Tony Jones- Dyestat IL/ESPN RISE
2010 3A Girls Track and Field Preview
Is there a better way to officially open a new decade and the 2010 Girls track and field season than to do it on King’s Holiday-King as in Martin Luther King Jr.- for one hard working unit by the name of Hinsdale Central has in recent memory held official team practices on the famed day. As long-time Devilette coach Patrice Wilson explained it: “what better way to honor [Dr. King]? We have always gone out and worked hard on this great day.”
The landscape of many hardworking teams who may have had individuals preparing for the upcoming season as far back as mid-November will begin to take shape as the season progresses. Last year’s state champion, Belleville West, has lost a ton of talent from graduation as had Palatine and Aurora Waubonsie Valley. The usual state powers: Chicago Morgan Park, E. St. Louis Sr., and Evanston will come into play this year after falling out of the trophy round. It was the first time the "Big 3" has ever been shut out of the top 3 since the IHSA moved to a class-system in 1978. Look for emerging teams like Chicago Whitney Young, Lisle (Benet Academy), and possibly Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East) to battle for top tier respect.
Individually, big class track and field fans have been fortunate to see some of the best talent competing state-wide and nationally over the past last decade. And even though the Alexandria Anderson’s, Shalina Clarke’s, and Shakeia Pinnick’s have moved on to bigger and better stages, the pool of the next great talent is waiting. Aaliyah Brown (Lincoln-Way East), McKinzie Schulz (Benet Academy), Megan Weller (Lincoln-Way East), and Raena Rhone (Whitney Young) are three examples that Class 3A will remain strong and exciting as ever.
-2009 Top Ten Teams at a glance-
1) Belleville West 53; 2) Palatine 41; 2) Aurora (Waubonsie Valley) 41; 4) Evanston 38; 5) Hinsdale Central 30; 6) Homewood-Flossmoor 26.50; 7) Oak Park-River Forest 25; 8) E. St. Louis Sr. 24; 9) Lisle (Benet Academy) 22; 10) Chicago Whitney Young 21; 10) Geneva 21.
Quick review: Belleville West won their first ever girls state championship on the strength of Yolanda Suggs and Chalsea Ewing. Suggs won all three sprint races and the 4x100m relay. Ewing placed well in the 100m, ran great legs on the 4x1 and 4x2 relays that catapulted the Maroons over Palatine. Waubonsie Valley’s Shakeia Pinnick completed her storied career in team fashion by winning both hurdle races. The Arizona State bound star also ran strong anchors on the 4x2 and 4x4 relays that elevated Warriors to the trophy podium. Coach Steve Currins’ swan song was written just about right as his charges stepped up mightily over the course of two days and presented him with his third runner-up trophy.
-Top Team Breakdowns-
 | Senior Graylin Harrison hopes to lead Hinsdale Central to the 2010 State Title.
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1. Hinsdale Central-
Head Coach: Pat Richards
2009 state final finish: 5th
Key returns: Paris Bates (Jr.), Monique Bronowicki (Sr.), Chelsea Celestan (Sr.), Adabelle Ekechukwu (Sr.), Stephanie Green (Sr.), Graylin Harrison (Sr.), Katie Kummerer (Sr.), Lauren Rouse (Sr.), Kayla Schwarz (Jr.), Jesse Vardas (Sr.).
Strong suits: PV, DT, SP, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 4x1r, 4x2r, 4x4r, 4x8r.
Outlook: someone has to wear the pre-season tag: “paper champion.” It so happens to be Hinsdale Central. But this is not a slight- just a fact for a program that has steamrolled its competition in the regular season during much of the last decade. However, the Red Devilettes have come up short in the state championship for various reasons. One reason may be the lack of a starpower athlete with the ability to score big points. This year may be different as there appear to be no exceptional “team individuals” to thwart a deep team concept. This senior laden team definitely has deep pockets starting in the throws with Ekechukwu. She is the #2 returner in the shot put after placing third last year in the state championship. But keep in mind this is a team that is going to live and by the sprint component to garner big points. Veteran speedsters in the name of Celestan, Green, and Rouse will contribute big this season. Although the team took a big hit in the distance running department due to graduation, Harrison is more than capable of leading a young unit either in the 4x8 or individual event by the time state roll around.
2. Chicago Whitney Young-
Head coach: Bob Geiger
’09 state final finish: 10th
Key returners: Elisabeth Forte’ (Jr.), Porsha Irvin (Sr.), Rachel Joravsky (Sr.), Lavinia Jurkiewicz (Sr.), Roriann Nalls (So.), Raena Rhone (Jr.), Devyn Thompson (Sr.), Maisie Vachuska (Jr.).
