Girls track and field: Scouting Northwest

MID-SUBURBAN LEAGUE EASTBuffalo GroveCoach: Kendra Hutchinson (3rd year).

Last year: 8th in MSL.

2016 state qualifiers: Nya Carr (long jump, 100 dash, 200 dash).

Key losses: Kaitlyn Ko, Carly Egan (Carthage), Natalie Lezama, Becca Rabs, Gabby Sowa.

Top returnees: Seniors Sherrielle McNeal (sprints, jumps), Kana Tamai (throws); juniors Nya Carr (sprints, jumps); sophomores Paige Sterker (sprints), Nancy Mendoza (sprints), Heidi Schmidt (sprints), Carissa Monk (mid-distance), Lauren Godsell (mid-distance).

Promising newcomers: Juniors Alexis Opperman (mid-distance); sophomore Abigail Grenz (sprints, jumps), freshman: Camille Ziemba (jumps), Kaylin Hellyer (distance), Quinn Donahue (throws).

Outlook: Carr will drive the Bison attack this season. Last year she qualified to the state meet in three events and also was MSL champion in the 100 dash. The Bison junior is off to a swell start this season, having finished second in 60 dash (7.60) at the Illinois Top Times Indoor Meet. And at the MSL indoor meet, she hit a 7.13 in the 55 dash prelims, which was the second fastest indoor time in Illinois. McNeal should also add to the Bison sprint attack. Hutchinson is also optimistic about her team's throwers, including Tamai, Perkins, and Donahue.

Elk GroveCoach: Sean Milligan (1st year).

Last year: 11th in MSL

2016 state qualifiers: Emily Stegmeier (800, 1,600).

Key losses: Hannah Olson, Amy Haderspeck, Stephanie Phillips, Inga Augustaitis, Molly Medlock, Mia Picci, Emily Mallek.

Top returnees: Seniors Emily Stegmeier (distance), Mary Cronin (hurdles, sprints, pole vault), Ava Sewerynski (sprints).

Promising newcomers: Juniors Nigh Hardrict (sprints), Kelly Walters (jumps,sprints); freshmen Lillie Zahn (sprints), DeDe Sherdan-Friend (hurdles, sprints), Sam Wadas (distance).

Outlook: Stegmeier highlights the Grenadiers' attack. Last year she ran a swift 2:13.54 in the Class 3A prelims for the 800, finishing 11th in Saturday's finals. Stegmeier also hit a 5:07.51 in the 1,600 at the Lake Park sectional. Milligan begins his first year as coach for the Grens and will lean on his senior leaders, but is optimistic about a talented group of newcomers.

HerseyCoach: Jim Miks (14th year).

Last year: Sixth in MSL.

2016 state qualifiers: Maggie Berigan (shot put), Barbara Rydzewski (discus), Hailey Bowes (3,200), Sarah Harden (1,600),

Key losses: Paige Pawlis, Maggie Berigan, Michelle Fugiel, Aniya Copeland, Nora Pearson.

Top returnees: Seniors Hailey Bowes (distance), Grace Pichiotti (sprints, hurdles), Sarah Harden (distance), Alanna Ratusz (distance), Claire Gritt (mid-distance, jumps), Rachel Swift (throws), Lauren Grabos (senior); juniors Barbara Rydzewski (throws), Stephanie Pawlis (sprints, jumps, hurdles), Jillian Wagner (sprints); sophomores Teagan Beckley (distance), Cait Gudaitis (throws), Megan Caulfield (hurdles, jumps), Alyssa Milligan (distance).

Promising newcomers: Teddy Zhaklinova (sprints, jumps), Jessica Ahon (sprints), Aubrey Hasley (distance), Sonia Szulik (sprints, jumps), Hannah Kersemeier (distance), Erin Moran (distance).

Outlook: Distance and throws will key the Huskies attack this season. Ratusz, Bowes, Beckley and Harden combined to lead Hersey to first place in the 3,200 relay at the MSL indoor meet in a swift 9:30.29, the Huskies also finished third at in the 3,200 relay at the ITT meet. Bowes and Harden were key members of a Huskies cross country team that qualified for the Class 3A state meet. Beckley has been coming on strong in the 1,600. Rydzewski provides the power for the Huskies throwers. Hersey is on the rise.

ProspectCoach: Pete Wintermute (3rd year).

Last year: Lake Park sectional champion, MSL champion, MSL East division champions.

