Girls track and field: Scouting Lake County

NORTHERN LAKE COUNTY

ANTIOCH

Coach: Dan Oslage (sixth season)

Last season: eighth in North Suburban Conference meet, second in Class 2A Antioch sectional

Returning athletes: So. Rachel Phillips (sprints), Sr. Elisa Pokorny (sprints), Sr. Amanda Rowe (sprints), Sr. Miranda Morrow (hurdles, sprints), So. Noor Abdellatif (pole vault), Jr. Jill Everett (throws), Jr. Shelby Purcell (sprints)

Newcomers: Fr. Ayanna Tommy (sprints, high jump), Fr. Natalie Svarc (middle-distance), Fr. Tiana Fox (middle-distance)

Outlook: The Sequoits' successful 2016 campaign saw them set school records in the 400 and 1,600 relays, both of which qualified for state. But the Sequoits graduated state qualifiers Anna Arden (300 hurdles, 400 and 1,600 relays), Mikayla Christian (discus), Sabrina Long (discus, shot put), Jatiyah Childs (high jump, 400 relay) and Alexis Duehr (400 relay). Sophomore Rachel Phillips (1,600 relay), senior Elisa Pokorny (1,600 relay) and senior Amanda Rowe (400 relay) return with state experience. This spring, however, Antioch moves up to Class 3A. "So we will be challenged to compete at a higher level," coach Dan Oslage said. "Look for (freshman Ayanna) Tommy to make some noise in the 100 and 200, as she had 4 seconds indoor at the NLCC meet, and help the relays along with (senior Amanda) Rowe. Having some pieces back from our (1,600 relay) is key. Pokorny, (senior Miranda) Morrow, Phillips and (sophomore Noor) Abdellatif will challenge last year's top time." Abdellatif will look to hit the 10-3 mark in the pole vault, as she placed second at the NLCC indoor in pole vault. Junior Jill Everett will take over the throws group and look to hit marks in shot and discus. "Time will tell what the young freshmen will bring to the table," Oslage said. "But I already like what we see in (Natalie) Svarc and (Tiana) Fox." Tommy was the junior high state champ in the 100 meters last year.

GRANT

Coach: Greg Wodzien (second season)

Last season: first in Lake County invite, first in North Suburban Conference meet, first in Class 3A Buffalo Grove sectional, tie for 24th in state meet

Returning athletes: Sr. Morgan Race (long jump/sprints), Sr. Kate McEnery (throws), Sr. Brooke Drabek (800), Jr. Ariyona Wallace (sprints), So. Danielle Osmon (3,200), So. Eva Cardy (3,200)

Newcomers: Jr. Roxanne Temple (300 hurdles), Fr. Allie Johnson (sprints)

Outlook: The Bulldogs are coming off a banner 2016 season that ended with them totaling 12 state qualifiers in nine events. Seniors Brooke Drabek (800) and Katie McEnery (shot put) and sophomores Danielle Osmon (3,200) and Eva Cardy (3,200) each qualified for state in an individual event. The Bulldogs had a strong start to the 2017 season by winning the NLCC indoor meet on March 9 and also qualifying three athletes - Cardy, Osmon and junior Ariyona Wallace - for the Illinois Top Times meet on March 25. Coach Greg Wodzien said the Bulldogs "hope their indoor success carries onto the outdoor season" and that the team looks to competitive again in the sectional.