Strong suits: TJ, LJ, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 4x4, 4x8.
Outlook: this team could be potentially deadly for two reasons: Jurkiewicz and Rhone. They both have the potential to be star power athletes and carry their team a long way. First, Jurkiewicz is the ’09 state 3A cross country champion with solid track credentials. Secondly, Rhone established herself as one of the finest long sprinters in the state last spring. They are even better now. Still, every potential great team needs a strong supporting cast. If the Dolphins can get solid contributions in the field (Forte’ in the jumps) and on the track (relays, open events) then a possible run at a state team trophy is realistic.
3. E. St. Louis Sr.-
Head coach: Nino Fennoy
’09 state final finish: 8th
Key returners: Ashley Gaston (Jr.), Brandy Griffin (So.), Joymesia Howard (So.), Dearra McNeal (Sr.), Chelsey Robinson (Sr.).
Strong suits: SP, DT, 200,400, 100H, 300H, 4x1r, 4x2r, 4x4r.
Outlook: the ’08 state champion Flyerettes had a tough time last season with key graduation losses and youth. No one really should question a legendary coach such as Nino Fennoy, but there were some suspect decisions that may have cost his team a higher place at state. How about the back to back event running of McNeal in the 400 and 4x2r? In addition, the team suffered from not qualifying the 4x4r and 300H- two team strengths that needlessly fell by the wayside. The '10 edition is an older and wiser bunch that should be able to make a strong run at a top three placing. One team strength is Gaston. She is more than ready to plateau herself to the top tier in both throwing events. Last year's breakout performances were no fluke. Then is the ultra talented Howard, who has the ability to be one of the best long hurdlers and relay runners in the state. Role players McNeal and Robinson will anchor the open sprints and relays. If more depth is needed, the Lady Flyers will pull from their solid junior varsity ranks. All in all the aforementioned combination is the key to success for ESL in obtaining another trophy.
4. Evanston-
 | Horizontal Jumps Challenger
Amanda Caines of Evanston
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Head coach: Fenton Gunter
’09 state final finish: 4th
Key returners: Alexa Bolden (Jr.), Amanda Caines (Sr.), Danyele Griffin (Jr.), Jahnell Horton (So.).
Strong suits: TJ, LJ, 400, 800, 300H, 4x1r, 4x2r, 4x4r.
Outlook: always a funny team to figure out because of personnel placement in events. Perhaps, no one is as good a chess player as Coach Gunter because he will often take his best athlete (s) out of their favorite event for the betterment of the team. This formula has been proven true time and time again. The chess match this season will play on now that the Wildkits received a gift in the name of Horton, who transferred in from Bolingbrook. This will be a huge addition and it’s almost like Evanston didn't lose the graduated Amber Jackson (now at Middle Tennessee St). Horton has the same credentials as the former standout (56.5r/2:14) and is just as versatile. The expectations in Evanston have never been higher in getting back to the top of the podium that has eluded them since the days of Shalina Clarke in 2006. There is some experience in talent with holdover Caines in the jumps and relays. Bolden and Griffin will solidify the relays. The only issue for Gunter’s squad is depth. Will he have enough of it for a state title run?
 | Pole Vaulter Allie Pace of Geneva is the #2 returnee
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5. Geneva-
Head coach: Peter Raak
’09 state finish: 10th
Key returners: Alissa Dappas (Sr.), Rachel Hammond (Jr.), Megan Heuer (Sr.), Sammi Hill (Sr.), Erica Miller (Sr.), Allie Pace (Sr.), Kelly Shogren (Sr.), Liza Tauscher (Jr.), Kelly Whitley (Jr.), Taylor Wickware (Jr.).
Strong suits: PV, LJ, TJ, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 300H, 100H, 4x4r, 4x8r.
Outlook: the Vikings may be as deep and talented as Hinsdale Central, but there are more question marks to be discussed here. First, who and what particular unit can and will step up to lead a team that is in the running for a state trophy? Distance? Whitley is reportedly done with basketball as evidenced by her competing in a all-comers meet in Mid-January at Niles West High School. The three-time 3A cross country all-state runner has never run track before April. This could signal a distance resurgence that would be needed for a strong title run. How about the intangibles? Dappas is a strong hurdler and relay runner. She placed 8th in the low hurdles at state last spring and should move up into the top 3 if all goes well. Pace is the second best vaulter in the state behind Megan Weller of Lincoln-Way East. Of course, with a little bit of luck she could be #1. The same could be true with Ms. Hill in the triple jump. Being the #8 returner in a soft event is not a bad thing. If she can improve moderately, then a top 3 or 4 finish at the end of the year is a possibility.
