Warren's Ellis on track for epic finale
CHARLESTON - Warren senior Brittny Ellis is primed for a big finish.
The Blue Devils senior made quite a statement in the Class 3A girls track and field state meet preliminaries on Friday at Eastern Illinois' O'Brien Stadium.
Ellis, who won back-to-back Class 3A 400-meter dash titles in her freshman and sophomore years, is looking to add a few more state victories this year.
She had a sensational day on Friday, tying for top preliminary time in the 100 dash (12.04), cruising to the top mark in the 400 (54.76) and adding the top performance in the 200 (24.66).
The Miami-bound standout has put herself in position to win a state title in all three races Saturday.
"It's definitely been an adventure, and I think I have shot in all three," said Ellis.
Ellis looked smooth in posting her marks on Friday and admits her level of experience is paying off.
"I know what to expect," said Ellis. "I'm used to running at this level. The first few years I wasn't ready. It's my last year - I want to go out with a bang."
Warren coach Ryan Dunn agreed that Ellis will be up for the challenge on Saturday.
"We've focused so much on these three events; she has a feel for it," he said. "She's strong and she's experienced. She'll be ready to go."
Led by Ellis, Warren has put itself in position for a possible trophy. The Blue Devils will look for additional points from senior Keely Knobbe, who enters the discus final with the third-best mark (134-04).
Lakes senior Danielle Griesbaum has also put herself in good position for Saturday; she hit the second-fastest qualifying time in the 800 (2:14.35) to stake her mark for Saturday.
Last year Griesbaum finished sixth in Class 3A, and the senior will be looking elevate her position on Saturday.
"I got stuck in the pack early but was able to make a move late," said Griesbaum, who took second in her heat and used a strong finish to record a career-best mark. "I am able to put all my focus on this one event this year."
Sophomore Lauren Troemel, freshman Roxanne Temple, junior Madison Romig and sophomore Brooke Drabek combined to advance for Grant in the 3,200 relay (9:22.89). Last year the Bulldogs missed making Saturday's finals, which turned out to help this year's squad.
"It was hard mentally missing the finals last year," said Romig, "That drove us this year."
Junior Rachel Bicknase also advanced to the finals for Grant with the seventh-best preliminary mark in the discus (126-10).
Grayslake Central junior Alexa Schmitt advanced to the finals in the long jump (17-08.5) with the eighth-best preliminary mark.
Lake Zurich sophomore Alyssa Morello cleared 11-0 to advance to the finals in the pole vault.
Class 2A
Vernon Hills freshman Jordyn Bunning made quite an impression at her first state meet, advancing to the finals in both the 100 high hurdles (15.48) and 300 low hurdles (46.54).
"I didn't feel like I would make it this far, and to do it as a freshman is pretty promising," said Bunning. "I was nervous watching the times, but I knew if I ran my race I'd be OK."
Freshman Lauren Kratz also had a nice day for the Cougars. She started her day by combining with senior Lauren Kim, freshman Nicole Pinter, and senior Samantha Hershman in advancing the 3,200 relay (9:45.22); Kratz then qualified individually in the 800 (2:20.13).
Last year, Wauconda's Christina Meinhardt took fourth in the shot put and sixth in the discus, she is looking for a rerun this year.
Meinhardt advanced in both the shot put (38-06.75) and discus (118-10).
"I was pretty nervous today," said Meinhardt, "I'm looking to be a bit calmer tomorrow. I just need to focus on my form."
Antioch junior Mikayla Christian advanced in the discus (115-02), and Carmel senior Hasana Huff advanced in the triple jump (36-00.75).