Girls track: Scouting Northwest
MID-SUBURBAN LEAGUE EASTBuffalo GroveCoach: Kendra Hutchinson (2nd year)
Last year: 9th in MSL
2015 state qualifiers: Kaitlyn Ko (3,200), Nya Carr (100 dash)
Key losses: Mia Inman, Kaila Day, Alicia Kantor
Top returnees: Senior: Kaitlyn Ko (distance), Becca Rabs (sprints), Gabby Sowa (sprints, jumps), Meliza Ott (sprints, jumps); juniors: Sherri McNeal (sprints, jumps); sophomore: Nya Carr (sprints, jumps)
Promising newcomers: Freshman: Paige Sterker (sprints), Nancy Mendoza (sprints), Heidi Schmidt (sprints)
Outlook: Carr will be a fun one to watch for the Bison. She was a state qualifier in the 100 dash last year and started this season by taking first in the 55 dash at MSL indoor meet. Carr will combine with Rabs, Sowa, and McNeal in the 400 relay. Ko is also back and will aid the Bison distance attack. Ko was a state qualifier last season and is a two-time state medalist in cross country. Rabs will also offer experience for a Bison attack that returns its core.
Elk GroveCoach: Tim Phillips (subbing for Dave Johnson this season)
Last year: 12th in MSL
2015 state qualifiers: Emily Stegmeier (800)
Key losses: Becky McDonough (Benedictine), Jacqui Colon (Harper), Jeanette Huerta (Benedictine), Marilyn Quintero (Roosevelt), Anneliese Schulz (Illinois-track club)
Top returnees: Senior: Hannah Olson (distance), Amy Haderspeck (distance), Stephanie Phillips (distance), Inga Augustaitis (throws), Molly Medlock (sprints), Mia Picci (sprints, jumps) Emily Mallek (sprints); junior: Emily Stegmeier (distance), Juliana Lappano (sprints, jumps), Sara Laskova (sprints, jumps) ; sophomore: Abbey Casey (distance)
Promising newcomers: Freshman: Brandi Middendorp (throws), Monica Castillas (distance), Katie Sundquist (sprints, jumps), Ava Sewwrynski (sprints, jumps)
Outlook: Stegmeier had an impressive spring last season, capping it by qualifying to state in the 800. She took first in the 800 at the Glenbard North sectional and ran a 2:17.05 in the state preliminaries. Stegmeier also had a pretty impressive fall, finishing 29th in Class 3A for cross country. She will lead the Grenadiers attack. Augustaitis has also been looking good in the throws for the Grens and is set for a big season.
HerseyCoach: Jim Miks (13th year)
Last year: 5th in MSL
2015 state qualifiers: Kelly Hill (pole vault), Venus Jones (discus)
Key losses: Kelly Hill, Venus Jones, Kristin Jackson, Laura Bjankini
Top returnees: Senior: Paige Pawlis (sprints, jumps), Maggie Berrigan (throws), Falen Smith (sprints), Aniya Copeland (hurdles, sprints), Nora Pearson (distance); junior: Hailey Bowes (distance), Grace Pichiotti (sprints, hurdles), Sarah Harden (distance), Alanna Ratusz (distance), Kayla Beckley (distance); sophomore: Barbara Rydzewski (throws), Stephanie Pawlis (sprints, jumps, hurdles), Hannah Nolan (jumps)
Promising newcomers: Junior: Gina Miklasz (distance), Claire Gritt (distance, jumps), Rachel Swift (throws); freshman: Dariz Szulik (sprints), Anshu Jacob (sprints), Teagan Beckley (distance), Hayley Martin (jumps), Julia Gerstung (distance), Cait Gudaitis (throws)
Outlook: Bowes had a nice cross country season and is looking to continue that momentum for the Huskies during the spring. She took second in the 3,200 at the MSL indoor meet. Rydzewski is also one to watch. She took second at conference in the discus last season and will be looking to improve on her marks this season. Hersey will miss the contributions from Hill, who won four consecutive MSL pole vault titles.
