Hollidaysburg was the only high school boys soccer team from the Mirror coverage area to make it to a district title game last season, falling to State College, 2-1, in overtime.
The Golden Tigers are hoping to recapture the success that led to a 19-2 regular season this year.
"We are returning the entire back four plus one of the best keepers in the state," Hollidaysburg coach Craig Shale said. "We have the ability to possess the ball and control the tempo of the game. Our midfield and forward line has the potential to score lots of goals."
Article Photos
Mirror file photo by J.D. Cavrich
Hollidaysburg’s Jordan Franks (left) and Altoona’s Julian Hatfield will return this season.
Northern Bedford, which was upset in the District 5 Class A semifinals last season, returns its entire defense from a squad that finished 17-2-1.
"If we can find some scorers, we have the potential to be a good team once again and challenge of the league and district titles," Northern Bedford coach Marcus Yeatts said.
The following is a capsulized look at the 15 boys soccer teams in our area.
Altoona
Coach: Dave Alexander, 15th year
Career record: 182-81-12
League: No league
Last year's record: 7-11
Returning starters: Jared Green, jr., keeper; Mark Stratton, sr., def.; Ryan Steinbugl, jr., def.; Killian Steinbugl, jr., def.; Tyler Hollingsworth, sr., mid.; PR Caracciolo, jr., mid.; Julian Hatfield, sr., for.; Tanner Rosenberry, jr., mid.; Cameron Cheers, jr., mid.
Other returnees: Nico Misitano, jr., def.; Nick Beckel, so., mid.; Chris Reighard, so., for.; Joe Settimio, so, mid.
Newcomers: Danny Cowan, fr., mid.; Dean Maddox, fr., def.; Kristian Mirenda, fr., mid.; Joe Smith, fr., keeper; Matt Eiman, fr., keeper; James McCaulley, fr., def.; Joel Reighard, fr., for.; Tyler Becker, sr., def.; Zack Arridizzone, fr., mid.; Josh Laich, fr., def.
Strengths: "With eight returning starters we have some experience and decent team speed."
Concerns: "Size and strength off the bench."
Overall outlook: "If our forwards and midfielders play well and our young kids develop early we should have a decent season."
Assistant coaches: Dave McCarter, Travis Young, Geoff Barton
Bedford
Coach: Tom Otis, eighth year
Career record: 93-39-5
League: Laurel Highlands
Last year's record: 11-7-1
Returning starters: Sean Leister, sr., for.; Cole Arnold, sr., def.; Ryan Salt, sr., mid.-for.; Matt Erlichman, sr., mid.; Joey Twigg, jr., def.; Steven Stroup, so., mid.; Zach Barbus, so., def.; James Jeffries, so., keeper; Nate Roadman, so., mid.
Newcomers: Blake Baer, Aidan Samuel, Zach Gerber, Kale Dively, Garrett Thomas, Luis Beal, Brandon Martin, Jordan Yingling, Brady Thomas
Strengths: "Our strengths lie in our possession passing game. Throughout the spring, the team has demonstrated that they can play a short passing game that will lead to scoring opportunities."
Overall outlook: "I am looking for us to peak at the right time which is the district playoffs. We are going to play a possession style of play with an emphasis on short passing."
Assistant coaches: Todd Roadman, Rick Calhoun, Jake Hershberger, Jackson Monsour
Bishop Carroll
Coach: Nick Damin, seventh year
Career record: 31-79-3
League: Laurel Highlands
Last year's record: 2-15-1
Returning starters: Dylan Gruse, sr., striker; Evan Schirf, sr., def.; Harley Walker, jr., keeper; Michael Pyo, so., mid.; Gabe Gresko, so., def.; Brett Sammarco, so., def.; Matt Deskevich, so., mid.;
Other returnees: Ben Sendzik, sr., mid.; Brandon Behe, sr., def.; Jordan Gorsuch, jr., def.; Mike Kreshalk, jr., mid.def.; Caleb Hanyock, so., mid.-def.; Elliot Chimlelewski, so., def.; Patrick Corcoran, so., striker;
Newcomers: Tony Rocco, sr., mid.; Dylan Boyd, sr., mid.; Michael Kotch, sr., def.; Kurtis DeHaven, sr., def.; Alec Fisanick, jr., striker-mid.; Justin Tenerowicz, jr., mid.; Conner Ringler, jr., def.; Ryan Caretti, so., mid.; Jimmy Walsh, so., mid.; Aaron Gorba, so., def.; Alex Way, fr., striker; Mitchell Maurer, fr., mid.-keeper; Michael Maurer, fr., mid.-def.; Cody Randall, fr., mid.-striker; Luke Vasilko, fr., mid.; Zach Murphy, fr., mid.; Andrew Audley, fr., def.; Alex Gruss, fr., striker; Caleb Hogue, fr., def.; Domenic Palguta, fr., def.
