Girls track and field: Scouting Lake County

ANTIOCH

Coach: Dan Oslage (13th season)

Last season: 12th in NSC meet, ninth in Class 2A Woodstock sectional

Top returning athletes: Jr. Alexis Duehr (sprints), Sr. Carly McCameron (high jump), Sr. Maddie Brost (jumps), Jr. Natalie Nielsen (sprints/hurdles), Jr. Jatiyah Childs (high jump), So. Ashley Reiser (sprints), So. Emma Miller (sprints/pole vault), Jr. Taegan Gandolfi (pole vault), Jr. Mikayla Christian (throws), Jr. Sabrina Long (throws), So. Danielle Tebbe (mid-distance), Sr. Colleen Gaborek (distance), So. Emily Holmes (distance), So. Allison Smith (distance)

Season outlook: Two-time state qualifier Alexis Duehr suffered a broken leg during the basketball season but returned late in the season and helped the Sequoits win a Class 3A sectional championship. She qualified for last season's state track meet in the 100- and 200-meter dashes and long jump.

GRANT

Coach: Jackie Randall (seventh season)

Last season: 7-0 in NSC Prairie, first in NSC meet, tie for fourth in Class 3A DeKalb sectional

Top returning athletes: Jr. Delaney Basala (100, 400 dashes), Sr. Georgia Rinda (jumps), Jr. Madison Romig (800, 1,600 runs), So. Brooke Drabek (800 run), So. Lauren Tromel (800 run, 300 hurdles), Jr. Rachel Bicknase (throws), Jr. Kylie Mueller (throws), So. Kaitlyn Lombardino (pole vault), Sr. Sabrina Hahnlein (pole vault)

Notable additions: Fr. Roxanne Temple (400 dash, hurdles), Fr. Ariyona Wallace (sprints), Fr. Jessica Villa (high jump)

Season outlook: The Bulldogs enjoyed a historic season in 2014, winning their first NSC championship since 2007 and qualifying their 3,200 relay for the Class 3A state meet. Gone is Emily Troemel, who won both hurdles events at conference. Junior Delaney Basala is back after winning the 400 at last year's DeKalb sectional. Sophomore Brooke Drabek earned a state berth in the 800 run. Coach Jackie Randall says her team will be well-rounded this season and although young, she added, is improving in the field events and the short distance on the track. She said led by a strong middle-distance crew, her Bulldogs hope to make another run at the NSC Prairie Division and conference championship.

LAKES

Coaches: Caroline Kochmit and Meghan Steinberg (first season)

Last season: second in NSC meet, fourth in Class 3A Lake Zurich sectional

Top returning athletes: Sr. Brittani Griesbaum (sprints/jumps), Sr. Danielle Griesbaum (sprints/jumps), Sr. Erica Terry (sprints/relays/triple jump), Jr. Maeve Tuley (pole vault), So. Toyin Jackson (jumps), Sr. Sam Counts (sprints)

Notable additions: Fr. Taylor Tilmon (sprints)

Season outlook: Twins Brittani and Danielle Griesbaum return for the final season of their great careers at Lakes. State qualifiers since their freshman year, they signed to compete at Drake University in the off-season. They helped the Eagles win the Class 2A 3,200 relay at state in both 2012 and 2013. But competing in Class 3A last season, the Eagles' 3,200 relay did not advance to state. Danielle took sixth in the 800 at state and also competed in the high jump, while Brittani qualified for state in the long jump and 100 and 200 dashes. Junior Maeve Tuley returns after qualifying for state in the pole vault the last two years. "We are currently battling some injuries but we still are very strong and have more depth than some previous years," said Caroline Kochmit, who's coaching the team this spring with Meghan Steinberg. "We've found some new talent, which is always exciting. Ideally, we'd like to have state champs again this year in more than one event."

ROUND LAKE

Coach: Gerry Volenec (first season, second stint)

Last season: 13th in Class 3A Lake Zurich sectional

Returning athletes: Jr. Noemi Powell (110 hurdles, 200 dash), Sr. Ullvia Chavaria (1,600 run), Sr. Vicky Villa Sr. (800 run), Jr. Alondra Alvarez Jr. (200 dash, triple jump), So. Lizeth Rogel (400 dash, 800 run), Jr. Naleli Davalos (long jump), Jr. Tatyiana Steadman (shot put/discus)

Notable additions: Fr. Allie Ramirez (high jump/100 dash), Fr. Jessica Cuna (800, 1,600 runs), Jr. Jackie Schmidt (100 dash, 300 hurdles), Fr. Emily Lipp (long jump), So. Ari Pratt (100 dash, 300 hurdles), Fr. Yeni Aguirre (800, 1,600 runs), Fr. Alesia Jidmar (long jump)

Season outlook: The Panthers scored points in a sectional meet last spring for the first time in 10 years and participated for the first time in the conference JV meet. "The team is very young, with over 25 freshmen," coach Gerry Volenec said. "The team has also reached unprecedented numbers, 60 athletes. The Panthers look to improve in scoring in every meet and with a greater flexibility, prevent the wear and tear on the athletes as the season progresses." Volenec also hopes the Panthers can advance someone to state - something the program hasn't done in 10 years - set a few school records and improve their record in conference meets. He said as the Panthers "look to the future, the continued development of a talented junior class is essential for the building of the program."

