Morgan, Julifs going back to state

Courtney Morgan and Holly Julifs were in their element at the Class 3A St. Charles North girls track and field sectional on Friday night.

The former is the defending state champion in the shot put; the latter is the regular-season leader in the discus for the Mustangs.

The two scored all the Mustangs' points last year in leading Metea Valley to its highest finish - in any sport - in school history.

Morgan won the shot put with a throw of 41 feet even and was runner-up to Juliffs' winning mark of 136-7 on Friday.

Juliffs was second to Morgan as the indomitable duo seek to improve the Mustangs' tied-for-fifth team finish last year.

"There's a little bit of pressure, but I think it's good pressure," Morgan said. "I think I am ready to (defend)."

Nicky Cast earned the Mustangs' third individual title by claiming the 800 run in 2:18.89.

"I had to remind myself that I have run under (the automatic state-qualifying) time," Cast said.

Leana Goldman was one of nine at-large qualifiers in the 1,600 run for Metea Valley, fifth overall with 60 points.

West Chicago failed to advance any competitors to the finals in Charleston next weekend.