Strengths: "We have great depth at every position. Our team's athletic ability and speed will keep us in a lot of games and give us a great chance to win close games."
Concerns: "We have a lot of new players that are playing together for the first time this year. How quickly all of our new personalities will mesh together is a concern."
Overall outlook: "We expect to be a playoff contender and improve each game as the season progresses."
Assistant coaches: David Tully, Mark Lynch, Jade Zatek, David Romani
Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic
Coach: Bill James, fourth year
Career record: 15-33-2
League: Laurel Highlands
Last year's record: 6-10
Returning starters: Jeff Holzer, sr., mid.; Nate Sanders, sr., keeper; Sam Dunning, jr., def.; Patrick Kapfammer, jr., def.; Andrew Logue, so., mid.
Other returnees: Pete Zaki, sr.; Nick Vincent, sr.; Kenny Dodson, jr.; Araam Rifkah, jr.; Shane Gordon, jr.; Mark Zaki, jr.; Scott Miller, so.; Matt Adams, so.
Newcomers: Jake Myers, jr.; Colin Sullivan, jr.; Justin Kirkland, fr.; Kylor Kieswetter, fr.
Strengths: "Good attitude, good work ability."
Concerns: "Very young team, low numbers and inexperience."
Overall outlook: "Playing in a tough conference such as the Laurel Highlands is always a challenge. This will be a very young team. How well we do depends on how well we play together and stay away from injury."
Assistant coaches: Bryan James
Blair County Christian
Coach: Pastor Bryan Kurty, first year
Career record: 0-0
League: Allegheny Christian Athletic Association
Returning starters: Garrett Shaw, sr., def.; Issac Conner, sr., mid.; Chris Huston, sr., mid.; Dusty Huston, jr., keeper; Zach Nixon, jr., mid.; Matt Winters, so., def.; Joey Ritchey, so., for.; Nathaniel McCormick, fr., mid.; Jacob McCormick, fr., def.
Newcomers: Gary Nixon, eighth grade, def.; Michael Stoltzfus, seventh grade, def.
Strengths: "We definitely have speed, quickness and endurance in the midfield. We have several returning players that play well together."
Concerns: "We will probably have only a few extra players this year, so everyone will need to stay healthy and on top of their game."
Overall outlook: "Very positive outlook this season. Looking forward to seeing what happens as the season unfolds."
Assistant coach: Pastor Dave Huston
Cambria Heights
Coach: Steve Krug, third year
Career record: 15-17-3
League: Laurel Highlands
Last year's record: 10-7-2 (7-5-2 in Laurel Highlands)
Returning starters: Zachary Morchesky, sr., stopper; Zachary Schult, sr., sweeper; Brandon Crawford, sr., mid.; Devin Shaner, sr., for.; Brian Patterson, jr., keeper; Tristin Irwin, so., keeper
Other returnees: Matthew Hollen, sr., def.; Kevin Illig, sr., for.; Ryan Litzinger, sr., mid.; Jordan Lane, sr., mid.; Jon Noel, sr., mid.; Robbie Pierce, jr., for.; Michael Stoltz, jr., mid.; Elijah LaSota, jr., mid.; Dylan Maurer, so., def.; Nathan Lieb, so., def.; Garrett Maslonik, so., def.; Ty Forsythe, so., def.; Noah Lane, so., mid.
Newcomers: Nick Galczynski, sr., mid.; Tyler Lieb, sr., mid.; Kevin Lacue, jr., def.; Aaron Zenone, jr., mid.; Lucus Weber, jr., mid.; Drew Brown, so., mid.; Dustin Gray, so., def.; Travis Yahner, so., def.; Sam Waksmunski, fr., mid.; Zachary Strasser, fr., for.; Jed Price, fr., keeper; Ryan Shaner, fr., mid.; Issac Lane, fr., mid.; Nathan Patrick, fr., mid.; Anthony Huber, fr., def.; Kamden Kruise, fr., mid.; Evan Drahnak, fr., def.; Christian Bills, fr., mid.
