Girls track: McLaurin's experience comes in handy in challenging Palatine Relays

Barrington's Kelsey McLaurin has definitely seen a lot during her four-year run with the Fillies.

She has earned three state medals, including a state title in the 1,600 relay in 2015, the same year the Fillies finished second in Class 3A

And on a cold, wet, and windy day at the 85th annual Palatine Relays the Fillies senior needed every bit of that experience.

McLaurin took first individually in the triple jump (36 feet, 7¾ inches).

And then she turned her attention to the track.

The Fillies senior started her day by taking fourth place in the 400 meters (1:00.88). She added a third-place finish in the 100 (12.71) and capped her day by leading the Fillies to first place in the meet-ending 1,600 relay (4:13.73).

"I'm more of a hot weather type of person," said McLaurin who seemed to adapt fine to the inclement weather. "It was not ideal, but we got it done."

Senior Julia Bergquist, junior Eleni Filley and sophomore Gabby Cossio set McLaurin up for her big finish in the 1,600 relay. McLaurin didn't disappoint in running to the title with a 7-second cushion.

"It was really tough," added McLaurin, "but I came in with a positive attitude and just kept pushing."

Evanston junior Enyaeva Michelin won the 800 (2:17.42) and 1,600 (5:12.81), helping the Wildkits to the team title with 116 points. Next came Palatine (108) and Barrington (100).

Wheeling (63 points) held off Fremd (59 points) for fourth place.

Michelin earned the McElroy Award for the meet's most outstanding female athlete.

Kate Lechowicz had a pretty special day for host Palatine, too.

The Pirates sophomore had a leg on the winning frosh-soph 1,600 sprint medley (4:31.65), then came back to combine with Anna Buckstaff, Kate Daumen and senior Izzeh Stankiewicz to win the 3,200 relay (9:57.97).

"We did pretty well in both relays," said Lechowicz who gave the Pirates the lead in each relay. "We are coming together and we all did our part."

Sophomore Jess Streepy definitely did her part on a windy day in clearing 9-6, taking first individually and leading her team to the pole vault title.

"The wind was really throwing people off," said Streepy of her vault. "We seemed to pull it together today."

Junior Julia Piotrowksi, junior Ella Redfern, sophomore Stephanie Landoni and Cossio combined to give Barrington a first-place finish in the 400 high hurdle shuttle relay (1:11.63).

Sophomore Khari Thompkins powered Mundelein to a victory in the 400 (59.99), then came back to take second in the 200 (26.95) and added a fourth-place finish in the 100 (12.82).

"I'm used to getting out slow, but with the wind I wanted to get out faster than I normally do," said Thompkins of her 400 victory.

Wheeling seems to be dealing in its sprint relays, and it was no different on Saturday.

Sophomore Nicole Nguyen, senior Timber Terrell, junior Yailene Leon and sophomore Alexis Knight combined to lead the Wildcats to victories in the 400 relay (49.86) and 800 relay (1:48.83).

"We have continued to drop our time," said Knight, who anchored both relays. "Working more with each other, our hand-offs are getting more solid. We're just getting more confident. My teammates give me a good lead and I take it from there."

Wheeling also added a first-place finish in the shot put relay (99-10) and high jump relay (14-06).

Freshman Julia Finegan, sophomore Jordyn Iannuzzelli, junior Fiona Jordan and senior Linda Varela gave Fremd a big lift by leading the Vikings to victory in the distance medley (12:55.47).

Varela received the baton in third place but came from behind in the 1,600 leg for the win.

"The first 800 I was just trying to get into the lead and final 800 I was able to push it," said Varela.

Hersey junior Barbara Rydzewski (115-10) took second individually to Wheeling senior Ayana Blair (116-10) in helping push the Huskies to a win in the discus relay (290-7). Freshman Teodora Zhaklinova (16-3.5) was second individually to help her team to a first place finish in the long jump relay (45-8.5).

Addison Trail senior Lauren Kroll (12.30) ran to a first-place finish in the 100 dash.

"I've been working on my blocks and form and have dropped my time since last year," said Kroll who is aiming for a big finish this year. "I'm really excited to see what happens."