GRAYSLAKE CENTRAL

Coach: Shawn Murphy (fifth season)

Last season: Fox Valley Conference indoor champions, FVC Fox Division outdoor champions, sixth in Class 3A Buffalo Grove sectional, 22nd in state meet

Returning athletes: Sr. Sarah Ishamuddin (triple jump, 400), Sr. Jordan Meciej (pole vault), Sr. Elizabeth Aho (distance), Sr. Megan Girmscheid (distance), So. Meghan Fletcher (high jump), Jr. Cydnie Paul (sprints), Jr. Krystyna Marynevytch (sprints)

Newcomers: Fr. Rianna Magpantay (hurdles), Fr. Jenna Meciej (sprints), Fr. Leah Minsky (distance), Fr. Alana Schiavone (middle-distance)

Outlook: The Rams graduated a talented group including pole vault state champ Katie Schroeder (Pennsylvania), Alexa Schmitt (Cornell) and Sara O'Malley (Cornell). But the returning talent includes senior Jordan Meciej (pole-vault state qualifier), sophomore Meghan Fletcher (high jump state qualifier) and senior Sara Ishamuddin (triple jump state qualifier). "With the girls coming off a great season last year with a Fox Valley Division (championship), we are very excited about this coming outdoor season," coach Shawn Murphy said. "The new NLCC conference will be a great new challenge for our team. We have many talented returners with great leadership. Our goal every year is to be as competitive as we can, develop our younger athletes and have an enjoyable season - 2017 is going to be another great year for our program."

GRAYSLAKE NORTH

Coach: Jesse Wolter (fourth season)

Last season: seventh in Fox Valley Conference meet (third in FVC Fox), tie for ninth in Class 3A Buffalo Grove sectional, tie for 63rd in state meet

Returning athletes: Sr. Sierra Herrington (pole vault, long jump), Sr. Kathy Berganza (throws), Sr. Jacque Garza (distance), So. Emily Stoneham (pole vault, hurdles, relays), So. Sheila Cox (triple jump, sprints, relays), So. Emily Huculak (throws), So. Alexa Jaszczur (throws), So. Carissa Low (hurdles), So. Caroline Riss (distance, relays), So. Corey Warren (sprints, relays)

Newcomers: Sr. Cindy Alcala (distance, relays), Sr. Catie Dole (sprints); Sr. Emma Indlecoffer (high jump), Fr. Leialani Akalonu (sprints, relays), Fr. Delaney Carolan (triple jump), Fr. Gabrielle Conceicao (distance, relays), Fr. Hannah Kutsch (triple jump, sprints, relays), Fr. Emerson Soder (long jump, relays), Fr. Kylie Stoneham (triple jump, sprints, relays), Fr. Kelli Tosic (distance, relays)

Outlook: The Knights qualified three individuals to the Class 3A state meet last year and brought home the first girls track and field medal in school history thanks to Kennedy Krieg's eighth-place effort in the discus. Krieg and Allison O'Connell (100 hurdles) graduated, but Sierra Herrington returns in the pole vault. "We are a very young, but talented team that will be led by a few strong senior leaders," coach Jesse Wolter said. "Due to some unforeseen injuries, our indoor season has been off to a rocky start, but we are looking forward to getting healthy and putting together a strong lineup this spring. Despite our inexperience, we are confident that by the end of the season we will turn some heads."

LAKES

Coach: Travis Shepherd (first season)

Last season: seventh in North Suburban Conference meet, 11th in Class 3A Buffalo Grove sectional

Returning athletes: Jr. Taylor Tilmon (sprints), Sr. Toyin Jackson (triple jump, long jump, sprints), So. Rae Dwyer (distance), Sr. Alyssa Stromsland (distance), Sr. Shannon Taylor (sprints), Jr. Makayla Steinert (sprints), Sr. Michelle Cousineau (distance), So. Noelle Jones (pole vault, sprints)

Newcomers: Fr. Olivia Schmitt (distance), Jr. Kayla Walaszek (sprints), So. Hanna Grant (distance), So. Julianna Dzik (pole vault, sprints). Fr. Josephine Synovic (high jump)