2016 state qualifiers: Maya Mason (8th in 100 high hurdles, 300 low hurdles), Brooke Wilson (5th in 3,200, 1,600), Brenda Kendziera (long jump, high jump, 300 low hurdles), Cassidy Selep (pole vault, 100 high hurdles), Jess Skudlarek (high jump), Angela Roman (shot put), Annie Walsh (200) 400 relay (2nd place ), 800 relay.

Key losses: Maya Mason (Harper), Jes Skudlarek, Brenda Kendziera (Illinois), Cassidy Selep (Ohio University), Angela Roman (Illinois Wesleyan).

Top returnees: Seniors Brooke Wilson (distance), Autumn Stone (jumps, sprints), Molly Leeney (distance), Jillian Hennig (throws, jumps, sprints); juniors Annie Walsh (sprints); sophomores: Samantha Berman (sprints, jumps), Mandy Withey (sprints, jumps).

Promising newcomers: Sophomores Jenna Baltes (distance); freshmen: Emily Hubbard (distance), Ellen Sherwood (sprints, jumps), Natalie Kowalczuk (sprints, jumps), Elizabeth Ibata-Arens (sprints), Liz Skoufos (mid-distance, sprints).

Outlook: The defending MSL outdoor and indoor champions will once again be a force. It starts with Wilson, who has earned three Class 3A state medals in track, including a fifth-place finish in the 3,200 last season. Wilson seems primed for a big year after coming off a fifth place finish in Class 3A for cross country; she has already hit low numbers in the 3,200 (10:43.55) and 1,600 (4:59.62) during the indoor season. Walsh is also coming on strong finishing first in the 200 and second in the 55 dash at the MSL indoor meet and will key the Knights sprint relays. The Knights 3,200 relay has also shown potential. Stone, Hennig, Withey, and Sherwood will offer points in the field events.

Rolling MeadowsCoach: Steve Henry (2nd year).

Last year: 12th in MSL

2016 state qualifier: Gaby Sanchez (1,600).

Key losses: Gaby Sanchez (Lewis University ), Linnea Jessen.

Top returnees: Seniors Maeve Moran (distance), Anna Czulno (distance); juniors Megan Martin (distance), Macie Robinson (jumps), Kami Mladenova (pole vault); sophomores Dakota Stewart (sprints, hurdles); Julia Zumski (jumps, sprints).

Promising newcomers: Juniors Jenn Kokotis (jumps), Natalie Burda (sprints); sopohomores Elizabeth Clark (distance), Andrea Vera (distance), Jaynee Borchert (jumps); freshmen Jenna Strauss (sprints, jumps), Amelia Bodgal (sprints, pole vault), Zaya Batbaatar (sprints), Jamie Seibert (hurdles), Laiken Lockely (mid-distance, pole vault), Lauren Magana (sprints, jumps).

Outlook: Henry begins his second year in leading the Mustangs and he is excited about an influx of youth that has been added to the team, with over 60 percent of the team comprised of freshman and sophomores. Moran and Martin add experience to the distance.

WheelingCoach: Tim Nowicki (4th year)

Last year: 5th in MSL.

2016 state qualifiers: Alexis Knight (7th in 400), Timber Terrell (8th in triple jump), Michaela Vasey (shot put), Gloria Wide (discus), Yailene Leon (800), 1,600 relay.

Key losses: Michaela Vasey (Oklahoma State), Melissa Rodriguez (Harper), Gloria Wide, Dianna Montesinos, Daniella Pierini, Violet Apaez, Ann Gutierrez, Maria Orellana, Andrea Sennett, AJ Zepeda.

Top returnees: Seniors Ayana Blair (throws), Hannah DeGraff (sprints, hurdles, jumps), Sydney Johnson (sprints, jumps), Timber Terrell (sprints, jumps); juniors Saleta Anda (mid-distance), Karolina Balcarcel (sprints), Fifi Ghiorsi (sprints, hurdles, jumps), Yailene Leon (mid-distance), Jessica Talken (pole vault), Maria Vazquez (mid-distance); sophomores Nosa Igiehon (sprint, jumps), Alexis Knight (sprints, jumps), Emily Lucas (sprints, pole vault), Nicole Nguyen (sprints, jumps), Christina Pierini (mid-distance), Jessica Stavros (hurdles, pole vault).

Promising newcomers: Freshmen Alanna Chavez (sprints, pole vault), Olivia Chavez (sprints, pole vault), Lizeth Leon (mid-distance), Valencia Smith (throws).