VERNON HILLS

Coach: Jason Rush (sixth season)

Last season: 4-2 in NSC Prairie, tie for seventh in NSC meet, third in Class 2A Woodstock sectional

Returning athletes: Sr. Kiara Schuh (sprints/jumps/hurdles), Jr. Molly Wasserberg (sprints/jumps/hurdles), Sr. Christine Tsai (sprints/jumps/hurdles), Sr. Kasey Firnbach (throws), Sam Hershman (mid-distance, distance), Jr. Lexi Reich (mid-distance), Sr. Lauren Kim (mid-distance, distance), Jr. Vivian Overbeck (distance), Sr. Shannon Skeoch (distance), Sr. Mia Polisky (throws), Sr. Natalie Miller (distance), So. Emily Carido (sprints/jumps/hurdles), So. Michelle Zhang (sprints/jumps/hurdles)

Notable newcomers: Fr. Jordyn Bunning (sprints/hurdles/pole vault/long jump), Fr. Lauren Katz (mid-distance, distance)

Season outlook: Jason Rush calls his 2015 Cougars the "largest and deepest" team in his six seasons as coach. The returning talent includes two-time state-qualifying discus thrower Kasey Firnbach. Senior Kiara Schuh, junior Molly Wassserberg and senior Christine Tsai all ran on the Class 2A sectional-winning 1,600 relay. The state-qualifying 3,200 relay included returning talent Sam Hershman, Lexi Reich and Lauren Kim. Junior Vivian Overbeck went to state last spring in the 3,200 run and placed fifth. Rush said freshman sensation Jordyn Bunning competes sprints, hurdles, pole vault and long jump and is "tremendously talented," while freshman distance runner Lauren Katz has already run faster than any 800-meter indoor runner in VH history. The Cougars flashed potential during the indoor season. At Carthage College last week, Overbeck won the 3,200 (11:28) and Bunning took fourth in the 55 high hurdles (8.98), while Hershman led Katz and Kim in the 800 in which all three runners went under the school record. "General outlook is tremendous," Rush said. "(There are) 65 kids on the team - largest ever. Lots of talent and willingness to work hard."

WAUCONDA

Coach: Ali Luetschwager (third season)

Last season: ninth in NSC meet, seventh in Class 2A Woodstock sectional

Top returning athletes: Sr. Christina Meinhardt (throws), Sr. Angela Cruz (mid-distance), Jr. Corrina Vaughan (throws), Jr. Alison Beeman (sprints/high jump)

Notable additions: Fr. Hailey Dibas (hurdles), Fr. Kelly Minor (hurdles), Fr. Sabrina Jurcisin (distance), Jr. Vanessa Guerrero (distance), Fr. America Castilla (sprints)

Season outlook: The Bulldogs boasted two of the state's top throwers last season. Dani Sturm graduated after placing second in the shot put at sectionals, but Christina Meinhardt is back for her senior season. A state qualifier since her freshman year, Meinhardt was the Class 2A Woodstock sectional champ in the shot put and discus, then took fourth and sixth in the two events, respectively, at state. She broke the school record in both events. "We hope to get more girls to get on the top 10 list and get personal records," coach Ali Luetschwager said. "We have a lot of new girls out this season so they are hungry to show everyone what they can do. We would like more school records to be broken, multiple state qualifiers and to bring home some more state medals. We also are excited to use our new track and field this season after having to practice in the neighborhoods around the school last year."

NORTH SUBURBAN LAKE

LAKE ZURICH

Coach: David Antczak (second season)

Last season: 3-4 in NSC Lake, 10th in NSC meet, 10th in Class 3A Lake Zurich sectional

Top returning athletes: Jr. Caitlin Shepard (distance), Sr. Nicole Syverson (distance), Sr. Laura McNair (distance), Sr. Ruthie Rosenkranz (mid-distance), Jr. Kristie Houghton (mid-distance), So. Madison Bridges (sprints), So. Makenzie Bridges (sprints), So. Vada Murray (hurdles), Jr. Alexis Ocampo (hurdles), Sr. Becca Dorfman (throws)