Outlook: Travis Shepherd, who's been Lakes' boys cross-country coach for the last three years, takes over a team that includes 2016 state-qualifier Taylor Tilmon (200) and Toyin Jackson, who went to state two years ago in the triple jump. "This year we return a lot of talent, plus we welcome many new faces," Shepherd said. Tilmon is poised to take the next step in her development, Shepherd said. The junior has added the 400 to her arsenal and has already surpassed all of her marks from her 2016 indoor season. "With Tilmon looking to triple up in the sprints, our relays will have great depth," Shepherd said. Makayla Steinert and Shannon Taylor head the sprint relays, "providing great leadership and experience," Shepherd added. Jackson has returned for her senior year determined to get back to state after not making it last spring. "The 'jump expert' has already set a personal best in the long jump and is already inching toward her 2015 triple-jump PR," Shepherd said. "She will provide a spark for us in the field events as well as add depth to our relays. New-addition Josephine Synovic will give us quality marks to score frequently in the high jump. Noelle Jones has made a big impression during her second year in the pole vault. The ambitious sophomore is one and a half feet higher than last year with her sights set on raising the bar." Julianna Dzik joins the team from cheerleading and will compete pole vault. The distance crew will be headed by members of the state-ranked cross-country squad. "Alyssa Stromsland will provide senior leadership on our (3,200 relay), which is ranked in the top 50," Shepherd said. "Rae Dwyer is an emerging superstar with the range to score points in any distance event she races." Freshman Olivia Schmitt was a state champion for Millburn last year as an eighth-grader. "She will help us raise the bar of the Eagle distance program," Shepherd said. "As a freshman, she will look to make an impact on the elite stage in Illinois in either the 800 or 1600. Keep an eye on her and her deadly kick this season."

ROUND LAKE

Coach: Kristin Lilja (first season)

Last season: 10th in North Suburban Conference meet, 12th in Class 3A Buffalo Grove sectional

Returning athletes: Jr. Alesia Jimdar (triple jump, high jump, long jump), So. Evie Johnson (triple jump, long jump, high jump, hurdles), So. Katie Knill (triple jump, 200), Jr. Allie Ramirez (100, 200, 400), Jr. Dariana Ortiz (throws), So. Lexi Winanday (throws), Jr. Yeni Aguire (800), Sr. Lizeth Rogel (800, 1,600 relay), Jr. Jessica Cuna (3,200)

Newcomers: Sr. Brisha Pitts (long jump, high jump), Fr. Lizet Aguire (800, 3,200 relay), Fr. Alejandra Cortes (1,600, 3,200 relay, 1,600 relay), Fr. Jennifer Martinez (3,200 relay, 800), Fr. Fatima Giron (1,600, 3,200)

Outlook: The Panthers fielded their biggest team in years last spring and saw Noemi Powell qualify for state in the 100 and 200 runs. Powell graduated, but first-year coach Kristin Lilja is optimistic about her program. "We are really excited about girls track at Round Lake High School because we keep building and getting bigger," said Lilja, who's been the girls volleyball coach the last five years. "We have a solid group of girls who are dedicated and passionate about their craft. Each element (distance, sprints, jumps, throws and hurdles) has stuck to a tough training schedule and we have seen solid improvement already this season. We are getting stronger, faster and more agile every day. Combining our efforts with the boys team has allowed our strong coaching staff to focus on areas of expertise, and the girls are really buying in. I cannot be happier with the effort we have seen, and I know it will translate into PRs and medals as the season progresses." Sophomore Evie Johnson is 4 inches away from the school record in the triple jump. Junior sprinter Allie Ramirez is back after missing almost all of last year due to illness. "Losing Noemi (Powell) this year will hurt us, but I know I have individuals ready to step up and make some noise - possibly even shatter some school records," Lilja said. "It's a good time to be a part of Round Lake track."

