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Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

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The Sentinel

MIFFLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL

Sentinel photo by MSP STUDIOS

Pictured is the Mifflin County football team, front row, from left, Chris Ritter, Cooper Phillips, Bo Reeder, Asher Pearce, Dominique Siennick, Tristan Fultz, Benyamin Gonzalez, Jake Knable, Jackson Tate, Jaxon Strohecker, Landon Haigh, Dayvian Wilson, Noah Wolfkiel, Gabriel Kahley.

Second row, Nevin Farley, Landon Bowen, Aiden Harbst, Adan Daubert, Brandon Kauffman, Jesse Heckendorn, Elijah Hower, Jacob Arnold, Eli Henderson, Alonzo Torres, Zyhair Hill, Dekker Pietzsch, Jace Weaver, Jacob Traxler, Gavin Herrington.

Third row, Jayden Smith, Kyson Russler, Jack Andrus, Dodger Weaver, Mason Joyce, Adrian Griffith, Lane Linn, Levi Wilson, Cayden Breon, Davion Rowe, Joel Beamer, Trey Smith, Corbin Yoder, Trayven Shaffer, Jacob Goss.

Fourth row, Kane Pecht, Jaren Kenny, Reese Christine, Easton Zook, Zander Lawson, Zoey Fultz, Sage Miller, Macy P., Nazae Traxler, Liam Shaffer, Nathan Riden, Emilliano Lozano, Braiden Miller, Chase Hartung Fifth row, Bronson Smith-Price, Sandy Breon, Joe Daubert, Steve Himes, Shane Breon, Brian Heckert, Bob Douglas, Nick Wolfkiel and Colton Craig.

Home at Last: Huskies kick off new era

BY BRIAN CARSON Sentinel reporter bcarson@lewistownsentinel. com

LEWISTOWN – The lights will be brighter in Lewistown this year, and not only because Kish Bank Field’s new scoreboard will cut through the late August dusk like a searchlight. For the first time, Mifflin County football opens its season—and its new era—at home, on campus, in a stadium built not on borrowed time or borrowed ground, but on the sweat and hope of a community that never stopped believing its team

belonged here.

On Friday, Aug. 22, when the Huskies charged onto the turf to face Central Mountain, they played for more than a win. They’d be the first group to write history on Donald M. Chapman III Stadium’s fresh field. This is more than a game; it’s a long-awaited homecoming and a full circle for a program that spent decades crossing town for “home” games.

“I hope everyone involved feels a sense of pride that through the vision, hard work, and generosity of many, great things can be and have been done

for the student-athletes at Mifflin County,” coach Shane Breon said. “We now have the facilities and a campus sports complex which equals, if not exceeds, what other school districts can provide for their athletes.

Sports teaches many lessons, and I hope the commitment of our administration to this project inspires more student-athletes to participate in athletics.”

But pride and promise won’t win games, not in a Mid-Penn division as balanced as any Breon can remember. For all the history in the air, the Huskies have

work to do. Last season ended at 4-6, and this year’s team enters with more questions than answers in the trenches. Yet, under the Friday night lights, hope tends to grow in unexpected places.

It starts at quarterback, where senior Chase Hartung returns after splitting time with Fletcher Wilson last season but still threw for 944 yards and seven touchdowns. Hartung has a full grasp of the offense and, if he stays healthy, could be one of the division’s most efficient passers.

He’s flanked by an in-

triguing mix of experience and upside at the skill spots. At receiver, threeyear starter Landon Haigh (22 receptions, 457 yards, seven TDs) headlines a group that needs to find

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Joel Beamer, Dom Siennick, Lucas Hartung, Easton Zook, Kyson Russler, and Nevin Farley See Kish/ Page 7

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Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

The Sentinel

MIFFLIN COUNTY SOCCER

Huskies want to tack on more wins this season

BY BRIAN CARSON Sentinel reporter bcarson@lewistownsentinel.com

LEWISTOWN – In every sport, there comes a moment when the numbers in the standings stop being the only measure. For Mifflin County boys soccer, that moment may be close at hand.

The Mid-Penn Conference has been a proving ground and, at times, a gauntlet. But after last season’s 3-15 record — 1-13 in the league — the Huskies aren’t looking only at the scoreboard. They’re looking at the ground gained between where they’ve been and where they believe they can go.

In soccer, progress is often measured in increments too small for the casual fan to notice — a cleaner first touch, a better decision under

pressure, a defensive line that moves in unison rather than in pieces.

Coach Keith Yoder has seen those increments add up.

“We have gradually become more competitive in the MidPenn, a league that boasts a lot of soccer talent along with good coaches,” he said.

“Last season, we were able to prove to ourselves that we can’t just be competitive, but also win games. Our goal is to put up even more in the ‘win’ column and play postseason soccer.”

The 2024 Huskies have a core of experience to lean on.

Seniors Bruce Baker, Isaac Kanagy, Dylan Liggett, and Bryson Wagner return with the hard-earned minutes that only come from playing in the Mid-Penn. They’ve faced Gettysburg, last year’s division champion, and know what it means to close a match

against a Shippensburg side that can score from anywhere.

Behind them is a junior class that has already been tested: Mason Allen, Brayden Benfer, Jace Bagrosky, Kayden Hook, RJ Miller, Chase Retherford, Jack Suydam, and Brody Wolfkill. These aren’t newcomers trying to find their footing — they’re players who have learned the speed and physicality of this league.

Add junior Zach Keller, ready for a larger role, and younger names like Brody Basom, Drake Gill, Callen Harmon, and Luke Sauer, and the Huskies have the depth to survive the inevitable lineup shuffles of a long season.

Depth is one of the season’s most notable storylines.

Thirty-five players are out for boys’ soccer, a number that changes the way a coach can train a team. Practices can run at game pace without

wearing down the starters.

Scrimmages can mimic the pressure of match day. And the competition for minutes means no spot is safe—a healthy dynamic in any program.

“We consider these very good numbers for our program,” Yoder said.

The league itself offers no shortcuts. Gettysburg remains a benchmark of the division. Shippensburg’s returners are proven finishers.

Boiling Springs has a way of finding points in matches where they’re outplayed on paper. In such company, Mifflin County’s progress will be measured not only by wins but by the ability to dictate stretches of play, to hold a lead when they get it, and to create goals from more than one source.

Yoder and his staff — assistant coach Todd Peters and

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volunteers Jason Retherford, Chad Bagrosky, Alex Keller, and Christian Knouse — have emphasized sharper decision-making. It’s one thing to close down an opponent in the first ten minutes. It’s another to be in the right position in the 70th, when fatigue tests both body and mind. That’s where this team believes it can make the leap from close to closing.

Soccer seasons turn on details: a well-timed substitution, a defensive clearance under pressure, a ball won in midfield that leads to a goal.

For the Huskies, those moments are both a challenge and an opportunity. They’ve been in matches where a single lapse turned three points into none. The goal now is to be on the other side of that equation.

In the Mid-Penn, you can’t wish your way into relevance.

You build toward it. You collect the pieces—returning seniors, experienced juniors, deeper benches—and you see if they can come together at the right time. Mifflin County has those pieces in 2024. What remains is to see whether they can turn them into the kind of season that changes how they are seen across the league.

Because in sports, and especially in soccer, sometimes the biggest shift happens before the first win shows up in the standings.

Mifflin County boys soccer Record: 3-15. Mid-Penn: 1-13.

Coach: Keith Yoder. Assistants: Jason Retherford, Chad Bagrosky, Alex Keller, Christian Knouse.

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The Sentinel

MIFFLIN COUNTY VOLLEYBALL

Sentinel photo by MSP STUDIOS

Pictured is the Mifflin County volleyball team, front row, from left, Adin Reese, Lily Curry, Addyson Marks, Quinn McCracken, Kathryn Hartzler, Jovi Bush.

Second row, Kahlen McCracken, Jamilee Gilbert, Ella Hartzler, Ashland Mazur, JaydaThomas, Emmaleigh Harmon, Amilia Green, Jensyn Taylor, Briah Moore, Scott, Danny, Rylie Kahley, Janessa Collins, Ayden Long, Brooke Wray, Emily Porch, Adisyn Lyles.

New coach, new energy headline Huskies’ new year ership.

main focus this season.”

with Clay Lutz volunteering. This

Leadership isn’t an It’s not coach speak. It’s the reali- staff knows the program and the Mifflin County award handed out; it’s ty of a team looking for footing. community—another bit of contiThere’s competition everywhere. nuity in a year of change. a habit, one built in volleyball empty gyms on long Practices are lively, with returning What’s the payoff for a program August afternoons, players and newcomers pushing in transition? Sometimes it’s meaLEWISTOWN – If there’s a confar from the crowds each other to earn time on the floor. sured in wins, but more often it’s stant in high school sports, it’s Overall record: 4-12. and the scoreboard. “All the girls are pushing them- about what happens between them. change—new faces, new coachIt’s also shared, with selves to earn spots on the court, Maybe it’s a comeback in the third es, new hopes, and the quiet per- Mid-Penn Keystone: each grade level ex- which is great for keeping prac- set that falls short, or a rally that sistence of memory. Walk into the pected to play a larger tices and the team competitive,” lights up the bench, or a new leadMifflin County gym this August, role as the season goes Napikoski said. and you’ll feel the usual electricity 2-10. er finding her voice. Perhaps when on.

In high school volleyball, some- November comes, the Huskies are of a season about to begin, but this And then there’s times the best moments happen in a year, there’s something different in Coach: Danielle still playing for something bigger the freshmen, who are hot, noisy gym at 4 p.m. in Septemthe air. than themselves. not here to warm the ber, with no fans watching. The batThe team, after graduating four So, how will we measure this seaseniors and navigating its third Napikoski. Assistants: bench. “We have a few tle for spots is often as meaningful son?

By the scoreboard, certainly. incoming freshmen as the ones under the lights. head coach in as many seasons, But also by effort, growth, and the The Mid-Penn Conference, as alwho have a lot of pofaces a familiar challenge: how to Scott Uhlinger, Clay tential, and we expect ways, offers no soft landings. “The sense this year’s roots might finally move forward while still learning them to push for play- Mid-Penn is a very competitive con- be strong enough to last; in a gym who they are. ing time at the varsi- ference, and every time we step onto where change is the only constant, Transitions like these test the Lutz. that’s more than enough reason to

BY BRIAN CARSON Sentinel reporter bcarson@lewistownsentinel.com

roots of any program. The Huskies know that better than most. After finishing 4-12 last year (2-10 in the Mid-Penn Keystone), there’s no denying the numbers. But records are not always the best measure of what’s growing underneath. Sometimes, the roots take a little longer to grab hold.

Enter Danielle Napikoski, stepping up after working with the program’s junior high and summer teams. She’s the third coach in three years, but there’s steadiness in her outlook.

“Although new to the varsity position, I have had the opportunity to work with and get to know a lot of the girls through the junior high season and throughout the summer,” Napikoski said. “They are a great group of girls who are eager

to improve, and I’m excited to get to work with them during this upcoming season.”

There’s optimism in that statement, but also a nod to reality. This is a team trying to re-establish its identity, a roster filled with returning players and a wave of new freshmen making the leap from junior high. The challenge? Turning potential into production and uncertainty into opportunity.

So, who steps up? “We obviously look to our upperclassmen to step up and take on a leadership role, but we expect everyone to hold each other accountable to the values of the team,” Napikoski said.

Jamilee Gilbert, Amilia Green, Emmaleigh Harmon, Emily Porch, and Adin Reese provide senior lead-

ty level,” Napikoski said.

In volleyball, youth can be an asset—quick feet, fresh energy, even a little nerves that keeps everyone honest. Some will make mistakes.

All will learn. It’s the process.

If last year’s record feels like a shadow, it also serves as motivation. Every player has set individual and team goals, and Napikoski wants the focus to be on growth as much as wins.

“We want to win matches and be competitive, but we also want to focus on growth as individuals and as a team,” she said. “Everyone set individual goals for themselves or the team at the beginning of the season.

Working on those goals and bringing energy and effort to each match, scrimmage, and practice will be a

the court, that is the team we’re focused on beating,” Napikoski said.

There are no easy nights. Some years, the Huskies have been the underdog. This year, they might surprise a few teams that expect them to roll over. That’s the joy, and the terror, of high school sports: anything can happen, and often does.

Coaching, too, is a team effort.

Scott Uhlinger, who steps into the assistant coach role, joins Napikoski

believe.

And if you listen closely on opening night, over the squeak of sneakers and the thump of the volleyball, you’ll hear it: the sound of a team that’s not done growing. Not by a long shot.

6—Lewistown, PA

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

The Sentinel

MIFFLIN COUNTY CROSS COUNTRY

Mifflin County XC eyes a breakthrough season

BY BRIAN CARSON Sentinel reporter bcarson@lewistownsentinel.com LEWISTOWN – You can hear the season begin before you see it. Shoes whisper over grass, the steady rhythm of eleven girls chasing something invisible: the best version of themselves, somewhere ahead, out of sight, waiting to be caught.

That’s how it starts for the Mifflin County girls cross country team this year—a team defined less by numbers on a scoreboard and more by the measured beats of effort in August’s heat and October’s chill.

The raw numbers don’t turn many heads at first glance.

Eleven girls on the roster—a modest turnout in a school where recruitment for cross country often runs uphill. The team finished last season with no wins, shut out in both overall and Mid-Penn Commonwealth records.

Two seniors, Alexis Anderson and Ava Wagner, have moved on, leaving behind more than times or places; they leave a challenge, a gap, and, for the right runner, an open lane. But for Coach Neil Breneman, what matters most is what can’t be measured at a glance. “Many of them have been working hard throughout the summer, which will help them get a jump start on the season,” he said. The effort is there, even if the headlines aren’t yet.

Cross country doesn’t reward shortcuts. The sport has a way of revealing both flaws and strengths, with no place to hide when the hills bite and the pace stings. In that sense, the Husky girls return with a certain honesty.

There’s no myth-making, only the practical hope of improvement—one that starts with Amilia Coffey and Ava Kratzer, the team’s likely frontrunners. Both found form in the spring track season, and according to Breneman, “they had a great track season in the

Sentinel photo by MSP STUDIOS

Pictured is the Mifflin County girls cross country team, front row, from left, Amelia Coffey, Ava Kratzer, Reagan Sheetz, Caroline Palopoli, Eden Smith, Carys Morgan.

Second row, Abigail Anderson, Maya Morgan, Liberty Cook, Madison Baumgardner, Lizzy Massie. spring and have continued to work hard throughout the summer.” It’s the kind of commitment that becomes contagious, especially in a team sport disguised as an individual pursuit.

Depth is always the issue for small teams, and it’s not solved by willpower alone.

Madison Baumgardner and Lizzy Massie step into their second year, expected to turn last year’s lessons into points.

Growth in cross country is measured in seconds shaved and places gained, but also in the way younger runners absorb the race, the tactical patience, the moment when the pack stretches, and someone must decide if it’s time to go.

“I am excited to see how they will continue to excel and contribute to the team,” Breneman said. For Mifflin County, progress won’t always be obvious on paper, but the coach sees it in effort and attitude.

The newcomers give the

roster its most intriguing questions. Liberty Cook and Abby Anderson join after gaining experience in track and other sports, though both juggle soccer schedules, an added wrinkle for a coach mapping out scoring possibilities. When they’re available, they provide “more depth in the scoring field,” Breneman said, a phrase that sounds clinical but carries the underlying hope of a close finish going the Huskies’ way.

Reagan Sheetz is a new face to watch, too, with Breneman noting her “growing experience and desire to work hard will pay dividends toward the end of the season.” There’s a pattern here—patience, process, and the long view.

The Mid-Penn Commonwealth offers little relief for teams hoping to find easy wins.

State College is the team that everyone else measures themselves against, the perennial standard. But Breneman isn’t writing off opportunity.

“My hope is that with the growing strength of the team, we can be more competitive with teams like Carlisle and Central Dauphin, who we have run close to in the past,” he said. It’s a subtle shift in the storyline, no longer chasing a miracle upset, but closing the gap, edging closer to a pack that once pulled away too soon.

If the win column is empty, the goals column is not. “I want to see a strong and supportive team. All our athletes have individual goals, and I believe they will be best accomplished when they are supporting and encouraging each other,” Breneman said.

There’s an emphasis on training together, running together, building a culture where the fast set the pace and the group’s ambition lifts everyone. Even the language shifts away from pure results: “I also asked each of the girls to think of a personal growth goal for life. It’s a win-win

when they can accomplish an athletic goal and a personal development goal,” Breneman said.

Cross country doesn’t attract the spotlight easily. The finish line isn’t crowded, and the applause, when it comes, is usually for the winner. But the genuine drama is back in the pack, where a runner catches a rival on the last hill, where teammates nudge each other to hold the line, where improvement is measured by minutes and meters, not medals. Mifflin County’s season will not be judged by headlines or hardware, but by whether a young team can start to believe in itself, mile by mile.

Behind the scenes, a strong volunteer coaching staff knits the whole thing together—Justin and Beth Whitenight, Dan Palopoli, Catie Breneman, Greg Loht, Isaac Hallock, Kristin Kauffman, and Matt Debenedetto—names you may not hear on meet day, but without

whom, the program might unravel. In a sport built on effort, their contribution sets the pace before the gun ever sounds.

So what does this season promise? Maybe not a championship run, but something else—a steady climb, a team that finds its identity and each other. Cross country rewards those who keep coming back, who chase improvement rather than perfection, who understand that in a race of miles, the most important gains are sometimes the smallest and most personal. For the Mifflin County girls, that’s the finish line worth chasing.

Mifflin County girls cross country 2024 record: 0-7. Mid-Penn Commonwealth: 0-6.

Coach: Neil Breneman.

Assistants: Justin and Beth Whitenight, Dan Palopoli, Catie Breneman, Greg Loht, Isaac Hallock, Kristin Kauffman, and Matt Debenedetto.

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

­Lewistown, PA—7

The Sentinel

MIFFLIN COUNTY FIELD HOCKEY

Mifflin County field hockey ready to rewrite the script

BY BRIAN CARSON Sentinel reporter bcarson@lewistownsentinel.com LEWISTOWN — You don’t need a scoreboard to know grit when you see it. Most days, it doesn’t make a sound—a ball off a stick in the final minute, a defender throwing herself in front of a shot, a forward chasing down a lost cause in the corner. For the Mifflin County field hockey team, grit has become the currency of a program used to fighting uphill, with last season’s 3-15 record serving as a backdrop and not a prophecy.

This year’s team carries the stubborn optimism of athletes who’ve heard too much about being underdogs. Coach Brittany Wilcox sees more than a number in the loss column.

Kish

Continued from Page 3

figure to rotate, with Jayden Smith pushing for reps thanks to his athleticism. The running game will lean on sophomore Jaxon Strohecker and senior Brandon Kauffman, both of whom bring physicality to the backfield. Strohecker’s emergence could give the Huskies balance, something they struggled to find in 2024.

But any offense is only as strong as its line, and here Mifflin County has a mix of old and new. The trio of Bo Reeder, Nate Riden, and Dekker Pietzsch brings leadership, but the final two spots are up for grabs among Corbin Yoder, Alonso Torres, and Trayven Schaffer. If the chemistry clicks, this group can be more than serviceable. If not, it could be a season-long project.

On the other side, senior

“What people don’t see is the grit that these girls play with and the growth that has happened,” Wilcox said.

In the Mid-Penn Keystone, reputations don’t come cheap. Mifflin CounSentinel photo by MSP STUDIOS ty, though, has something that can’t Pictured is the Mifflin County field hockey team, front row, from left, Aniston Byler, Adalyn Ambe measured on a stat sheet: a locker room that believes in work, not whis- spacker, Taylor Kenepp, Bailey Neff, Brynn Rowe, Sophia Heider.