Outlook: Wheeling is ready to make some noise, starting with Knight. She finished seventh in the Class 3A 400 last season and added a first-place finish at the MSL indoor meet. She is an emerging state star and will anchor the Wildcats' attack this season. Knight will also be prominent in the Wildcats sprint relays, especially in an emerging 1,600 group that includes Blair, Leon, and Lucas. They hit a nifty 4:03.93 in taking second at the ITT meet. Wheeling will also be solid in the field with Blair (throws), Terrell (jumps), Nguyen (jumps), Lucas (pole vault) leading the way. Nguyen, Lucas, Stavros, Igehon, and Knight serve the Wildcats a solid sophomore core that placed second at the MSL indoor meet and will only be getting better.

MID-SUBURBAN WESTBarringtonCoach: Jody Gitelis (30 years).

Last year: 2nd in MSL, West division champions.

2016 state qualifiers: Jocelyn Long (7th in 3,200), 800 relay (6th place), Anna Cossio (high jump), Kelsey McLaurin (triple jump), Sara Kate Capel (300 low hurdles).

Key losses: Sara Kate Capel (Rhodes College), Anna Cossio (Washington University), Carly Horak.

Top returnees: Seniors Julia Bergquist (sprints, high jump), Kelsey McLaurin (triple jump, sprints), Sammie Samaryczew (distance), Gia Schwager (throws); juniors Niki Barcroft (pole vault), Caitlin Feely (distance), Eleni Filley (sprints), Jocelyn Long ( distance), Julia Piotrowski (hurdles, sprints), Gina Polito (throws), Ella Redfern (sprints, hurdles, jumps); sophomores Gabby Cossio (sprints, hurdles), Eve Hoeltgen (distance), Sophie Hoeltgen (distance), Ella Hutchison (jumps), Meaghan Lozzio (sprints, jumps).

Promising newcomers: Juniors: Andi Capel (sprints, jumps); sophomore: Sarah Ruesch (sprints, pole vault); freshmen Tochi Aliberi (throws), Faith Caldwell (pole vault), Isabella Lebovic (sprints, jumps), Ellie McAuley (sprints, jumps), Alyssa Norris (distance).

Outlook: McLaurin anchors the Fillies' attack. The senior has contributed in many areas during a career and will be looking to do the same this year. McLaurin is returning state qualifier in the triple jump and won that event at the MSL indoor. She also contributes in the sprint relays and will key the Fillies attack in the 800 and 1,600 relays. Long returns to pace the distance crew. She finished seventh at the Class 3A state cross country meet. The Fillies junior has already hit some pretty sharp numbers in her first two years in the 3,200 (10:42.41), 1,600 (5:05.49), and 800 (2:15.50). Gitelis is optimistic about her sprinting crew that includes Bergquist, Filley, and McAuley. There is also plenty of potential in the hurdles. Barrington once again has the pieces to make a nice run.

ConantCoach: Bob Borczak (15th year).

Last year: 10th in MSL.

2016 state qualifiers: Kayla Wartman (800).

Key losses: Natalia Lakomski, Shelby Epich.

Top returnees: Seniors Kiaerra Munnings (sprints, relays), Tida Bowers (sprints, relays, jumps), Sydney Davis (distance), Maya Crawford (throws), Vanessa Iroegbulem (throws); juniors Victoria Marzec (sprints, relays, jumps), Kristina Loznjakovic (hurdles, relays), Leah Jones (hurdles, relays), Destiny Aaron (throws); sophomore Kayla Wartman (mid-distance, relays).

Promising newcomers: Junior Annie Stanislawski (distance); sophomores Lainey Morris (distance), Abby Rich (hurdles); freshman Maya Rahman (jumps).

Outlook: Borczak begins his final season as head coach for the Cougars. Wartman is the lone returning state qualifier and will be a threat in the 800; she is also looking to add to the Cougars' relay. Crawford and Iroegbulem offer potential in the throws, with Lonzjakovic and Jones hoping to emerge in the hurdles.

FremdCoach: Jeremy Herriges (3rd year).

Last year: 4th in MSL.

2016 state qualifiers: Nora Finegan (9th in 800), 1,600 relay (6th place), Linda Varela (800), 400 relay, 800 relay.

Key losses: Nora Finegan (NIU), Grace Korn.