Notable additions: Jr. Bella Murin (sprints), Jr. Rachel Kerrigan (sprints), So. Mackenzie Weider (jumps), Jr. Kim Souther (jumps), So. Alyssa Morello (pole vault/sprints), So. MJ Koza (pole vault/sprints), Fr. Kelly Ledinsky (distance), Fr. Melody Multra (distance), Fr. Elisa Krause (distance)

Season outlook: The Bears hosted a Class 3A sectional last spring but did not advance anyone to state. They look to change that this season. "Our team goal this year is to continue the team mentality of discipline, family and community that was established last year and which the girls have worked hard to uphold this year," coach David Antczak said. "By doing the little things right, working hard each day and enjoying the time spent with each other, our goal is to have fun and, from that, success will follow. Additionally, we have a handful of potential of state qualifiers that our team has rallied around to help them achieve their ultimate goal."

LIBERTYVILLE

Coach: Tom Bizosky (eighth season)

Last season: 6-0-1 in NSC Lake, third in NSC meet, fifth in Class 3A Lake Zurich sectional

Top returning athletes: Jr. Lily Moore (pole vault/sprints) Sr. Jasmine Turner (sprints), Jr. Maddie Guiard (throws), Sr. Kristi DelPrato (distance), Jr. Kelly Waldvogel (high jump)

Notable additions: Fr. Avryl Johnson (distance), Fr. Melissa Manetsch (distance), Fr. Brilynn Dawson (sprints), Fr. Molly Goebel (sprints), Fr. Jessica Fu (sprints), Fr. Emma Kosowski (sprints), So. Ali Young (jumps)

Season outlook: The Wildcats graduated what coach Tom Bizosky called a "very talented senior class" that produced five school records and helped the Wildcats earn a share of the NSC Lake title with Warren. The senior group included state finalist Katie Sackett (ninth in 300 low hurdles). Junior Lily Moore returns after winning the pole vault at sectionals and then placing seventh at state. "It will be a building year," Bizosky said, "as we spend a lot of our time focusing on developing a very talented group of incoming fresh-soph."

MUNDELEIN

Coach: Kurt Rutz (third season)

Last season: 0-7 in NSC Lake, 11th in NSC meet, 11th in Class 3A Lake Zurich sectional

Top returning athletes: Sr. Katie Stanczykiewicz (high jump/hurdles/sprints), Sr. Haley Zwiefka (sprints/long jump), Sr. Hannah Gustafson (sprints/hurdles), So. Megan Schlebecker (sprints/relays), Sr. Andriana Cyprian (throws), Sr. Darlice Bouzi (throws), Sr. Ashley Parola (mid-distance), So. Marissa Richards (distance)

Notable additions: Fr. Bree Park (hurdles/sprints), So. Gia DeZonna (sprints), Fr. Elizabeth Maldonado (throws), So. A'mauri Thomas (sprints/relays)

Season outlook: The Mustangs didn't experience a lot of success last spring, but Katie Stanczykiewicz provided a bright spot as she qualified for state in the high jump. Coach Kurt Rutz reports that the senior has already jumped 5 feet, 5 inches this year. "We appear to be a much more balanced team overall, as we have shown improvement in the sprints and field events," Rutz said. "We hope to improve on last year's 11th-place conference finish and hopefully send several other individuals/relays to state along with Katie Stanczykiewicz."

STEVENSON

Coach: Emma Degen (second season)

Last season: 4-3 in NSC Lake, sixth in NSC meet, eighth in Class 3A Lake Zurich sectional

Top returning athletes: Jr. Janine Fajardo (sprints/hurdles), Jr. Lily Marks (sprints), Sr. Borchueh Wu (sprints), Jr. Charlotte Langbo (long jump/triple jump), So. Juhi Jhaveri (sprints), Sr. Megan Toni (sprints/hurdles), Sr. Bianca Ji (sprints), Sr. Julide Ozmeral (distance), Jr. Jessica Phillip (distance), Jr. Amy Atkinson (throws), Sr. Diana Kowalski (throws), So. Abbie Sise (throws), Sr. Emily Etienne (sprints), Jr. Hannah Yan (sprints), So. Abby Pucek (distance)

Notable additions: Fr. Isabelle Sparreo (distance), Fr. Kesina Daley (high jump), Fr. Megan Liss (sprints), Sr. Carlie Manno (throws)

Season outlook: The Patriots boasted the 2014 Class 3A state runner-up in the high jump in Jackie Setina, who's competing at Rose-Hulman. Coach Emma Degen acknowledges replacing Setina will be tough, but she is also confident that the Patriots can still consistently score points in the field events. Returning junior Janine Fajardo placed third in the 100 hurdles at the NSC meet, while her classmate Charlotte Lango was third in both the long jump and triple jump. "We are hoping to keep moving up in the NSC and are looking for a top-5 finish," Degen said "With a strong veteran sprint group returning and the addition of a competitive distance crew, we should be much more well rounded this year."