Second row, Evan Smith, Hailee Sheetz, Paige Snyder, Bree Fultz, Alleigh Caruso, Hayleigh pers.

If you’re counting, 23 girls signed Fultz, Addie Fultz, Holly Guyer, Lillie Maines, Maeci Gipe, Madeline Clark, Aubrey up this season, giving the Huskies Baumgardner, Brittany Wilcox, Brandi Kellison. something they’ve rarely had in recent Third row, Regan Kenepp, Allison Renniger, Aubree Dobson, Irelynn Milligan, Jayda years—depth. Two players are out for Kanagy, Khloe Stitt, Jailyn Dixon. now with injuries, but even from the sidelines, they shape the team, helpMifflin County ing with preseason drills and fueling 9/26 vs Palmyra burg 7 p.m. the culture Wilcox wants.

7 p.m. football 10/17 vs Gettys“Two are currently out due to pre9/12 vs Hershey vious injury but have been extremely 10/3 at Waynes- burg 7 p.m.

7 p.m. vs Northern helpful during preseason practices,” 8/29 boro 7 p.m.

See Hockey/ Page 18

Adan Daubert anchors the defensive line but needs new faces. Jaren Kenny, Kane Pecht, Yoder, Pietzsch, and Riden are all fighting to cement a rotation spot.

The defense mirrors the offense’s blend of reliability and unknowns. Linebacker Gavin Herrington led the team with 62 tackles last year and will be asked to steady a retooled group that’s plugging in names like Cayden Breon, Brayan Aurand, Zyhair Hill, and Trey Smith.

The secondary, though, has experience: Haigh, Reese Christine (team-high three interceptions), and Farley are all back, with Beamer, Weaver, Russler, and Zook providing depth. Breon sees the competition as a plus. “Our sophomore group is talented and working hard, pushing our older guys, which is always great when trying [to build] a competitive atmosphere at practice,” he said. It’s not about plugging holes; it’s about raising the standard.

7 p.m.

9/5

9/19 at Shippens10/11 at Lower 10/24 at Red Land burg 7 p.m.

Dauphin 11 a.m.

7 p.m. at Mechanics-

There’s no soft landing in the Mid-Penn. “I still think Mechanicsburg and Shippensburg will be the teams to beat. Hershey returns its talented QB and seems to be finding more skill players around him. Lower Dauphin is always in the mix and has the defensive player of the year returning at MLB,” Breon said.

He calls the division “the most balanced in the MidPenn top to bottom,” and expects close games every week.

It’s a landscape where a slow start can mean chasing all season and where a single upset can spark momentum no one saw coming.

Depth will be tested, especially with numbers down— just 58 players, fewer than in past years, but, Breon said, “58 who are committed to working hard, improving and being good teammates.”

For a school of this size, health will matter. But so will adaptability: the coaching staff, a blend of full-timers

and volunteers (Sandy Breon, Colton Craig, Joe Daubert, Bob Douglas, Brian Heckert, Steve Himes, Bill Napikoski, Bronson Smith-Price, Nick Wolfkiel), brings decades of experience to the sideline.

And there’s the intangible: what it means, finally, to walk out of your locker room, to run onto a field you don’t have to drive to, to play where you practice.

“Not having to load up foot-

ball and video equipment and hop on buses to go to our home games will definitely be a luxury. Having our stadium here at the school will provide us with the opportunity to relax a bit more after our team meals and do one last film review, as well as on-field game plan and special teams walkthroughs prior to our opponents arriving if we choose to do so,” Breon said.

There’s less hurry, less has-

sle. More time to focus on football, less time spent in transit.

More time for tradition, too— the pregame rituals, the anticipation, the sense this, finally, is home.

Still, opening night brings its risks. How do you keep teenagers focused when the stands are packed, a new See Kish/ Page 10

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Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

The Sentinel

MIFFLIN COUNTY SOCCER

Youth movement drives Husky girls soccer

BY BRIAN CARSON Sentinel reporter bcarson@lewistownsentinel.com LEWISTOWN – There are years in sports when optimism lifts a team like a hot-air balloon—visible, buoyant, even a little reckless. This fall, as the Mifflin County girls’ soccer team takes the field, the feeling is more like rebuilding a house after a storm: hope is present, but every nail and shingle earned the hard way.

Last season’s 3-15-1 record sits in the rearview mirror, refusing to fade from memory, yet something different colors the preseason. It isn’t denial. It’s the gritty sense that, while the journey back up the standings is long, it is at least underway.

There are more players in the room. There is youth, enough, in fact, that the roster reads more like a freshman orientation list than a senior yearbook. But sometimes, growth starts with numbers.

Coach Barrett Knepp sees it, too. “We have 22 girls this year. It’s better than where we were last season, but not quite where we want to be,” Knepp said, “but we are trending in the right direction.”

In high school sports, momentum often means everything. The pendulum can swing, sometimes in a single season, if enough things break your way. So what will break right or wrong for the Huskies in 2025?

Start with the keeper.

When you’re trying to stop a losing streak, it helps to have a goalie who can actually stop shots. Libby Cook returns after an all-star sophomore campaign, earning Mid-Penn Colonial second team honors. There’s pressure that comes with being a returning standout on a young team, but Cook seems well-suited for it.

No player hears the doubts more clearly, or more often, than the goalkeeper. If Mifflin County is to improve, the game will start, sometimes literally and always emotionally, in the net.

Behind Cook, there’s defense, and there’s hope. Desi Hershberger, who landed honorable mention in the Mid-Penn last year, returns as an anchor. Defense may not win you headlines in the local paper, but it keeps games within reach. Hershberger is a player who, if things go as Knepp hopes, could turn a couple of last year’s narrow losses into something worth circling in the standings. The defense, often young, will need to hold its nerve against a division that punishes mistakes.

Then there are the captains, both in title and temperament. Mackenzie Peachey and Lorynn Knepp, the team’s two seniors, shoulder the unglamorous, essential job of leadership.

In years when wins are scarce, the ability to keep the roster believing—to keep the practices honest, the bus rides light, and the losses from turning into a narrative—can be the difference between gradual progress and resignation.

“We will look to our two seniors to provide solid leadership,” Coach Knepp said.

A sentiment that echoes from every sideline across the state but matters even more when you’re outnumbered by freshmen almost six to one.

Which brings us to the newcomers. Twelve freshmen. That number almost demands repetition: twelve.

Most high school coaches would look at that total and reach for the antacids, but there’s another way to see it: opportunity.

“There will be opportunities for them to step up and

Sentinel photo by MSP STUDIOS

Pictured is the Mifflin County girls soccer team, front row, from left, Alyvia Snook, Rosa Krohn, Liberty Cook, Casey Bulick, Brynn Carter.

Second row, Khloe Kerstetter, Lillian Newman, Madison Peachey, Katelyn Kwiterovich,Vivvian Koenig, Grace Yoder, Parker Clinger, Emma Herwig, Kenzie Cramer.

Third row, Mackenzie Peachey, Desi Hershberger, Sarah Kanagy, Madison Keefer, Ashlyn Lyles, Kaitlyn Brytczuk, Abigail Anderson, Lorynn Knepp, Elizabeth Plank. help,” Knepp said. “It will be fun to watch to see who will rise to the occasion.”

Here, the optimism is not naïve but rooted in the logic of sports: give enough players a stage, and eventually, someone surprises you.

But as any coach who has built (or rebuilt) a program will tell you, freshmen run hot and cold. There will be moments—even games— when their energy lifts the whole squad. There will be nights, too, when inexperience reveals itself for what it is.

For Mifflin County, the measuring stick won’t be raw wins and losses, at least not yet. It’ll be the smaller victories: goals scored by players who haven’t yet washed their uniforms for the third time, shutout halves, games where the team stays organized under

pressure, and, most important, weeks when the improvement is visible.

It would be unfair not to mention the competition.

The Mid-Penn is nobody’s idea of a gentle neighborhood.

“Boiling Springs will most likely be the team to beat in our division again this season,” said Knepp, with the respect that only comes from seeing a perennial favorite up close. You measure yourself against the best, and sometimes, the gap reveals your progress more than your record ever could.

Coaching, too, is a team effort. Assistant Carolyn Kline returns, along with volunteers Tori Lockett, Makenna Smith, Ella Kammerer, Bryn Kanagy, and Alyssa Schnell—names well-known within the pro-

gram. Their job, as much as anything, is to keep the day-to-day work focused and maintain a steady mood. In a season of change, steadiness is its own quiet asset.

So, what should we expect? This is a year for learning, for measuring progress not only by the scoreboard but by the scoreboard’s

context. Can Mifflin County turn a four-goal loss into a one-goal scrap? Can the underclassmen find their voices, not just their legs?

Will Cook have enough help to make her saves matter in games’ final minutes?

There will be no shortSee Progress Page 9

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The Sentinel

MIFFLIN COUNTY SOCCER

Sentinel photo by MSP STUDIOS

Pictured is the Mifflin County boys soccer team, frontrow, from left, Coach Chad, Coach Jason, Brody Basom, Leland Mitchell, Brody Williams, Daniel Quinn, Landon Yetter, Jared Sickels, Michael Peters, Caden McClure, Andrew Koch, Cameron Demi, Drake Gill, Brayden Benfer, Evan Hook, Isaac Kanagy, Easton Herb, Gauge Harshbarger, Jack Suydam, Dylan Rhodes, Brody Wolfkill, Coach Todd, Coach Keith.

Second row, Chase Retherford, Mason Allen, Bruce Baker, Collin Otero, Drew Krohn, RJ Miller, Bryson Wagner III, Kayden Hook, Callen Harman, Luke Sauer, Jace Bagrosky, Zach Keller, Levon Putt, Dylan Liggett.

Progress Continued from Page 8

cuts. “With this being such a young team, I am focused on improvement each week,” Knepp said. It’s the answer

you’d expect from a coach who knows the value of patience. Soccer isn’t solved overnight, especially in a league where physicality and technical skill combine in every match.

But incremental growth—

learning to maintain possession longer, finding smarter angles into the attacking third, reducing turnovers in dangerous spots—can accumulate into something tangible by October. “If we keep improving, the wins

will eventually take care of themselves,” Knepp said.

If the season goes the way Knepp and his players hope, there will be moments when the process shows its payoff. Where the past becomes prologue, and the future is

built one run, one stop, and one unlikely goal at a time.

For now, optimism hovers close to the ground, but unmistakable. In soccer, sometimes that’s the beginning of everything.

Mifflin County

girls soccer 2024 record: 3-15-1. MidPenn Colonial: 3-12-1.

Coach: Barrett Knepp.

Assistants: Carolyn Kline, Tori Lockett, Makenna Smith, Ella Kammerer, Bryn Kanagy, Alyssa Schnell.

10—Lewistown, PA

EAST JUNIATA SOCCER

Tigers try to build off of 13-win campaign

BY ANTHONY FIUZA Sentinel sports editor afiuza@lewistownsentinel.com COCOLAMUS — East Juniata girls soccer accomplished a lot last season as they went 13-7 overall and made league playoffs. However, the 2025 season brings new challenges and the Tigers will need to be locked in all season long in order to reach new heights.

Goalkeeper Landyn Cramer, midfielders Makaylyn Peters and Makyla Coudriet return as senior letterwinners and most likely will be team captains this year.

The Lady Tigers is also supported

by Riley Apple, Bri Brubaker, Haven Smith and Cali Wagner.

“Riley Apple (defender) is our lone junior and suffered a knee injury during the spring. She has been working really hard to play again this year. If she is able to come back that will be a big boost to the team,” EJ head coach Brian Robinson said.

“Sophomores Haven Smith (defender), Bri Brubaker (midfield) and Cali Wagner (forward) are all returning starters.”

EJ has nine sophomores, six freshmen, four seniors and one junior on the roster this fall.

The Lady Tigers have participated in offseason programs over the summer to get them ready for fall games.

“Most of the girls play club soccer and we had a really good turnout for the 7v7 league at Lewistown,” Robinson stated.

Assisting Robinson on the sidelines will be Alyssa Robinson, Clarye Guyer and Kierstyn Vollmer.

This soccer season East Juniata is relying a lot on younger talent to carry the load, but there is plenty of optimism.

“We lost five very quality starters from last year due to graduation and injuries. With only a few healthy upperclassmen, we will be leaning heavily on our freshmen and sophomores. So, the early goal in my

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

The Sentinel

Kish

the vision, hard work, and generosity of many, great things can be and have been

Continued from Page 7

done.” For this team, for this

stadium is humming, and a community is watching every move? Breon’s answer is as practical as it is familiar: “We need to focus on and can only control what will occur between the lines when the clock strikes 7 p.m. The environment should be electric; feed off that energy and come out firing.” It’s the oldest recipe in sports: ignore the hype, trust your preparation, and let the game decide the story.

The goals haven’t changed—win the division, earn a playoff spot, create a season worth remembering.

But even if the Huskies finish 5-5 or sneak into the playoffs on the last night, something permanent has changed. The stadium stands, as Breon says, as proof that “through Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS

Pictured is the East Juniata girls soccer team, front row, from left, Miranda Kapp, Acea Spade, Natalie Fisher, Elsip Brubaker.

Second row, McKenzie Hunt, Elysia Lopez, Ella Feltman, Aubrie Price, Adelie Fisher.

Third row, Eliza Hommel, Riley Naylor, Drue Hoffman, Kayla Gelnett, Kennedy Strawser, Layla Schlegel, Briahna Brubaker.

Fourth row, Haven Smith, Hayley Cramer, Makyla Coudriet, Makaylyn Peters, Cali Wagner, Addison Phillips.

Fifth row, Kently Stroup, Aubrey Shearer, Landyn Cramer, Riley Apple, Kolby Stroup. mind is to just see improvement each and every week. I think we could realistically compete for the league title, but things would have to really come together quickly,” Brian Robinson added. “With no TVL league playoffs this year, every league game counts and doesn’t allow much room for error. I think that we have enough talent to win a district game or two, so we will see what happens.”

What are expected strengths for the Tigers on the field?

“We are a pretty defensive minded group. Although we have some holes to fill in the back four from last year, I think we really need to lean on the defense and holding mids.

Another strength is going to need to be our work rate. We are relatively

young and will most likely struggle to possess the ball at times, so we are going to need to work hard to get it back,” Robinson highlighted.

EJ went 13-7-1 a season ago, 125-1 during the regular season and was 8-3-1 in league play. The Tigers lost in the first round of league playoffs and in the district semifinals.

“My biggest lesson from last year was to be prepared for injuries and be ready with a plan B,” Robinson said.

Susquenita and Line Mountain are expected to be tough opponents this season. EJ meets Line Mountain on Sept. 3 at home and then on Sept.

17 the Tigers host the Blackhawks.

EJ squares off with Juniata for an away match on Sept. 10, then on Oct. 4 for a home game. The Tigers battle

Mt. Carmel, Southern Huntingdon, Line Mountain and Halifax during a four-game road trip (Sept. 25 through Oct. 1).

“We always enjoy playing Juniata. Susquenita and Line Mountain are the front runners in the league so looking forward to seeing where we stack up against them. Shik will most likely be the toughest non-league game. We struggled against them last year, so it will be nice to see improvement over last year’s effort,” Robinson voiced.

The Tigers’ last regular-season game is Oct. 15, a road game with Camp Hill. “We are going to work hard and should be competitive in every game we play,” Robinson added.

year, for this place, that’s what matters most.

Football is home in Mifflin County at last. And on Friday night, August 22, the Huskies will take the field not as tenants, but as owners of their own Friday-night dream.

Mifflin County football 2024 record: 4-6. Mid-Penn Keystone: 3-6.

Coach:

Shane

Breon.

Assistants:

Sandy

Breon,

Colton Craig, Joe Daubert, Bob Douglas, Brian Heckert, Steve Himes, Bill Napikoski, Bronson Smith-Price, Nick Wolfkiel.

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Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

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The Sentinel

EAST JUNIATA SOCCER

Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS

Pictured is the East Juniata boys soccer team, front row, from left, Isaiah Galeas, James Hess, Isaiah May, Jonny Hoffman, Cruz Martin, Hudson Rickenbaugh, Anthony Hepner.

Second row, Levi Auker, Eric Nipple, Kole Boop, Chase Fisher, Landon Hoffman.

Third row, Meyer Ramsey, Trent Price, Cody Nipple, Jairemiee Kipp, Jaiden May, Ryan Mitchell.

Fourth row, Wrett Smith, Thaddaeus Auker, Kelton Bonnell, Nathan Carolus, Sam Kopacki.

Tigers bring leadership Good Luck to all area Athletes! depth into soccer season

BY ANTHONY FIUZA Sentinel sports editor COCOLAMUS — “We have the potential to be strong defensively with a lot of returning players who gained much needed experience last season in the back. We have also been showing some promise with our creativity in our attacking third so I’m looking forward to our team creating more scoring opportunities this season,” East Juniata head coach Tyler Inch said about his team’s strengths for the new boys soccer season.

EJ will need to rise up considerably after a 2-15-1 season in 2024. The Tigers want to play more consistently from the start of each game until the end. Being more competitive in

the league and district will be on their to-do sheet as well.

Wrett Smith returns as a key cog in the Tigers’ rotation and Inch knows the value of having a player of his magnitude.

“Throughout the offseason, Wrett Smith showed up as one of our best leaders and that has continued through the start of our season. Kelton Bonnell and Sam Kopacki have shown off their leadership abilities throughout our first week of preseason as well. While those three have been the front runners, I would say that every senior on our roster has the ability to step up as a leader this year,” Inch noted. The EJ head coach will be assisted by Tony Kauffman, Bailey Coder, Tim Black and Andrew Hunter.

During this soccer season,

EJ will have a four-game road trip (Sept. 17 through Sept. 27) that includes Susquenita, Halifax, Greenwood and Southern Columbia. The Tigers travel to play Juniata at 7 p.m. on Sept.

10, then they’ll host the Indians at 5 p.m. on Oct. 4. EJ’s season finale is Oct. 8 versus Susquenita, a home game.

“Juniata and Greenwood are generally top of the list of teams that we look forward to playing each year. I’m also looking forward to seeing how we handle ourselves at the Selinsgrove tournament against Crestwood and either Selinsgrove or Shalom Christian Academy. Southern Columbia is another one to look forward to because we played a tough See Leaders/ Page 13

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EAST JUNIATA VOLLEYBALL/MC CROSS COUNTRY

Tigers hunt for a better record on the volleyball court

EJ volleyball 8/28 vs West Shore 5:30 p.m.

9/2 vs Halifax 5:30 p.m.

9/4 at St. Joe’s 5:30 p.m.

9/6 vs Lewisburg 11 a.m.

9/8 at UDA 5:30 p.m.

9/11 vs Juniata 5:30 p.m.

9/15 at Millersburg 5:30 p.m.

9/16 at Montoursville 5:30 p.m.

9/18 at Halifax 5:30 p.m.

9/20 at Fannett-Metal 11 a.m.

9/22 vs St. Joe’s 5:30 p.m.

9/23 at Sugar Valley 5:30 p.m.

9/25 vs UDA 5:30 p.m.

9/29 at Juniata 5:30 p.m.

9/30 vs Sugar Valley 5:30 p.m.

10/2 vs Millersburg

Huskies eye big XC season

BY BRIAN CARSON Sentinel reporter bcarson@lewistownsentinel.com

LEWISTOWN – There’s something about 19 pairs of running shoes lined up in a locker room—mud still crusted on the soles from summer— each one a silent promise, each one a question waiting for September’s answer.

