Girls track: Healthy finishes for Mundelein's Thompkins
Mundelein's Khari Thompkins was slowed last season by a knee injury, but there was no slowing down the Mustangs sophomore on Thursday night at the Grayslake North Class 3A sectional.
Thompkins started her day by taking third and qualifying for state in the 100 (12.48), but she really opened some eyes in the 400.
Thompkins saw an opening in the final 100 meters and didn't look back in passing Lakes junior Taylor Tilmon, racing to a first-place finish and setting a school record in a sizzling 57.11 and qualifying in a second event for the Class 3A state meet.
"I knew if I stayed close I could finish strong," said Thompkins, who seemed to switch gears down the home stretch. "I never have been to state so I definitely was motivated."
"She has just been so consistent and so strong this season," said Mundelein coach Kurt Rutz of his rising star. "We've been working on getting out better, and hats off to the Lakes girl for pushing the pace - it made her work, and made the race for her."
Barrington captured the sectional title with 90 points, followed by Palatine (56), Lake Zurich (49) and Fremd (47). Lakes (45) nipped Warren (43) and Mundelein (42) for fifth place.
Lakes' Taylor Tilmon also had a special night. Last year she qualified for one event, but on Thursday the Eagles junior qualified in three.
Tilmon started her night by taking fourth in the 100 (12.60), she added a second in the 400 (57.87), and finished her night by taking second in the 200 (25.62).
"It's amazing," said Tilmon of her big night. "Last year I was just happy to be at state, this year I want to bring it."
Freshman Olivia Schmitt also came up big for the Eagles by taking first in the 800 (2:16.70).
"I just wanted to stay close with the front pack and use my kick at the end," said Schmitt who made her move with just over 150 meters remaining.
Senior Alyssa Morello gave Lake Zurich a big lift by qualifying in three events. The Bears senior took first in the 100 high hurdles (15.46), second in the 300 low hurdles (46.81) and second in the pole vault (11-03).
She had been slowed this season by a concussion but seemed to be back in top form on Thursday.
"I am honestly just trying to get back into form," said Morello. "It's been tough, but this has been my best meet since I've been back."
Libertyville junior Melissa Manetsch gave the Wildcats a jolt by qualifying twice, taking second in both the 1,600 (5:08.68) and 3,200 (10:51.01). Junior Avryl Johnson advanced to the state meet with a third-place finish in the 800 (2:18.78).
Warren senior Abena Atuobi took first in the shot put (43-0) and second in the discus (120-04), with sophomore Janii Jenkins adding a third-place finish in the 400 (58.40); both will be advancing to state.
Grayslake Central sophomore Megan Fletcher took first in the high jump (5-3), and will be joined at state by senior Jordan Meciej (pole vault), and senior Sara Ishmamudddin (triple jump).
Wauconda sophomore Grace Daun advanced in the high jump (second place).
Grayslake North senior Sierra Herrington qualified in the pole vault.