Strengths: "Good defense, athletic forwards and midfield."
Concerns: "Developing a potent offense and maximizing use of player's athleticism."
Overall outlook: "Very promising season if we play to our potential."
Assistant coaches: Mike Strasser, Adam Strasser, Adam Rieg, Greg Farabaugh
Central Cambria
Coach: Brian Reynolds, fourth year
Career record: 19-33-2
League: Laurel Highlands
Last year's record: 10-8-1 (6-7-1 in Laurel Highlands)
Returning starters: Thomas Pennington, sr., mid.; Austin Crimmins, jr., striker; Jacob Fedore, jr., mid.; Timothy Hite, jr., mid.-keeper
Other returnees: Brady Skibo, sr., mid.-striker; Matthew Davis, jr., striker; Kiel Gerlach, jr., def.-mid.; Anthony Lamont, jr., def.-mid.; Kole Newcomer, jr., def.-mid.; Cody Slebodnick, jr., def.; Tyler Thompson, jr., striker-keeper; Daniel Bowman, so., keeper-def.; Austin Bowman, so. keeper-def.; Austin Connor, so., def.-striker; Brandon Fox, so., def.-mid.
Newcomers: Shane McCune, sr., def.; Cole Santichen, sr., mid.-striker; Devin Dill, jr., mid.-striker; John Grimes, jr., striker; Max Magley, jr., def.; Dylan Nagle, jr., def.-mid.; Jordan Gibson, so., striker; Tyler Karlinsey, so., def.; Luke Marcinko, so., keeper-def.; Sam O'Brien, so., def.-mid.; Nicholas Pagano, so.; mid.-striker; Micah Primel, so., def.-mid.; Nathan Radebach, fr., def.-mid.; Jack Terndrup, fr., def.-mid.; Geno Tsikalis, def.-mid.; Zachary Gerlach, fr., def.-mid.; Augusta Phillips, fr., striker.
Strengths: "A strong offensive unit. Nice numbers."
Concerns: "Very young defense."
Overall outlook: "I look for us to come together as a team and make another berth into the playoff scene."
Assistant coach: Andy Meyers
Chestnut Ridge
Coach: Allen Hainsey, eighth year
Career record: 69-61-8
League: Sideling Hill
Last year's record: 10-6-2
Returning starters: Matt Amick, sr., def.; Brad Claycomb, sr., for.; Conor Fungaroli, sr., keeper; Nick Hainsey, sr., def.; Trey Lesh, sr., for.; Daniel Crist, jr., for.; Steven Frankenberry, jr., for.; Michael Young, jr., for.; Adam Zembower, jr., for.
Other returnee: Levi Henry, sr., for.
Newcomers: Nate Peck, jr., for.; Josh Ickes, so., for.; Ethan Price, so., for.
Strengths: "We have a good core group coming back with multiple-year letterwinners."
Concerns: "Finding some younger players to give us depth at the varsity level."
Overall outlook: "We have a great group of boys that have worked very hard in the offseason, and that should reward us with a successful season."
Assistant coaches: Grant Bischof, Jesse Bischof
Everett
Coach: Steven Foor, second year
Career record: 0-14-1
League: Sideling Hill
Last year's record: 0-14-1
Returning starters: Eric Claycomb, sr., mid.; Lynn Price, sr., def.; Ronnie Messersmith, jr., def.; Aaron Payne, jr., striker; Andrew Pittman, jr., mid.; Andrew O'Hear, so., mid.; Sheldon Ruby, so., mid.
Other returnees: Alex Clark, jr., keeper; Ejai Rock, so., def.; Raven Sphon, so., striker
Newcomers: Cameron Cooley, jr., mid.; Jimmy Truax, so., def.; Brian Amin, fr., mid.; Tobias Clark, fr., mid.; Dale Clark, fr., def.; Dylan Clark, fr., striker; Thomas Delikat, fr., mid.; Samuel Finnegan, fr., mid.; Tyler Hoover, fr., mid.; Matt Zanella, fr., keeper
Strengths: "Hard working players and great teamwork."
Concerns: "With only two seniors on the team we are still a young team."