For the Mifflin County boys cross country team, that number—nineteen—means more than a headcount on a roster sheet. It’s a sign of swelling ambition, a sign of what happens when excellence is no longer a rumor but a habit, and when the word gets out that

BY ANTHONY FIUZA Sentinel sports editor afiuza@lewistownsentinel. com COCOLAMUS — East Juniata volleyball brings nine underclassmen and 13 upperclassmen into the 2025 season.

The Lady Tigers want to run an improved offense in the new Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS year.

“Minimize unforced errors, Pictured is the East Juniata volleyball team, front row, from left, Maye Neimond, Emma Tabb, Madyson Freed, Maize Neimond, Morgan Ehrisman. strong first ball contact and run Second row, Brooklynn Devinney, Emily Goodling, Addison Dimm, Maddie Snyan efficient offense,” Tigers der, Lily Goodling, Melinda Goodling, Riley Devinney. head coach Chloe Rougeau Third row, Mya Crissman, Hope Goodling, Isabella Brown, Kylee Burd, Elisabeth said about the team’s goals.

Hoffman, Kaidyn Logan, Kaelyn Walter, Emilie Willow, Kennedy Seigler-Lewis, She is assisted by Courtney Myrna Trent.

Whitesel.

EJ volleyball is expected to be a strong serving team, have powerful attackers at the net and team chemistry.

Last season, EJ went 3-19.

The Tigers defeated Central Columbia on the road to open the 2024 season. They also beat Sugar Valley twice.

“Consistency matters - small errors can change a match. Focus on fundamentals - strong serving, strong passing. Positive energy impacts outcomes,” the EJ coach noted about the lessons gained from last season. Rougeau added that EJ Sentinel photo by MSP STUDIOS

Pictured is the Mifflin County boys cross country team, front row, from left, Zaiden Dashem, Carter Smith, Logan Breneman, Colton Leister, Eli Galbraith, Craig Whitenight, Maximus Zajac-Bargas, Hart Oden, Connor Lynch. Second row, Hoyt Rodenbaugh, Camryn Treaster, Reese Cubbison, Wyatt Kauffman, Aidan Scavitti, Trevon Diven, Koy Aurand, Anthony Palopoli. something special is building. where the fifth man’s time can ries-in-progress, more wild“Our turnout this season is tip the scales between glory cards who might step out of fantastic,” Coach Alex Mon- and frustration, that’s no small the background on a foggy Saturday and nudge the team roe said. “We have 19 boys on reason for optimism.

Numbers alone don’t win score into new territory. our roster, which is a good deal more than last year.” Nineteen. races. But they give a coach See Season Page 19 In a sport where depth matters, more options, more sto-

has focused on the offseason and making sure everyone is locked in.

“The offseason has been beneficial for us in ways such as strength and conditioning, refining fundamentals, team bonding, growing leadership and allowing us to work on our weaker spots,” Rougeau said.

“A handful of my players were able to attend summer camps which is always beneficial.”

EJ is expected to have senior leadership this year and that includes Kennedy Seigler-Lewis.

“For varsity, Kennedy Seigler-Lewis is team captain.

As for leaders, all my seniors have the capability to lead. I have seen them all lead during preseason. As for JV, I can see Mazie Neimond leading,” EJ’s coach stated.

The Lady Tigers will be hard workers during the year and focus on picking each other up.

“Fans can expect a group of girls that play hard every point, gives 100% every match, and support one another on and off the court. We’re focused on improving from last season See Hunt Page 14

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Lady Indians have abundance of talent on field

BY KENNY VARNER Sports correspondent MIFFLINTOWN — With only four players lost to graduation, the Juniata girls soccer team is looking to improve off of a 2024 season that saw them finish with a 10-9-1 record and a berth in the District 6 semifinals.

Garrick Paden will be the head coach again this season as he will be assisted by Josie Swartz, Ellie Shepps and Laresa Paden.

Juniata brings back eight returning letterwinners to this year’s squad.

Returning are Thea Beward, Danielle Espitia, Mylee Landis, Emerson Freed, Cassi

Leaders

Continued from Page 11

game against them last season and I’m interested to see how this year plays out,” Inch explained.

“The TVL has been tough the last several years and I don’t expect this year to be any different. I know Juniata is returning a lot from a solid team last year and Millersburg has been a tough game the last several years. I expect the same from Halifax, Greenwood, and Susquenita as well. And we can’t count St. Joe’s out after what they did to us last year.

It might seem like I’m trying to be diplomatic by naming every school in our league, but

­Lewistown, PA—13

The Sentinel

JUNIATA SOCCER

Parson, Mallory Garver, Sara Montoya and Carolyn Heidenreich.

The Lady Indians have a good group of underclassmen that will be looking to help make an impact for you this year.

“We have a great sophomore class that was able to get some experience last year as freshmen that will be vital this year,” said Paden. “Carolyn, Cam, Lexi, Liv, Aubryn and Becca will be huge parts of the program this year, and going forward as they take over as juniors next year.”

Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS Paden won’t be looking to Pictured is the Juniata girls soccer team, front row, from left, Alexi Deppen, Camryn Burd, Aubryn Deihl, Tracy one individual for leadership Fisher, Genesis Guante.

Second row, Danielle Espitia, Brea Beward, Carolyn Heidenreich, Mallory Garver, Sara Montoya, Sarah Hart. but a group as a whole.

Third row, Mylee Landis, Thea Beward, Olivia Mummah, Emerson Freed, Yaa Serwaa.

See Talent Page 21

I honestly believe we have a solid group of teams where just about anything can happen.”

EJ lost 10 of 11 games to end last season. The Tigers did tie St. Joe’s (0-0) during that final stretch.

What were some of the biggest lessons learned from last season?

“We need find a way to remain more positive and better handle adversity when things don’t go our way,” Inch commented.

East Juniata has put the work in during the offseason.

“Our team camp was a positive from the offseason and the time off allowed some nagging injuries that players dealt with last fall (and throughout other sports) to heal,” Inch said. “-We

were able to hold a team camp this summer that I believe was beneficial for the players that were able to attend. With vacations and other commitments, not everyone could be there, but it was two days of solid work with a coach who brings a lot of energy and expertise.”

The Tigers won 13 games during the 2023 season, including a 9-3 TVL record. EJ met Old Forge in the PIAA postseason, where they lost in OT. EJ is on the prowl for more seasons similar to this one.

What can fans expect from the team this year?

“My hope is that fans get to see a team that plays soccer that is fun to watch. We struggled to put the ball in the back of the net last season and I think we

have grown into a team that can be more creative and generate more scoring chances this season which will make us more competitive and difficult to beat easily this year,” Inch said.

EJ clashes with Greenwood at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 27.

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JUNIATA SOCCER

Juniata Indians try to build on D6 title season

BY KENNY VARNER Sports correspondent

MIFFLINTOWN — Coming off a year that the Juniata boys soccer team had a milestone season, the Indians are hoping for the same success and more in the 2025 season.

Last year, Juniata finished the Tri-Valley League Championship Game with a loss in penalty kicks, PIAA District 6 “AA” Champions, and lost in the first round PIAA “2A” State Tournament.

Jared Byler is once again ready Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS to lead his team with the help of Pictured is the Juniata boys soccer team, front row, from left, Brady Hack, Ty Dressler, Cooper Adamire, Easton assistants Levi Harper, Johnny Berry, Anthony Maradiaga, Fabian Plesce.

Second row, Daniel Lopez, Caden Naylor, Jackson Shellenberger, Collin Martin, Landon Beward, Drew Bennett. Dessin and Barrett Walters.

The Indians finished last seaThird row, Hayden Burd, Nolan Imes, Alex Portzline, Arthur Hazard, Alex Armstrong, Chase Hartland. son with a stellar 17-7 record.

The Indians lose eight players due to graduation.

Lost to graduation were Anderson Portzline, Calvin Decker, Marcio Cardenas, Andrew Martinez, Mason Beward, Caden Swailes, Wyatt Dessin and J’Diel Xoumphonphackdy.

The good news for Byler and

Hunt

Continued from Page 12

and competing at our best every day,” Rougeau noted.

EJ hosts West Shore Christian on Aug. 28 and then hosts Halifax on Sept. 2. The Tigers visit Millersburg on Sept. 15 and meet them again on Oct. 2. EJ does welcome Juniata to Cocolamus on Sept. 11. The

cross-county rivals battle again on Sept. 29.

“We have strong teams in our league in general, but I’d say a couple of the tougher opponents are Millersburg and Upper Dauphin,” Rougeau said. “We look forward to playing Juniata every year. The girls also look forward to playing Danville.”

East Juniata plays their season finale on Oct. 13 versus West Perry.

company is that he has seven returning starters going into the season.

Returning starters are Drew Bennett, Alex Armstrong, Ricky Guante, Landon Beward, Hayden Burd, Anthony Maradiaga and Arthur Hazard.

Byler has a strong group of underclassmen that will help make an impact for you this year.

“The sophomore class as a whole has potential that the coaching staff is working to develop into contributors for the present and future,” said Byler.

Along with team captain Alex Armstrong, Byler is still looking for others to become team leaders.

We are still looking to see who will step up into new leadership positions with Alex Armstrong returning as a team captain,” said Byler.

Depth is something that the veteran coach sees as one of his strengths coming into the season.

See Title Page 21

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Although small in team size, Indians strive for more x-country success

BY KENNY VARNER Sports correspondent MIFFLINTOWN — There are numerous things to be optimistic about in the upcoming Juniata cross country season.

Sylvia Brubaker returns to defend her District 6 title and her 10th place finish in the PIAA State Championships at Hershey.

The Indians were also just approved to have an official junior high program that will help solidify the future of Juniata cross country.

The team is once again led by longtime coach Jeff Miller.

Miller will be assisted by wife Shari Miller.

However, the Indians lost the heart of their squad from last year and will have some new faces battling on the course this season “Well it’s a rebuilding year for the boys,” said Juniata coach Jeff Miller. “The girls have the chance to be better than what they were last year.

We have three returning girls.

The only one we lost was Jesse but we have three new girls.”

The boys lost seven seniors from last year. They were the first, second and third runners on the team.

“So we’re just trying to be the best we can this year and try to win the Tri-valley championship again,” said Miller.

“Districts might be a long shot for us this year. Three years

­Lewistown, PA—15

The Sentinel

we won districts and we’ve won the Tri-Valley every year I think they had it. If things go well we might be able to win it again as well. You never know.”

The group will be a little smaller on the boys side.

“I don’t have large numbers. We only have a high of eight kids on the boys varsity if they all stick it out,” said Miller. “The promising thing is that we got boys junior high approved by the school. Last year we didn’t have a lot come out but this year we have a lot coming out, like seventh and eighth graders who will help in the future. We are trying to build up our team down the road.”

Leading the way will be last year’s fourth runner, Coy Kerstetter. He will be looked on to help lead the team.

“Coy Kerstetter was my fourth runner on the team last year and went to districts and states. He’s returning as a junior,” said Miller. “He probably has the fastest time over all the other boys by at least a minute.”

“But there are some of those boys like Joel Hardin that was on my team last year that was on the bubble of varsity and JV. He’s improved a lot since last year. He could be up there pushing Coy. It would be nice to have someone up there pushing Coy.” Josiah Barner is going to

JUNIATA CROSS COUNTRY

Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS

Pictured is the Juniata cross country team, front row, from left, Hannah Zeiders, Ella Zimmerman, Carolyn Heidenreich, Erendira Martinez-Ramirez.

Second row, David Mayall-Marker, Luke Weiand, Sylvia Brubaker, Selena Marker.

Third row, Joel Hardin, Kade Wagner, John Randolph, Coy Kerstetter, Josiah Barner. be a sophomore this year. He played soccer and ran cross country last year. He’s given up soccer this year for running.

He was seventh in districts in the 800-meter run as a freshman.

“The kid’s got huge talent.

He just has to build that engine,” said Miller. “He’s fast.

He just has to keep working on building his endurance.”

“On the girls side, Sylvia (Brubaker) will obviously be our top runner. She is going to try to repeat as district champion. She finished 10th in the See Success Page 19

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JUNIATA FOOTBALL

Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS

Pictured is the Juniata football team, front row, from left, Jadon Nealman, Jasper Shepps, Camden Bargo, Conrad Long, Jerry Cordova, Devin King, Colten Rowles, Bradley Noble, Ty Fahnestock.

Second row, Shay Brininger, Logan Troyer, Jason Condo, Brandon Noble, Colten Hutchinson, Brian Kuhn, Cale Fike, Noah Warfel, Aaden McNemar.

Third row, Eliel Ramirez, Zach Burkins, Keury Castro, Joshua Nace, Ty Rowles, Quentin Houtz, Bryce Harlon, David Nace.

Fourth row, Paul Imes, Tye DeCicco, Chase O’Neill, Garret Kerstetter, Matthew Nace, Lucas Doydora, Ethan Whitesel, Dawson Beiler, Alexander Rutherford.

Fifth row, Jake Bell, Lukas Hockenberry, Jakob Sweger, Lawrence Dysinger, Cayne Vandergrift, Anson Swetnam, Zak Blessing, Lucas Book.

Sixth row, Gavin Lynch, Landon Millar, Shawn Shepherd, Jeffrey Fisher, Xzavier Rivera, Kaiden Goshorn.

Indians eye another league championship on the gridiron

BY KENNY VARNER Sports correspondent MIFFLINTOWN — In the past five seasons, the District Class 4A title has belonged to the Juniata Indians football team.

Last season, the Indians defeated the up and coming Red Raiders of Bellefonte for the third time in as many years and look to continue its dominance as it goes into the 2025 season.

Despite losing 13 letter winners to graduation, the Juniata squad has a reputation for not rebuilding but reloading. This year will be no exception.

Coming off a 9-4 season, the team is once again led by

veteran coach Kurt Condo.

Condo will be assisted this year by Steve McLaughlin, Caleb Shertzer, Colton Shertzer, Steve Harris, Dylan Smith, Marcus Brothers, Ryan Leister, Ben Lauver, Al Ream, Fletcher Hart and Jacob Condo.

Lost to graduation last year were Connor Boreman, Ayden Dowling, Wyatt Ehrenzeller, Javier Lopez, Gage Harlon, Franco Doydora, Lane Peiper, Wyatt Dysinger, Matthew Spriggle, Briar Clark, John Peck, Hunter Erb and Michael Harlow.

Despite the loss of so many starters from last year’s team, the Indians bring back a big list of letter winners from last year’s squad.

Returning are Who do you have returning Cam Bargo, Jadon Nealman, Jasper Shepps, Quentin Houtz, Jason Condo, Colton Hutchinson, Isaac Ramirez, Andel Lopez, Josh Nace, Conrad Long, David Nace, Shay Brininger, Bryce Harlon and Jerry Cordova.

Shepps will be the main focal point on offense as he is a strong force to be reckoned with in the Indians’ air attack.

Defensively, Shepps has also shined in the defensive backfield, coming up clutch in numerous occasions.

Condo has a strong group of underclassmen ready to make a name for themselves.

“We have six underclassmen who will be looking to make

an impact this season,” said Condo. “They are Ty Rowles, Quentin Houtz, Matthew Nace, Josh Nace, David Nace and Bryce Harlon.”

The veteran coach is not looking for one particular group for leadership but at the team as a whole.

“Leaders come in all shapes and sizes. Anyone can be a leader,” said Condo. “We don’t just expect our seniors or captains to be leaders. We have some freshmen that are leaders whether they know it or not.”

Strength of this year’s team according to veteran coach will come from upfront on the offensive side of the ball.

“Our offensive line is young, but they have a lot of expe-

rience under their belt,” said Condo.

Defensively, the team is trying to work on there weaknesses before the season kicks off.

“We need to clean up our tackling on defense,” said Condo.

With the constant success of the team, the standard goals are lofty to some teams but not the Indians. “ Our goals are to play up to our ability, and challenge one another to keep raising the bar and expectations,” said Condo. “We want to be in the hunt at the end of the season for a league championship, district championship and playoff run.

We made it to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs last sea-

son.”

Tough teams on the upcoming schedule for Juniata is not just one but possibly the whole schedule.

“I think our league will be extremely competitive this year, you can’t count anyone out,” said Condo.

Juniata football Coach: Kurt Condo Assistants: Steve McLaughlin, Caleb Shertzer, Colton Shertzer, Steve Harris, Dylan Smith, Marcus Brothers, Ryan Leister, Ben Lauver, Al Ream, Fletcher Hart, Jacob Condo.

League: Tri-Valley League 2024 record: 9-4

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

The Sentinel

Trojans looking forward to 2025, 10 letterwinners return

BY DENNY SROKA Sports correspondent sports@lewistownsentinel. com MT. UNION — The Mount Union football team is entering the 2025 football season looking to keep the momentum going, turning out a solid effort and moving further into the District 6 playoff picture.

The Trojans went 9-3 in 2023 winning in the first round over United before elimination in the District 6 semifinals to Richland and finishing the season 9-3. They backed that up with an 8-3 slate in 2024 but lost in the first round of the District 6 playoffs to Marion Center.

They started the 2024 season with four wins in a row before being knocked off by Moshannon Valley on the road.

They won their next four in a row, but lost to Meyersdale in a close game which moved their record to 8-2.

The Trojans have a 28-man roster well balanced across the grades with 10 letterwinners back for the season. They have seven seniors and eight juniors.

Ten sophomores returned from the strong freshman turnout last season, and they brought experience and knowledge of the system. The Trojans have three freshmen on the roster that bring talent to the roster.

Jamie Brumbaugh is leading the Trojans as head coach, doubling up as defensive coordinator. Assisting Brumbaugh

is a very similar coaching staff from last season with Zach Myers holding the duties of offensive coordinator. Also assisting are Chuck Hand, Trey Rogers, Merle Steele, Jack Fortney and Patrick O’Donnell.

The Trojans lost seven seniors to graduation last spring including team leader Josh Ryan.

Ryan was a state qualifier in wrestling and a linebacker on defense along with running back on the football team last season. Ryan had 141 carries for 769 yards on 12 touchdowns. Julian Weirich will be missed as a wide receiver and defense along with George Bilger. Naiym Francis, Davin Yocum, Eric Boozel and Cody McClain all contributed to last season’s success.

“Those players will be missed after their contributions over the years along with their leadership,” stated Brumbaugh.

“This season we will continue to run the spread offense and Nasir Collins will be the focus but Micah Atherton, John Welsh and Damien Leonard will see action in the backfield in an attempt to spread the ball around. We will have Caizon Scott in the slot depending on formations.”

Collins led the Trojans last season as a sophomore by gaining 1,792 yards and 23 touchdowns, ending the season at second all-time in Mount Union history, finishing the season on second team all-state. The Trojans will see Hussan Posey

­Lewistown, PA—17

MT. UNION FOOTBALL

Sentinel photo by SAM BAUMGARDNER

Pictured is the Mt. Union football team, front row, from left, Kyuan Spriggs, Ashton Ash, Austin Myers, Jackson Traxler, Damien Leonard, Kenton Osborne, Benton Barton.

Second row, Nasir Collins, Micah Atherton, John Welsh, Caizon Scott, John Luke Suchan, Rahmeir Smith, Henry Petron, Hayden Stewart, Daevion Muckle, Izik Copenhaver.

Third row, Abram Weirich, Hussan Posey, Maddox Hobbs, Johnaven Taylor, Collin Yocum, Ty’Jeir Hooper, Levi Hunsinger, Dominic Alesi, Aspen Brumbaugh.

Back row, Staton Hunter, assistant coaches Jack Fortney, Zach Myers, head coach Jamie Brumbaugh, assistant coaches Trey Rogers, Chuck Hand, Mearl Steel, Brayden Richards (88). and Tyjier Hooper along with Brayden Richards as receivers and Levi Hunsinger will be at center. Maddox Hobbs will be back under center this season.