6. Lisle (Benet Academy)-
 | Benet's McKinzie Schulz represented the USA this past summer in Italy at the World Youth Games
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Head coach: Scott Brooks
’09 final state finish: 9th
Strong suits: LJ, TJ, 400, 800, 1600, 100H, 300H, 4x2r, 4x4r, 4x8.
Key returners: Jenny Bohac (Sr.), Alison Cesarz (Sr.), Kaileen Healy (Jr.), Nini Marchese (So.), Katie Porada (Sr.), McKinzie Schulz (Sr.), Anne Yahiro (So.), Liz Yahiro (Sr.).
Outlook: how good is this team? Well, the answer is McKINZIE SCHULZ. Believe it or not but a middle-distance runner is going to decide the fate of team’s 2010 track and field season. Schulz is nationally ranked in the 800/1600- her mainstay events. But she can also long sprint (57.xx), hurdle, and even long jump a little. Also, she enjoys running the 4x4 and 4x8 relays. So, what’s it going to be? A smart betting person is going with 800, 1600, and 4x4r. The remaining Redwing corps can put together a solid 4x8r with Porada leading. The Yahiro sisters will help out in the jumps department and Bohac has solidified the long hurdles. So, in summation, the Lady Redwings are likely to have a very good season all the way to Charleston.
7. Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East)-
Head coach: Carolina Cunningham
'09 state finish: 31st
Key returners: Catriona McClowry (Sr.), Nicole Nepote (So.), Jackie Newell (Sr.), Ashley Revord (So.), Lauren Saffren (Sr.), Megan Weller (Sr.).
Strong suits: PV, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 4x1r, 4x8r.
Outlook: initially, the Griffens look like a normal team until you realize they have several star power athletes on their roster that wow you. Sometimes all you need are one or two great athletes to significantly improve your chances for a state trophy. The foremost one is Weller- the defending pole vault champion. She is one of the top vaulters in the country and almost a sure shot in creating 10 points for her team every time out. The second is the great incoming sprinter Aaliyah Brown. Brown is one of top youth sprinters in the USA and her stats prove it: 11.92/24.23- marks as an 8th grader good enough to win last year. Undoubtedly, she will have to earn her place among the prep ranks now, but there is a potential star in the making for an emerging team. Also, East would need to aid their trophy chances with help in the middle distances where they are relatively strong.
-Event breakdown-
100m-
12.07 Jeronda Womack (Sr.) Homewood-Flossmoor
12.12 Kellion Gordon (Jr.) Skokie (Niles West)
12.14+ Chelsea Celistan (Sr.) Hinsdale Central
12.24+ Maddy Nelson (Sr.) Orland Park (Sandburg)
12.24+ Cessily Jones (So.) Plainfield North
12.24+ Mercedes Griffin (Sr.) Bolingbrook
12.34+ Samantha Horton (Sr.) Bolingbrook
12.34+ Emily D’Amico (So.) Hoffman Estates
12.34+ Angela Herrmann (So.) Hoffman Estates (Conant)
12.38 Noelle Tazioli (Sr.) Park Ridge (Maine South)
12.40 Megan Paul (So.) Mundelein (Carmel Catholic)
Outlook: last year’s top newcomer from Tennessee Jeronda Womack lived up to the hype by that ultimately netted a runner-up finish in the state final to Suggs 12.06-12.07. In sizing up this season, the field will be stronger with the addition of one freshman sensation Aaliyah Brown of Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East). Brown is not a fluke as she has been a superstar in the making since the 7th grade. She blazed a personal best 11.92 as well as three other sub-12.00 legal wind clockings last spring. In the interim, Brown will be the one to beat. Kellion Gordon, formerly of Chicago Mather, enjoyed a breakout ’09 campaign now will compete for the Wolves. She has the ability to run sub- 12.00 now that she has better training facilities accessible to her. Cessily Jones’s freshman year was supposed to be one of delight, but instead it was filled with turmoil. Jones spent most of the year battling through injuries of the leg variety. Now, after a fall of healing and rehab, she appears ready to compete for the top spot. Hinsdale Central’s Chelsea Celistan will have more than ample opportunity to improve from her 8th place finish at state.