WAUCONDA

Coach: Ali Luetschwager (fifth season)

Last season: ninth in North Suburban Conference meet, 11th in Class 3A Huntley sectional, tie for 63rd in state meet

Returning athletes: So. Grace Daun (high jump, sprints), Jr. Elise Deaver (throws), Sr. Erin Levon (middle-distance), Jr. Kelly Minor (hurdles), So. Lori Krawczyk (long/triple jumps, hurdles), So. Carly Pichman (long/triple jumps, hurdles)

Newcomers: Fr. Morgan Thompson (distance), Fr. Karly Pikel (distance)

Outlook: The Bulldogs had a breakout star last season in freshman Grace Daun, who won the high jump in the Class 3A Huntley sectional. She returns this season, but the Bulldogs graduated fellow state-qualifiers Corrina Vaughan (shot put) and Alison Beeman (100). "It should be a competitive season for us," coach Ali Luertschwager said. "We have a lot of talent on the team so it will be great to see what we do with it. I'm hoping that we make another trip down to Charleston and end our season bringing back some state medals."

NORTH SUBURBAN

LAKE ZURICH

Coach: David Antczak (fifth season)

Last season: tie for 11th in North Suburban Conference meet, eighth in Class 3A Buffalo Grove sectional, tie for 58th in state meet

Returning athletes: Sr. Alyssa Morello (hurdles, pole vault), Sr. Vada Murray (hurdles), Sr. Makenzie Bridges (sprints, hurdles), Sr. Mackenzie Weider (jumps), Sr. Kailee Remez (distance), Sr. Kiersten McDevitt (distance), Jr. Kristie Skoby (throws), Jr. Emma McCabe (jumps), Jr. Hayley Eder (sprints), Jr. Paige Kuklinski (sprints), Jr. Melody Multra (distance), Jr. Katie Pardun (sprints), So. Emily Burns (distance), So. Kendall Kearnan (jumps), So. Georgia Adam (sprints)

Newcomers: So. Sydney Mark (sprints), So. Nikki Skoby (jumps), So. Emma Swift-Monson (sprints), Fr. Kayla Kuklinski (sprints), Fr. Brooke Bandel (hurdles), Fr. Kelsey Rothas (pole vault, jumps)

Outlook: Alyssa Morello returns for her senior season after qualifying for the Class 3A state meet last spring in the pole vault (second year in a row) and 300 hurdles. She earned the seventh-place medal at state in the 300 hurdles, despite not competing the event until the NSC meet. LZ's program has consistently grown over the last five years under David Antczak, and this season the Bears boast the "largest senior class we've ever had," the coach said. "Our goal from last season to this year has not changed," Antczak said. "We want to win JV conference and place top three in varsity conference. This strong senior class has helped set the tone for doing the little things right, competing with positive energy, and making a team into a family."

LIBERTYVILLE

Coach: Tom Bizosky (10th season)

Last season: 5-2, second in North Suburban Conference meet, fifth in Class 3A Buffalo Grove sectional, tie for 33rd in state meet

Returning athletes: Jr. Avryl Johnson (distance), Jr. Melissa Manetsch (distance), Jr. Molly Goebel (sprints), Jr. Brilynn Dawson (sprints)

Newcomers: Fr. Izzy Macpherson (sprints), Fr. Grace Kraft (distance), So. Joanee Wood (distance)

Outlook: The Wildcats boast two of the county's best distance runners in Avryl Johnson and Melissa Manetsch, both of whom qualified for the Class 3A state meet as sophomores last spring. Johnson won the 400 at sectionals and placed seventh in the 800 at state. She also went to state as a freshman in both events. Manetsch earned state berths in the 3,200 and 1,600 runs. The duo also won NSC championships last year, with Johnson taking the 800 and Manetsch capturing the 3,200. The Wildcats are seeking depth. "Still building," coach Tom Bizosky said. "Many of our athletes are young or new or both. We look forward to cultivating that talent over the next few seasons and watching them become successful as a team."

