Huntley dethrones Cary-Grove in FVC
Shawn Nordeen had every reason to smile.
The Huntley girls track coach watched the last six years as Cary-Grove came home with the Fox Valley Conference championship.
Thursday, Nordeen and the Red Raiders were able to claim an FVC title at Hampshire High School.
With 135 points, the Red Raiders dethroned 6-time champion Cary-Grove, which scored 117 points.
"We kept scoring points through the whole meet and never let up," said Nordeen. "These upperclassmen certainly deserve this conference championship."
The Trojans were without Illinois recruit Morgan Schulz, who was out with a stress fracture to the shin. Her status for next week's sectionals is unknown.
The Red Raiders were led by double winner Macy Tramblay, who took top honors in the 100 hurdles (14.82) and triple jump (35-4 ¾).
"The adrenaline was really pumping tonight," said Tramblay. "I was tired but I just had to keep going for the team's sake."
Joining Tramblay in the winners circle for the Raiders were Cassidy Lackovic (100, 13.09), Tess Miller (400, 59.87) and the 1,600 relay (4:11.56).
Despite not having Schulz, the Trojans put together a solid effort.
First place finishes for the Trojans came from Eva Burk (200, 27.40) and Nikki Freeman (discus, 131-09).
"With Morgan out we knew everybody had to chip in and step up," said Burk. "I got off to a good start and was happy to help the team."
The Trojans also claimed the top prize in the 400 relay (50.70) and 800 relay (1:47.70).
Crystal Lake South, third with 101 points, garnered two individual first place efforts. Natalie Boorom won the 400 in a clocking of 45.90 and Kianna Clark powered her way to the shot put title with a heave of 37-11 ½. The Gators also won the 3,200 relay in a time of 9:29.48.
"I got out of the blocks strong and executed my strategy," said Boorom. "I really pushed hard."
Jacobs, led by a double win from Lauren Van Vlierbergen, was fourth with a score of 79 points.
Van Vlierbergen won the 800 (2:14.24) and the 1,600 (5:03.77).
"The competition was great," said the Jacobs senior standout. "I wish it was a little less windy. Overall I feel I am ready for the sectionals next week."
Other first place efforts for the Golden Eagles came from Caliegh Walsh (long Jump, 17-6¾ 3/4) and Rachel Holstein (high jump, 5-3).
Grayslake Central, sixth with 59.5 points, got a first place finish by Katie Schroeder in the pole vault (11-6).
Burlington Central 2nd in BNC: For the first time in 10 years, Burlington Central didn't win the Big Northern Conference meet, which was contested at Marengo. The Rockets scored 128 points to finish 12 points behind champion Richmond-Burton. Chloe Bilyk (800, 2:25.83), Jasmine Castillo (300 hurdles, 47.51), Karli Chmelik (high jump, 5-0), Meghan Conn (pole vault, 9-0) and the 1,600 relay team (4:12.69) won championships for BC.