Abe Weirich, Jackson Traxler and Rahmier Smith along with Collin Yocum will be in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

The Trojans will run a fourman front again this season, trying to keep the system similar with many defensive set-ups off of that. Hunsinger will pull double duty at linebacker along with Atherton and Hobbs.

Hooper, Posey and Scott will be deep with rotations in defensive looks. John Welsh will be on the defensive side of the ball deep on different rotations and Collins at safety.

The Inter-County Conference North is going to be tough all around this season, noted Brumbaugh. Juniata Valley, Moshannon Valley and See Trojans/ Page 19

18—Lewistown, PA

Hockey

Continued from Page 7

she said. In a sport where margins are thin and fatigue is always a factor, every body, every voice, counts.

Skeptics will point to last year’s 0-12 mark in the MidPenn Keystone. They might remind you that Madison Norman, a steady senior presence, graduated in June. But look closer. Seven seniors return: Bailey Neff, Aniston Byler, Alleigh Caruso, Addison Fultz, Hayleigh Fultz, Holly Guyer, and Paige Snyder.

Add to them juniors Aubree Dobson, Jayda Kanagy, Irelynn Milligan, Brynn Rowe, and you have a core that’s been through the slog and come out still willing to sign up for more. Wilcox is clear about expectations. “I look for my seniors and junior classes to lead the pack this year. We have a lot of strong players who can make a big impact.”

That’s not wishful thinking.

It’s a plan drawn from necessity and memory.

It’s easy to miss what’s changing. Field hockey isn’t the easiest sell in a football state, and for years, the Huskies practiced and played wherever they could. Now, with turf, the playing field has leveled out.

“Having the turf now is huge for us and puts us on an equal playing field to truly compete,” Wilcox said. It’s an upgrade that can change habits, boost speed, sharpen passing, and, finally, close the gap between effort and result.

In the Mid-Penn, the measuring stick hasn’t moved.

Palmyra and Northern remain the teams to beat, powerhouses that set the pace and punish mistakes.

Last year, Mifflin County struggled to keep up, but Wilcox doesn’t flinch at the challenge. “We did not fare well against them last year, but I hope to have a better showing this year.”

The path to respectability and the postseason still runs through the league’s toughest

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

The Sentinel

MT. UNION SOCCER addresses. But the Huskies don’t need a miracle. They need moments: a deflection in the circle, a save in traffic, a bounce that goes their way.

Sometimes, that’s all it takes to turn a season.

If you’re looking for newcomers to change the story overnight, Wilcox is focused instead on the group, on habits built day by day, on players who “go out and play like I know they can.” The season then becomes a series of small bets on effort and preparation.

Wins may not come in bunches. But ask the coaches—Brandi Kellison, Evan Smith, Hailee Sheetz, all vital pieces behind the scenes— and they’ll tell you progress in field hockey is rarely a straight line. Some seasons are about learning how to win.

Others are about remembering why you started playing.

With depth, leadership, and a little turf under their feet, Mifflin County takes the field this year chasing something bigger than a reversal of last year’s record. The goal is simple and stubborn.

“My goal for the season is for the girls to go out and play like I know they can,” Wilcox said. For the athletes who show up each day, grind through the drills, and take the field against the best in the Mid-Penn, that belief— the one in each other—means more than any number in the standings.

And if you want to know what growth looks like, watch the Huskies play this fall.

You may not see a blowout.

But you will see a team determined to prove the scoreboard doesn’t always tell the whole story. For this group, the next step isn’t about erasing the past; it’s about owning the moment and making sure, win or lose, nobody questions their grit again.

Mifflin County field hockey 2024 record: 3-15. Mid-Penn Keystone: 0-12.

Coach: Brittany Wilcox.

Assistants: Brandi Kellison, Evan Smith, Hailee Sheetz.

Sentinel photo by SAM BAUMGARDNER

Pictured is the Mt. Union boys soccer team, front row, from left, Messiah Madison, Caden Feather, Andrew Scott, Kamden Beatty, Oscar James, Avin Knable, Abram Wagner.

Back row, Teagen Hardy, Keyghaun Dixon, AJ Scott, Joshua Neely, Jamon Ranck, Gabriel Neely, coach Jacob Scott.

Missing from photo: Trent Smith, Mitch Smith, Jacik Hess. Assistant coaches: Skip Smith, Andy Dountas, Dustin Gearhart.

Trojans improve with 9 letterwinners returning

BY DENNY SROKA Sports correspondent MT. UNION — The Mount Union boys soccer team continues to improve as the team gains experience. The program is going into its sixth season and only its second season as an all-boys squad. The Trojans’ roster is showing a better distribution over the four grades that allows younger players to gain experience and fight for a spot in the starting lineup.

The Trojans have nine letterwinners coming back from last season and post a 16-player roster for 2025. They have five seniors, six juniors, two sophomores and three freshmen this season.

Last season the Trojans posted a 6-12 record overall, the best record over the five seasons. They broke the ice with a 12-0 win over Forbes Road, snapping a 52-game losing streak by winning just two games over the previous seasons.

They showed their never-give-up

Mt. Union boys soccer

8/28 vs Berlin 4 p.m.

9/2 at Southern Fulton 4 p.m.

9/4 at Forbes Road 4 p.m.

9/8 vs Southern Huntingdon 4 p.m.

9/11 vs United 4 p.m.

9/15 vs McConnellsburg 4 p.m.

9/18 vs Rockwood 4 p.m.

9/22 at Fannett-Metal 4 p.m.

9/23 at N. Bedford 7 p.m.

9/29 vs Southern Fulton 4 p.m.

9/30 vs Windber 4 p.m.

10/2 at North Star 4 p.m.

10/6 vs Forbes Road 4 p.m.

10/9 at So. Huntingdon 6 p.m.

10/13 at McConnellsburg 6 p.m.

10/16 vs Fannett-Metal 4 p.m. attitude by finishing the season winning four of their last eight games played, scoring 40 goals and held their opponents to just 87 goals, which is the fewest allowed in the program’s existence. The Trojans almost claimed their first playoff game last season with the strong finish.

Coach Jake Scott is starting his fifth season leading the Trojans and is happy with the continued progress of the team. “We now are getting a better distribution of players

across the grades to get young players experience so when graduation hits, we have players ready to step up,” noted Scott. “It is great that we are ahead of where we thought we would be at this point in the preseason. We are getting everyone time on the field and the young players are catching up quickly. They really have an excellent work ethic and are learning to play as a team and are really working hard to get ready for the season ahead.”

Assisting Scott this season is Michael “Mitch” Smith and for volunteers they have Andy Dountas and Dustin Gearhart.

The Trojans lost Jacob Cramer, Caleb Miller, and Evan Shaver to graduation this spring.

The Trojans have come into practice in good condition with many of the players playing travel ball this summer.

“They have the knowledge of high-level play and what to expect,” added Scott. Mt. Union has few inexperienced players that are just getting started at playing the game

and are coming along fast. Mt. Union has developed with depth and that was always an area of concern until this season. “At first, we had a good player or two and now we are at the point that the team is starting to get better all-around and can contribute,” said Scott.

Mt. Union got better on offense, improving on assists with 21 last season after only having five assists in 2023. “That shows how much the team has improved,” said Scott.

“The ICC will be tough this season with Everett and McConnellsburg as always putting a good team on the field. Southern Huntingdon has numbers with many players returning and should be strong,” said Scott.

“Our goals this season is to become competitive every time we go out,” stated Scott. “The team wants to get a shot at the ICC and make it to the playoffs. We want to become fundamentally sound all around and play hard until the last second of the game.”

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

FALL SPORTS 2025

Season

Continued from Page 12

So, what’s driving that interest?

Let’s not pretend. It’s hard to keep the volume turned down when you have Carter Smith, the returning state champion, and state qualifiers Wyatt Kauffman and Reece Cubbison back at the front of the pack.

That’s not a trio as much as a pace-setting engine, honed by a year-round schedule that has become its own kind of ritual.

Monroe doesn’t mince words: “That buzz isn’t happening by accident. Those three trained together year-round and made an intentional jump in performance every month last year.

It’s hard not to get excited looking at what could happen next for them.”

Every successful team has its chemistry, its internal code.

For Mifflin County, leadership runs right alongside talent.

“What is cool is they set themselves apart as leaders too, and they were easy choices for program captains,” Monroe said. “They stay pretty grounded through it all, and that is great because we like quiet confidence.”

­Lewistown, PA—19

The Sentinel

This isn’t the kind of group that pounds its chest. They don’t need to. They’ve learned the real noise gets made on the hills, in the last half-mile, when the crowd’s roar gives way to the sound of one’s breathing.

Cross country seasons never play out as neatly as a lineup card. There’s always the question of who might rise—who might surprise.

“There seems to be wildcards every year. It is tough to predict, but I am excited about the potential for Max Zajac-Bargas, Connor Lynch, Zaiden Dashem, and Trevan Diven,” Monroe said.

No guarantees, only possibilities. Sometimes it’s the newcomer who’s figured something out over the summer, or the quiet sophomore who runs with a new confidence. And every now and then, a runner from another event, like Michael McNitt, who used cross country to build his base before winning the District 6 300M hurdle championship, reminds everyone how far a little extra grit can go.

But what does ambition look like for this program right now? Monroe isn’t showing his cards. “I’m holding cards closer to the chest this season.

The boys met at the start of summer and got everything out

Trojans

Continued from Page 17

Claysburg will all be teams that you better play good football against. Moshannon Valley has everyone back this season.

North Berlin and Meyersdale along with Northern Bedford will be fighting for the top spot and the ICC as a whole is very competitive.

The Trojans team goals are

on the table about what they wanted to accomplish. I have my hopes, but at the end of the day, they are driving and I am steering.”

That’s a coach who’s seen enough to know success isn’t handed down from a clipboard. It gets built one honest mile at a time by athletes who know where they want to go.

The road, though, doesn’t get any easier. In the MidPenn, every week is a new test—new faces, new teams, and no shortage of freshmen who might redraw the pecking order with a single breakout race.

“We face good competition in the Mid-Penn. You never know what freshmen are entering the conversation, either.

It is really helpful, though, to face some of these teams during the regular season so we know what is coming later in October,” Monroe points out. The league offers no shortcuts. If you want to be relevant in late fall, you have to survive the gauntlet in September.

Yet, the bones of a great season are here, the kind that can be felt in the way a group lingers after practice, or the way captains talk about the work instead of the results. Depth, yes, and talent, certainly. But the real story is in the way this group leans on each other, in the same as last season and that is to challenge for the ICC title and get to the District 6 playoffs and beyond.

“My goals are a little different,” said Brumbaugh. “We have new kids and are young in spots with learning to do. If we work hard and become fundamentally sound, that will make us competitive every time we take the field. It all depends on how quickly we are acclimated to our system and learn the

the way new runners are welcomed and old hands teach by example. It’s the alchemy that a stopwatch can’t measure but shows up in the final team huddle before the gun.

Behind the scenes, Monroe isn’t alone. “I’m incredibly grateful to have Greg Loht, Dan Palopoli, Kristin Kauffman, Issac Hallock, Justin Whitenight, Beth Whitenight, Caden Bell, and Matthew Debenedetto helping me this year. It takes a village!” At every practice and every meet, there’s a network of support— many hands making the hard work lighter, many voices reminding the boys to believe in the process.

So, what can be expected? The only honest answer is this: when a team returns a state champion, two state qualifiers, and brings 19 to the starting line, and listens more than it talks, you pay attention.

Somewhere along a course this fall, someone will ask if this group is for real. The answer, as always, will arrive not in a headline, but in the final surge toward the finish—when the only thing left is what’s been earned. And if years past are any clue, these boys won’t be caught looking over their shoulders. They’ll be too busy racing into the future.

Success

Continued from Page 15

state last year. So she wants to improve off that and maybe finish in the top five.”

The veteran coach will also be looking at teammate Hannah Zeiders for big things as the season nears.

“We have Hannah Zeiders who is working hard and putting in the mileage,” said Miller. “She’s done everything I’ve asked of her all summer. We are working hard at getting her to states this year.”

“It will be really hard to beat Central Cambria as a team but we are trying to get some individuals like Sylvia and maybe Carolyn Heidenreich and Hannah.So that’s our main focus there. Carolyn is a huge talent. She is probably as gifted as Sylvia but she juggles soccer and cross country so it’s a real challenge for her.”

Miller also talked about the future of the program.

It will be a while but we have a seventh grader who was a manager last year. He ran with Sprecher in youth track. He’s a really, really nice kid. His name is Evan Yackey.

The high school kids treat him like a little brother. He’s tough and he puts in the work. He’s the future.

Strengths for this year’s squad is in the hands of their veterans.

“One of our strengths is Coy Kerstetter being there the last two years and seeing how the team won fundamentals. We will take a districts two years in a row,” said week-by-week approach and see how we come out of preseason drills. This will determine how we move forward.”

Miller. “Maybe he can help get some of the kids get them hungrier and try to work as a team to win another district championship.

For the most part my kids are very reliable. They show up everyday and do the work. So that’s definitely our main strength there. “ Weakness for this year’s Juniata squad comes in its team size.

“We don’t have a lot of depth especially on the boys side or the girls,” said Miller. “We are trying to get some of the kids that weren’t there in the summer to get caught up.”

The goals Miller has set for his team revolve around their individual talents.

“I’d like to see as individuals that Sylvia will definitely repeat again as district champion and move up and place in states,” said Miller. “Also we want to get Carolyn and Hannah to make states possible. They were close last year with their times. Maybe get someone as well as Coy to the state championships and place as high as we can as a team. We want to see where we’ve been and where we want to go for the future.”

Two teams look very tough on the Indians schedule this season “At district level for the boys it will be Central Cambria and same on the girls side. Bellefonte’s always pretty good,” said Miller.

“They always give us a good push on the boys side.”

Juniata cross country Coach: Jeff Miller Assistants: Shari Miller League: Tri-Valley League

Mid-State 55232

20—Lewistown, PA

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

The Sentinel

MT. UNION CROSS COUNTRY/EAST JUNIATA GOLF

Mt. Union boys want to repeat with girls XC roster thin

BY DENNY SROKA Sports correspondent

MT. UNION — The Mount Union cross country team does not have great numbers, but the boys squad is ready to defend their ICC title this season. The girls’ numbers continue to be slim but the girls coming back are strong runners and will be competitive individually again in the fall.

The Trojans have 12 team members on the roster with nine Sentinel photo by SAM BAUMGARDNER boys and three girls, which inPictured is the Mt. Union cross country team, front row, from left, Landon Williams, Miriam Shugarts, Tyler Skop- cludes eight returning letter winic, Oscar James. ners from last year. The boys Back row, coach Bob Wydock, Evan Yakymac, Kamden Beatty, Anthony Cook, Dorian Loner, assistant coach have four seniors, four juniors Trisha Grove. Missing from photo: assistant coach Casey Hanlon, Brooke Emery Kurtz, Jacik Hess, Rowan Hart- and a sophomore. The girls have man, Daniel Hartman, Vada Banks. one junior, a sophomore and a freshman.

The Trojans lost two scorers to graduation this spring with Ethan Fisher, a strong runner that

BY ANTHONY FIUZA scored most of the season. Aiden Sentinel sports editor Grove was a stellar runner that afiuza@lewistownsentinel.com kept the pressure on the top scorers with good times and scored as COCOLAMUS — After a sub-.500 season in 2024, East Juwell. Over the last four years the niata golf is teeing off this year with district play in mind.

Trojan boys were 42-2.

“We are hoping to get back to district play this year. We didn’t

EJ golf tees off

make it last year with our 8-10 record. We have a good shot at making it this year as I believe we can be .500 or better. I’d love to get a few individuals through to the individual district tournament as well, and I believe the talent is there for that to happen,” Tigers head coach Mike Zendt said.

EJ is bringing a younger type of team to the links this season.

“I have a young team this year. Camden Feltman and Ian Druckenmiller are juniors that are potential leaders of the team.

Daulton Misal and Chloe Swartz are seniors who have been on the team for four years and both have worked very hard at getting Sentinel photo by STACY SNYDER better over the years,” the EJ coach noted.

Pictured is the East Juniata golf team, front row, from left, Clay SnyZendt highlighted that the Tigers’ strength is their younger der, Connor Newton, Bryson Watton, Jeremiah Armstrong. depth.

Middle row, Cohen Apple, Colton Bassler, Nehemiah Nerhood, “Our youth is our strength. We have some real good freshmen Quinton Bailey, Easton Hackenberg. and sophomores on the team this year. They are quickly Back row, Ransom Nerhood, Daulton Misal, Camden Feltman, Zane See Zendt/ Page 21

Liddington, Landon Shellenberger, Ian Druckenmiller, Chloe Swartz.

Bob Wydock will be starting his 29th season leading the cross country team, posting an 11-0 record on the boys side and the girls finished the season with a 4-7 mark last fall. Assisting Wydock again this season is Casey Hanlon in his 22nd season along with Trish Grove. Brooke Emery will be a volunteer again in her seventh season.

The Trojans came into practice this fall changing up the different routes in workouts and adding a run with more hills. That will better prepare the Trojans for a course like at Southern Fulton.

“The team has come into the preseason determined and working very hard to get ready for the upcoming season,” said Wydock.

“The team is showing an excellent work ethic and working hard on conditioning. The work on the Nebo Road run with the hills will also improve overall times.”

Hanlon is working with the junior high as well and they will become more focused when school is in session with the athletes at See Runners/ Page 21

Good Luck To All Area Athletes!

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Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

Talent

Continued from Page 13

“Our whole senior class will be looked upon for leadership,” said Paden. “They have all been staples throughout their past 3 years, it is great to have a group like them that has been around since 7th grade. They know the expectations and have the experience to support us going forward.”

Quality not quantity will be the key strength the girls will bring into the season.

“Our experience will certainly be a big help. While we don’t have a huge team number wise, what we lack in quantity we certainly make up for in quality on and off the field,” said Paden. “This group of girls has always been great to coach.

They work hard and are willing

Runners

Continued from Page 20

school on the day of practice. Wydock expects about six athletes to work out at the junior high level.

They will compete on the day of the varsity meet and score against teams that have a junior high team.

Six boys are returning letter winners with senior Kam Beatty expected to improve and could end up in the second or third spot in scoring.

Senior Evan Yakymac is a hard-working runner that ran in the five-spot last season and is looking to improve on his times this season.

Senior Jacik Hess is expected to move up the ladder in scoring working hard on times and doubling up playing soccer.

Rowan McClain-Hartman is a senior expected to improve on times as the season moves along

­Lewistown, PA—21

The Sentinel

FALL SPORTS 2025 to learn. They are always asking questions about the game and how to improve as players.

As a coach there isn’t much more I could ask for.”

And their weaknesses are?

“As I said, we don’t have a huge team. So making sure the girls are in good shape to be able to play lots of minutes will be important,” said Paden.

The goal for this season is to get to the title tilt and come out with a championship nod.

“One goal we have had for years is to win a district championship,” said Paden. “This year it is no different.”

Paden sees their entire schedule as challenges in the upcoming season.

“We kick off with a tough scrimmage with Shikellamy.

Who has had nice runs in triple A states in the last few years,” said Paden. “The league has and get into scoring position.

Junior Oscar James was a top runner last season and could find himself in the number one runner position with continued effort and hard work.

Dorian Loner is a junior that is at the top of the chart and working hard to compete for the top runner’s position.

Anthony Cook is an up-andcoming runner. He is a junior and is pushing the top runners working hard to get into the scoring position.

The girls have two letterwinners coming back with junior Vada Banks expected to return to form and lead the way for the girls as she did last season.