200m-
24.74 Kellion Gordon (Jr.) Skokie (Niles West)
25.13 Cessily Jones (So.) Plainfield North
25.24+ Noelle Tazioli (Sr.) Park Ridge (Maine South)
25.24+ Ashley Stacey (Sr.) Harvey (Thornton)
25.24+ Emami Sims (Sr.) Glenview (Glenbrook South)
25.27 Canethia Walls (Sr.) Carol Stream (Glenbard North)
25.28 JonTaye Bonds (Sr.) Gurnee (Warren)
25.34 Chelsey Robinson (Sr.) E. St. Louis Sr.
25.42 Cheriese Porter (So.) Villa Park (Willowbrook)
25.54+ Raena Rhone (Jr.) Chicago Whitney Young
25.54+ Megan Paul (So.) Mundelein (Carmel Catholic)
Outlook: Gordon will earn pre-season top spot by virtue of Suggs’ graduation and her runner-up finish at state. But, there will be extreme heat applied to Gordon by Aaliyah Brown. In fact, Brown's personal best is 24.24 which is significantly faster than any returner. Don't forget this is high school track which encompasses a long season where athletes have to prove themselves weekend and week out. Jones has to be thrown in the mix as well after blazing US #5 earlier in the indoor season. This may be her best event. A relative unknown at the start of the season, Tazioli made a nice outdoor run that lead to a state qualifying appearance. If she can continue to improve, she will have an opportunity to do big things in 2010.
 | Whitney Young's Raena Rhone is the states top returing 400 runner
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400m-
55.81 Raena Rhone (Jr.) Chicago Whitney Young
56.55 Jorie Frey (Sr.) Barrington
57.05 Megan Paul (So.) Mundelein (Carmel Catholic)
57.14 Porsha Irvin (Sr.) Chicago Whitney Young
57.15 Lindsey Rakosnik (So.) Lombard (Glenbard East)
57.29 Lauren Roush (Sr.) Hinsdale Central
57.59 Erica Miller (Sr.) Geneva
57.99 McKinzie Schulz (Sr.) Lisle (Benet Academy)
57.99 Noelle Tazioli (Sr.) Park Ridge (Maine South)
57.99 Brooke Hall (So.) O’Fallon
58.03 Stephanie Green (Sr.) Hinsdale Central
Outlook: the top two state placers have graduated which by the process of elimination would leave Rhone as the top choice in the one-lapper. In fairness to Rhone, she has come of age since her freshman year when she failed to qualify for the state championship despite entering high school with impeccable credentials. Last year in Charleston, she enjoyed a great meet by placing 3rd in the final. She also clocked a 54.6r split in the state prelim to lead her team to the final and on to an eventual 5th place finish. So, the time is ripe for other athletes to bust out this season. Frey will look to continue a recent trend of solid Fillie Quarter-milers and improve on her 4th place state placing. Add last year’s surprise Irvin to the mix and then freshman Rakosnik, this event has the makings of being extremely strong. Roush will be in there too to satisfy her team’s title hopes. One name here is perhaps underrated is Paul. Forget about her being ranked as the nation’s top junior high 400m ace two years ago or #15 statewide last season. She is the real deal and will be the “X” factor in this event. She has already gotten her 2010 off to a flying start with several nice pre-season performances: most recently in Houston, Texas at the Carl Lewis Invitational 400m that produced the US #3 at the time in 57.00.
 | Palatine's Ruth Allen
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800m-
2:11.18 McKinzie Schulz (Sr.) Lisle (Benet Academy)
2:13.24+ Ruth Allen (Sr.) Palatine
2:13.75 Karen Lesiewicz (Jr.) Schaumburg
2:14.34 Jahnell Horton (So.) Evanston
2:14.76 Annette Eichenberger (Sr.) West Chicago
2:16.03 Geena Loesch (Sr.) Tinley Park (Andrew)
2:16.33 Devyn Thompson (Sr.) Chicago Whitney Young
2:16.64+ Gabriella Effrein (Jr.) Downers Grove North
2:16.84+ Kim Christensen (Sr.) Orland Park (Sandburg)
2:16.86 Meg McGreal (Sr.) Chicago (Mother McAuley)
2:16.87 Nyala Eddings (Sr.) Chicago Morgan Park
Outlook: this event will continue to be strong anchored by Schulz who is looking to do big things after winning her first state title last spring. Over the past four years several talent girls have literally attempted to break the legendary all-time best mark of 2:07.3 by Shelly McBride (Crete-Monee) back in ’84. If there is anyone capable of bringing it down, it has to be Schulz. It’s not because of the speed, strength, or endurance that she has to do it, but more with the mental temperament. Schulz is a fun loving free spirit who doesn’t often take herself so serious or get worked up in tight situations. In other words, if it’s meant to be, then it’s meant to be. If Schulz runs this event fresh in a good meet, the record could be history. Let’s all hope we can be there when a history lesson is given.
