Future Is #Wired: Tochelli Meet Delivers Next Wave of Track Talent
By: Justin Bradley | SportzWire | May 2, 2026 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus
JERMYN, PA — Friday night was a glimpse into what’s coming next.
Lakeland High School hosted the 2026 Phil Tochelli Jr. High League Meet, where rising athletes from across the conference packed the oval, runways and throwing circles for one of the top youth showcases of the spring.
From sprint doubles to distance takeovers, relay battles and statement marks in the field, the meet offered no shortage of names that varsity fans will be hearing soon.
When the final points were tallied, Abington Heights Middle School claimed the Girls AAA championship with 107 points, while Valley View captured the Boys AAA title with 91.
In AA competition, Mid Valley Junior High School won the Girls crown with 77.5 points, while Western Wayne powered away with the Boys championship after scoring 114.
Sprint Show Was Loud
Noah Fontana (Western Wayne) was one of the night’s biggest headliners, winning the boys 100-meter dash in 11.84 before returning to claim the 200-meter title in 24.49.
Christian Kupinski (Valley View) followed closely in the 100 at 11.93, while teammate Nico Castellani (Valley View) took gold in the AAA 200 with a 25.52.
On the girls side, Talia Fediw (Dunmore) captured the 100-meter dash in 13.34, while Rachel Regan (Abington Heights) won the 200 in 27.38 after also taking the hurdles crown earlier in the meet.
Distance Crew Took Control
The girls distance races belonged to two standout names.
Josey Kelly (Susquehanna Community) won the 800-meter run in 2:27.57 and added the AA 1600 title in 5:31.48.
Vella Byrne (Scranton) answered by winning the AAA 1600 in 5:21.28 before later taking the AAA 800 in 2:31.92.
On the boys side, Marco Nardone (Riverside) delivered one of the top all-around performances of the meet, winning the 1600 in 4:54.15 and the 800 in 2:16.47.
Jason Sparks Owned the Night
If one athlete seemed to be everywhere, it was Jason Sparks (Western Wayne).
Sparks won the boys 110 hurdles in 16.31, returned to take the 300 hurdles in 43.65, cleared 5-6 to win high jump, and also earned pole vault gold at 9-6.
That’s not versatility. That’s domination.
Relay Energy Took Over
Once the batons came out, the volume rose.
Valley View won the boys 4x100 in 48.06.
Western Wayne captured the boys 4x400 title in 4:01.01.
Mid Valley Junior High School rolled to victory in the boys 4x800 with a 9:28.76.
On the girls side, Abington Heights Middle School dominated the relays, winning the 4x100 (54.57), 4x400 (4:29.32), and 4x800 (10:42.45).
Field Events Delivered Too
Emma Havenstrite (North Pocono) powered North Pocono with victories in the girls shot put (31-0.75) and discus (73-0).
Clara Kurilla (North Pocono) soared to wins in girls long jump (14-9) and triple jump (31-7).
Declan Hunter (North Pocono) launched his way to boys discus gold at 126-7 and javelin gold at 138-4.
Travis Preston (Wallenpaupack) claimed the boys shot put title with a massive toss of 48-11.25.
Team Champions
Girls AAA
- Abington Heights Middle School – 107
Boys AAA
- Valley View – 91
Girls AA
- Mid Valley Junior High School – 77.5
Boys AA
- Western Wayne – 114
Closing
Friday night at Lakeland High School wasn’t just a junior high meet.
It was a preview of the next scorers, next district medalists, next relay anchors and next names to know.
The future of the conference didn’t wait its turn. It showed up Friday night and it’s already #Wired for the moment.
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