State title nice way to top off return for Wold

CHARLESTON — John Wold’s amazing return from injury continued spectacularly.

In an 800-meter race right in his wheelhouse at the Class 2A boys state track finals Saturday, the Glenbard South junior kicked over the last 200 meters from out of third place to win in a 2A record time of 1 minute, 54.66 seconds.

Due to officials speeding up the meet to combat a constant rain at O’Brien Stadium, Wold had only a 45-minute break until he ran the 1,600, placing sixth.

“I’m happy with one state championship, honestly,” said the junior, held out nearly the entire season by calf and tendon injuries.

“On a four-week season I don’t think I could have asked for much more,” he said. “I’ll go for the 800, mile, maybe 2-mile next year. I’m pleased with how it went out. You can always wish for more, but that’s fine.”

Glenbard South’s Jeremiah Ratliff and Matt Loos each finished 11th in triple jump and discus, respectively.

Cahokia won Class 2A with a record 99.50 points. Benet enjoyed all-state finishes by Anton Vershay in the 3,200, Stephen Hubona in discus, Austin Dzic in the 300 hurdles, Bobby Svoboda in the 800 and the 3,200 relay of Svoboda, Brady McLaughlin, Rory Johnson and Phil Parisi.

Sterling Newman Catholic won Class 1A. Immaculate Conception’s Tim Hipskind placed sixth in the 400, as did Timothy Christian’s Jake Hooker in the 300 hurdles. Lisle’s 3,200 relay of Jefferson Chan, Alex Lange, Ben Buchelt and Ryan Kilroy finished 11th.