St. Charles East's 1,600 relay looking to 3-peat

CHARLESTON - The Chmelik twins have one final chapter to author for the St. Charles East girls track and field team.

Allison and Elizabeth Chmelik are two-time returnees of the Saints' consecutive champions of the Class 3A 1,600-meter relay.

In the final race of the state preliminaries Friday afternoon, the senior sisters powered the squad to the finest time of the three heats.

Teaming with underclass stars Casey McNichols - also on the championship unit last spring - and Kyanna McClinton at Eastern Illinois' O'Brien Stadium, the quartet won in three minutes, 52.99 seconds.

The possibilities for another state title are as enticing as they are attainable.

"That is a dream," Allison Chmelik said. "I know I have a lot I can do myself. I think we have the potential to do it. I'm super excited about the opportunity we have (on Saturday)."

"We have had some up and downs this season (due to injuries)," Elizabeth Chmelik said. "I can't even describe how awesome that would be to three-peat."

The Saints are also the defending champion in the 3,200 relay.

Anastasia Honea, one of two returning members, had a brilliant anchor leg to give St. Charles East its first preliminary victory.

Torree Scull, the Saints' four-year gladiator, will return to the lineup on Saturday. The senior is at the epicenter of an incredibly intriguing open 1,600 run.

Scull had the fastest time of 10 girls to break the five-minute barrier of the 12 who qualified for the finals.

"It's my favorite race," the returning all-stater said after winning in 4:56.38. "I just wanted to win my heat - and I did it. I did (the double) last year. We're strong (in the relay). We're hoping for the best."

St. Charles North freshman sensation Audrey Ernst was one of the 10 athletes to go under five minutes as she was runner-up to Streamwood senior Gabby Juarez in the first heat.

"Part of my strategy is I go out as fast as I can all the time," Ernst said. "I start off fast and try to keep my pace up. There are some great girls in the (field)."

Allison Chmelik and St. Charles North junior Hannah Schilb both made the finals in the triple jump.

The latter stands in fourth place with her near-38-foot effort with three more attempts on Saturday.

"Huge factor," Schilb said of her third consecutive appearance in the event. "I was more calm and focused. I came here as a freshman and was so nervous I could barely jump."

In the Class 2A prelims, Kaneland, Rosary and Aurora Central combined to advance seven individuals to eight finals berths; they also had four relays advance.

Aurora Central junior Karina Liz, the defending champion at 800 meters, had the best time at that distance and the second-fastest at 400 meters.

Rosary milers Emily Martin and Madison Ronzone won back-to-back 1,600 heats for the Nos. 2 and 3 seeds.

"I got in front early and was able to keep that pace," Martin said.

Brianna Bower (Kaneland) and Abby Fioresi (ACC) also made the finals at 1,600 meters.

Kaneland junior Allie Heinzer is assured of three all-state medals on two relays and as the third seed at 400 meters.

"I was supposed to win (my 400 heat)," Heinzer said. "At state everyone comes in with a lot of energy."