advertisement

Girls track and field: Capable Capel helps Barrington capture Palatine Relays title

Barrington senior Sara Kate Capel seemed to be on the move the entire day at the 84th annual Palatine Relays.

The Fillies senior opened the day by winning the 300-meter low hurdles (46.02) in the first event, and she closed her day by helping her team capture the meet-ending 1,600 relay (4:04.99).

In between she helped lead the Fillies to a first-place finish in the high jump relay (14 feet, 8 inches) and added a second-place finish in the 400-meter high hurdles shuttle relay (1:11.57).

Those efforts helped power Barrington on a cold and rainy day to its second consecutive Palatine Relay title with 150 points in the 15-team field at Chic Anderson Stadium.

Capel earned the McElroy Award as the meet's most outstanding female athlete.

"She's true leader," said Barrington coach Jody Gitelis of her senior's contributions. "She always gives it her all, and we can count on her best."

Host Palatine took second with 103 points, followed by McHenry (71 points), Fremd (62 points), and Wheeling (57 points).

Capel held off Palatine junior Corey Rinella (47.21) in the 300 hurdles. Capel also combined with senior teammate Anna Cossio, with both clearing 5-0, to win the high jump relay. And Capel ended her day by combining with Cossio, junior Kelsey McLaurin and Julia Piotrowski in easily winning the 1,600 relay.

"Especially with the rain, it really feels good to be recognized," said Capel of her award-winning efforts. "You go out and work with your teammates for your team. The conditions were kind of terrible, but we pushed through."

Sophomore Eleni Filley also came up big for Barrington, using a strong start to win the 200 (26.44) and also combining with freshman Gabby Cossio, sophomore Katie Ketel and sophomore Julia Piotrowski to win the frosh/soph 1,600 medley (4:26.14).

Filley also was part of the Fillies' first-place 400 relay (49.83).

The Barrington sophomore was limited in freshman season due to an ankle injury, but she has definitely found her gear this season.

"I'm still trying to build to get my peak," said Filley, "but I feel like I'm getting to that 100 percent. In these conditions it's all about staying together and motivating each other."

Junior Kelsey McLaurin also was a key part of the Fillies' attack, taking first in the 400 (1:00.12), taking first individually (35-09.5) and leading her team to the triple jump title (96-01) and also anchoring the winning 1,600 relay. She also took third in the 100 (12.9).

Barrington sophomore Jocelyn Long took second in the 1,600 (5:15.07) and third in the 800 (2:16.97).

"We are definitely picking up momentum in the last week," said Capel. "And I feel like our team is getting stronger."

Palatine senior Kelly O'Brien is definitely picking up momentum. She took charge with 300 meters remaining to take first in the 800 in a nifty 2:12.72. O'Brien then came back and held off Long in the final 100 meters to win the 1,600 (5:15.04).

"I didn't really worry about the competition, I knew what I had to do," said O'Brien of her big victory in the 800. "I feel like I am able to control myself, and I'm confident."

Pirates senior Sam Lechowicz also stepped up big, combining with junior Anna Buckstaff, junior Izzie Stankiewicz and junior Nadya Lloyd to win the distance medley (12:45.92).

Lechowicz also combined with Buckstaff, Nadya Lloyd, and junior Danya Lloyd in powering the Pirates to victory in the 3,200 relay (9:57.32).

"Got to admit the weather was a little rough, but you have to be tough," said Lechowicz who came from behind in the distance medley. "I think the chemistry of the team has really improved and now the times are getting better."

Sophomore Tianna Henderson gave Palatine a lift with a second-place finish in the 100 dash (12.84), and freshman Erin Oleksak took third in the 200 (27.18).

Fremd is also starting to find its gear - especially in the 800 relay. Junior Hanna Murakami, sophomore Anayai Veremis, junior Bethany Ekwonwa and junior Cara Ogilvy powered the Vikings to a first-place finish in 1:48.99.

"We feel like if we can get the time in this weather, we will be able to do it at sectionals," said Murakami, who has returned to the Vikings' lineup after being out with an illness.

"I think we have depth and that makes us a strong relay," said Ekwonwa, who ran a strong third leg. "We are all committed and dedicated and definitely ready to work for it."

Senior Nora Finegan came up with big points for Fremd by taking third in the 1,600 (5:26.05) and adding a fourth-place finish in the 800 (2:18.07).

Sophomore Karolina Balcarcel, sophomore Yailene Leon, freshman Nicole Nguyen and freshman Alexis Knight took top honors for Wheeling in the freshman/sophomore 800 medley (1:52.61). Knight anchored the attack with a swift 400 leg (58.5); the freshman then came back to take second in the 200 (26.81).

"I wanted to push through," said Knight. "You need a good mental attitude, because the 400 is pretty exhausting sprint."

Senior Michaela Vasey gave the Wildcats lift by helping her team capture first place in the shot put relay (108-10.75).

Wheeling also tied Barrington for second place in the pole vault relay (16-06).

  Pirates anchor Sam Lechowicz carries the baton in the girls 4x800-meter relay during the Palatine Relays at Palatine High School on Saturday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.