Overall outlook: "All the returning players saw playing time last year, which they can use to build on this year. They are working hard on the field and gelling as a team."
Assistant coach: Nathan Ford
Great Commission
Coach: Scott Hildebrand, 12th year
League: Allegheny Christian Athletic Association
Last year's record: 14-4
Returning starters: Mike Carrieri, sr., mid.; Levi Holton, sr., def.; Nate Perry, sr., striker; Dylan Johnson, jr., striker; Jared Krater, jr., def.; Tyler Lenkerd, jr., keeper
Other returnees: Ryan Wertz, sr., def.; Alex Hildebrand, so., mid.; Travis Lichty, so., def.; Nate Riley, so., striker
Newcomers: Devon Weyandt, jr., striker; Shane Downs, fr., def.; Caleb Holton, eighth grade, def.
Strengths: "Good team speed and experienced defense."
Concerns: "Small bench and graduated a lot of scoring this past year."
Overall outlook: "We hope to compete for another A.C.A.A. Western Division title."
Assistant coach: Tyler Pepper
Hollidaysburg
Coach: Craig Shale, seventh year
Career record: 75-39-4
League: No league
Last year's record: 19-2
Returning starters: Jarrod Wassell, sr., keeper; Andreas Natoli, sr., def.; Zach Mokua, sr., mid.; Jordan Franks, sr., mid.; Jarrett Shannon, jr., for.; Nate Deprospo, jr., def.; Shane Conway, jr., def.; Todd Azeles, so., def.
Other returnees: Zach Webster, sr., mid.; Kenny Eger, jr., mid.; David Katz, so., mid.; Chris Miller, so., mid.; Zach Franks, so., for.
Newcomers: Alex Geesey, sr., for.; Brandon Soellner, jr., def.; Justin Hahn, so., keeper; Javier Cantos, so., for.; Alec Menard, fr., def.
Strengths: "The right mix of senior experience and leadership mixed in with a lot of young talent."
Concerns: "Overall size, as a team we are a lot smaller than previous years."
Overall outlook: "If the younger players play up to their potential this could be as talented team as we have had at Hollidaysburg. We have high expectations for the upcoming season and are confident of challenging for a District 6 championship."
Assistant coaches: Don Tantius, Brian Wicker, Andrew Palmer
Huntingdon
Coach: John Miller, eighth year
Career record: 83-48-3
League: Mountain League
Last year's record: 12-7
Returning starters: Ty Green, sr., keeper; Ian Keating, sr., for.; Trevor Mitchell, sr., def.; Josh Wolfe, sr., for.; Greg Yelnosky, jr., def..
Other returnees: Cantin Gillen, sr., mid.; Michael Claybaugh, sr., def.; Keith Moore, jr., keeper.
Newcomers: David Secrest, sr., mid.; Tyler Reed, jr., mid.; Otto Nagengast, jr., mid.; Peter Rosenberger, jr., mid.; Ben Hsiung, jr., mid.; Kolin Kearns, jr., mid.; Nate Reitman, jr., mid.; Adam Roseaver, jr., mid.; Dante Fisher, jr., def.; Yogi Lovett, so., for.; Stephen Dowdy, so., for.
Strengths: "Goalkeeper Ty Green is a three-year starter and has had a great preseason. Josh Wolfe and Ian Keating combined up front should be a threat against most teams."
Concerns: "Our midfield is inexperienced at the varsity level."
Overall outlook: "Our season will depend upon the growth of our juniors. If they step up to help out our seniors we could be a dangerous team at the end of the season."
Assistant coaches: Mike Armstrong, Jim Roney, Mark Teeters (volunteer), Bill Cummins (volunteer)
Northern Bedford
Coach: Marcus Yeatts, 11th year
Career record: 82-111-7
League: Sideling Hill
Last year's record: 17-2-1 (11-1 in Sideling Hill)
Returning starters: Dan Brallier, sr., striker; Alex Corle, sr., keeper; Zach Detwiler, sr., mid.; Josh Doverspike, sr., def.; Joel Feathers, sr., def.; Terry Strait, sr., mid.; Kyler Thomas, sr., def.