ProspectCoach: Pete Wintermute (2nd year)
Last year: 3rd in MSL, Glenbard North sectional champion, MSL East Division champions
2015 state qualifiers: Brooke Wilson (2nd in 3,200, 6th in 1,600), Maya Mason (100 high hurdles), Brenda Kendziera (long jump), Cassidy Selep (pole vault, high jump, 100 high hurdles), Jess Skudlarek (high jump), Angela Roman (shot put), 400 relay
Key losses: Catherine Sherwood (Marquette University), Hannah Getschman (Michigan Tech), Ellen Siefke
Top returnees: Senior: Maya Mason (hurdles, sprints), Jes Skudlarek (jumps, sprints), Brenda Kendziera (hurdles, sprints), Cassidy Selep (vaults, jumps, hurdles, sprints), Angela Roman (throws); junior: Brooke Wilson (distance), Autumn Stone (vault, sprints); sophomore: Annie Walsh (sprints)
Promising newcomers: Freshman: Cori Drew (distance), Julia Grady (distance), Samantha Berman (sprints, jumps), Mandy Withey (sprints, jumps), Caroline Brown (jumps), Madison Malone (hurdles, sprints).
Outlook: Things are looking promising for Prospect this season as the Knights return their core group that won the Glenbard North sectional. Junior Brooke Wilson paces the distance squad. Last year Wilson won two state medals, taking second in the 3,200 and sixth in the 1,600. She won the MSL cross country title and finished third in Class 3A. She also won the 1,600 at the MSL indoor meet and showed that she is primed for a big season. Mason also returns and will add big points for the Knights in the hurdles. She took sixth in Class 3A for the 100 high hurdles as a sophomore and will be in the mix for another state medal this season. Walsh is coming on strong in the sprints and will combine with Mason to add depth.
The Knights also have it covered in the field and welcome back Skudlarek, who cleared 5-8 at the Downers Grove North Invite last season and is one of top jumpers in the state. Brenda Kendziera has been making her mark in the long jump, taking first at the MSL indoor meet. Selep and Stone give the Knights a 1-2 punch in the pole vault with Roman looking to add points in the throws. Prospect won the MSL cross country title in the fall powered by a group of talented freshmen. They will add depth to the Knights' attack this season. Prospect is primed to make a run at the MSL title and will be aiming for a high finish at state.
Rolling MeadowsCoach: Steven Henry (1st year)
Last year: 11th in MSL
2015 state qualifiers: Gabby Sanchez ( 1,600)
Key losses: Jordanna Wynter, Ema Kolb
Top returnees: Senior: Gabby Sanchez (distance), Hannah Mickey (sprints, throws); junior: Anna Czulno (distance), Maeve Moran (distance); sophomore: Macie Robinson (sprints, jumps), Megan Martin (distance), Tara Stanwyck (pole vault, sprints).
Promising newcomers: Freshman: Dakota Stewart (mid-distance, sprints), Dana Lapinski (mid-distance, sprints)
Outlook: Sanchez highlights a distance squad that will be the Mustangs' strength. She was a state qualifier in the 1,600 last season and also finished 37th in Class 3A for cross country. Martin, Czulno, Moran and Stewart will add depth to the Mustangs' distance squad. Henry is also looking for points in the field events and the Mustangs are looking for improvement in the pole vault, jumps, and throws.