Sophomore Miriam Shugarts continues to improve with her excellent work ethic. Shugarts is a good athlete and works hard every time out.

“Southern Fulton and Windber are two teams that we need to be ready for this season,” added Wydock. “We beat Southern Fulton

been competitive the past few seasons. So, all our league games should be good competition. Then we have some tough non-conference games in Camp Hill, West Perry and Midd-West. Tough schedule, but at the end of the day playing good teams just makes us better and gets us ready for the end of

Zendt

Continued from Page 20

emerging as the leaders of the team in terms of performance on the golf course,” Zendt added.

“We had a lot of experience on the team last year and really didn’t take advantage of that. I’m hopeful that the experience these freshmen and sophomores are gaining this year will make

Title

Continued from Page 14

”I think the depth of the roster will be a strength this year,” said Byler.

“We are currently trying to Juniata girls soccer figure out who will replace the Coach: Garrick Paden several starters we lost to gradAssistants: Josie Swartz, El- uation, Byler responded when asked about a team weakness they lie Shepps and Laresa Paden are working on before the season League: Tri-Valley League started.

As of press time, no particular 2024 record: 10-9-1 the season.”

by one point here (Mt. Union) last season and we go to their course this season. “ Wydock discussed Mt. Union’s overall goals for 2025.

“The team goals are the same with the desire to repeat as ICC champions on the boys side and everyone wants to get to the District 6 level.”

The Trojans will open the season at the Indian Valley Elementary School, running in the Big Valley Invitational on Aug. 30.

Trojans roster 2025 Boys, Seniors: Kam Beatty *; Evan Yakamac *; Jacik Hess *; Rowan McClain-Hartman*.

Juniors: Oscar James *; Dorian Loner *; Anthony Cook; Daniel Hartman.

Sophomores: Landon Williams 7th grade: Tyler Skopic Girls, Juniors: Vada Banks *.

Sophomore: Miriam Shugarts *.

us much better in the next few years.”

EJ has tough foes in the TVL again this season.

“St. Joseph’s will be the clear favorite in our league. We will be in contention with Newport and Millersburg for most of the season,” Zendt said.

With a successful campaign in mind, the Tiger golfers put the work in over the offseason.

goals have been set.

“The goals for the year have not yet been determined and won’t be formulated until we finish our preseason and scrimmages,” said Byler.

The schedule for this year’s Indians are looking as strong as ever.

“The entire Tri-Valley League is always difficult to navigate and each team poses a challenge in their own respective right, which is why we enjoy being in our

Y��� G�r��� � � � t e H�� C�n���

“I’ve seen a lot of the freshmen out

on the course over the summer. I stress

every year at the end of the season to

make sure you get out and play over the

summer. They have taken that to heart

and really worked over the summer to

get better and will hopefully be playing their best golf when we need them,” Zendt added.

league,” said Byler. “Our nonleague schedule includes several district tournament qualifying schools and at least one district champion from both district four and six and will provide another great challenge for the boys this year.”

Juniata boys soccer Coach: Jared Byler Assistants: Levi Harper, Johnny Dessin, Barrett Walters League: Tri-Valley League 2024 record: 17-7 overall

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The Sentinel

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

MIDD-WEST GOLF Midd-West field hockey

Midd-West golf

9/3 at Shikellamy 3:30 p.m.

8/27 at East Juniata 4:30 p.m.

9/10 vs Jersey Shore 8/30 vs Warrior Run 3:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

9/15 at Central Mtn. 9/4 at Lewisburg 3:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

9/17 vs Selinsgrove 3:30 p.m.

9/9 vs Danville 7 p.m.

9/23 at Montoursville 9/11 vs Mifflinburg 3:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

Belleville Christian boys soccer 9/16 at Selinsgrove 7 p.m.

8/28 at Johnstown 9/18 vs Shikellamy Christian TBA 9/2 vs Grace Prep 7 p.m.

4 p.m.

Sentinel photo by SAM BAUMGARDNER 9/22 vs Line Mtn. 9/9 vs Juniata Pictured is the Midd-West golf team, front row, from left, Violet Garrot, Ben Bowersox, Rodney Heim, Cameron 7 p.m.

Christian 5 p.m.

Swineford, Westin Kuhns, Jayden White, Cole Musser, Gavin Berkheimer.

9/24 vs Muncy 7 p.m.

Back row, Brady Gunkle, Calvin Beaver, Spencer Beachel, River Knepp, Marshall Aurand, Weston Shultz, Riley 9/12 vs Norry Christian Sankey, Ean Walter.

9/26 at Milton 4 p.m. 5:15 p.m.

Missing from photo: Henry Oak. Lewisburg 9/15 at Meadowbrook 4 p.m.

9/16 vs Columbia County 5:15 p.m.

10/2 at Danville 7 p.m.

Rounding out the rosKuhns will be by far the Course in Middleburg on 9/19 vs Walnut St.

BY GREG WILLIAMS ter are junior Spencer most experienced Mustang Aug. 13.

10/4 at Northwest 5:15 p.m.

Sentinel reporter Freshman River Knepp Beachel, sophomore Henon the fairways this fall. A 11 a.m. three-year letterwinner to stole the show by shoot- ry Hoke and freshmen 9/22 vs Johnstown gwilliams@lewistownsentinel.com date, Kuhns was the lone ing a 38, with sophomore Marshall Aurand, Gavin 10/6 at Mifflinburg Christian 4 p.m. upperclassman to start in Brady Gunkle at 46, fresh- Berkheimer and Violet 4 p.m.

MIDDLEBURG – That 9/23 at Grace Prep first Midd-West’s opening quad man Calvin Beaver at 47, Garrote. day of fall practice With 17 golfers out this meet with East Juniata, freshman Cole Musser at 10/8 vs Selinsgrove 3:30 p.m. on the links was more like fall, and with the 10 fresh48 and Kuhns and freshMillersburg and Newport, 7 p.m. meet and greet for the 9/26 at Centre County aMidd-West men, the Mustang program man Riley Sankey both of the Tri-Valley League.

Mustangs. seems on solid ground for “He’s normally very lev- posting 57s.

10/13 at Shikellamy 5 p.m.

With 10 new faces – all years to come. el-headed,” Beward said Beward was certainly 7 p.m.

9/30 vs Meadowbrook freshmen, Midd-West head of Kuhn’s golf pedigree. pleased with his young “We’ve had our ups and coach Brian Beward had downs with numbers,” 10/14 at Bloomsburg 4:30 p.m. plenty of introductions to “He’s a thinker on the golf team’s performance on the Beward said. “When you 6 p.m. course, and he doesn’t beat links.

10/3 at Norry Christian make and names to learn. himself. He plays to his “We have a really, really getas many freshmen as “It was a learning prowe have, it makes the num10/16 vs Susquenita 5:15 p.m. cess at the start to meet strengths. He doesn’t put young team when it comes bers nice, and it gives us a 7 p.m. up a lot of big numbers, but to experience in a high 10/4 vs Southern each ones, with the rekeeps the ball in play.” school setting,” he added. lot to work on with them Huntingdon 11:15 a.m. turning players and all of heBesides Kuhns, Beward “But we have a lot of kids going forward. They are 9/29 vs 7 p.m.

Mustangs bring 10 new faces to the links

the new ones coming in,”

definitely a group that is

a lineup of one who are putting in a lot of 10/7 at Juniata Chris- explained Beward, who is fielded willing to learn. sophomore and four fresh- time to get better.” entering his 19th year at tian 5 p.m.

“Golf can be a frustratmen.

While there will be Freshman Ean Walter the helm.

10/9 vs Huntingdon ing sport at times,” Beward “But they’re blending ups and downs during the is also in the mix to play 4 p.m. added. “They just have to very well. (Senior captain) long season, so far, so good. in matches, along with se-

stay positive – and that’s

10/10 at Columbia Westin (Kuhns) gets along The Mustangs rang up a nior Jayden White, juniors part of it. And try to stay at with everybody, and he’s match-best 179 to edge East Ben Bowersox and Weston County TBA an even keel.” done a great job blending Juniata (187), Millersburg Schultz and freshmen Rod-

10/14 vs Forbes Road the young kids in with the (190) and Newport (194) ney Heim and Cameron older kids.” at Shade Mountain Golf Swineford.

4 p.m.

See Mustangs/ Page 23

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

­Lewistown, PA—23

The Sentinel

MIFFLIN COUNTY GOLF

Mifflin County golf eyes growth and grit in the Mid-Penn chase

BY BRIAN CARSON Sentinel reporter

bcarson@ lewistownsentinel.com LEWISTOWN – Every fall, when the fairways of Lewistown surrender their green to the scuff of golf shoes and the wind carries a sharper edge, hope tees up again for Mifflin County.

Sixteen athletes, some seasoned, some so raw they’re still learning to navigate the hazards, will scatter across the MidPenn Keystone’s courses, carrying clubs and the unspoken weight of tradition.

For them, a new season is less a blank slate and more a fresh scorecard: windcreased, grass-stained, and not yet marred by triple bogeys.

September is always about possibility. The Huskies’ 33-13 overall record last year (30-12 in the division) is not some dusty sta-

Mustangs Continued from Page 22

tistic for the archives but the echo of a team that’s discovered how to compete and occasionally surprise.

Yet this season, the echoes are quieter. Four key contributors—Jaccob Bauman, Jace Rishel, District 6 qualifier Jackson Flood, and two-time MidPenn Keystone All-Star Colby Seiler—have traded their high school polos for post-graduation plans.

Their departure leaves not so much holes as open spaces, inviting question marks.

So, who fills those spaces? Who steps up when the pressure of a three-foot putt for par can feel like the weight of the world, at least for an afternoon? If you ask Coach Aaron Bubb, a steady hand steering the program, you’ll hear the same names repeated with the hopeful confidence coaches everywhere rely on when reality and optimism are forced into the same

foursome.

“We only have three returning players with match experience, so we are going to rely heavily on them.

Those three players are Evan Breon, Caleb Bubb, and Jude Zook.”

Each has match experience, which in this game is worth more than a perfect swing in practice.

Quinn Parson, too, joins that group—last year a bystander, this year asked to become a leader. “Quinn Parson is also a returning player from last year who didn’t get match experience, but we will be looking to step in and help lead this year,” Bubb said.

On the girls side, Lily Breon and Emma Norman return. They have their eyes not only on improvement but on the postseason—a word that means as much in golf as it does anywhere else.

See Chase/ Page 30

of returning seniors. It will be a pretty strong conference.”

And where could Midd-West’s fortunes land? The Mustangs would finish somewhere in the middle of the eight-team race.

“It’s one of those things that I want us to get better throughout the year and finish as a better team than when we did to start the year,” Beward said. “That’s our biggest goal.”

Rounding out the PHAC are Shamokin, Danville and Shikellamy.

At 3-7 last year, including 2-6 in the Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference Division 1, Beward knows it could be rough sailing ahead of his young golfers.

“There’s a lot of really good teams there,” he explained of the PHAC, which has Central Mountain as its reigning champion.

Jersey Shore, which Beward said has Midd-West golf “solid kids at the top of its lineup,” should District 4 Class 3-A also be in the title hunt, along with SelinsLast year: 3-7 overall, 2-6 PHAC Divigrove, which has “a solid group of seniors sion 1 and juniors returning.”

Coaches: head coach Brian Beward, The Mustang coach also expects Williamsport to contend with their “bunch 19th year; and assistant coach Matt Dietz.

Sentinel photo by MSP STUDIOS

Pictured is the Mifflin County golf team, front row, from left, Aaron, Nolan Hoar, Jaxon Parkes, Adeline Logan, Braylen Kepner, Emma Norman, Bentley Mays, Evan Breon, Lillian Breon, Jordan.

Second row, Thad Gerwick, Chase Krepps, Quinn Parson, Caleb Bubb, Noah Hower, Tyler Williams, Jude Zook, Raul Rodriguez.

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The Sentinel

MIDD-WEST CROSS COUNTRY

Mustang cross country brings plenty of varsity experience for cross country.

BY GREG WILLIAMS Sophomore Lyncoln HoffSentinel reporter man is also making the trangwilliams@lewistownsentisition from soccer to cross nel.com country. “A week before our MIDDLEBURG – The preseason started, I got a mesMidd-West Mustangs have sage from him that he wanted experienced their share of suc- to try cross country,” Hummel cess of the years. But when it said. “He ran track and he was comes to having that full stable part of the New Balance nationof Mustangs, fourth-year head al team in the 4x800. He was coach Jen Hummel has always the lone freshman; I think he found herself a few legs short. will do very well.

“If he can stay healthy, I Not this season. think he will be a surprise to a For the first time under lot of schools,” Hummel added.

Hummel’s watchful eye, both Rounding out the boys side the Midd-West boys and girls are sophomores Wyatt Shercross country teams will fill out man and Lane Yount, who ran their varsity slots. last year as freshmen.

“Both “We’ve never had seven are stronger than they were last guys competing,” Hummel year,” Hummel said. said. “So, in a sense we have a The Midd-West girls have full roster. We had six guys last eight runners out this fall, douyear, but one was injured so we bling the program’s numbers really had five.” from a year ago. “This is the The Mustangs must move first time in a while that we’ll on from losing Ben Hummel, be able to score,” Hummel addwho graduated last spring as a ed. two-time PIAA Championship There’s also a clear-cut qualifier and is now running at leader for the girls in junior Division II Shippensburg UniAshlyn Hoffman. “She just versity. keeps improving each year, Midd-West will turn to segetting stronger and stronger,” nior, Ian Hall. “He is the lone explained Hummel of her resenior for both the boys and turnee. girls,” Hummel added. “We The Mustangs will also will need the leadership and encount on junior Kylie Shaffer, couragement he provides.” who has gone out for track the There are also three juniors past two years. “Kylie’s giving who have varying levels of excross country a go; it’s nice to perience. Grant Boop has been see her come out and try it,” running since seventh grade but Hummel said. has been injured the last couSix freshmen will vie for the ple of years. “We’re hoping for remaining slots: Mallory Heiman injury free year with him,” bach, Aubrey Hoover, TanzaHummel said. nia Seibel, Mia Stotz, Evelyn There’s also Ben Delong, Weiser and Zoey Williams. who is a talented runner who Five of the six – except keeps things lift in stressful Heimbach – ran in the junior situations. And Gavin Gelnett, high program so they learned who has competed in track previously but decided to come out the ropes. “We’re hoping to

Sentinel photo by SAM BAUMGARDNER

Pictured is the Midd-West cross country team, front row, from left, Ashlyn Hoffman, Evelyn Wiser, Tanzania Seibel, Mallory Heimbach, Mia Stotz, Kylie Shaffer.

Back row, Grant Boop, Ian Hall, Wyatt Sherman, Lyncoln Hoffman, Lane Wount.

Missing from photo: Zoey Williams, Aubrey Hoover, Gavin Gelnett, Ben Delong. build on that,” Hummel explained. “This is the first time we will have eight kids. The most we had previously was four, which was last year.”

Both of the boys and girls squads have similar strengths, which similar speed. “I think you’ll see us finish a lot group together,” Hummel said. “It should help us a lot to improve our scoring.”

The Mustang boys were 6-11 in the PHAC Division 1, with the girls at 5-13 in league play.

The Midd-West coach also hopes her two teams can avoid being bitten by the injury bug.

“As a coach, you never want injuries,” Hummel said. “It’s always in the back of your head. We’ve been working really hard.”

The boys have been working really hard this fall. “We really have four returnees from last year,” Hummel said. “They all have experience even though Grant couldn’t run for most of the season. I’ll think they’ll be feeding off each other.”

Hummel also believes her female runners will finish as a pack. “Ashlyn will finish first then the rest should finish closer to each other,” Hummel added.

She also hopes her young runners can weather the storm and not be frustrated early on.

“Other than injuries, it’s important that they’re sticking with it,” Hummel said. “I don’t want the kids to quit. Their first

meet is at Mifflinburg – which is a flat course – then Lock Haven – for the Bear River Run. “We’ve had kids have a lot of success there, which should See Mustangs/ Page 27

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The Sentinel

MIDD-WEST SOCCER

Mustang soccer ready to battle in tough PHAC

Submitted photo

Pictured is the Midd-West girls soccer team, front row, from left, Kaydin Bingaman, Adelyn Swope, Gracie Trawitz, Analeena Treaster, Olivia Stroup, Carly Faulhaber.

Middle row, Carly Steininger, Ava Aitkins, Bella Knepp, Evelyn Holler, Macie Tittle, Addison Maust, Ireland McCarty, Lily Knepp, Madison Knepp.

Back row, Maddie Bonsall, Emery Peters, Nittany Weaver, Addison Yerg, Maya Zechman, Mai-Li Flather, Cadence Wolfe.

Five seniors, Ferster fuel Mustangs entering 2025 soccer season

BY GREG WILLIAMS Sentinel reporter gwilliams@lewistownsentinel.com MIDDLEBURG – Mark Ferster kicks around a coaching philosophy that’s as simple as the game of soccer itself.

In a sport where success depends on a team’s ability to kick in a ball in a goal more times than their opponent, the veteran MiddWest head coach relies on skill, determination and fitness to develop a winning culture.

“In the end, if we’re playing Midd-West soccer, we will be in the hunt,” said Ferster, who is entering his seventh season at the helm of the Mustangs and 22nd

with the program.

In 2024, Midd-West finished 15-4-2 overall and 5-1-2 in the Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference Division 2 standings.

“We have a senior-led team, and those are the guys who I expect to step up,” Ferster said. “We’re senior driven and I want our seniors to be leaders.

“There’s not anybody on this team who can’t step up and be a leader,” Ferster added.

The Mustangs’ five seniors will be counted on to set the bar high. That includes Gavin Aucker, Wyatt Nelson, Connor Stoltzfus, Nathan Straub and Alex Trojan. Four of the five – except Aucker – can play in either the midfield

or as forwards. Aucker is a defender.

A large contingent of juniors includes Brett Bickhart, Trey Dressler, Ace Kidd, Gabe Romig, Jacob Sellers and Layden Swinehart, who are all defenders. Bickhart, Romig and Swinehart could also play in the midfield, along with Evan Devine, Nathan Horst and Derek Keister.

Horst might also see time at forward.

Sophomores competing for time are Parker Eppley and Prospero Matthews, who are both midfielders and forwards; Wyatt Portzline, a midfielder; Landon Reid, a defender; Derek Wert, a goalkeeper; and Jackson Wray, a midfielder.

Rounding out the squad

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BY GREG WILLIAMS “Last season was viewed a Sentinel reporter preseason for the 2025 camgwilliams@lewistownsentipaign,” Knepp explained. nel.com MIDDLEBURG – Zach “When comparing the summer Knepp’s first rodeo as head and preseason from 2024 and coach of the Midd-West Mus- 2025, I’m very happy in the tangs was a bit of a bumpy ride, difference and feel we are a lot better prepared mentally to much like a bucking bronco.

The Mustangs finished 5-12- complete with the tough sched1 overall, including a 3-5 mark ule we have to play in PHAC 1 in the Pennsylvania Heartland and PHAC crossovers.”

Knepp is hoping to ride the Athletic Conference Division 1 standings. To Knepp’s defense, talents of four seniors to a suche inherited a team with only cessful campaign. The four are: one returning start from the Olivia Stroup, defender; Maci Tittle, goalkeeper and forward; previous season.

“That team also only won Gracie Trawitz, midfielder and one PHAC-2 league game,” defender; and Analeena TreastKnepp said. “We were defi- er, defender.

“I think our senior class this nitely the most inexperienced team in the area last year and season will make or break us,” Knepp said. “If they can stay it showed.”

