VARSITY COACHING STAFF
VARSITY HEAD COACH (Sprints/Pole Vault)
DUSTIN HAUSHERR
Coach Hausherr is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He has a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a minor in Health from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater where was a member of the football team. Coach Hausherr also has his master’s degree in Special Education from Northern Illinois University. Coach Hausherr served as the head track coach at Downers Grover South HS (Downers Grove, IL) for 7 years and is currently in his 13th year coaching track and field and his third as the head coach of the Cougars. Coach H started as a volunteer coach during the 2021 season and then became an assitant middle school coach in 2022. Coach Hausherr was then promoted to the Varsity Head Coach at the start of the 2023 season. He enjoys collecting sports memorabilia and staying active in his free time. He has a wonderful wife, Carrie, along with Taylor (22), Julianna (18), Hudson (9) and Camden (8).
VARSITY ASST. HEAD COACH (Distance/HJ)
MICHELE PLANUTIS
Coach Planutis received her undergraduate degree from Penn State University in 1990 and her master’s degree from the University of Scranton in 1999. She has been coaching track and is going into her 25th year, all at Hazleton Area High School. This season Coach Planutis with have the distance events (1600M & 3200M) and the High Jump. Coach Planutis also coaches Hazleton Area Middle School Cross Country and Hazleton Middle School Cheerleading for the district. Coach Planutis has been married to her husband, Shane, for 30 years and have three boys together, Bobby (28), Shane (28) and Jeffrey (26). The best part about track for Coach Planutis is motivating athletes to reach their maximum potential while having a great time being part of a team. In her free time, Coach enjoys taking road trips to see her sons play basketball, taking walks with her dog, Gracie, and spending time with her family.
ASSISTANT COACH (Mid-Distanc/Hurdles)
Zachary Capparell
Coach Capparell is in his third year of coaching track and field for the Cougars, and his fourth year in total. He has his bachelor's degree from Bloomsburg University and completed it in 2011. He is currently a graduate student at Florida Gulf Coast University and plans to have that degree completed next year. Coach Capparell enjoys being able to help athletes compete in track events and train for other sports while in their offseason. Zach also coached the Valley Middle School boys basketball team this winter. Coach Capparell is married to his wife, Brittany, who is also a teacher In the Hazleton Area School District. They have boy together, Leo, who is 4 years old. He enjoys hanging out with his family, playing golf, traveling and watching sports in his free time.
ASSISTANT COACH (Jumps)
Carli Karmonick
Coach Karmonick is currently in her fourth year as a Physical Education teacher at the High School. Karmonick earned her bachelor's degree from Bloomsburg University in 2018, where she was also a member of the track & field team. She recently graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a master's degree. According to Coach Karmonick, the best aspect of track and field is seeing athletes achieve goals they never thought were possible! Carli is married to the love of her life, Kyle Karmonick, who is also a teacher in the Hazleton Area School District and a baseball coach. She enjoys taking her puppy on walks, baking, and traveling.
MIDDLE SCHOOL COACHING STAFF
HEAD COACH (Throws)
MATTHEW MICHELIN
Coach Michelin is in his second year coaching track & field and as the head coach of the middle school team. He earned his bachelor's degree from Penn State University in 2019 and completed his master's degree from Wilkes University in 2023. Coach Michelin enjoys helping the athletes improve their skills and become the best version of themselves. Matt also currently coaches middle school boys/girls soccer and middle school girls' basketball at Heights Terrace. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports, video games, and traveling the world. Coach Michelin is currently an 8th-grade History teacher at Heights Terrace Middle School
ASSISTANT COACH (Throws)
BRIAN HARRY
Coach Harry is in his second year with the Boys Track Program. He attended Temple University, where he received his bachelor's degree in education in 2021. He is currently enrolled at Indiana University of Pennsylvania for his master's degree that he plans on completing by the fall of 2025. Brian also coaches middle school soccer here at Hazleton Area and is an assistant middle school girls basketball coach for Height Terrace. He enjoys seeing the athletes compete and push each other to reach their goals. In his free time, Coach Harry enjoys playing golf and watching all kinds of sports. He is looking forward to the rest of the season and seeing all his throwers' hard work pay off.