WheelingCoach: Tim Nowick (3rd year)
Last year: 6th in MSL
2015 state qualifiers: Ashley Talken (pole vault), Alanah Greenberg (shot put), Michaela Vasey (shot put), Timber Terrell (triple jump), Gloria Wide (discus), 3,200 relay
Key losses: Ashley Talken (Augustana), Hailey Dammeier (North Central College), Alanah Greenberg (Long Beach State), Hannah Dobrowski, Imani Evans, Ana Figueroa (UIC), Aurora Maila (University Wisconsin-Parkside), Maria Bedoya, Joanna Jachim
Top returnees: Senior: Gloria Wide (throws), Dianna Montesinos (hurdles), Andrea Sennett (sprint, hurdles), AJ Zepada (hurdles), Michaela Vasey (throws), Violet Apaez (mid-distance), Melissa Rodriguez (mid-distance); junior Timber Terrell (jumps), Ayana Blair (throws), Hannah DeGraff (sprints, hurdles, jumps), Sydney Johnson (sprints, jumps); sophomore: Yailene Leon (sprints, mid-distance), Jessica Talken (pole vault)
Promising newcomers: Senior: Julisa Moreno (sprints), Maria Orellana (sprints); freshman: Alexis Knight (sprints, jumps, pole vault), Emily Lucas (pole vault), Nicole Nguyen (sprints, jumps), Christina Pierini (mid-distance), Jessica Stavros (pole vault)
Outlook: Wheeling's strength this year will be in the field. The Wildcats offer plenty of depth in the throws, including Vasey (shot put) and Wide (discus), who were both state qualifiers. Vasey already has hit 40-5 during the indoor season for shot put and is looking for a big season. Blair will add depth in the throws. Terrell is an emerging talent in the triple jump; she hit 37-4.25 at the sectional last season in qualifying to the state meet and she broke the Wheeling indoor record this season (37-1). Terrell will also be a threat in the high jump. Knight and Nguyen have injected a bit of speed into the Wildcats' lineup. Knight won the 400 (59.57) at the MSL indoor meet and will be a threat outdoors. Sennett, DeGraff, and Johnson add experience to the hurdles. Wheeling qualified its 3,200 relay to the state meet last season, but Leon is the only returning member of that relay and will pace the distance crew. Wheeling is definitely making some noise and is a program on the move.
MID-SUBURBAN WESTBarringtonCoach: Jody Gitelis (29th year)
Last year: 2nd in Class 3A, Fremd sectional champion, MSL champion
2015 state qualifiers: 1,600 relay (state champions: Sara Kate Capel, Anna Cossio, Addi Coy, Kelsey McLaurin), Nina Hodges (3rd in 200, 100), Addi Coy (3rd in 300 low hurdles), Jocelyn Long (4th in 3,200 and 1,600), Kelsey McLaurin (triple jump), Jada Jones (long jump, triple jump), Sara Kate Capel (300 low hurdles), 800 relay (5th place medal), 400 relay, 3,200 relay
Key losses: Nina Hodges, Liz Nykaza, Stephanie Bergren, Lauren Cropsey, Jada Jones, Addi Coy (transfer to Culver Academy, Indiana), Lauren Caffe (soccer)
Top returnees: Senior: Sara Kate Capel (sprints, hurdles, jumps), Anna Cossio (sprints, jumps), Obi Azie (throws), Carly Horak (sprints, jumps); junior: Kelsey McLaurin (sprints, jumps), Kristin Gadbois (pole vault), Sammie Samaryzcew (distance); sophomore: Jocelyn Long (distance), Niki Barcroft (sprints, vault), Cailtin Feely (distance), Eleni Fille (sprints), Katie Ketel (sprints, jumps), Julia Piotrowski (sprints, hurdles, mid-distance)
Promising newcomers: Senior: Lauren Feely (jumps, hurdles); sophomore: Sarah Messerschmidt (distance), Ellery Sterling (sprints); freshman: Eve Hoeltgen (distance), Sophie Hoeltgen (distance), Meaghan Lozzio (mid-distance).