MUNDELEIN

Coach: Kurt Rutz (sixth season)

Last season: 14th in North Suburban Conference meet, 15th in Class 3A Buffalo Grove sectional

Returning athletes: Sr. Kalli Majewski (hurdles, triple jump, relays), Sr. Megan Schlebecker (long jump, 400, relays), So. Khari Thompkins (sprints, relays), Sr. Natalia Ozymko (jumps, sprints), Sr. A'mauri Thomas (sprints, relays), Sr. Yaxeni Sanchez (sprints, relays), So. Ryann Ray (jumps, sprints, relays), Jr. Bree Park (hurdles, sprints), So. Andrea Cordova (distance), Sr. Marissa Richards (distance)

Newcomers: Fr. Trinity Gordon (sprints, relays), So. Katie Miller (sprints/jumps), Fr. Jeanelle Jimenez (distance), Fr. Grace Heintz (sprints, jumps)

Outlook: Senior Kalli Majewski was all-conference last year in both the triple jump and 300 hurdles, and has already surpassed her PR in the triple jump by leaping 35-9.5 (1.5 inches off state-qualifying) at the Lake Michigan invite this month. Coach Kurt Rutz said senior Megan Schlebecker appears to be back on track in the 400 this season, running an indoors best of 63.9 at the Lake Michigan invite. Sophomore Khari Thompkins was all-conference last year in the 400. Rutz said she spent the off-season working with a local track club and has already surpassed her 2016 best in the 400 (61.16 at the Lake Michigan invite). Thompkins qualified for the Illinois Prep Top Times meet. "Following a strong indoor season, we look to rebound from our conference performance last year and improve," Rutz said. "Kalli (Majewski) and Khari (Thompkins) have excellent shots at qualifying for state."

STEVENSON

Coach: Emma Degen (fourth season)

Last season: sixth in North Suburban Conference meet, 14th in Class 3A Buffalo Grove sectional

Returning athletes: Sr. Juhi Jhaveri (400, 200), Sr. Mel Keith (throws), Sr. Abbie Sise (throws), Sr. Abby Pucek (800), Sr. Claire Sullivan (800), Sr. Eliza Sullivan (800), Jr. Kesina Daley (high jump), Jr. Isabelle Sparreo (1,600, 3,200), Jr. Gabriela Jagielo (800), Jr. Lauren Appell (800), Jr. Natalie Sparreo (800, 1,600), Jr. Jessica Wang (triple jump), So. Kendall Roberts (800, 1,600, 3,200), So. Johnna Geick (pole vault), So. Miffy Tani (100 hurdles), So. Maddie Kadens (100, long jump)

Newcomers: Sr. Sydney Erickson (400, 200), Jr. Emily Grimes (200, high jump), Jr. Nicole Youkhanna (100, 200), Jr. Hannah Schaul (long jump), So. Michelle Cai (100, 200, long jump), So. Payton Nierman (100, 200), So. Alyssa Collins (1,600, 3,200), So. Jakayla Murphy (throws), So. Emily Ossentjuk (long jump), Fr. Avery King (200, 400), Fr. Nicole Waxman (triple jump)

Outlook: The Patriots sent only one athlete to the Class 3A state meet last year, but Isabelle Sparreo (3,200) is back for her junior year. Sparreo (800, 1,600) also ran downstate as a freshman. "Our upperclassman have all the potential to step up and make this a successful season for the Patriots." coach Emma Degen said. Degen reports that junior Kesina Daley is already clearing 5 feet in the high jump indoors, and senior Juhi Jhaveri "has found her place" in the 400 dash. "We have a very well-rounded and solid base from last season," Degen said. "We did not finish how we wanted to (14th in the Buffalo Grove sectional) in 2016, and I can see these girls are hungry and determined to end this season on a much higher note. We have newcomers of all ages, and they will come in handy on many of our relay teams and in our field events. We had a lot of kids commit to the off-season this year, and we are all excited to see how that will pay off come May."