1600m-
 | Schultz of Benet
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4:49.75 McKinzie Schulz (Sr.) Lisle (Benet Academy)
5:01.04 Alyssa Schneider (Jr.) Bartlett
5:03.14 Marianne Collard (Jr.) Crystal Lake South
5:03.64+ Britten Petrey (Jr.) Schaumburg
5:04.53 Olivia Jones (So.) Buffalo Grove
5:04.73 Lavinia Jurkiewicz (Sr.) Chicago Whitney Young
5:06.05 Marie O’Leary (Sr.) Normal Community
5:08.54+ Karen Lesiewicz (Jr.) Schaumburg
5:09.24+ Hannah Worman (Sr.) Hoffman Estates
5:10.54+ Ruth Allen (Sr.) Palatine
5:10.54+ Sarah McIntosh (Jr.) Palatine
Outlook: last year’s state final was perhaps the greatest in IHSA history with Schulz dueling against Rebecca Tracy of Barrington. Schulz pushed the second half of the race fearlessly to only fall short by the slimmest of margins. The end result was the first sub 4:50 effort since the 1980’s. Now, the goal is to get more Illinois female milers to aim higher than the usual 5:00 goal. Could we see an all-time high in sub 5:00 efforts? It’s very possible as a ton of top runners returning to meet the challenges. Aside from the obvious, Schneider will look to get her name back in the public eye after an sublime cross country campaign. The fans might want to keep an eye out for Petrey. She made big strides last season and could be someone who can step up and challenge Schulz.
3200m-
 | Young's Lavinia Jurkiewicz (#8 in white)
will not be alone in the 3200 this season.
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10:51.14+ Olivia Jones (So.) Buffalo Grove
10:52.04+ Sarah McIntosh (Jr.) Palatine
10:54.46 Lavinia Juriewicz (Sr.) Chicago Whitney Young
10:55.02 Marie O’Leary (Sr.) Normal Community
11:00.11 Meghan Frigo (Sr.) Elmhurst (York)
11:00.33i Samantha Fry (Jr.) Downers Grove North
11:00.58 Lisa Gordon (So.) LaGrange (Lyons Twp)
11:04.22 Christina Gastfield (Jr.) Rolling Meadows
11:07.36 Melissa Schmidt (Sr.) Hoffman Estates
11:09.40 Annette White (Sr.) Mt. Prospect (Prospect)
Outlook: No clear cut favorite here despite state cross country champion Jurkiewicz added to the mix. So many times we have seen the harrier champion fall short on the track. We could see as many as a half-dozen girls dip in the 10:40 range by the end of the season wit O’Leary, Jones, and McIntosh there with Jurkiewicz. Don't forget about Fry. She ran outstanding during last winter's indoor season when placed second at the IPTT in 11:00 before suffering a season ending stress fracture. Fry rebounded this past fall at the state xc meet and was the 2nd Illinois girl finisher at the Foot Locker Midwest Regional meet.
100HH-
14.72 Shanice Andrews (Sr.) West Aurora
14.76 Jenna Combs (Sr.) Machesney Park (Harlem)
14.99 Timeka Watkins (Jr.) E. St. Louis Sr.
15.07 Alissa Dappas (Sr.) Geneva
15.24+ Ciana Tabb (Sr.) Chicago Morgan Park
15.29 Amy Fanella (Sr.) Huntley
15.38 Kelly McCoy (Sr.) Cary-Grove
15.39 Alex Friske (Sr.) McHenry
15.44+ Kayla Worley (Sr.) Plainfield South
15.51 Joyneisha Howard (So.) E. St. Louis Sr.
Outlook: fans of the short hurdles will be quite upset after heavy talent losses due to graduation. Over the past five years, the Land of Lincoln has produced a beavy of top performances, but at the same time there wasn’t any apprentice in the making. Andrews has the top returning mark with Combs very close in tow. The athlete to watch may be Watkins. She had an outstanding freshman year then struggled a little last season. She comes from a hurdle rich school that has produced several Olympic champions. Dappas will look to stretch her multiple talents into a big year for the Vikings.