Outlook: Barrington capped a fantastic season last year by tying for second place trophy in Class 3A. The relays were the team's strength last year as they won the state title in the 1,600 relay and took fifth place medal in the 800 relay. The Fillies took a big hit to graduation losing Hodges and Nykaza, along with Coy, who transferred to Culver Academy in Indiana. Coy and Hodges both earned two state medals last season and will be missed. But the Fillies still offer a talented team. Capel, Cossio, and McLaurin return from 1,600 relay squad and cover a lot of ground for the Fillies. McLaurin will be a threat to medal in the triple jump this season as she hit 37-2 at the sectionals last year. She also is a key member of the Fillies sprint relays and is a solid anchor in the 1,600. Capel, who was also a member of the 800 relay, will cover the low hurdles and high jump, with Cossio adding points in the high jump. Long took fifth at the Class 3A cross country meet and finished fourth in the 3,200 in Class 3A last season. She has definitely found her gear and will pace the Fillies in the distance events. These four form a talented core that is hoping to power the Fillies to their third straight MSL title. The Fillies offer a group of talented underclassmen that will be looking to emerge. Yes, they lost some big names, but they also have some key returning runners along with some promising young talent that will make this season interesting.
ConantCoach: Bob Borczak (16th year)
Last year: 10th in MSL
2015 state qualifiers: Sydney Davis (3,200), Natalie Lakomski (800), Shelby Epich (shot put)
Key losses: Abby Tripp (Lewis College), Ola Urbanksi
Top returnees: Senior: Natalie Lakomski (distance), Heather Cizek (distance), Rachel McKenzie (sprints, jumps), Shelby Epich (throws), Julia Rummell (hurdles, pole vault), Lily Mowarski (pole vault); junior: Sydney Davis (distance), Jaemmie Bennett (sprints, jumps, Maya Crawford (throws); sophomore: Kristina Loznjakovic (hurdles), Victoria Marzec (sprints)
Promising newcomers: Freshman: Makenzie Jackson (middle-distance), Kayla Wartman (middle-distance)
Outlook: Conant returns all three of its athletes that qualified for state last year. Davis has emerged to lead a talented distance crew. Davis qualified for the 3,200 last spring and was also a state qualifiers in cross country. Lakomski hit a 2:19.04 to qualify to state in the 800, she has also taken a step forward. Epich finished last season strong hitting 37-8 in shot put at sectionals. Loznjakovic leads a young hurdle crew. McKenzie, Bennnett, and Tricia Nicolson have supplied the Cougars with leadership.
FremdCoach: Jeremy Herriges (2nd year)
Lasts year: 4th in MSL
2015 state qualifiers: Ayako Higuchi (9th in 1,600), Kailyn Bryk (triple jump), Katie Escobar (1,600), 3,200 relay (3rd place medal), 800 relay, 1,600 relay
Key losses: Ayako Higuchi, Katie Escobar, and Lauren Ciardiello
Top returnees: Senior: Nora Finegan (distance), Grace Korn (jumps); junior: Cara Ogilvy (sprints), Linda Varela (sprints), Hanna Murakami (sprints), Bethany Ekwonwa (sprints), Kailyn Bryk (jumps); sophomore: Anayia Veremis (sprints).
Promising newcomers: Freshman: Sumin Cho (sprints), Emma Schultz (sprints)
Outlook: Last year Fremd's strength was its distance crew, which came up with a third-place finish in the 3,200 relay at the Class 3A state meet. This year there has been a subtle shift to the sprints. Finegan is the only returning member of the 3,200 relay, but the Vikings will lean on the talented senior. She won the MSL 800 indoor title and last weekend finished second in the 800 (2:18.88) at the Illinois Top Times Indoor Meet. The Viking senior also will help push the 1,600 relay (4:04.27) that finished third at the ITT meet. Varela, Murakami, and Ogilvy lead a talented group of junior sprinters looking to make their mark, especially in the 800 and 1,600 relays. Varela could open some eyes this season, as she also will be in the 800. Bryk will give the Vikings a lift in the field in the triple jump and high jump. Fremd is another program that is on the move and it will be interesting to see how far their sprint relays can take them.
Hoffman EstatesCoach: Kirk Macnider (2nd year)
Last year: 5th in MSL
2015 state qualifiers: Meagan Biddle (8th in 1,600), Melanie Bliudzius (shot put), 800 relay, 3,200 relay.
