Track and field: Cary-Grove's Freeman sets 2 McHenry County records
Cary-Grove thrower Nikki Freeman was seeking first place efforts in the shot put and discus at Thursday's McHenry County track and field meet at Huntley High School.
Freeman got a little more than she bargained for.
She not only registered a top finish in the discus and shot put but set county records in both events.
Freeman, who claimed the top prize in the discus last season with a record throw of 133 feet, 4 inches, shattered that mark Thursday with a toss of 150-02.
The Cary-Grove senior, who hadn't broke the 40-foot mark in the shot put during her career, exploded for a heave of 42-10. Freeman's effort broke the previous record set by Huntley's Meaghan Byrd in 2001.
"I thought I could break my record in the discus, but it is amazing that I broke the county record in the shot," said Freeman. "I was just hoping to finally break through and throw 40 feet, It was really a good day. I just need to get better in both events."
The running events begin Friday at 4:30 p.m.
Cary-Grove, which also got a first place effort from Tabor Gleason in the high jump (5-2), is in the lead after the 6 field events with 60 points.
The Trojans are gunning for an eighth straight county title. Host Huntley is 20 points back of Cary-Grove in second place with 40 points.
Boys: It's scary how well Sean Patel will jump when he is 100 percent healthy.
Patel, who is battling a calf injury, performed well enough to win a second straight county triple jump title with a leap of 44-2½.
The Huntley senior also won the long jump (21-5).
"My calf isn't quite 100 percent yet, but it is getting better," said Patel. "I was able to get some lift and get off some good jumps. I am still scratching too much but I feel I am jumping better every meet. It is nice to repeat as the triple jump champion and win the long jump."
Patel's teammate Tim McCloyn was also a double winner, claiming the discus with a throw of 165-04 and the shot put (53-9 1.2).
Led by Patel and McCloyn, Huntley is in first place after 6 points with 62.5 points followed by McHenry with 52 points.
Dominic Swanson compiled some valuable points for the Red Raiders finishing second in the shot put (52-5) and third in the discus (151-03)