It’s vintage Wasowicz as Palatine prevails
Palatine senior Tess Wasowicz was in prime form at the opening Mid-Suburban League West triangular girls track meet at Schaumburg on Tuesday.
The Pirates senior has earned a combined five state medals in track and cross country during her four years, and it looks like she’s ready for more.
On chilly day Wasowicz flashed her potential by taking first in the 400 (1:02.5) and 800 (2:24.8) and was part of the first-place 3,200 relay (10:11.35) in leading Palatine to the MSL West victory with 74 points.
Barrington took second with 59 points, followed by host Schaumburg (52 points).
“She has been around the block,” said Palatine coach Joe Parks of Wasowicz’s achievements. “With her experience she kind of knows what to do to get ready.”
The Minnesota-bound senior combined with senior Taylor Tenca, sophomore Kara Burton and junior Jessica Lincoln in setting the tone in the opening 3,200 relay.
“We wanted to go out there and give a good effort today,” said Wasowicz of the Pirates, who won the MSL indoor invite in March and now have their eyes set on the outdoor title. “This being my last go around, I’m definitely more motivated.”
Wasowicz had plenty of help as the Pirates were aided by strong performance by sophomore Ashley Proska, who took first in the 100 (12.97), second in the 400 (1:06.72) and long jump (15-8.25).
Senior Megan O’Brien added a pair of victories in the shot put (36-8) and discus (105-4), with sophomore Megan Thabuteau adding a first-place finish in the triple jump (32-0).
Juniors Liz Cox (5:23.91) and Cassidy McPherson (5:30.35) went 1-2 in the 1,600 in a strong opening performance by the Pirates.
“The distance crew has done its job, and we have a lot of younger girls stepping up in the sprints,” said McPherson, who added a second-place finish in the 3,200 (12:00). “We’re using these meets to get better, and hopefully we’ll be there at the end of the season.”
Barrington used a strong performance in the field to secure the second place, with senior Samantha Babiuk taking first in the pole vault (9-0) and freshman Anna Cossio adding a first-place finish in the high jump (5-0).
Babiuk also combined with senior Melina Milone, sophomore Lauren Cropsey, and sophomore Nina Hodges in powering the Fillies to a first-place finish in the 800 relay (1:54).
“We’ve been working really well as a team,” said Babiuk, who also took third in the 100 (13.16). “Everybody is pushing hard and we’re doing it for the team.”
Schaumburg junior Darneisha Spann had a breakout season as a sophomore, qualifying to the state meet in the 100 high hurdles, 300 low hurdles, and 200 dash.
The Saxons junior showed no signs of slowing down on Tuesday as she won the 100 high hurdles (15.59) and 300 low hurdles (47.97). Spann also combined with freshman Enfiniti Kelly, senior Jasmine Bethea, and junior Danielle Reptowski to take first in the 400 relay (52.25).
Spann ended her day by combining with senior Tori Capozziello, senior Maika Kumamoto and sophomore Ali Gutt in winning the 1,600 relay (4:16.72).
“Last year I entered state not very confident,” said Spann. “This year I know I am just as good as the rest of the girls and if I put my mind to it, I can do it.”
“She has really dedicated herself to her craft,” said Schaumburg coach Courtney Smith of Spann, who swept both hurdle events and also won the 200 at the MSL meet last season. “I think she’s really hungry.”
Sophomore Erin Falsey aided the Saxons by taking first in the 3,200 (11:48.5), with Bethea adding a first in the 200 (27.9) and Kelly taking first in the long jump (16-3).