Two state qualifiers return for CM track program

By John Lipez

MILL HALL, PA – The participation numbers are up and the track renewed as the Central Mountain track and field program begins its 2023 season.

Ellie Sikorskas, a former CM track and field standout, is the new head coach after several years assisting the program. So far, she is pleased with what she is seeing, 45 girls and 49 boys participating. She said with the staff, volunteers, and abundance of athletes, both squads should do well this season. She pointed out that there is an increase in participation on the boys’ side.

Among those back are two state qualifiers in senior Grace Rizzo in the discus and junior Lily Hendricks in the triple jump.

The Wildcat teams will be competing on a newly redone track behind the Central Mountain Middle School and the coach termed the new setting “wonderful and great to use.” The facility also has a new timing system to be used this year.

Coach Sikorskas said the program had five student-athletes qualify for states a year ago and would like to see an increase in that number this year.

The team will be on the road for the start of the season, opening at Bald Eagle Area on Thursday, March 30. Two home events are scheduled: the opener with Milton on April 18 and Senior Night with Jersey Shore on April 25.

Assistant coaches are Scott Bair and Clayton Courter.