 | Morgan Park's Cianna Tabb
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300IH-
43.95 Ciana Tabb (Sr.) Chicago Morgan Park
44.09 Jenna Combs (Sr.) Machesney Park (Harlem)
44.46 Sarah Gorden (Jr.) Hoffman Estates (Conant)
44.97 Alissa Dappas (Sr.) Geneva
45.27 Joyneisha Howard (So.) E. St. Louis Sr.
45.29 Amy Fanella (Sr.) Huntley
45.32 Shannon Howell (Sr.) Mundelein (Carmel Catholic)
45.46 Kathryn Warner (Sr.) Batavia
45.46 Kathryn Pickett (Jr.) Glen Ellyn (Glenbard West)
45.54+ McKinzie Schulz (Sr.) Lisle (Benet Academy)
Outlook: not the greatest returning field but much better than the cousin short hurdles. Tabb will look to step up and become the next great Chicago Public League hurdler. She was 3rd in last year's state final. This may be the year for Combs to step up. after going from an emerging hurdler to one of the state's best in '09. She was just a few ticks behind Tabb in the '09 final. Expect these two to duel once more. Gorden has a future here depending on how well the team relays progress for an emerging team.
4x100m relay (with at least two key members returning)-
47.64 Hinsdale Central
47.64 Evanston
47.95 E. St. Louis Sr.
48.03 Chicago Morgan Park
48.05 Bolingbrook
48.36 Alton
48.41 Aurora (Waubonsie Valley)
48.60 Hoffman Estates
48.62 O’Fallon
48.72 Plainfield North
Outlook: once again this will be a strong event with many units looking to burn the track up. Hinsdale Central will be incredibly tough with virtually their entire foursome returning. The coaching staff believes low 47's is a real possibility. Evanston, ESL, and of course Morgan Park are no strangers to this event as they have won more crowns than all other schools combined. The super powers are going to be tough this season.
4x200m relay-
1:39.82 Bolingbrook
1:40.02 East Saint Louis Sr.
1:40.09 Aurora (Waubonsie Valley)
1:40.50 Evanston
1:41.75 West Aurora
1:42.37 Hinsdale Central
1:42.50 Edwardsville
1:42.51 Oak Park-River Forest
1:43.09 Palatine
1:43.24 Morgan Park
Outlook: most of the returning powers will be strong. Bolingbrook return their entire championship fleet and will be the favorite all year when they choose to stack this relay. The Raiders were the only team to break 1:40 last year, but they will have company this year. ESL will be equally strong with 3/4ths of their unit back. It’s debatable whether a team like Waubonsie Valley will return to form after a career year in sprint relays. There will be no Shakeia Pinnick to anchor a blazing leg for the Warriors. She has departed for the climes of Arizona State University. Evanston may be the best team here if they add Horton to the relay. The Wildkits were on their way to an apparent victory in the '09 final until a dropped baton on the second leg exchange. But as any relay coach would say: "this is a new year."
4x400m relay-
3:53.40 Chicago Morgan Park
3:54.48 Mundelein (Carmel Catholic)
3:54.58 Geneva
3:54.67 LaGrange (Lyons Twp)
3:55.71 Belleville West
3:55.78 Chicago Whitney Young
3:55.96 Aurora (Waubonsie Valley)
3:56.13 Edwardsville
3:56.53 Alton
3:57.09 O’Fallon
Outlook: Morgan Park has to be top returning unit by virtue of returning all four legs on a state runner-up finish vs. Evanston . The Wildkits lost three of their top four to graduation but add Jahnell Horton, who has 56-second quarter speed and will be the missing piece to the departed Amber Jackson. Carmel Catholic is not going to play possum with the favorites, especially with super 400m ace Megan Paul leading the corps. Whitney Young will be very dangerous with top threats Raena Rhone and Porsha Irvin capable of delivering super splits. Add the reliable Devyn Thompson and Roriann Nalls for what looks like a 3:50 team. Of course, Geneva will continue its recent run of solid 4x4 toting. No one knows exactly the A-team personnel, but the Vikings are going to be fast and good.
