SOUTH ABINGTON TWP. — Led by returning state qualifiers Katie Dammer and Dani Heine, the Abington Heights girls track and field team will attempt to repeat as District 2 Class 3A champions.

Last season, Dammer placed first in the 800 and 1600 meter runs at districts, and second in the 1600 meter run at the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Championships as a sophomore.

“It’s been such an amazing ride with her,” Abington Heights head coach Mike Ludka said. “She’s really an exceptional athlete. The goal for her this year is to go down to states again and, hopefully, make one more step up the podium.”

Heine finished fourth in the pole vault competition at districts and 18th at states last year as a freshman.

Calista Marzolino returns in the high jump and hurdles. As a freshman, she placed first in the 100 hurdles, second in the high jump and 10th in the triple jump at districts.

Ludka is hopeful Heine and Marzolino will participate in more events as this season progresses.

“We’re trying to expand both of them a little bit,” he said. “Last year, they were inexperienced so we didn’t want to overwhelm them. Calista was particularly focused on the high jump and hurdles. This year, we’re hoping to add another event or two to fill her plate. Dani was focused on the pole vault and occasionally would do something else. This year, I’d like to get her involved with some more events because she’s such a great athlete and competitor.”

According to Ludka, the team is committed to keeping its Lackawanna League duel-meet winning streak alive.

“It’s been going on from Frank Passetti’s time (as coach) here into mine,” he said. “It’s really getting up there, we’re at 64 (consecutive) wins and it’s something the girls really want to continue.”

Senior Alex Scheuermann returns after placing second in the 3200 meter run and seventh in the 1600 meter run at districts. Senior Allyson Derry is back after placing fourth in the triple jump and fifth in the 100 meter dash. Senior Natalie Reed returns after placing fifth in the 100 meter hurdles, junior Emma Marion is back after finishing eighth in the 3200 meter run and sophomore Dani Beamish returns after placing seventh in the 400 meter dash.

Ludka believes the team’s depth in many events has been the driving force behind the group’s success.

“It’s huge because we can feel comfortable matching up with other teams,” he said. “It’s also great for the team because everybody knows they have a role and are important toward the outcome of the meet.”

The boys team will attempt to improve on a 10th place finish at the district championships last season.

Juniors Kyle Burke and Dan Uhranowsky will serve as two of the squad’s top distance runners.

Burke, who placed fourth in the 1600 meter run last spring, will attempt to build off the momentum from his win at the District 2 Cross Country Championships. Uhranowsky placed sixth in the 1600 at districts last year.

“(Kyle) has continued on that roll and Dan has been right on his side,” Ludka said. “They are already running really well and we’re hoping they keep progressing. I think they’re going to impress people during meets.”

Ludka is also confident a group of talented underclassmen will continue to improve throughout the season.

“We lost a bunch of guys, but we have some new talent coming in,” he said. “It’s going to be a wait and see approach. They’re working hard and I think there’s definitely talent, it’s just going to be a matter of how it plays out. Each day, we’re trying to identify people’s strengths and weaknesses and put them in the right positions.”

Captains of the Abington Heights girls track and field team are, from left, Alex Scheuermann, Annie Wesolowski, Allyson Derry and Katie Dammer.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_ABJ-AH-Girls-Track.jpg.optimal.jpgCaptains of the Abington Heights girls track and field team are, from left, Alex Scheuermann, Annie Wesolowski, Allyson Derry and Katie Dammer. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

Captains of the Abington Heights boys track and field team are, from left, Dan Uhranowsky and Kyle Burke. Absent at the time of the photo was Jovan Mitchell.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_ABJ-AH-Boys-Track.jpg.optimal.jpgCaptains of the Abington Heights boys track and field team are, from left, Dan Uhranowsky and Kyle Burke. Absent at the time of the photo was Jovan Mitchell. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

By Robert Tomkavage

rtomkavage@timesleader.com

Reach Robert Tomkavage at 570-704-3941 or on Twitter @rtomkavage.