WARREN

Coach: Ryan Dunn (ninth season)

Last season: fourth in NSC meet, third in Class 3A Lake Zurich sectional

Top returning athletes: Sr. Brittny Ellis (sprints), Sr. Keely Knobbe (throws), Sr. Autumn Santos (sprints), Jr. Brynn Santos (sprints), Sr. Becky Haight (mid-distance), So. Abena Atuobi (throws), Sr. D'Meya Griffin (sprints).

Notable newcomers: Sr. Sammi Jo Nixon (mid-distance, distance), Fr. Kaylen Dickson (high jump), So. Kiara Mabien (sprints), Fr. Anna Engel (distance), Jr. Emily Jahn (sprints, mid-distance)

Season outlook: Speedy senior Brittny Ellis signed with the University of Miami during the off-season and looks to cap her stellar high school career with another state championship. She won the 400 meters in Class 3A both her freshman and sophomore years before taking third last season. Ellis also won the 200 dash at the Lake Zurich sectional last year. "She's focused," coach Ryan Dunn said. "She's determined. She's going to be doing three events (60, 200 and 400 dashes)in Bloomington (Illinois Top Times indoor meet Saturday). That should be good for me. As for the (outdoor) season, her eyes are on May." The Blue Devils' other returning state qualifiers are senior Keely Knobbe (discus), sophomore Abena Atuobi (shot put), senior Autumn Santos (100 dash), junior Brynn Santos (400 relay), senior Becky Haight (400 relay) and senior D'Meya Griffin (1,600 relay). Senior Sammi Jo Nixon is running track for the first time, as she plans to compete three sports (cross country and football, as well) at Lawrence University. "I'm confident that there will be some other (newcomers) that by the time mid-April and May roll around will be having a significant impact at the varsity level," Dunn said. "Right now, we just haven't seen enough out of them yet."

FOX VALLEY FOX

GRAYSLAKE CENTRAL

Coach: Shawn Murphy (third season)

Last season: second in Class 2A Woodstock sectional

Top returning athletes: Jr. Katie Schroeder (pole vault), Jr. Alexa Schmitt (hurdles/jumps), Jr. Maddie Jacobs (sprints), Jr. Jazmynn Foster (jumps/sprints), So. Megan Girmscheid (distance)

Season outlook: The Rams graduated their top sprinter in Leah Kloss, who won the 100- and 200-meter dashes at the Class 2A Woodstock sectional. But the returning talent includes two of the best potentially in the state in juniors Alexa Schmitt and Katie Schroeder, who qualified for state in the high jump and pole vault, respectively. Even though the Rams were bumped up to Class 3A this year, coach Shawn Murphy thinks Schmitt, who's also a hurdler, can still have a big postseason. "If she stays healthy, she might have a chance to qualify in three events, in not four, for 3A," Murphy said. Schroeder has cleared 12 feet, 3 inches and is nationally ranked. "I wouldn't be shocked if she goes over 13 (feet) this year," Murphy said. The one big change for the Rams this season is the moved to 3A. "The jump to 3A is tough on the mind set for a lot of these girls," Murphy said. Returning junior Maddie Jacobs replaces Kloss (Harper College) as the Rams' top sprinter. The team doesn't have many seniors, but Murphy counts 65 girls, including a huge freshman class, in the program. "We did lose one phenomenal sprinter," Murphy said. "But in the three years I've been here, this is our most-rounded and balanced team that we've had."

GRAYSLAKE NORTH

Coach: Jesse Wolter (second season)

Last season: 12th in Class 3A Lake Zurich sectional

Top returning athletes: Jr. Allie O'Connell (hurdles)

Season outlook: Junior Allie O'Connell became the Knights' first state qualifier as a freshman and then earned a state berth in the 100-meter hurdles again last season.

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

CARMEL

Coach: Jim Halford

Last season: sixth in ESCC meet, 12th in Class 2A Woodstock sectional

Top returning athletes: Sr. Riley Felicicchia (mid-distance), Sr. Hasana Huff (jumps), Sr. Marianne Smith (sprints), Jr. Maegan O'Toole (jumps), Jr. Lauren Cheslog (sprints), So. Hannah Capparelli (sprints), So. Jaclyn Psenka (sprints), So. Katie Smith (sprints), Sr. Nissiya Adjei (sprints)

Season outlook: The Corsairs return their lone state qualifier from last season in senior Hasana Huff, who won the triple jump at both the ESCC and Class 2A Woodstock sectional meets. Seniors Marianne Smith and Nissiya Adjei finished in the top six in the 100 dash at conference.