4x800m relay-
9:10.89 Palatine
9:14.33 Geneva
9:15.37 Elmhurst (York)
9:16.87 LaGrange (Lyons Twp)
9:19.82 Mt. Prospect (Prospect)
9:21.64+ Schaumburg
9:24.53 Orland Park (Sandburg)
9:24.81 O’Fallon
9:27.78 Chicago (St. Ignatius)
9:31.58 Naperville North
Outlook: the 4x8 is a trick bag event in that one team could lose a majority of its personnel and still muster enough talent the next year and be a contender for state crown. The mix of speed, strength, and endurance lends credence to a traditional power like Hinsdale Central that took a big hit with three legs graduating. They should rebound well because of the middle-distance depth they have. Gurnee (Warren) return two legs from their 9:05.93 run, but lose cornerstones Heather Olson and Sarabeth Jones to graduation. So, it looks like Palatine return as the #1 choice and the 18th best mark in the country. Remember, though, they did this with Sarah McIntosh. McIntosh is the team's #1 two-miler and she suffered significantly in that event on Saturday's final. If the Pirates feel they can make a trophy run, it's possible she will be on the relay in the final again- leaving just 40 minutes between the 4x8r and the 3200m final. But the same will go for Geneva and York who used two-milers to ensure top performances. Kelly Whitley may opted out of the relay for Geneva now that she gave up basketball to concentrate on track. She is a natural two-miler but has been unable to properly train for it (until now). Meghan Frigo is perhaps York's top 800m runner on a relay, but she is undoubtedly their best chance at scoring in the 1600/3200m. Some tough decisions will have to be made.
Long Jump-
 | Thornton's Ashley Stacey is the top returnee in the Long & Triple Jumps.
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18-8 Ashley Stacey (Sr.) Harvey (Thornton)
18-1.25 Da’Sha Patton (Sr.) Aurora (Waubonsie Valley)
17-11.5 Ashley Conway (Jr.) McHenry
17-11.5 Kathryn Pickett (Jr.) Glen Ellyn (Glenbard West)
17-10.75 Jeronda Womack (Sr.) Homewood-Flossmoor
17-10.5i Elisabeth Forte’ (Jr.) Chicago Whitney Young
17-8.5i Dominique Jefferson (Jr.) Calumet City (T.F. North)
17-8 Tori Franklin (Jr.) Downers Grove South
17-7.5 Jada Stotts (Jr.) Hoffman Estates
17-7.5 Sarah Rautio (Sr.) O’Fallon
Outlook: Stacey is the defending state champion who will be gunning for new heights this season. There is talk of reaching the 19-foot plus mark this season. Patton has a shot as well. It will be interesting to see who steps up across the board this season.
Triple Jump-
38-9.5i Ashley Stacey (Sr.) Harvey (Thornton)
38-6.5 Tori Franklin (Jr.) Downers Grove South
36-11.5 Shanice Andrews (Sr.) West Aurora
36-10 Amy Fanella (Sr.) Huntley
36-9 Anne Yahiro (So.) Lisle (Benet Academy)
36-6.5 Sharia Coleman (Jr.) Calumet City (T.F. North)
36-3.5 Uzo Okoro (So.) Darien (Hinsdale South)
36-3.25 Sammi Hill (Jr.) Geneva
36-2.75i Elisabeth Forte’ (Jr.) Chicago Whitney Young
36-2 Maya Rittmanic (Sr.) St. Charles East
35-10 Vicki Pavlov (Jr.) Lake Zurich
Outlook: Stacey has the top returning mark but that's from the indoor season. She rarely leaped frogged outdoors and didn't even make the finals in the event at state. That could change this year with the overall field being rather weak. 39's could win state this season and Stacey is a contender along with last year's runner-up Franklin.
High Jump-
5-8 Ellen Chapman (Jr.) Glenview (Glenbrook South)
5-8 Carly Loeffel (Jr.) Cary-Grove
5-7 Amanda Rafidia (Sr.) Roselle (Lake Park)
5-6 Ashley Conway (Jr.) McHenry
5-6i Amy Harvoth (Jr.) Bradley-Bourbonnais
5-5 Sarah Udelhofen (Sr.) Glen Ellyn (Glenbard West)
5-5 Marissa Bell (Sr.) East Moline (United Twp)
5-5i Maya Rittmanic (Sr.) St. Charles East
5-4 Kelly McCoy (Sr.) Cary-Grove
5-4 Rachel Cagnina (Jr.) Carol Stream (Glenbard North)
5-4 Miranda Geever (Sr.) Moline
5-4i Jenna Combs (Sr.) Machesney Park (Harlem)
Outlook: the fireworks have already begun. Harvoth quietly entered in the University of Chicago Holiday Classic and leaped a personal best 5-8. That mark was equal to what the outdoor state champion did in '09. Fine. The defending state champion Chapman is back. Her résumé has a second and a first on it in her first two years of competing. That means she is a big time winner. But, keep in mind that high jumping is an event that can be streaky where a top athlete can lose an intangible such as form and not recover in crucial situations. So, that means adding veterans like Conway and Rafidia to the mix will make this event fun to watch.