Top returnees: Seniors Cara Ogilvy (sprints), Linda Varela (distance), Hanna Murakami (sprints), Bethany Ekwonwa (sprints), Kailyn Bryk (jumps), Katherine Spriggs (hurdles); juniors Anayia Veremis (sprints); sophomore Emma Schultz (sprints).

Promising newcomers: Sophomore: Jordyn Iannuzzelli (distance); freshmen Julia Finegan (distance), Marisa Ban (distance), Rebecca Markham (distance).

Outlook: The Viking are built for relays. Ogilvy and Schultz are two returning runners from the 1,600 relay that finished sixth in Class 3A. Murakami, Ekwonwa, and Veremis will power the 400 and 800 relays. An influx of young talent has lifted the 3,200 relay. Varela is riding a wave of momentum after earning all-state honors in cross country (24th place) and has looked sharp in the 1,600 (5:07.15), taking third place at the MSL indoor meet. Bryk will look to add points in the jumps.

Hoffman EstatesCoach: Kirk Macnider (3rd year).

Last year: 7th in MSL

2016 state qualifiers: Meagan Biddle (4th in 1,600), Destinee Jackson (100 high hurdles), Christina Wood (discus).

Key losses: Meagan Biddle (Illinois State), Reena Prahbu, Carly Dagen, Destinee Jackson (moved to Arizona).

Top returnees: Seniors Katie Bonney (distance), Jessica Hagen (sprints, jumps), Monraia Wilson (sprints), Misbah Baig (distance), Christina Wood (throws); junior Allison Schroeder (distance); sophomores Anna Miller (distance), Mikkeala Palmer (distance), Mikiyha Blackwell (throws), Nikki Rong (distance).

Promising newcomers: Sophomores Michelle Diaz (distance); freshman Janea Dean (sprints), Jenna Cochran (distance).

Outlook: Miller is a rising star and should help elevate the Hawks' attack. The sophomore has already hit some pretty sweet numbers in the 400 (1:01.4) and 800 (2:16.93) and helps key the Hawks' relays. Keep an eye on the 1,600 relay, as Miller combined with Bonney, Dean, and Rong to lead Hoffman to a first-place finish at the Batavia Relays (4:08.76). Schroeder and Baig offer potential for the Hawks in the distance events, including 3,200 relay. Blackwell is emerging and finished second in shot put (37-04.5) at the MSL indoor, she joins Wood who was a state qualifier in discus giving the Hawks a 1-2 punch in throws. Hoffman has some interesting parts that could make a deep run in May.

PalatineCoach: Joe Parks (7th year).

Last year: 3rd in MSL.

2016 state qualifiers: Kelly O'Brien ( state champion 1,600, 800), 3,200 relay (7th place), Corey Rinella (long jump, 300 low hurdles), Sam Lechowicz (1,600), Jess Streepy (pole vault).

Key losses: Kelly O'Brien (Northwestern), Sam Lechowicz (Bradley), Corey Rinella (Out with ACL tear).

Top returnees: Seniors Anna Buckstaff (distance), Izzeh Stankiewicz (mid-distance), Nadya Lloyd (distance), Danya Lloyd (distance), Sydney Winters (sprints), Kiki Gaiter (throws); Juniors Tiana Henderson (sprints, jumps), Ada Sieminski (sprints, jumps); sophomores: Erin Oleksak (sprints, mid-distance, hurdles), Kate Lechowicz ( distance), Liz Lechowicz (distance), Jess Streepy (pole vault).

Promising newcomers: Juniors Sherice Kendrick (throws); sophomores Jessica Steffens (throws); freshmen Fiona Metzo (mid-distance), Dejah Thomas (sprints).

Outlook: Palatine suffered a pretty big blow when senior Corey Rinella tore her ACL during basketball season. The Pirates senior provided some huge points in the long jump and hurdles. Last year at conference she took second in both the 100 highs and 300 low hurdles and was MSL champ in the long jump. Palatine will counter the loss by offering a deep distance crew that qualified for the Class 3A cross country meet in the fall. Buckstaff, Stankiewicz, Danya Lloyd, and Nadya Lloyd will provide the leadership. Danya Lloyd secured all-state honors in cross country with a 22nd-place finish. Metzo has done a nice job in complementing the seniors, with the Lechowicz twins also aiding the group. Oleksak can cover multiple events and will be one to watch in the hurdles and high jump. Henderson offer experience in the sprints. Streepy is advancing in the pole vault, having cleared 10-3 during the indoor season.