Key losses: Melanie Bliudzius, Alondra Aguirre (West Alabama University), Yazmin Nunez (North Central College), Kaylan Williams, Edyta Kraweic
Top returnees: Senior: Meagan Biddle (distance), Reena Prahbu (distance), Carly Dagen (distance); junior: Katie Bonney (distance), Jessica Hagen (sprints, jumps), Destinee Jackson (sprints), Argelia Morales (sprints); sophomore: Allison Schrader (distance)
Promising newcomers: Senior: Alexis Brown (sprints); freshman: Anna Miller (distance), Mikkeala Palmer (distance), Alex Drevline (throws), Mikiyha Blackwell (throws)
Outlook: Biddle keys the Hoffman attack. Despite battling an illness, the Hawks senior finished eighth in 1,600 for Class 3A last season. She ran a personal best 10:42.81 in the 3,200 at the MSL West division meet and came back to go under five minutes (4:59.48) in the mile at the Conant twilight last season. Biddle added a solid mark in the mile during the indoor season (5:00.2) and also won the MSL 3,200 indoor title. She is primed for a big season. Prahbu, Dagen, and Schrader add depth to the distance crew that is hoping push its 3,200 relay to state. Jackson will pace the Hawks sprint relays and Bonney has looked strong in the open 400. Hoffman definitely has pieces to push for a top-five spot in the MSL.
PalatineCoach: Joe Parks (6th year)
Last year: 2nd in MSL
2015 state qualifiers: Kelly O'Brien (3rd in 1,600), 3,200 relay (2nd place medal), Gabbie Heidrich (triple jump), Amy Kielieszewski (3,200), Caitlin Riedy (300 low hurdles), Sam Lechowicz (1,600), 400 relay, 800 relay, 1,600 relay
Key losses: Kara Burton (Colorado Mines), Amy Kielieszewski (St. Louis), Basiret Iginla (UIC), Ashley Proska (Harper), Gabbie Heidrich, Megan Thabuteau, Caitlin Riedy, Megan Beach
Top returnees: Senior: Kelly O'Brien (distance), Sabina Yosif (distance), Sam Lechowicz (distance); junior: Corey Rinella (sprints, hurdles, jumps), Anna Buckstaff (distance), Izzeh Stankiewicz (distance); sophomore: Tianna Henderson (sprints, jumps), Ada Seiminski (sprints, jump)
Promising newcomers: Junior: Danya Lloyd (mid-distance), Nadya Lloyd (mid-distance); freshman: Jess Streepy (pole vault),Tiana Noud (sprints), Liz Lechowicz (distance), Kate Lechowicz (distance), Erin Oleksak (mid-distance).
Outlook: Palatine enters the season in a bit of transition after losing eight athletes who competed at the state meet last year. But the Pirates can definitely lean on O'Brien, who has earned six state medals combined in cross country and track and field. O'Brien finished third in the 1,600 (4:54) at the Class 3A state meet, and she also flashed her speed in 800 (2:12.22) at the Palatine Relays. O'Brien will also help with the 3,200 relay and 1,600 relay. Sam Lechowicz was all-state in cross country (24th place) last fall and will contribute to the Pirates attack. Rinella will cover a lot events including hurdles, sprints, and jumps; with Henderson adding to sprints and jumps. Palatine is also excited about Streepy, who cleared 10-3 in the pole vault during the indoor season. Palatine may be in transition, but the Pirates should still be competitive.
