Glenbard West's Perez set up for more
CHARLESTON - The extraordinary high school track time of Glenbard West senior Madeline Perez comes to a close this weekend.
The Georgetown-bound distance runner has accomplished almost everything possible the last two years after winning three combined girls cross country and track and field individual championships.
Despite being plagued by injuries her entire senior year, Perez still authored a best performance in the Hilltoppers' state-championship cross country season last fall.
Friday at the Class 3A state track preliminaries, the defending champion at 1,600 and 3,200 meters showcased her drive in turning back West Suburban Silver rival Anne Zaher of Hinsdale Central to win the 1,600 in 4 minutes, 58.31 seconds.
"I was maxed out," said Zaher, passed in the closing meters. "I couldn't catch her."
"It just felt great to get the win, get the (automatic) qualifier," Perez said. "State isn't always about time, it's about place. I have some personal goals in mind."
In order to duplicate her distance double from last year, Perez must deny sophomore teammate Lindsay Graham in the 3,200 run.
The first day of the large-class state meet at Eastern Illinois University offered tantalizing possibilities for the many local athletes who advanced to the Saturday finals.
Metea Valley throwers Holly Julifs and Courtney Morgan are attempting to become the first female state champions in school history.
Julifs is the first-day leader in the discus at 144 feet, 6 inches; Morgan holds the same distinction in the shot put at 45-3.5.
"They have those marks," Metea Valley coach Jim Braun said. "People have to try and beat us."
The long jump could not be any tighter as Minooka senior Janile Rogers holds a 2-inch advantage - 18-9 to 18-7 - over Neuqua Valley junior Maya Neal.
West Aurora defending state champion Emma Spagnola is a half inch behind Neal.
"I know there is so much more I could have done to increase those inches," said Neal, a two-time all-stater in the event.
Michaela Hackbarth (Downers South), Stephanie Urbanic (Downers North), Katie Sheehan (Neuqua Valley) and Waubonsie Valley senior Alli Wilson are among the top contenders at 800 meters.
"I was a 2-miler," Wilson said. "My coach (Dave Gow) wanted me to focus on one thing and become all-state. I'm excited to see what happens."
Glenbard North senior Simone Carr is guaranteed a second straight medal in the 400.
In Class 2A action Katelyn Hill capped an unprecedented day in Glenbard South program history by holding off Cahokia anchor Raynesha Lewis to win the Raiders' 1,600 relay heat.
The Illinois State-bound Hill had the fastest times in both the 100 and 300 hurdles at 14.86 and 44.20.
Hill became the first athlete at Glenbard South to become a four-event finalist when the Raiders' 400 relay also made the cut.
"My legs obeyed my mind," Hill joked. "I beat (Lewis) to the line. I held on pretty good (in the hurdles)."
Brittany Fisher anchored Montini to the top seed in the 3,200 relay.