SchaumburgCoach: Kristen Zillmer (1st year).

Last year: 8th in MSL.

2016 state qualifiers: 3,200 relay (2nd place), Maddie Marasco (800), Lauren Kubinski (1,600).

Key losses: Enfinit Kelly.

Top returnees: Seniors Valerie Schackelton (distance, sprints), Maya Bowens (throws) Ellie O'Connell (mid-distance); juniors Madison Marasco (distance), Rachel Vaccaro (distance), Lauren Kubinski (distance), Maggy Centeno (sprints) Sarah Miller (sprints); sophomores Megan Gale (pole vault), Martha Ewuoso (pole vault), Jackie Williams (jumps).

Outlook: Last year was huge for Schaumburg's 3,200 relay, which placed second in class 3A. Schackelton, Marasco, Kubinksi, and Vaccaro all return from the relay and will be looking to continue their drive this season. Marasco is a special athlete; she finished eighth in Class 3A for cross country and will be looking for some low marks in the 800. Kubinski flashed potential last year in the 1,600 (5:04.89) and Centeno has looked solid indoors for the 400 and she will also compete in hurdles. Bowens is also in line for a big year in the throws. She won the MSL indoor shot put title and has also gone over 40 feet indoors.

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. ViatorCoach: Kelly Wosick (2nd year).

Last year: 11th in Class 2A, 5th in ESCC

2016 state qualifiers: Elizabeth Drab (state champion Class 2A 400, 3rd in 200, 4th in 100).

Key losses: Julia Bergstrom.

Top returnees: Seniors Elizabeth Drab (sprints), Theresa Donohue (mid-distance), Marion Madaras (mid-distance); juniors Megan Lifka (mid-distance), Kyra Smith (sprints) Caroline Carlson (sprints), Nicole Bavaro (throws), Cailyn Currie (distance); sophomores Nicole Gallant (throws), Neda Kakish (throws), Gina Tolan (distance), Kathryn Williams (sprints, jumps), Delaney Collis (sprints), Kylie Thornton (sprints), Sophia Solari (sprints). Juiia Hornberger (mid-distance).

Promising newcomers: Sophomores Isabella Pierce (sprints), Neda Kakish (throws); freshmen Sophia Dominguez (sprints), Katherine Madaras (sprints).

Outlook: Drab enters the season as one of the top track athletes in state after securing three Class 2A medals last season, including a state title in the 400. Drab will be looking to add to her medal count this season as she paces the Lions' attack. After Drab, Wosick is counting on a influx of young athletes to push a Viator team that finished fifth in the ESSC last season. Williams and Collis will lead a group of sophomore that are hoping to make their mark this season. "Our team is motivated to succeed and come to practice ready to work every day, we're looking to peak in May," added Wosick.

WEST SUBURBAN GOLDLeydenCoach: Brent Dempsey (8th year).

2016 state qualifiers: 3,200 relay.

Key losses: Misia Sztelak (Triton), Estefania Ramirez (Lake Forest College).

Top returnees: Seniors Kat Moreno (throws), Jasmine Salvador Diaz (distance), Tiana Hamilton (throws); juniors Esther Aldana (sprints, jumps), Elizabeth Treto (sprints, jumps), Jasmine Santoyo (distance); sophomore: Maya Garcia (sprints, jumps, hurdles).

Promising newcomers: Sophomores Juliet Ocon (throws), Isabelle Ivy Radl (jumps, sprints).

Outlook: Leyden will lean on core group of juniors including Aldana to set the tone this season with a large group of underclassmen helping out. "It is one of the largest teams since I've been here at Leyden, best part about this group is their great attitude and strong work ethic," Dempsey said.

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine WestCoach: Gregory Regalado (5th year).

Last year: 6th in CSL North

2016 state qualifiers: Madeline Bobinski (discus).

Key losses: Madeline Bobinski, Megan Centella, Audrey Magnoni, Anum Karim.

Top returnees: Seniors Nicole Bechtold (pole vault); junior Nicole Polarz (hurdles).

Promising newcomers: Junior: Alisa Fallon (throws).

Outlook: Maine West lost a nice pair of throwers to graduation, but Fallon has made a quick impact in her first year hitting a 35-06.5 at the CSL North indoor meet. That mark could be going up as she gets deeper in the outdoor season. Polarz is solid in the hurdles, with Bechtold a potential point scorer in pole vault.