Boys track: Cary-Grove throwers excel at Bohrer
The Cary-Grove boys track program has a rich tradition of great throwers in recent years.
That tradition seemingly will continue in 2018.
Jason Petko took top honors in the discus while Andrew Stokes grabbed first place in the shot put at Saturday's Al Bohrer Invite held at Cary-Grove High School in blustery, cold conditions.
Petko won the discus with a throw of 156 feet, 2 inches while teammate Karl Rosch placed third.
"Because of the cold and windy conditions it was really hard to grip the discus," said Petko. "My throws were dying. I was able to get a couple good throws in. Once the weather gets better I should be able to be more consistent with my throws. My goals are to throw 170 feet and get a state medal."
Stokes exploded for a throw of 58-3 ½ on his final toss of the day to win the shot put. Roberto Diaz was third for the Trojans (43-6 ½).
"On my last throw I just went for it with nothing to lose," said Stokes. "I had some scratches but I didn't let it bother me. I felt when I let the shot go it was a good throw. You have to be tough mentally and not let the cold weather bother you. We have a program at Cary-Grove where excuses are not acceptable."
Cary-Grove coach Layne Holter is impressed with the throwers on the team.
"This group really worked hard in the offseason," said Holter. "They are a really talented dedicated group. When you have hard work and talent a lot of good things happen."
Despite Petko and Stokes efforts' the Trojans finished in second with 128 points behind champion Belvidere North (131). Marengo was third with a score of 103 points while Richmond Burton finished fourth with 85 points.
"Overall I am very happy with our performances," said Holter. "Belvidere North is a very good team and they were a little better than us today."
The Trojans also got a first place finish from Maxum Caesar in the 800 meters (2:05.60).
"I felt I was able to get nice and warm for the race and was ready to go," said Caesar. "I had a nice kick at the end."
Second place finishers for the Trojans were Brad Peters (400), Jonathan Lewis (3,200), and Jack Herbster (300 hurdles).
The Trojans were runner-up in the 800 relay (Ian Masukevich, Thomas Libert, Ethan Carlson, Anthony LaMantia) and the 3,200 relay (Eric Christensen, DJ Farr, Libert and Caesar).
Round Lake, fifth with a score of 71 points, got third place finishes from Elyjia Jones (400), Kevon Elzey (long jump), Trevonne Young (triple jump) and Diego Giron (1,600). The Panthers were third in the 800 relay (Ernesto Vargas, Andre Neal, Jarron Rogers, Jonathan Cermeno) and 3,200 relay (Nathan Etherington, Marco Barcenas, Alex Urbina, Cristobal Hidrogo).