I think it would be unwise for anyone to underestimate
this team of young ladies. We have talent and depth in almost every
event.
“We have a great deal of pride in who we are and in each other.
The girls are focused and determined to show what they can do. Many
of our kids had outstanding indoor seasons.”
There are approximately 50 girls on this year’s roster.
Leading the senior class are throwers Nicole Cappello, Katlyn
Nelson and Whitney Cline.
Shea Miller is one of the top jumpers. Liz Keller, coming off
good seasons in cross country and indoor track, will help the team
in the distance events. Rachel Garges will run distance and is the
top returning pole vaulter .
“We look to them (seniors) for leadership and achievement,”
Stillman declared.
The juniors are a deep and talented class.
They are led by district champions Sarah Lonzi, Tricia Copeland
and Chloe Nickel. Lonzi is the school record holder in the 1600 and
3200 as well as an outdoor state 3200 medalist from 2006.
Copeland is the defending 100- and 200-meter district champion.
Nickel is the returning 300-hurdle champion.
They have many talented classmates.
Returning letterwinners include Lindsay Sherman, Kevryn Boser,
Paige Ambrose, Katie Slavinski, Renee Cavallaro, Katie Vecellio and
Katie White. Other juniors are Jen Barnes, Carly Cuthbertson,
Brandie English, Chelsea Rinfrette, Nicole Sloan, Corinne Switzer
and Allison Whiteman.
“The juniors are one of the most talented groups in the history
of our program,” Stillman said. “They have confidence in themselves
and group pride. These young ladies have a great deal of talent.
Last year, meet after meet they showed everyone what they could
do.”
The sophomores are a small class. They are led by letterwinners
Bobbi Hopkins, Erica Pascarella and Ellie Hawkins.
“These girls contributed a great deal to our team last year,”
Stillman commented. “They have looked good so far this
preseason.”
Other sophomores are Steph Austin, Tara Coats, Olivia Goble,
Brooke Milbrandt and Kaitlynne Smith.
Stillman has a big group of freshmen – 17 – on this year’s
team.
“That is a good sign,” he noted. “There are some very talented
girls in this group with cross country and indoor experience.”
The freshmen are Marissa Buchheit, Morgan Burdick, Hilary Digel,
Ashley Giordano, Danielle Harbaugh, Toni Jeffers, Kathryn Kornacki,
Colleen Lipps, Brittany McGee, Nicole Irons, Nikki Pavone, Megan
Prosser, Megan Race, Shelby Runyan, Adrienne Sloan, Brittani
Wiseman and Alexa Wilton.
The Lady Owls open the season Tuesday at St. Marys.
“We have a competitive schedule,” Stillman said. “The major
change from the boys schedule is we will have the weekend of April
7 off and we will go to the Central Coaches Invitational on May
4.”
Stillman’s coaching staff is working with the boys coaches to
develop the athletes.
Bob Macfarlane and Bart Simpson will assist Stillman.
“Bob has done a great job with our distance runners,” Stillman
pointed out. “And I’m pleased to have Bart join our staff.”
Jesse Lonzi is a volunteer assistant coach in the pole
vault.
“All of my coaches love nothing more than a challenge,” Stillman
concluded. “Our challenge this year is to maintain the high
standards we have reached and to develop our athletes to their
potential.
“We enter this season knowing all of our opponents will give
their best against us. It is our job to meet their efforts and to
work together for success.”