SchaumburgCoach: Courtney Smith (5th year)
Last year: 8th in MSL
2015 state qualifiers: 3,200 relay (6th place medal); Ali Gutt (800), Lauren Kubinski (1,600), 1,600 relay
Key losses: Ali Gutt (Harper College), Erin Falsey (Loyola)
Top returnees: Senior: Enfiniti Kelly (sprints, jumps), Nadine Pola (sprints); juniors: Valerie Schackelton (distance), Ellie O'Connell (distance), Maya Bowens (throws); sophomore: Maddy Marasco (distance), Racheal Vaccaro (distance), Lauren Kubinski (distance), Maggy Centeno (sprints)
Promising newcomers: Junior: Andrea Palacios (distance); freshman: Gayvn Hampton (sprints), Jackie Williams (hurdles, jumps), Megan Gale (pole vault)
Outlook: Schaumburg looks to lean on its distance crew this season. The Saxons return two members of its 3,200 relay that finished sixth in Class 3A and the relay may even be better this year. Marasco had a breakout cross country season, finishing 16th in Class 3A, and Vaccoro has shown promise and could be primed for a big year. Schaumburg won the 3,200 relay at the MSL indoor meet and took second at the ITT indoor meet (9:27.52). Schackelton and Kubinski add depth to the distance. Kelly returns and will offer the Saxons points in both the long jump and sprints. Bowens will be a threat in the throws. Schaumburg is primed for a solid season.
EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. ViatorCoach: Kelly Wosick (1st year)
Last year: 8th in ESSC
2015 state qualifiers: Elizabeth Drab (long jump, 400)
Key losses: Bianca DiVincenzo, Kelly Kompanowksi, Maria Dugo
Top returnees: Junior: Elizabeth Drab (sprints), Julia Bergstsrom (sprints, distance), Clare Sheffert, Theresa Donohue (distance), Marion Madaras (distance), Katie Solarz (sprints, jumps); sophomore: Natalie Fic (throws, distance), Cailyn Currie (distance), Megan Lifka (sprints, distance), Olivia Isufi (distance), Loreta Dugo (distance)
Promising newcomers: Freshman: Connie Airan (jumps), Izzy Reyes (sprints), Kate Pollina (hurdles, jumps), Kathryn Williams (sprints, jumps), Maddy Menczywor (sprints, throws), Nicole Gallant (throws), Delaney Collis (sprints), Gina Tolan (distance), Julia Hornberger (distance), Kylie Thornton (sprints)
Outlook: Drab was a state qualifier in Class 2A for the 400 and long jump. The junior will lead the Lions' attack this year. She finished fourth in the 400 (58.12) in Class 2A at the ITT indoor meet and will be a force outside. St. Viator also has an infusion of young talent, including Airan in the jumps.
WEST SUBURBAN GOLDLeydenCoach: Brent Dempsey (6th year)
Last year: 7th in WSG
Top returnees: Senior: Michalina Szelazek (mid-distance), Estefania Ramirez (distance), Katherine Hinojosa (mid-distance), Patrcjca Streminska (high jump), Siahn Correa (sprints), Leslie Palacios (hurdles); junior: Tiana Hamilton (throws); sophomore: Esther Aldana (sprints, jumps)
Promising newcomers: Junior: Jenny Alvarez (throws); sophomore: Elizabeth Treto (jumps); freshman: Jasmin Santoyo (distance)
Outlook: Leyden offers a blend of experience and youth. Aldana is looking to build off an impressive freshman year, especially in long jump where she finished second in the WSG. Szelazek, Ramirez, and Hinojosa add experience in the distance events. The Eagles finished second in the 3,200 relay at the WSG indoor meet in mid-March.
CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine WestCoach: Gregory Regalado (4th year)
Last year: 5th in the CSL
2015 state qualifiers: Megan Centella (discus), Madeline Bobinski (discus)
Top returnees: Senior: Megan Centella (throws), Madeline Bobinski (throws), Audrey Magnoni (distance), Anum Karim (sprints), Ashiya Thomas (distance)
Promising newcomers: Freshman: Dayanne Jacome (jumps)
Outlook: Centella and Bobinski gave the Warriors a nice 1-2 punch in discus last year, finishing in the top two spots and providing big points at CSL meet and the Loyola sectional. Centella's best mark in the discus is 118-2, set at the Loyola sectional. Bobinski hit her best mark for discus at the state preliminaries (113-0). Both will also be in the shot put field. Magnoni and Thomas add experience to the distance crew, and Karim will anchor the sprints.