This season, Knepp and his healthy, be good leaders and do staff are enjoying an embar- what is best for the team they rassment of riches as the Mus- will be able to leave a good tangs return nine starters and mark on the girls program at Midd-West. I tell each player expect gallop few by steps Call,toclick or astop today their goal should be to leave the forward.

Especially now that they See Soccer/ Page 27 have a year under this team’s

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The Sentinel

MIDD-WEST SOCCER

Sentinel photo by SAM BAUMGARDNER

Pictured is the Midd-West boys soccer team, front row, from left, Landon Keister, Evan Devine, Derek Wert, Gavin Aucker, Gabe Romig, Abram Sellers, Derek Keister, Nathan Horst, Layden Swinehart, Brett Bickhart, Max Trawitz, Drake Grohowski.

Back row, Oakley Phillips, Gabe Aucker, Wyatt Portzline, Trey Dressler, Wyatt Nelson, Nathan Straud, Jacob Sellers, Landon Reid, Alex Trojan, Ace Kidd, Parker Eppley, Jackson Wray, Connor Stoltzfus.

Missing from photo: Prospero Matthews.

Midd-West

in past years. I think right now we’ll be in the hunt of it.”

Rounding out the nineteam circuit are Milton, Selinsgrove, Shikellamy, Central Mountain, Danville and Jersey Shore.

Continued from Page 25

Phillips, a defender; and Abram Sellers and Max Trawitz, both defenders and midfielders.

Ferster believes the Mustangs’ camaraderie will serve them well this season.

“There’s just something special about us,” he explained. “Our bond is strong. We consider ourselves as more than just a team; we’re more of a family. I love that family-like environment that we have created with each other.”

Obviously, putting the ball in the goal is a skill, which hopes his squad is determined to do. And their fitness will help them outlast the competition.

“All these things we hope will lead these boys to where they hope to get to,” Ferster said.

“My hope is that these

boys realize their abilities, and it will bring them together to play,” Ferster added.

Last year, those talents put the Mustangs on the cusp of a PHAC Division 2 crown. Midd-West finished just behind 7-0-1 Lewisburg at the top of the standings.

Midd-West edged out 5-3 Williamsport for second in another close finish.

Ferster expects another tough road this season.

“Lewisburg is always a quality club,” Ferster said.

“Central Columbia’s going to be decent as they have

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Midd-West lost 2-1 to Lewisburg in the District 4 Class 2-A final then, in its PIAA opener, the Mustangs dropped a 9-0 decision to eventual state champ Northwestern Lehigh.

Midd-West boys soccer District 4 Class 2-A Last year: 15-4-2 overall, 5-1-2 PHAC Division 1 Coaches: head coach Mark Ferster, 7th year; assistant coach Kennan Dietz; and volunteer coaches Jake Keister, Devin Polek and Cole Keister.

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The Sentinel

MIDD-WEST FIELD HOCKEY

Lyndee Harro enters first season guiding Mustangs

BY GREG WILLIAMS Sentinel reporter gwilliams@lewistownsentinel.com MIDDLEBURG – There might be some new faces in new places on the MiddSentinel photo by SAM BAUMGARDNER West field hockey team this season, but Lyndee Harro Pictured is the Midd-West field hockey team, front row, from left, Melissa Sheaffer, Heidi Wagner, Veda Trego, expects the Mustangs to Natalie Sheaffer, Audrey Resseguie, Adyson Gennaria, Caitryn Gabel, Kylie Brown, Maesyn Franquet, Viola Mur- be in a old, familiar place phy, Alaina Brower, Sydney Jordan.

– near the top of the PennBack row, Rieley Skiles, Katie Zimmerman, Emma Wagner, Madison DeLong, Maura Aurand, Kinzee Batdorf, Ta- sylvania Heartland Athletmiah Fegley, Sabrina Fegley, Brooklyn Leister, Caylynn Hoffman, Kina Aiglar, Payton Zechman, Makaley McCoy. ic Conference Division 1 standings.

Soccer

Continued from Page 25

program better than when they got here.”

The foursome will mostly impact the Mustangs on the defensive side as Stroup, Trawitz and Treaster will see most of their time on our back line.

Tittle was an honorable mentioned keeper last year after she volunteered to give it a try after our starting keeper quit right before the season started, Knepp said. “She did a great job for us and will likely see time at both keeper and forward,” he added. “She is truly a team player. I wish everyone had her heart and attitude.”

A strong group of juniors will provide Midd-West with on-field leaders and experience.

Bella Knepp is a two-time allPHAC defender, who is able to join the offense when needed and ranked second in our team in points last season.

Another junior, Ava Aitkins,

was an all-star midfielder last year and led the Mustangs in assists. “She’ll need to be more of a goal scorer this year, if we are going to win games,” Knepp said.

Sophomore Emery Peters was Midd-West’s leading goal scorer last year and garnered all-star honors at forward. “She had a great preseason and I expect her to continue to grow,” Knepp added.

The other sophomore MiddWest will count on is Maddie Bonsall. Last year, she played outside back out of necessity and struggled at times, Knepp said. “This year she came into camp a lot stronger and faster.

She’ll be playing in the midfield and should play big minutes.”

Freshman Carly Steininger also had a great preseason and shows she belongs on varsity on an outside as a midfielder or forward, Knepp explained. The other freshman who will see varsity time is Addison Maust, who is competing for time between the pipes, but will also

likely play offense.

Rounding out the roster are juniors Carly Faulhaber, defender; Evelyn Holler, goalkeeper; Nittany Weaver, midfielder; Caedence Wolfe, midfielder; Addison Yerg, forward and defender; and Maya Zechman, defender.

Sophomores vying for time include Kaydin Bingman, midfielder and forward; Mai-li Flather, midfielder; Lily Knepp, forward; Madison Knepp, forward; and Ireland McCarty, midfielder.

Adelyn Swope, a defender, is the other freshman on the Mustang roster.

“Last year we had small numbers and some games only played 12-13 players. This year our roster is still small, but we have a few more that will give us varsity minutes. If we can stay healthy, I think we can play some respectable soccer.”

Knepp hopes the Mustangs get off to a better start than last season when they dropped their first four contests, getting shutout in the first three and being

outscored 18-1.

A victory over Central Mountain sparked a two-game winning streak, but six consecutive losses followed. MiddWest ended the season with three wins and a tie in its final six games.

Knepp would like to see the Mustangs compete with the best in the 10-team PHAC Division 1 circuit, which includes Central Columbia, Central Mountain, Danville, Jersey Shore, Mifflinburg, Selinsgrove, Shamokin, Shikellamy and Williamsport.

Central Columbia, who went undefeated in conference play, enters the season as the defending Division I champion.

Midd-West girls soccer District 4 Class 2-A Last year: 5-12-1 overall, 3-5 PHAC Division 1 Coaches: head coach Zach Knepp, 2nd year; assistant coach Lori Goodling; and volunteer coaches Gina Ferriero and Claire Steininger.

Mustangs Continued from Page 24

Harro is in her first year as the head coach of the Midd-West program, which is coming off a successful 12-8-1 campaign, including 6-4 in the PHAC. Despite the usual turnover, which also includes a new head coach, Harro expects the Mustangs to finish near the top of the standings.

See Harro/ Page 28

Division 1 circuit, with the likes of Central Mountain, Danville, Jersey Shore, Milton, Montoursville, Selinsgrove, Shikellamy, Williamsport.

Williamsport is the defending boys champion, while Selinsgrove ruled the girls side.

Midd-West finished ninth on the boys side at the league meet and 13th on the girls.

build their confidence for the rest of the season,” Hummel added.

The transition from a 2.1mile course in junior high to a 3.1- mile course in the high school ranks can also be challenging.

“Once they learn how to run Midd-West cross country that varsity race, it’s going to District 4 Class 2A get better if they stick with it,” Last year: boys 6-11 PHAC Hummel said. “”It’s just a matter of keeping the kids excited Division 1; girls 5-13 in PHAC and having them want to keep Division 1 Coaches: head coach Jen going.”

There are 10 teams in the Hummel, 4th year.

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Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

The Sentinel

JUNIATA CHRISTIAN SOCCER

Sellers helping Lady Lions

Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS Pictured is the Juniata Christian girls soccer team, front row, from left, Jocelyn Sieber, Nora Weller, Evelia Duncan, Brooklynn Bilger, Jordyn Lauver, Lydia Sellers, Juliet Beatty.

Second row, Kara Moyer, Annika Meren, Emma Martin, Jasmin Hunter, Aurora Weller.

Third row, Nicole Lara, Ava Hoover, Irene Peachey, Aspen Hoffman, Nellen Hair, Rachel Hoover.

Harro

Continued from Page 27

“I think the PHAC has some great competition and skilled teams,” Harro said. “With hard work and our dedication, I think we will stand right with them.”

Midd-West graduated leading goal scorer Abigail Benner, who netted a teambest 22 goals and tied for the team lead with eight assists. Benner led the PHAC in scoring with 51 points.

The Mustangs return their No. 2 and 3 scorers in senior Kylie Brown and junior Maesyn Franquet.

Brown, a forward, tallied 11 goals and three assists, while Franquet, a midfielder, added 10 goals and six assists. Brown ranked 11th

in scoring, while Franquet stood 17th.

Also graduating was top playmaker Bailey McCoy, who notched eight assists.

“The team works hard and has strong dedication,” Harro added. “We still have a lot of talent returning this season including our second- and third-place scorers. We also have our midfield returners as well.”

Midd-West also graduated half of its goaltending tandem with Aleah Feltman, who went 7-4-1 in 13 starts, a 1.00 goals against average and four shutouts. Junior Reiley Skiles returns after a 5-4 season with 10 starts, a 1.70 GAA and one shutout.

“We’re excited to see how these underclassmen step up to fill in some key roles,” Harro explained.

Besides Brown, the Mustangs welcome back senior Maura Aurand to the backfield; Syndey Jordan, a midfielder and back; Kinzee Batdorf, Adyson Genneria, Brooklyn Leister and Emma Wagner, all backs; and Madison DeLong, Tamiah Fegley and Payton Zechman, who are all forwards.

The juniors out this fall are: Skiles and Sabrina Fegley, a midfielder.

Makaley McCoy, who plays back, is one of the sophomores on the roster, along with Kina Aigler and Viola Murphy, both midfielders and backs; Alaina Brower, Caylynn Hoffman and Audrey Resseguie, all forwards; and midfielder; and Natalie Sheaffer and Katie Zimmerman, both backs.

BY MINA PHILLIPS Sentinel reporter mphillips@lewistownsentinel.com MCALISTERVILLE— The Juniata Christian girls soccer team had a tough season last year with a record of 5-12. Under new leadership this year, the Lions hope to pull off a few more wins.

Last year the girls were coached by headman Todd Taylor and were assisted

by Katie Sellers. This year Sellers has stepped up into the head coaching role, and Katie Peachy stepped up to co-coach.

JCS is made up of six upperclassmen and 10 underclassmen this year. The six upperclassmen are expected to lead the younger group in the right direction in order to get some wins in their book.

“Our only junior, Rachel Hoover, will be a great leader for our team this year.

She consistently works

Out for the first time are freshmen: Caitryn Gabel, a goalie; Melissa Sheaffer and Veyda Trego, both forwards and midfielders; and Heidi Wagner, a forward.

In the PHAC Division 1, Mifflinburg enters the fall season as the defending field hockey champion.

Rounding out the six-team circuit Midd-West, Danville, Lewisburg, Selinsgrove and Shikellamy.

The Mustangs were blanked both times – 3-0 and 1-0 – they played Mifflinburg.

Midd-West field hockey District 4 Class 2-A Last year: 12-8-1 overall, 6-4 in PHAC Division 1 Coaches: head coach Lyndee Harro, 1st year.; assistant coach Emily Trautman; and volunteer coach Brittany Trego.

hard and has a positive attitude,” Sellers explained.

In preparation of the 2025 season, some of the girls used the offseason to work on several skills.

Sellers detailed, “We had a few girls play in a summer league in Mifflin County.

This has helped our girls tremendously with their touch on the ball and their

confidence on the field.”

The ultimate goal for every team will always be to grow on and off the field as players and as people, and to put the best effort possible into every game. The same applies for the Lions.

“This year we just want to be confident in our play See Sellers/ Page 30

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The Sentinel

MIDD-WEST VOLLEYBALL/JCS SOCCER

Mustangs seek another season of improvement

BY GREG WILLIAMS Sentinel reporter gwilliams@lewistownsentinel.com

MIDDLEBURG – If Doug Boop was a politician, the preseason interview about Midd-West Mustang volleyball would have been considered stumping for

the formation of a feeder program.

The fifth-year head coach said developing players at an earlier age is the key to competing with the likes

JCS brings 10 upperclassmen to 2025 squad

BY MINA PHILLIPS Sentinel reporter mphillips@lewistownsentinel.com MCALISTERVILLE— The Juniata Christian boys soccer team had an impressive season last year, making it all the way to the ACCA championship. With a record of 12-8-2, this year, they’ll strive for more.

The Lions are coached

by Jorge Flores de Valgaz and Nathan Neimond who co-head coach together. The team is made up of 10 upperclassmen and three underclassmen this year, each bringing something valuable to the team.

Flores explained, “We have 10 upperclassmen who bring valuable leadership and experience, along with

three underclassmen who provide energy and depth.”

With 10 upperclassmen, the Lions are expected to have many boys who will step up into a leadership role. Flores detailed, “We expect leadership from players like Julian Flores de Valgaz, Zander Neimond and Troy Hoover. They set the tone with their work ethic, accountability and ability to elevate teammates both on and off the field.”

Last year, with eight losses and two tied games, the Lions learned some valuable lessons. Taking different things away each time.

“Last season taught us the importance of finishing strong and executing consistently. We also learned that communica-

tion and preparation are key in close games,” Flores shared.

Along with lessons learned last season to prepare the Lions, many of the boys participated in summer leagues, giving them extra reps and exposure to prepare for the new season. Others have also worked together during the offseason to improve on their strength training, speed, skill development and their team bonding to prepare for the upcoming season, giving them a head start in some of the most important aspects.

“Our main goals are to build on last season, stay competitive in our conference, and most importantly, continue developing a See JCS/ Page 32

of powerhouse programs like Central Mountain and Williamsport in the rough and rugged Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference.

Sentinel photo by SAM BAUMGARDNER

Pictured is the Midd-West volleyball team, front row, from left, Addisyn Wenger, Katie Aurand, Julia Boop, Janessa Hummel, Britnee Tate, Layla Mull, Evangeline Saldana, Addyson Fisher, Hannah Leitch, Lillianah Gensel.

Back row, assistant coach Delvin Hahn, Nora Delong, Hope Wert, Chasity Proffitt, Violet Weaver, Lia Stoltzfus, Eden Trojan, Leigha Wenger, Lauren Nesbit, Izzy Walter, coach Doug Boop.

Missing from photo: Katie Aurand, Brooklyn Baker, Brianna Hohman, Leah Houtz.

“Last year, we had four wins on varsity which is proving.”

The Mustangs went 4-8 an improvement from zero to one,” Boop said. “I think a year ago, including 3-6 in we’ll be in the middle of the PHAC. the pack; everybody’s imSee Boop/ Page 32

30—Lewistown, PA

Chase

Continued from Page 23

Making it that far is rarely about talent alone. It’s about resilience, about the ability to shake off a double bogey and find your game again on the next tee.

“Lily Breon and Emma Norman [are] both looking to step up this season and make postseason play,” Bubb said, noting the quiet ambition that can be the catalyst for a breakthrough.

But this season isn’t all about the known quantities. Every team’s story features a few wild cards— golfers with potential, their scores hidden like buried treasure.

“We have several newcomers who have a shot to contribute to our scoring this year,” Bubb observes.

“Chase Krepps, Tyler Williams, Thad Gerwick, and Raul Rodriguez will all be battling for starting spots in the lineup, with a chance to contribute.”

Their contributions may be unpredictable, but unpredictability is often the secret ingredient in a team’s best runs. Some will crack under the pressure of competition; others will discover a competitive edge they didn’t know they possessed. That’s the beauty of a lineup in flux: the hunger to prove yourself can be contagious.

Let’s be honest, a program can’t keep churning

Sellers

Continued from Page 28

and continue to do the next right thing on and off the field,” Sellers added.

A team must be compatible and be able to efficiently work together in order to win games. Communication and trust are vital for a team.

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

The Sentinel

FALL SPORTS PREVIEW out 30-win seasons by accident. There’s structure here, even as the roster changes. Jordan Wise and Tre Fleck return as assistant coaches, providing steady guidance as Bubb looks to mold a young, inexperienced roster into something more than the sum of its parts.

The goal isn’t shrouded in mystery: “Our season outlook is to compete in the Mid-Penn Keystone division. Over the past four to five seasons, we have been one of the top teams in the division, and I would like to stay there. Goals for the season are to get our young and inexperienced players better prepared to have a successful season.”

And—if the golf gods are feeling generous—send a few more Huskies into postseason play. “It would be great to have several players make postseason play and set us up for continued success in the future.”

Yet you have to wonder: can experience be manufactured on a practice range, or does it only arrive in the heat of a match, when the outcome is on the line and your heart won’t stop thumping? “We’re going to rely heavily” on those with match experience, Bubb admits. That’s not a complaint, but a reality check.

In golf, as in life, there are no shortcuts to confidence.

Of course, every league has its Goliaths. In the Mid-Penn, Mechanicsburg and Palmyra loom large.

They’re the teams to beat, year after year, each representing both an obstacle and a measuring stick.

“Mechanicsburg and Palmyra,” Bubb identifies, as if naming the mountains his team must climb. It’s easy to look at the division and feel over-matched. But then, no one ever improved by playing it safe or setting their sights too low.

So what’s the proper outlook for Mifflin County?

Cautious optimism, measured by every clean drive and every up-and-down save. The season will test their patience—and ours.

It’s a slow game, this business of improvement. Every round will reveal something new: a freshman’s breakthrough, a senior’s steady influence, the unpredictable bounce of a ball off a tree root.

If you’re looking for guarantees, golf isn’t your sport. But if you believe in the value of learning, of competing, of surprising yourself, then this season promises to deliver. The Huskies may not enter as favorites, but they’re not content to be overlooked, either.

As the first tee shot arcs into the August sky, all that matters is the next swing, the next hole, the next chance to prove, again, that every season, in golf and in life, is built on the promise of possibility.

group of girls will have no problems.“We have a very positive team and they get along really well,” she explained.

The JCS girls have 15 games on the schedule, so it’s crucial that they make each game count.

“We are hoping for some wins this year. I am confident our fans will see the girls get better with each game,” Sellers explained.

The Lady Lions will face off against Northumber-

land Christian School and Meadowbrook Christian before traveling to play Grace Prep on Sept. 12.

On Sept. 22, there’s another match against Grace Prep at home. Then the JCS girls will end the season facing off against Norry (Sept. 23), Meadowbrook (Sept.

26), Johnstown (Sept. 27), DuBois (Sept.

29), Southern Huntingdon (Oct. 8) and Walnut Street (Oct. 10).

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The Sentinel

MT. UNION VOLLEYBALL Mt. Union volleyball roster

Seniors: Delaney Ronk* (opposite hitter); Tenly Huffnagle* (middle hitter); Lily Hicks* (setter); Sydney Harris*(middle/ outside hitter).

Juniors: Isabella Yocum (defensive specialist); Michaela Smoyer (setter); Aubrey Baker (outside hitter); Haley Atherton (defensive specialist).

Sophomores: Madison Eichelberger (defensive specialist); Jazzlene Inch* (middle hitter); Jaelynn Pederson (opposite hitter).