Other returnees: Emmitt Peters, sr., mid.; Preston Crawford, jr., mid.; Kyle Musselman, jr., def.; Tyler Petrou, jr., mid.; Trenton Barnes, so., striker; Adam Hoover, so., mid.; Brandon Litzenberger, so., mid.; Mason Replogle, so., mid.; Tanner Russell, so., striker
Newcomers: Rodrigo Barrueta, sr., striker; Sabastian Campos, sr., mid.; Jordy Hannon, sr., def.; Justin Brunner, so., def.; Damian Corle, so., def.; Josh Fouser, so., def.; Tanner Ott, so., def.; Jonas Bequeath, fr., mid.; Colton Ebersole, fr., striker; Michael Heck, fr., mid.; Kolby Horton, fr., mid.; Brody Morral, fr., mid.; Noah Over, fr., def.; Jonathan Petrou, fr., def.; Collin Sherlock, fr., mid.
Strengths: "We return our defense intact from last year. We have seven seniors who have all started at least 50 varsity games."
Concerns: "We lost three of our top four scorers. We will be counting on some younger players to step in and fill roles."
Overall outlook: "If we can find some scorers, we have the potential to be a good team once again and challenge for the league and district titles."
Assistant coaches: Don Musselman, Mitch Persun, Scott Suiters
Philipsburg-Osceola
Coach: Shawn Inlow, fourth year overall at P-O
League: Mountain League
Last year's record: 2-18
Returning starters: Nate Horner, sr., striker; Karl Gassmann, sr., wing; John Kline, sr., center; James Kline, sr. mid.; Chris Eason, sr., mid.; Greg Kojadinovich, jr., mid.; Alex Boumerhi, jr., mid.; Jay Prentice, so., keeper; Taylor olemboski, so., wing; Caleb Henry, so., striker; Alex Gray, so., striker
Other returnees: Brian Evans, so., mid.; Zach Hynd, so., wing; Chris Barnhart, so., striker; Brian Descavish, so., def.
Newcomers: Drew Bryan, sr., keeper-mid.; Jordan Kline, sr., def.; Dustin Fisch, jr., striker-mid.; Jarrett Rockey, so., mid.; Lucas Kristofits, so. mid.; Zack Coudriet, so., keeper-def.; Nate Burfield, fr., def.; Hunter Honan, fr., wing; Shay Clark, fr., striker; Nate Araway, fr., center; Brandon Pash, fr., def.; Jimmy Shaw, fr., def.-mid.; Nick Boumerhi, fr., center
Strengths: "P-O will feature a wealth of talented attacking players. No player at P-O will be lacking in fitness. We will be physical, tactically smart and skillful."
Concerns: "The team is learning a new, disciplined approach to team defense where we hope to improve most this season. The record depends on a hard, disciplined defensive attitude."
Overall outlook: "Unless I miss my mark completely, I think P-O can compete with the best in the Mountain League and possibly win the league. These players have taken the hard knocks and matured quite a bit."
Assistant coaches: Tom Petro, Pierre Boumerhi (volunteer), Greg Kojadinovich (volunteer)
Tyrone
Coach: Chris Elder, third year
Career record: 7-26-2
League: Mountain League
Last year's record: 6-10-1
Returning starters: Josh Burwell, sr., mid.; Deryk Montgomery, sr., mid.; Grant Gonder, sr., def.; Skyler Yanchick, jr., def.; Kyle Bartlett, so., mid.
Other returnees: AJ Welsh, sr., keeper; Dylan Albert, sr., for.; Evan Patterson, jr., mid.; Jarrad Fouss, jr., mid.; Kyle Fink, jr., keeper; Andrew Burget, so., for.; Kyle Raabe, so., def.; Tyler Gill, so., keeper; David Hernandez, so., mid.
Newcomers: Michael Brenaman, jr., def.; Bailey Christine, fr., mid.; Ben Shetler, fr., mid.; Daron Daly, fr., def.; Bobby Dawson, fr., mid.; Shawn Phillips, fr., def.
Strengths: "Speed on the outside and up front. Experienced in the midfield."
Concerns: "Lack of varsity experience players in other key positions. Time it's going to take for young players to get up to speed."
Overall outlook: "This should be an interesting and exciting season. With only five returning starters, our younger players are going to need to get up to speed quickly. Although we are a young team, our skill players will keep us very competitive early on. By the end of the season, we should be strong in all areas and make a good run through the district playoffs."
Assistant coaches: Doug Tompkins, Chad Hunter, Dustin Elder
