Indians seek better results in Tri-Valley

BY KENNY VARNER Sports correspondent sports@lewistownsentinel.com

MIFFLINTOWN --- In her first year, Maisie Aumiller is taking the helm of the Juniata high school’s track and field team. Aumiller, who has been a longtime assistant, steps up and takes the lead role this year.

She replaces long time coach Kim Hart who retired after last season after a long successful career.

“This is my first year as head coach and I have some great staff helping me,” said Aumiller.

Jeff Miller is returning to help with distance and the team has a new throwing coach this year, Steve Mclaughlin. The team also have two volunteers , Chase Lehman helping with pole vault and Erin Harris in the hurdles.

Competing in an always tough Tri-Valley League, last year the Juniata boys finished the season with a record of 1-3 in the league while the girls finished at the .500 mark with a record of 2-2.

The Indians lost some leadership from last years squad due to graduation.

“We lost some great seniors such as Ashlyn Pennebaker and Mackenzie Bennett on the girls side and Ricky Maradiaga on the boys side,” said Aumiller.

The scene has been set for a veteran-laden athletes to display their talents.

“We have a lot of returning athletes that contributed last year and that are really stepping up this season,” said Aumiller. “The senior class this year is solid. On the boys side returning who contributed to points last year were Waylon Ehren-

Second row, Karter Woods, Ethan Espitia, Jorge Valladares, Mason Beward, Jasper Shepps, Wyatt Stroup, Caden Swailes, Teagan Trout, Franco Doydora.

Third row, Charlie Telfer, Joey Bomberger, Lane Peipel, Wyatt Stoner, Connor Boreman, Talan Barndt, Health Hutchinson, Tayden Miller, Andrew Martinez.

Fourth

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Christian Lo- zeller, Brayden Ehrenzeller, Brant Walters, Tyson Aurand and Makih Hunt .

On the girls side returning seniors who were point scorers were Autumn Graybill and Livia Arentz .

The group has a mixed bag of positives and negatives in this year as its numbers are down but the effort by the current athletes has their coach excited for what may be once the season gets underway and the season starts rolling along.

“I would say our weak- ness this year would be the lack of numbers on the girls side,” said Aumiller. “But, we have a lot of freshmen that came out.

So I am excited to see their talent that they can bring to our team and add to our base we already have on both sides.”

Aumiller doesn’t see just one team but the entire Tri-Valley League as tough battles this season.

“The TVL meets will be tough because there is a lot of good talent in the league,” said Aumiller. The Indians’ first meet is April 5 at Susquenita.

Second row, Haley Mummah, Danielle Espitia, Ava Stoner, Cassi Parson, Emerson Freed, Amelia Smith. Third row, Grace Wagner, Autumn Graybill, Miley Hack, Mariska Beward, Chloe Beckenbaugh, Livia Arentz, Mylee Landis.

Juniata track and field

Coach: Maisie Aumiller

Assistants: Jeff Miller, Steve McLaughlin

2022 record : TVL boys 1-3, TVL girls 2-2

League: Tri-Valley League

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