Freshmen: Harper McCormick (outside hitter); Sofie Atherton (middle hitter); Ava Turner (middle hitter); Jaylynn Corliss (opposite hitter); Na’ZySentinel photo by SAM BAUMGARDNER hia Bradshaw (outside hitter).

Pictured is the Mt. Union volleyball team, front row, from left, manager Carli Jo Kohler, Jaylynn Corliss, Michalea Smoyer, Aubrey Baker, HaCarli-Jo Kohler, team manley Atherton, Lily Hicks, Isabella Yocum, Jaelynn Pederson, Na’zyhia Bradshaw. ager.

Back row, coach Tessa McCormick, Jazzy Inch, Sydnee Harris, Tenly Huffnagle, Madison Eichelberger, Sofie Atherton, Harper McCormick, *Letterwinner Ava Turner, Delaney Ronk, assistant Matthew Sellers.

Trojans bring well-balanced roster to new volleyball season

BY DENNY SROKA Sports correspondent MT. UNION — The Mount Union volleyball team hit the floor after a season of rebuilding ready to see what the outcome of the 2025 season will bring.

The Trojans have a well-balanced roster with five letterwinners returning from last fall. The younger players had a season to get acquainted with the system and come into this season ready to improve as a team.

The Trojans roster consists of four returning letter winning seniors, four juniors, three sophomores including a letterwinner and five freshmen. The Trojans lost four seniors to graduation last season with two from the starting lineup.

Tessa McCormick will start her 21st season leading the Trojan squad. They are coming off

of a 4-16 season with the young team winning their last two outings last season. They finished 1-7 in the Inter-County Conference East Division.

Assisting McCormick this season is Matt Sellers. He is leading the junior varsity as well. The junior high squad will see Sandra Rickabaugh back at the helm for 2025.

The Trojans came into practice after a successful summer of open gym and went right to work on fundamental drills and conditioning. The girls put time in on the track, running to build stamina. Sometimes in a five-set match stamina is key to a win. “Working again on fundamentals to eliminate the ups and downs that we had last season,” said McCormick. “We want to become a more consistent team.”

The Trojans lost four seniors

to graduation and had just two returning letterwinners from last season. Graduating were Maddie Dimoff, Callie Trego, Jenna Ritchey and Lily Massey.

“We had a scrimmage against Forbes Road with the purpose of getting the team chemistry aligned,” commented Sellers.

“We also wanted to focus on positioning both on offense and defense. We were looking for areas that need work with two practices before our first match next week. We wanted to work on serving. That always needs work.”

The Trojans’ five letterwinners are expected to lead the way for the Trojans to produce an improved record over the 2025 campaign.

Senior Lily Hicks will be the Trojans setter. Last season Hicks had a good year with assists and that is expected to

continue.

Delaney Ronk is a senior opposite side hitter that came back from an injury and she is ready to help the Trojans effort this season.

Tenly Huffnagle is a senior middle hitter that continues to grow in the sport. Tenly came on and scored up front last season.

Senior Sydnee Harris can hit

from the outside or go into the middle and put points on the board. She is a good athlete with lots of fire.

Jazzlene Inch is a sophomore that is scrappy and can go into the middle and hit from the outside. She stepped up last season and gained valuable experience.

The Trojans’ goals are much the same with producing

a good record in the ICC East to get to the playoffs and then continue to the District 6 level. The team wants to hit the floor and be competitive each night and play hard.

“I’m not sure about the rest of the ICC East, but Juniata Valley should be a tough team, and the conference overall will be competitive,” added McCormick.

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FALL SPORTS 2025

JCS

Continued from Page 29

culture of hard work, discipline, and teamwork,” Flores detailed.

The JCS boys are working hard to prepare to play each game with their best effort.

Flores shared that the team’s strong suits this year are going to be their midfielders and their striker. The JCS team is excited to get to work, with a few players even looking to reach their 100-goal mark this year.

Boop

Continued from Page 29

After dropping its opener to Juniata, Midd-West rebounded for a pair of 3-1 wins over Sugar Valley Rural and Central Columbia.

Unfortunately, that was followed by a four-game slide, including sweeps at the hands of Loyalsock, Danville, the aforementioned Central Mountain and Hughesville.

The Mustangs sandwiched wins to Lewisburg and Sugar Valley around a loss to powerful Williamsport. Before ending the season with losses to Halifax and Danville.

While Midd-West lost several players to graduation, Boop is high on his returnees as well as eight incoming freshmen.

One of those returnees is senior Leigha Wenger, who will be of the Mustangs’ consistent outside hitters.

“She came in in ninth grade, and we moved her up to varsity,” Boop recalled. “She is one of my more powerful outside hitters.”

Another senior returnee is Isabelle “Izzy” Walter, who also should see time at both middle and outside hitter. “She was second in kills last year,” Boop said.

The Midd-West coach is also high on a pair of juniors, Nora DeLong and

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

With multiple games lined up for the season, the Lions are preparing for each game, even sharing some they are most excited for.

“Every game in our conference is tough, but we always look forward to matchups with Northumberland,” Flores said. The Lions are set to face Northumberland on Sept. 2 at home.

Fans of the Juniata Christian boys soccer team are in luck with 10 currently scheduled home games. Flores added, “Fans can expect a hardworking, competitive group that plays with energy and pride.”

Lauren Nesbit. DeLong is fairly new to the varsity ranks, but has worked to become a reliable setter.

“She’s definitely been working on her craft as well,” Boop added.

Nesbit also got a little taste of varsity play last year. Boop said she uses her height and athleticism to her advantage. “We’re looking for her to be a good outside hitter,” he explained.

Sophomore Violet Weaver is also back at the setter spot. “She played some varsity last year, and this year she will be improved,” Boop added. Weaver said the improvement came from Weaver’s decision to play some travel league.

While the Mustang players might lag behind in their skill development due to the lack of a feeder program, Boop hopes they will compensate with their team chemistry.

“This year, so far I feel like everybody is jiving very well, which in turn makes the team look promising,” Boop said. “I think they have really been playing as a unit.”

Boop believes passing will be another strength for the Mustangs. “I feel like we’ve handled the ball pretty well this year.”

That has enabled Boop to focus on areas of concern like serving.

“In practice, we’re so much further ahead than other years,” he said.

“They know what I expect.”

As far as numbers go, Midd-West has around 20 players out this fall, which is around the ideal count.

“Other schools have to make cuts, but we’ve never Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS had to do that,” Boop said. Pictured is the Juniata Christian boys soccer team, front row, from left, Connor LeitRounding out the senior zel, Jordan Lara, Zeynu Eia, Austin Shearer, Noah Stong. class are Brianna Hohman Second row, Zander Neimond, Mitch Auker, Julian Flores de Valgaz. (all positions), Evageline Back row, Hudson Strong, Wyatt Stutzman, Troy Hoover, Braden Benner.

Saldana (setter) and Kady Wagner (defense).

Other juniors on the squad are Brooklyn Baker (defense) and Chasity Proffitt (outside hitter).

Besides Weaver, Hannah Leitch (defense) is a sophomore as well as Eden Trojan (outside hitter).

The talented freshmen are Julia Boop (setter), Lilianah Gensel (defense), Janessa Hummel (defense), Layla Mull (outside hitter), Lia Stoltzfus (all positions), Britnee Tate (outside hitter), Addisyn Wenger (all positions) and Hope Wert (all positions).

Besides Midd-West, Central Mountain and Williamsport, the nine-team PHAC includes Central Columbia, Danville, Hughesville, Lewisburg, Loyalsock and Shamokin.

Midd-West volleyball District 4 Class 3-A Last year: 4-8 overall, 3-6 PHAC Coaches: head coach Doug Boop, 5th year; and assistant coach Delvin Hahn.

WE SALUTE OUR STUDENT ATHLETES

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

­Lewistown, PA—33

The Sentinel

MIDD-WEST FOOTBALL

Janovich, Mustangs add more enthusiasm to gridiron

BY GREG WILLIAMS Sentinel reporter gwilliams@lewistownsentinel.com MIDDLEBURG – After his first season taking the reins of the Midd-West Mustangs football program, first-year head coach Jeff Janovich could have written a book filled with inspirational quotes.

“You’ve got to start somewhere,” for starters. “Rome wasn’t built in a day” applied. “Moral victories” was suitable.

The Mustangs were basically starting from scratch, rebuilding the program from the foundation up.

After nine losses in 2025 and a 27-game slide that dated back to 2022, it would have been easy for Janovich and his players and coaches to throw in the towel.

But they stayed the coach and Midd-West ended the season with a hard-fought 27-13 victory over Holy Redeemer.

For the Mustangs, it was certainly a start.

It was just one game, one night. But, what a night it was.

The Mustangs picked off three passes, blocked two punts and an extra point, registered seven sacks and a ton of other negative plays and generally made the night miserable for Holy Redeemer’s offense.

“That’s why there’s three phases of the game, the defense was outstanding,” Janovich told reporters after the victory. “Special teams made so many amazing things happen, those guys were fired up.”

A new year brings renewed enthusiasm. Janovich isn’t predicting any state title runs, but he hopes a few more wins will be in the cards.

“That’s the goal,” he explained. “Ending on a high note after a few games of disappointment. We haven’t

talked about last year much.”

And why would they? The Mustangs were blanked five times and outscored a combined 446-55.

“Our offseason focus has been on what we need to do to get better right now,” Janovich said. “Last year, we didn’t really have a typical quarterback. Plus, we had to move guys around.”

And there might be more switching around this year, too, depending on the circumstances.

The quarterback duties will be shared by Brady Janovich and Keaton Kreider.

Both are seniors, with Janovich standing 5-7 and 165 pounds and Kreider at 5-10 and 170.

Kreider was at the helm for the Holy Redeemer win, completing 7 of 13 passes for 52 yards and one touchdown.

Kreider also added two TD runs of a yard each in the first half, putting Midd-West up 20-7 at halftime.

“We have a lot of juniors and seniors,” Janovich said.

“We didn’t lose too many guys from last year.”

The biggest advantage going into the season is continuity. Players are familiar with Janovich’s system, so he can focus on game plans instead of teaching the fundamentals.

The Mustangs also implemented a strength and conditioning program, which was a first for the program.

“The energy has been super high,” Janovich said.

“We’ve been focusing on route running, catching the ball, hitting their spots, reading the gaps properly and running.

“The guys have been in and out of different systems, but this year we’re able to focus on the details,” Janovich added.

He is excited about a trio of running backs with seniors Landon Hartman and Kyle Shupp and junior Noah Kratzer.

“They’re all very different running backs,” said Janovich, who plans to use the three to create a running game by committee. Hartman is 5-8 and 185, while Shupp is 5-7, 163 and Kratzer is 6-0 and 170.

As far as wide receivers, he hopes to find some reliable ball catchers with his juniors and sophomores. Kreider and junior Mason Fultz could also be in the mix. “They have the hands, speed and route running,” Janovich said.

In the trenches, Janovich predicts starting four seniors and a junior, with Joe Gabel, a 6-0, 325-pound senior, at center; Garrett Hostetler, a 6-0, 221-pound senior, and Gannon Treaster, a 5-9, 235-pound senior, at the guard spots; and Graydon VanHorn, a 6-1, 235-pound junior, and Logan Hollenbach, a 6-1, 240-pound senior, manning the tackles.

“They’re all big guys who play with a chip on their shoulders,” Janovich said.

Defensively, Janovich admits he’s invested more time in defensive schemes this season. “We went into last year vanilla,” he explained.

“We just wanted to keep people in front of us. This year, we’ve really ramped up our defense to be more aggressive and go after people.”

Especially the juniors and seniors in his linebacking corps, who have taken a “solid step forward,” he said. The group is led by senior Sammy Jordan, a 5-11, 180-pound linebacker and defensive end.

“I think we’ll have a lot of younger guys step into places.”

There are 12 seniors on the Mustangs’ roster. Kreider is also listed as a linebacker, while Carson Hill can play receiver and defensive back.

Hartman is a linebacker, with Janovich at defensive back.

Mason Krebs will fit in at receiver, tight end or linebacker, while Shupp can also play receiver and defensive back.

The 5-11, 180-pound Jor-

dan has the talent to play defensive end, while Gabel can flip to defensive tackle, Logan Hollenbach, Hostetler and Treaster on the defensive line and Kace Hollenbach at receiver or defensive back.

Fultz, also a linebacker and quarterback, leads a talented class of juniors, which also includes Konnor Kullman, a receiver and defensive back; Kratzer, a defensive end and linebacker; Nic Hummel, a receiver and linebacker; and RJ Wilt, a receiver and defensive back. Rounding out the juniors are Aiden Rose, a wideout and defensive back; Cameron Lauck, a receiver, linebacker and defensive back; Barry Penepacker, an OL-DL; and Ronnie Johnson, a wideout and linebacker.

Sophomore Witten Carter is listed as a quarterback, receiver and defensive back,

while D’Angelo Drumheller, Ronnie Henry, Logan Lauck and Kevin Sharr are receivers-defensive backs; James Kerstetter, Landon Peters, Jesse Rahm, Liam Smith and Cayleb Sobczyk, OL-DL; Maverick Smith, RB-LB; Steven Yakamook, receiver-defensive back; and Ryder Hornberger, receiver-tight end and linebacker.

Out as freshmen are Jacob Acker, a receiver-cornerback; Owen Andretta, OLDL; Jiovaunni Drumheller, a receiver-running back and linebacker; Dayton Knouse, a linebacker and running back.

Janovich believes the Mustangs could surprise a few folks in the PHAC Division 3 ranks. The six-team division also includes defending champion Lewisburg, Bloomsburg, Hughesville, Loyalsock and Warrior Run.

“The top is clear with Lewisburg as the powerhouse,” Janovich said.

“We’re still taking baby steps. I do believe we can win multiple games and get a (district) playoff spot.”

In five league games, MiddWest was outscored 248-13.

“It’s a long season, but they’ve put a lot of work in and I’m super proud of what they’ve done,” Janovich added.

Midd-West football District 4 Class 3-A Last year: 1-9 overall, 0-5 in PHAC Division 3 Coaches: head coach Jeff Janovich, 2nd year; assistant coaches Mike Fultz; Craig Gabel; Alan Hartman; and Chris Wolf; and volunteer coaches Alex Donchak; Nathan Fisher; and Owen Zechman.

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The Sentinel

MIFFLIN COUNTY TENNIS

Depth, youth give Husky tennis new reasons to believe

BY BRIAN CARSON Sentinel reporter

bcarson@ lewistownsentinel.com LEWISTOWN – There’s a quiet test of nerves that comes every August on the tennis courts at Mifflin County High School.

One by one, girls step up to serve—not only a ball, but notice. Who’s ready?

Who’s improved? Whose game has matured in ways only a summer of wall rallies and private moments with a racket can reveal?

For the Huskies, this preseason ritual has produced a clear answer: there’s more depth here than there’s been in years, and, for once, early optimism feels earned rather than manufactured.

The 2025 Huskies will rely on the steady hand of junior Maddy Clinard at

No. 1 singles. If high school tennis is a test of mettle, Clinard’s already shown she can handle both the heavy hitters and the patient pushers. She starts every match knowing she’ll see the best each opponent has to offer.

At No. 2 singles, senior Ava Kelly brings both varsity experience and the calm of someone who’s seen the league’s gauntlet before. Sophomore Emmah Miller rounds out the singles lineup in the third spot, a spot where raw hustle and mental toughness often matter as much as clean forehands. Each of the three gives coach Meredith Schwenk something every team covets: reliability at the top.

But tennis is never only about the stars—it’s about the matchups, the layers, the doubles combinations

that might unlock a meet.

This year’s first doubles pairing figures to draw from Delaynie Newlen and Alexis Allen, both of whom have proven they can hold their own when the pressure tightens and the points grow longer.

For second doubles, the Huskies have options: Gladrielle Leonard and Ellie Hartzler, or Bailey Bishop and Hana Patel. They all bring energy and competitive fire, each hoping to cement their spot. The ability to mix and match, to find the right chemistry as the season unfolds, could be worth a win or two that didn’t exist on paper in August.

Depth, though, is the story. The lower half of the ladder includes three freshmen: Layla Breneman, Khloe Knepp, and Chelsea Noerr, all eager to earn var-

Mifflin County girls tennis

9/8 at Northern 4 p.m. 9/22 at Carlisle 4 p.m.

8/28 vs Harrisburg 4 p.m.

9/11 vs Lower Dauphin 4 p.m.

9/29 vs Central Dauphin 4 p.m.

9/15 at Cedar Cliff 4 p.m.

10/2 vs Palmyra 4 p.m.

9/2 at Chambersburg 4 p.m.

9/9 vs Altoona 4 p.m.

9/25 at Cumberland Valley 4 p.m.

9/4 at Red Land 4 p.m. 9/18 vs Hershey 4 p.m. 10/6 vs Mechanicsburg 4 p.m.

Mifflin County 7 p.m.

9/25 at Boiling Springs 4 p.m. boys soccer 9/10 vs Waynesboro 9/30 vs Greencas8/28 at Shippensburg 7 p.m. tle-Antrim 7 p.m.

4 p.m.

9/15 at Gettysburg 10/2 vs West Perry 8/30 Bulldog Bash 6 p.m.

7 p.m.

Tournament 10 a.m.

9/17 at James 10/6 at Waynesboro 9/2 vs Boiling Springs Buchanan 7 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

9/20 vs Central Mtn. 10/8 vs Gettysburg 9/4 at Greencastle-An- 3:30 p.m.

7 p.m. trim 7 p.m.

9/23 vs Shippensburg 7 p.m.

10/13 at Altoona 9/8 at West Perry 7:30 p.m.

Sentinel photo by MSP STUDIOS

Pictured is the Mifflin County tennis team, front row, from left, coach Noah Fisher, Alexis Allen, Chelsea Noerr, Khloe Knepp, Layla Breneman, Ava Kelly, Brynlee Miller, Bailey Bishop, Marcella McKee, coach Meredith Schwenk.

Second row, Delaynie Newlen, Emma Miller, Gladrielle Leonard, Hana Patel, Ellie Hartzler, Maddy Clinard. sity stripes. If the learning in the conference knows tethered to something firmcurve for ninth graders is that if you have a solid lad- er. steep, so is the upside. And der, a trusted doubles pair, The Huskies will find while injuries can reshape and a few freshmen itching out soon enough. Opening any lineup (Marcella McK- to surprise people, you’ve serves, road trips, long afee remains sidelined for got a chance to make noise. ternoons—each offers a now), the Huskies enter the For Mifflin County, the new measure. But for now, season with more healthy question lingers: will the there’s honest confidence in bodies than usual—a small new depth and experience the air. And for a program but important edge. translate into more wins, or that’s learned to balance reThe Mid-Penn Common- will the season be another wealth won’t allow any series of narrow matches alism with belief, that’s the easy weeks. Every league and “what if” afternoons? best kind of beginning. match is a lesson in adjustments. Some days the wind swirls, some days the courts seem smaller, and some days even the bestlaid lineups unravel under pressure. Yet every coach

The early signs—a strong start, the energy at practice, the sense of possibility—suggest a group ready to make its own luck. Most seasons, hope is a hot-air balloon. This year, it feels

Mifflin County girls tennis 2024 record: 3-11. Mid-Penn Keystone: 3-10.

Coach: Meredith Schwenk.

Assistant: Noah Fisher.

Best of luck to all area athletes!

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The Sentinel

­Lewistown, PA—35

JUNIATA VOLLEYBALL/BELLEVILLE SOCCER

Juniata wants to take the next step after D6 playoff appearance

BY KENNY VARNER Sports correspondent sports@lewistownsentinel. com MIFFLINTOWN — Looking to take that next step, this season the Juniata volleyball team is looking to break the first round jinx that it’s had since its first year in the league.