Shot Put-
42-5 Precious Ogunleye (Jr.) Hoffman Estates
41-5 Adebelle Ekechukwu (Sr.) Hinsdale Central
40-10.5 Erin Didier (Sr.) Rockford (Boylan)
40-9 Ashley Gaston (Jr.) E. St. Louis Sr.
40-6.5 Martha Burd (Sr.) Rockford (Boylan)
39-8.25 Samantha Sturm (Jr.) Mt. Prospect (Prospect)
38-8 Brittany Bush (Jr.) Moline
38-3.25 Rachel Redmond (Jr.) Lincolnshire (Stevenson)
37-7 Mariah Smith (Jr.) West Aurora
37-4 Ebony Stallworth (Jr.) South Holland (Thornwood)
Outlook: expect this event to be a little down after heavy graduation losses, but at the same time pretty competitive as the top 5 returners are within a few feet of one another. No clear favorite but Ogunleye and Ekechukwu have faced one another several times and should duel again. Ekechukwu got the best of Ogunleye at state last spring. Don’t forget about Didier. She placed 6th in the state final ahead of Ogunleye. She will be seeking to break up the party. Gaston may be on the outside looking in, but will in the Flyerettes plans for big meet points.
Discus Throw-
141-6 Kirstin Thompson (Sr.) Normal West
139-11 JazJuan Wallace-Sipp (Jr.) Harvey (Thornton)
132-8 Ashley Gaston (Jr.) E. St. Louis Sr.
129-7 Samantha Sturm (Jr.) Mt. Prospect (Prospect)
126-11 Sarah Drozdowski (Sr.) Roselle (Lake Park)
126-1 Nancy Harmon (Sr.) Skokie (Niles North)
125-6 Precious Ogunleye (Jr.) Hoffman Estates
116-7 Mariah Smith (Sr.) West Aurora
110-7 Adebelle Ekechukwu (Sr.) Hinsdale Central
109-8 Allysa Decker (Sr.) Moline
Outlook: Thompson is the top returner on paper and results based on her state runner-up finish. Her 141-foot effort is one of several 130+ foot throws in ’09. There is a real potential to reach the rare 150-foot territory. Wallace-Sipp will pose a threat to Thompson as will ESL ace Gaston.
 | Hinsdale Central's Jessie Vardas hopes to score
some big points for the Devilettes in the Pole Vault.
|
Pole Vault-
13-1 Megan Weller (Sr.) Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East)
12-0 Allie Pace (Sr.) Geneva
11-6 Anna Etherington (Sr.) Barrington
11-6i Caley Faulkner (Sr.) Naperville Central
11-3i Jesse Vardas (Sr.) Hinsdale Central
11-3 Taylor Kirby (Jr.) Normal West
10-9i Kathryn Warner (Sr.) Batavia
10-6i Lauren Saffran (Sr.) Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East)
10-6 Jennifer Roche (Jr.) Moline
10-6 Stephanie Richartz (Sr.) Mundelein (Carmel Catholic)
10-6 Brittany Holst (Jr.) Chicago (Marist)
10-6 Maria Aguilar (Sr.) Aurora (Waubonsie Valley)
10-6 Hanna Faulkner (Jr.) Edwardsville
10-6 Carolina Carmichael (So.) Lake Forest
Outlook: Weller anchored one of the strongest events at US #6 in ’09. Weller she has been to the top of the mountain in terms of state glory. The next goal is becoming a national champion for the all-around athlete who doubles as a gymnast. With only two returnees ahead of Weller on the depth chart, the goal is very much obtainable. Another solid talent is Pace. She will play a vital part of her team’s trophy hopes this year. After placing a solid second in state to Weller, the confidence is obviously flowing. However, she is still over a foot behind in the personal best department. Several other premier vaulters will take their cracks at glory including Etherington, Faulkner, and Kirby. Weller’s teammate Lauren Saffran enjoyed a solid indoor season at 10-6 and then took a mysterious “disapperance.” Hopefully, she will be able to stay on track in 10 and become a powerful 1-2 punch for the Griffins. |
