Sechler set to lead Huskies

BY BRIAN CARSON Sports correspondent

LEWISTOWN—New

Mifflin County boys’ track and field coach Tamara Sechler looks to continue the legacy of molding young athletes like her late husband and former track coach Scot Sechler did.

With 33 athletes on the roster, Sechler and her coaching staff have plenty of depth and a nice mix of veterans and newcomers. So far, the attitudes and work ethic displayed have encouraged the coaches.

“Our athletes have a great attitude. Many of the returning track athletes have set their goals and are focused on working towards achieving them,” Sechler said. “The new athletes are finding their events with the guid- ance of the coaches and older athletes.”

Sechler has plenty of leadership choices for the newcomers.

“On the track, Conrad ‘CJ’ Coffey,

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Wagner (distance), Madison Norman (pole vault), Olyvia Fennell (sprints/ relays), Lillie Markley (jumps/hurdles), Pia Patel (hurdles/distance), and Tess King (throws).

Ava Kratzer (distance/ javelin), Callie Simonetti (sprints/hurdles), Caroline Palopoli (distance), Mary Kanagy (sprints/ hurdles), Cameran Shuey (sprints/hurdles), Amilia Coffey (distance), Jaylin Fate (sprints), and Audrey Adams (distance) are the freshmen on the squad.

State College and Cumberland Valley will be the favorites in the Mid-Penn.

DepthThe Commonwealth is one of the toughest conferences in the state topto-bottom. Gantz looks forward to the challenges his schedule provides.

“It’s tough, but it’s a double-edged sword. You know, going into some of these meets, you’ll take your lumps. You realize you are going up against some of the best in the state,” he said. “If you can compete with them, you can compete with anybody. It’s tough, but it prepares you for the postseason and everything that goes on at the end of the year.”

According to Gantz, the goals for the season reflect more on improving each day and gaining momentum in time for districts.

“Wins and losses matter, but we look for growth in our athletes. We want to progress to where we have our athletes ready and peaking at the end of the year,” Gantz said. “Basically, it’s that get better everyday mentality. It’s working your tail off one day at a time and improving daily. If you do that, you’ll be in a good place when the postseason comes around.”

Mifflin County girls track and field

Record: 3-4 (3-4 MidPenn)

Coach: Scott Gantz. Assistants: Al Hepner, Shannon Specht, Brooke Coburn, Sonny Ciccolini, Tamara Sechler.