In the past five years, the upand-coming crew stalled out in the opening round of the District 6 playoffs.

This season could be very different as they lost only four to graduation and bring back a

strong group of returners looking to take their game to the next level.

This year’s squad is once again coached by Layne Greenholt.

Greenholt will be assisted by the same group as last year in Susan Paden and Jordan Taylor.

Last season the Lady Indians went 13-10.

Lost to graduation were IsSentinel photo by MIKE GOSS abella Armstrong, Brooklyn Pictured is the Juniata volleyball team, front row, from left, Alivia Rice, Lauren Ames, Rylee Delancey, Willow Ehrenzeller, Sarah Fisher and Aurand, Kaylissa Woodward, Paige Martin.

Second row, Mollee Hockenberry, Miley Hack, Grace Reinhold, Jael Supplee, Catherine Miller, Sophia Delancey, Savannah Marshall.

Payton Beckenbaugh.

See Step/ Page 37 Third row, Hannah Graybill, Mariska Whitesel, Gabby Reed, Destiny Yohn, Kenzie Moore, Sophia Hostetler, Madison Copeland.

Belleville Christian brings the Thunder

ing to still provide a challenge

BY LIV SUYDAM for our opponents,” shared ArmSentinel reporter osuydam@lewistownsentinel. strong. “The players that are here have worked hard this preseason com and deserve to have a fighting BELLEVILLE — Recently, chance to prove themselves.”

At the end of the 2024-25 Belleville Mennonite School season, the Thunder lost three underwent a name switch to seniors, leaving room for new Belleville Christian School and leadership on the field. despite this change, one thing reThis season, BCS will look to mains: they will bring the Thunthe three captains - senior Bryson der entering the boys soccer seaPeachey, senior Joey Gagliardo son this fall. and junior Ethan Renno - to lead Thunder head coach Mike them through an action-packed Armstrong is joined by assistant coach Sanie Vilakati for the new season. year.

“We are starting with only 10 players this season and are hop-

See Thunder/ Page 37

Sentinel photo by BOB HOCKENBROCK Pictured is the Belleville Christian boys soccer team, front row, from left, Carter Hartzler, Devin Yoder, Ethan Renno, Logan Peachey, Joseph Gagliardo.

Back row, Bryson Peachey, Collin Hartzler, Bailey Armstrong, Grant Yoder, Landon Rhodes, Elijah Stoltzfus.

36—Lewistown, PA

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

The Sentinel

FALL SPORTS SCHEDULES Juniata Christian girls soccer

East Juniata girls soccer

Mt. Union cross country

Juniata volleyball

Mt. Union football

Mifflin County golf

8/28 vs Midd-West 8/28 at East Juniata, Creek Golf Course 8/30 Big Valley Invite 5:30 p.m.

8/29 at Berlin 7 p.m. Lost 2 p.m.

9 a.m.

9/2 vs Millersburg 9/5 vs Curwensville 9/2 vs Altoona 1 p.m.

9/3 vs Williamsburg 5:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

4 p.m.

9/4 Mid-Penn match at 9/4 vs Upper Dauphin 9/12 at West Branch Carlisle Barracks Golf 9/10 at Juniata Valley 5:30 p.m.

Club 11 a.m.

7 p.m.

4 p.m.

9/6 at South Williams9/17 at West Branch port 11 a.m.

9/19 vs Moshannon 9/9 Mid-Penn match at Iron Valley Golf Course 4 p.m.

Valley 7 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

9/24 vs S. Hunting- 9/8 at Halifax 5:30 p.m. 9/26 at Glendale 9/15 at Bellefonte don/Juniata Valley 7 p.m.

9/11 at East Juniata 1 p.m.

9/18 at Columbia 9/15 vs Millville 7 p.m. 4 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

County 3:30 p.m.

10/3 vs Juniata Valley 9/23 & 9/30 at Sinking 9/17 vs Susquenita 10/1 vs Windber/N. 9/13 vs Southern 7 p.m.

Valley Country Club Bedford/ Williamsburg 9/22 vs Grace Prep 6:30 p.m.

Huntingdon 11 a.m.

10 a.m.

4 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

10/10 at So. Hunting9/18 at West Shore 10/2 at Windber Coun10/8 at Southern Ful- 9/15 vs St. Joe’s don 7 p.m.

9/23 at Norry Christian 4:30 p.m. try Club 10 a.m.

5:30 p.m. ton 4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

9/22 vs Halifax 10/17 vs Claysburg 10/15 ICC Champi- 9/16 at Sugar Valley 7 p.m.

9/26 at Meadowbrook 6:30 p.m.

Mifflin County onship (at Meyersdale) 5:30 p.m.

3:15 p.m.

4 p.m. cross country 9/25 at Mt. Carmel 10/24 vs Meyersdale 9/18 at Millersburg 7 p.m.

9/27 at Johnstown 4:30 p.m.

10/25 Districts (at In- 5:30 p.m.

8/30 Big Valley Invite Christian 12 p.m.

9 a.m.

9/27 at Southern dian Valley Elementary) Juniata football 10 a.m.

Huntingdon 11 a.m.

9/29 vs DuBois 9/20 at West Shore 9/2 vs Cumberland 4:30 p.m.

12 p.m.

9/29 at Line Mtn. 8/28 at Steelton- Valley 4:30 p.m.

Midd-West football 9/22 at Upper Dauphin Highspire 7 p.m.

10/8 at Southern 4:30 p.m.

9/9 vs Carlisle, Huntingdon 7 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

Chambersburg 10/1 at Halifax 8/29 at Hamburg 4:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

9/5 vs Line Mountain 10/10 vs Walnut St. 7 p.m.

9/25 vs Halifax 3 p.m.

7 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

9/12 at Penn State 10/4 vs Juniata 7 p.m. 9/5 vs Warrior Run TBA Midd-West 7 p.m.

9/27 vs Sugar Valley 9/12 at James 10/8 at Susquenita 11 a.m. cross country 9/20 at Hershey’s 6:30 p.m.

Buchanan 7 p.m.

9/12 at Loyalsock Giant Center TBA 9/2 vs Milton, Blooms- 10/13 vs Selinsgrove 7 p.m.

9/29 vs East Juniata 9/19 vs Camp Hill burg, Selinsgrove 6:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

10/4 at Gettysburg 4:30 p.m.

9/19 vs Hughesville TBA 7 p.m.

10/15 at Camp Hill 7 p.m.

9/30 at Steelton9/9 at Lewisburg 7 p.m.

10/11 at Big Spring Highspire 5:30 p.m.

9/26 at Susquenita 4:30 p.m.

H.S. TBA 9/26 vs Bloomsburg 7 p.m.

East Juniata golf 10/2 at St. Joe’s 7 p.m.

9/16 at Jersey Shore 10/16 vs Juniata 4:30 5:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m. p.m.

10/3 vs Lewisburg 10/3 vs Newport 8/28 vs Mifflin County 10/4 at Lewisburg 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

9/30 vs Shikellamy, 2 p.m.

11 a.m.

Shamokin 4:30 p.m.

10/10 vs Milton 10/10 vs Greencas10/7 vs Shamokin 10/7 at Central Colum- 9/4 at Newport 2 p.m. 7 p.m.

5:30 p.m. tle-Antrim 7 p.m. bia 4:30 p.m.

10/17 at Mifflinburg 10/8 vs West Perry 10/11 at Shikellamy 9/9 vs Central Mtn. 7 p.m.

10/17 at Halifax 7 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

2 p.m.

12 p.m.

10/24 vs Holy 10/11 at Southern 10/24 at UDA 7 p.m.

10/24 at Bloomsburg 9/22 at Shikellamy Redeemer 7 p.m.

12 p.m.

Huntingdon 11 a.m.

12 p.m.

9/2 vs Norry Christian 8/28 at Shikellamy 3:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

9/5 vs Meadowbrook 9/3 vs Line Mtn. 3:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

9/8 vs Mifflin County 9/4 vs Mifflinburg Christian 5 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

9/12 at Grace Prep 9/8 at Millersburg 3:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

9/16 at Walnut St. 9/10 at Juniata 5 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

­Lewistown, PA—37

The Sentinel

FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

Thunder

Juniata girls soccer

Juniata boys soccer

8/27 vs Susquenita 4 p.m.

8/27 at Susquenita 7 p.m.

8/30 at West Perry 10 a.m.

8/30 vs Jersey Shore 11 a.m.

year with a record of 11-8, the

9/3 vs Halifax 4 p.m.

9/3 at Halifax 4 p.m.

petitive year” and “continue to

9/10 vs East Juniata 5 p.m.

9/4 vs Shikellamy 4 p.m.

build the culture of the team,”

9/13 vs Midd-West 11 a.m.

9/6 at Bald Eagle 11 a.m.

navigate tactics with their smaller

9/8 vs St. Joe’s 9/17 vs Line Mountain 3:30 p.m.

4 p.m.

9/10 vs East Juniata 9/20 vs Millersburg 7 p.m.

11 a.m.

9/13 at Shamokin 11 a.m.

9/22 vs Lewisburg 4 p.m.

9/15 at Greenwood 4 p.m.

9/24 at Susquenita 7 p.m.

9/20 vs Millersburg 9/27 at Mifflin County 11 a.m.

11 a.m.

9/24 vs Susquenita 9/29 at Halifax 4 p.m. 4 p.m.

10/2 at Millersburg 9/29 vs Halifax 4 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

10/1 at Millersburg 6:30 p.m.

10/4 at East Juniata 7 p.m.

10/4 at East Juniata 5 p.m.

10/6 at Southern Huntingdon 4 p.m.

10/6 vs Greenwood 4 p.m.

10/8 at Line Mtn. 10/9 at Bellefonte 4 p.m.

6 p.m.

10/9 vs West Shore 10/11 vs Mifflinburg 4 p.m.

11 a.m.

Juniata Christian boys soccer 8/29 at Dayspring Christian 4 p.m.

9/2 vs Norry Christian 5:15 p.m.

9/5 vs Meadowbrook 5:15 p.m.

9/9 at Belleville Christian 5 p.m.

9/11 at Bloomsburg 6 p.m.

9/12 at Grace Prep 5:15 p.m.

9/16 at Walnut St. 5 p.m.

9/18 at Columbia County

5:15 p.m.

9/22 vs Grace Prep 5:15 p.m.

9/23 at Norry Christian 6:15 p.m.

9/26 at Meadowbrook 5 p.m.

9/27 at Johnstown Christian 2 p.m.

9/29 at Harrisburg 4:15 p.m.

9/30 at Millville 5:30 p.m.

10/6 vs Sullivan 4 p.m.

10/7 vs Belleville Christian 5 p.m.

10/10 vs Walnut St. 4:45 p.m.

Continued from Page 35

After an eventful season last Thunder will aim to have a “com-

according to Armstrong, as they team.

Armstrong

Step Continued from Page 35

There is a long list of letterwinners returning to this year’s squad.

“We have a bunch of letterwinners from last year returning for their senior year,” said Greenholt. “Returning is Hannah Graybill, Mariska Whitesel, Miley Hack, Grace Reinhold, Mollee Hockenberry and Hope Kehler.”

Juniata also has some underclassmen that will help make an impact for Juniata this year.

“Junior Maddie Copeland and sophomore Gabby Reed are two players that split time between JV and varsity last year that will take on a much bigger role this year,” said Greenholt.

The veteran coach will be looking for leadership from his veterans.

“With six letterwinners returning as seniors this year, we should have more than enough leadership to go around,” said Greenholt. “Hannah Graybill, Mariska Whitesel and Miley Hack are my captains this year, so I will be leaning on them to lead the most.”

The team’s cohesiveness is something that the Indians will have as their strengths through-

is

anticipating

the team’s core strengths to be a out the season.

“I am lucky to have a team full of girls that truly enjoy being in the gym together, so chemistry is definitely a strength for us,” added Greenholt. “Also, having such an experienced group this year, I’m hoping will translate to early season success. In past years, our teams have struggled out of the gates, and by the time we seem to get things figured out, we’ve already dug ourselves into a hole. I’ve been stressing to my team that the first game is just as important as the last game and we need to make the most of every opportunity, because there’s no magic rewind button.”

Juniata’s weaknesses this season have been getting bit by the injury bug.

“We’ve already had a couple injuries that have thrown a kink into our plans. Coincidentally, both injuries were suffered by two of our setters, Mariska Whitesel and Maddie Copeland,” said Greenholt. “Thankfully, the injuries don’t seem to have been too incredibly serious, but they have greatly affected our game planning and preparation.

Losing a setter is like losing a quarterback. So, to lose two setters for a period of time has certainly been challenging, es-

pecially since neither of them has played setter at the varsity level before.”

Winning their league is one of the main goals for this year’s squad.

“I feel like a broken record because I say the same thing every year, but honestly, our goal hasn’t changed. We want to win the TVL,” explained Greenholt. “We have yet to accomplish that goal, but with the experience we have on this year’s team, I feel like our chances of winning are as good as anyone’s.”

Multiple teams look like strong competition on this year’s Juniata schedule.

“We have a difficult schedule this year, for sure. Millersburg, Halifax and Upper Dauphin always prove to be worthy opponents and all three are in the TVL, so we play each of them twice,” said Greenholt. “St. Joseph’s is another team in our league that is much improved and will likely be a difficult challenge for us.”

Juniata volleyball Coach: Layne Greenholt Assistants: Susan Paden & Jordan Taylor League: Try-Valley League 2024 record: 13-10

“continuation of utilizing possession to pass and move in order to control the pace of the game.”

BCS games include a matchup against Johnstown Christian on Aug. 28. In the meantime the BCS boys will continue to prepare and build skill and chemistry on the field.

“Our hardest league opponents are always the same: Northumberland Christian, Meadowbrook and Juniata Christian,” noted Armstrong.

The Thunder will continue to put in the work with hope that comes with being “underdogs” and having a successful season despite the size of their team.

On Sept. 2, BCS battles Grace Prep in their home opener. BCS meets Norry on Sept. 12 (home) and on Oct. 3. The Thunder square off with Meadowbrook on Sept. 15 and again on Sept. 30 (home).

BCS does face Juniata Christian on Sept. 9 (home) and once more on Oct. 7.

The Thunder’s season finale is Oct. 14 versus Forbes Road, a home game.

38—Lewistown, PA

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

The Sentinel

FALL SPORTS SCHEDULES Mt. Union volleyball

Midd-West boys soccer

East Juniata boys soccer

Mifflin County volleyball

Mifflin County field hockey

at Crestwood 8/28 vs Williamsburg 8/30 at Lewisburg 8/27 vs Greenwood 8/27 vs Carlisle 6 p.m. 8/28 6 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

9/3 vs Palmyra 6:30 9/2 at Mifflinburg p.m.

8/30 vs New Oxford 9/2 at McConnells- 4:30 p.m.

9/3 at Shamokin 6 p.m.

9:30 a.m. (Camp Hill burg 6 p.m.

9/8 vs Red Land 6:30 Labor Day Weekend 9/4 vs East Juniata p.m.

9/4 at Midd-West 7 p.m.

Tournament) 9/4 vs Tussey Mtn. 5:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

9/9 at Lower Dauphin 9/2 at Red Land 9/6 vs Benton, Mifflin County 6:30 p.m.

Danville, Central 3:45 p.m.

9/8 vs Millersburg 9/8 vs Glendale girls soccer Columbia 10 a.m.

7 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

9/10 at Trinity 6:15 p.m.

9/4 vs Palmyra 7 p.m. 8/28 vs Shippensburg 9/9 vs Milton 9/9 at So. Huntingdon 7 p.m.

9/10 at Juniata 7 p.m. 9/15 at Southern 9/8 at Bishop McDevitt 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Huntingdon 7:30 p.m. 3:45 p.m.

9/2 at Boiling Springs 9/11 at Danville 9/13 vs West Shore 7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

9/11 vs Hershey 7 p.m.

9/11 vs Claysburg 9/18 vs Hershey 6:30 12 p.m.

7 p.m. p.m.

9/4 vs Greencastle-An9/13 at Greenwood 9/15 at Northern trim 7 p.m.

11 a.m.

9/15 vs St. Joe’s 4 p.m. 9/22 at Mt. Union 6 5:30 p.m.

9/15 at Huntingdon p.m.

7 p.m.

9/8 vs West Perry 9/16 vs Lewisburg 9/17 at Susquenita 9/17 vs Red Land 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

9/25 at Carlisle 6:30 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

9/16 at West Branch p.m.

9/10 at Waynesboro 9/22 at Loyalsock 7 p.m.

9/20 at Mifflinburg 6 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

9/22 at Halifax 9/29 at Palmyra 6:15 11 a.m.

9/20 at Bellwood 9/24 vs Shikellamy 6:30 p.m. p.m.

9/13 at East Pennsboro Invite 9 a.m.

7 p.m.

12 p.m.

9/23 at Palmyra 9/24 at Greenwood 10/1 vs Lower Dauphin 6:30 p.m.

9/22 vs Mifflin County 9/29 at Jersey Shore 6:30 p.m.

9/15 vs Gettysburg 6:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

9/25 at Selinsgrove 10/2 at Red Land 6:30 9/27 at Southern 7 p.m.

9/23 vs Moshannon 10/1 vs Williamsport Columbia 12:30 p.m. p.m.

9/17 at James Buchan7 p.m.

Valley 7 p.m. an 5 p.m.

9/29 vs State College 10/6 vs Trinity 6:30 7 p.m. vs Selinsgrove 10/1 vs Halifax 9/20 vs State College 9/25 vs Juniata Valley 10/6 p.m.

7 p.m.

11 a.m.

6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

9/30 vs Bishop 10/8 vs Juniata Valley 6 McDevitt 7 p.m.

10/8 at Central Mtn. 9/23 at Shippensburg 10/4 vs Juniata 5 p.m. p.m.

9/30 vs Fannett-Metal 7 p.m.

4 p.m.

6 p.m.

10/2 at Hershey 10/13 vs Warrior Run 10/6 at St. Joe’s 5 p.m. 10/13 at Trinity 6:15 9/25 vs Boiling Springs 6:30 p.m.

7 p.m. p.m.

10/2 at Tussey Mtn. 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

10/15 at Montoursville 10/8 vs Susquenita 10/15 vs Penns Valley 6 10/8 vs Northern 9/27 vs Juniata 11 a.m.

6:30 p.m.

4 p.m.

7 p.m. p.m.

10/6 at St. Joe’s 9/30 at Greencas6:30 p.m.

Midd-West 10/7 vs Shikellamy tle-Antrim 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

9/25 vs Shamokin 7 p.m. girls soccer 10/7 vs So. Hunting7 p.m.

9/13 at Juniata 10/2 at West Perry don 7 p.m.

10/9 at Mifflinburg 7 p.m.

8/28 at Southern 11 a.m.

9/27 vs Meadowbrook 4 p.m.

10/9 at Williamsburg Columbia 6 p.m.

9/15 vs Selinsgrove 7 p.m.

10/6 vs Waynesboro 7 p.m.

10/13 at Halifax 7 p.m.

9/4 at Line Mtn. 7 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

9/30 vs Central 4:30 p.m.

9/17 at Danville Columbia 7 p.m.

10/13 at Moshannon 10/8 at Gettysburg 10/15 vs Susquenita 6 p.m.

Valley 7 p.m.

9/8 vs Williamsport 7 p.m.

10/2 at Jersey Shore 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

9/23 at Loyalsock 4 p.m.

10/15 vs Altoona 10/14 at Claysburg 10/16 at South 4 p.m. 7 p.m.

9/10 at Central Mtn. 6 p.m.

7 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

The Sentinel

­Lewistown, PA—39

40—Lewistown, PA

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

The Sentinel

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