WARREN

Coach: Ryan Dunn (11th season)

Last season: fifth in North Suburban Conference meet, fourth in Class 3A Buffalo Grove sectional

Returning athletes: Sr. Abena Atuobi (throws), So. Janii Jenkins (sprints, jumps), Jr. Hannah Harrison (jumps), So. Jataia Harris (sprints), So. Clara Macheras (throws), Sr. Rachel Hendon (hurdles), So. Alixandra Peterson (hurdles, jumps), Jr. Megane Beaupre (high jump), Jr. Danielle Glisovich (pole vault)

Outlook: The Blue Devils boast senior Abena Atuobi, who last year qualified for the Class 3A state meet in the shot put and discus for the second year in a row. Janii Jenkins earned a state berth in the 400 as a freshman last spring. The Blue Devils have close to 20 freshmen out.

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTH

VERNON HILLS

Coach: Ryan Berba (first season)

Last season: tie for third in North Suburban Conference meet, first in Class 2A Antioch sectional, seventh in state meet

Returning athletes: Jr. Jordyn Bunning (hurdles, relays), Jr. Lauren Katz (middle distance, relays), So. Raedan Mays (sprints), Sr. Emily Carido (sprints), Jr. Nicole Pinter (distance)

Newcomers: Fr. Emily Kim (long jump, sprints, high jump), Fr. Carly Seer (distance)

Outlook: Ryan Berba replaces longtime coach Jason Rush, who stepped down, and inherits a group that includes 2016 Class 2A state qualifiers Jordyn Bunning (100 and 300 hurdles, 800 and 1,600 relays), Lauren Katz (800 run, 1,600 and 3,200 relays), Raeden Mays (800 relay), Emily Carido (400 relay) and Nicole Pinter (3,200 relay). Bunning finished third in the 300 hurdles at state and also ran on the medal-winning 800 and 1,600 relays, each of which placed eighth. Katz earned state medals in the 800 (ninth), 3,200 relay (second) and 1,600 relay. Both Bunning and Katz competed downstate two years ago, as well. "The experience that this team has at the state level will be the driving success," said Berba, whose Cougars graduated Vivian Overbeck (Northern Illinois, fourth in 3,200 at state, sixth in 1,600). "They know what it takes to not only get (downstate) to Charleston, but also how to compete at Charleston. This type of experience along with the work ethic and dedication that all the girls have will not only make everyone better, but more importantly, make for a fun year. What's great about this year's team is that we are well-rounded across all events."

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

CARMEL

Coach: Jim Halford (33rd season)

Last season: fourth in East Suburban Catholic Conference meet, sixth in Class 2A Antioch sectional, tie for 53rd in state meet

Returning athletes: Jr. Aileen Hull (distance), Jr. Emily Silge (200, 400), So. Melanie Zimmerman (200, 400), So. Emma Jensen (pole vault, long jump), So. Danielle Duffy (400, 800), So. Gabby Terselic (middle-distance), Jr. Lauren Laughlin (800, 1,600), Sr. Jaclyn Psenka (400, 800), Sr. Emily Tyndorf (800), So. Maddy Motzel (hurdles), Sr. Delaney Kennedy (100, 200), Sr. Katie Smith (jumps), Sr. Allison Reily (800), So. Kayla McClinton (throws), Sr. Shannon Morozin (800), Jr. Alyssa Zamora (800), Jr. Olivia Armango (pole vault), Jr. Katy Collin (jumps)

Newcomers: Fr. Ezzie Posner (400, 800), Jr. Talia DiCara (200, 400), So. Luna Ventura (jumps), So. Emila Puszynski (200, 400), Fr. Amy Caffarelli (200), Jr. Requel Young (200, 400), Sr. Gianna Day (1,600), Sr. Trina Garzonetti (400, 800), Fr. Maddie Kosobucki (1,600)

Outlook: Aileen Hull returns for her junior season after earning a Class 2A state medal in the 1,600 run (seventh place). The Corsairs also qualified for state their 800 and 1,600 relays last spring. "We hope to qualify all four relays (for state)," coach Jom Halfors said. "In addition, Aileen Hull, Emily Silge, Melanie Zimmerman and Emma Jensen should qualify in individual events. We don't have great depth, but we have some big hitters with some really good young/new talent."