NTL TRACK & FIELD: NEB POSTS A STRONG 2025 SEASON (2025-06-12)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
It was a strong season for the NEB track and field teams as they saw two state qualifiers, and one state medalist.

“Northeast had a great season,” said coach Sandy Morris. “While we had one of our bigger teams of the past few years, we are still fairly small in numbers which makes grabbing team wins a bit hard, but we did manage a few.”

Both teams were seventh at the NTL Championships, with the girls scoring 56.5 points and the boys 57 points.

The girls were led by senior Gracelyn Laudermilch, who nabbed her second PIAA track and field medal this season.

“Gracelyn Laudermilch finished up her high school career with three PIAA State qualifying runs in the 800, 1600, and 3200 events,” Morris said. “She earned PIAA hardware in an outdoor PR time of 11:00.43 in the 3200 taking the 7th place spot on the State podium. She also ran on the 4x800 team which PR’d at Districts and earned them a 6th place podium finish.”

Joining her on the 4x800 were Anaiah Kolesar, Sophie Bennett, and Lillie Maynard.

“Anaiah and Lillie individually both qualified for the open 800,” said Morris. “Lillie also qualified in the 400 and with the 4x400 team. Lillie was also incredibly competitive in the 100 and 200. She also gave high jump and discus a try. She is an amazing all-around athlete.”

They also got a strong showing from another relay this year.

“The 4x400 team during the season was run with Mallorie Maynard, Anaiah Kolesar, Lillie and Gracelyn, and they were an amazingly strong team,” Morris said. “At the district meet, Anyely Reyes and Amelia Kapr stepped in as alternates along with Lillie and Mallorie.”

The sophomore Maynard all took big strides in the hurdle events.

Mallorie Maynard is an awesome 100h and 300h runner, and she was a strong competitor in the triple jump and long jump,” Morris said. “She also started making some waves in the high jump which she picked up late in the season. Mallorie is an all-around versatile athlete.”

They Lady Panthers also got some help in the throws.

“Cora Franklin really stepped up her game this year in the discus and shot put,” said Morris. “She threw personal best’s in the discus of 103-2.5 and 32-5 in the shot put which both earned her the right to compete at the District meet. Cora finished just out of finals in the disc, finishing 10th. She was unable to compete in the shot put, but has so much to be proud of over her career which she will continue on with at the collegiate level.”

The boys’ side also saw some exciting performances this season.

“Creed Dewing completed his high school career with another trip to the PIAA State Championship in the 1600,” said Morris. “He earned the spot for the second year in a row on time. He ran in a very competitive field, and finished in 25th place in the state. He also earned a sixth place district medal in the 4x800 with teammates Brody Bennett, Ryan Jones, and Brayden Miller, and an eighth place district medal in the 4x400 with teammates Tyler Kuhn, Daniel Barrett, and Brayden Miller.”

Two other members of the 3200 meter relay also made districts.

“Ryan Jones earned his way to the district meet in the 3200 (with an ever moving target of time), and Brody Bennett also earned a district spot in the 1600,” Morris said. “Both guys have been dedicated members of the track and cross country teams, and they are going to be hard to replace.”

The Panther running squad was quite deep and versatile this season.

“All three men’s relays earned the right to compete at the district meet, and each finished their seasons in PR fashion,” remarked Morris. “The 4x100 team of Ayden Wilson, Gavin Puza, Jaydyn Comstra and Tyler Kuhn, had just missed setting the school record with their time, but they improved their finish from their district seed.”

They also have plenty of quality returners for next season.

“Daniel Barrett decided to give the triple jump a try, and even though we don’t have a runway or marks to actually practice, Daniel managed to land a season PR jump of 38-8,” Morris said. “He is also showing great improvement in the long jump, and his speed on the track is going to make him someone to watch over the next two years.”

They also had some success in the throws.

“In the field, Tucker Hughes (freshman) has started making a name for himself,” Morris said. “He has started hitting some nice throws in both the shot and the disc, and he will be fun to watch over the next few years. Lex Cragle has really opened up in the discus, and he earned himself a spot at Districts with a DQ throw of 132’8”.”

Morris knew they could have some strong showings this season, and felt it was a success all the way around.

“As coaches, we could not be more proud of this team,” she said. “They were so willing to listen and put in the work, and we wish our seniors so much luck in their endeavors. And we hope that all of our underclassmen put in the work during the off season, and that they come back next season ready to make some history.”

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