Track: Long, Marasco thrive in 1,600 at Palatine
Barrington senior Jocelyn Long and Schaumburg senior Maddie Marasco have definitely set the bar pretty high when it comes to distance running in the Mid-Suburban League.
And the two runners continued to raise it on Saturday in the third annual Palatine Distance Night.
Long and Marasco were part of a deep and talented 1,600 field, and the two didn't disappoint on Saturday.
Latin freshman Marianne Mihas took first in the 1,600 in 4:55.68, followed by Long (4:56.06) and Marasco (4:56.56) in second and third - lifetimes best for both Long and Marasco.
Long, a five-time state medalist in cross country and track, was coming off a school record run in the 3,200 (10:39) last Friday at the Barrington Invitational.
She continued to impress on Saturday, using a nice finishing touch to secure second place.
"Coming into the last straightaway I trusted and knew I had go," said Long of her decisive kick. "I knew I had to give it everything I had. I'm so excited, I'm starting to see the drops in time and I know I have more in me."
Marasco is a seven-time state medalist in cross country and track. She finished fifth in the 800 in Class 3A last season and won the Illinois Top Times Class 3A 800 in March.
She also finds herself in nice spot with the postseason quickly approaching.
Marasco flashed her speed in the final two laps in securing an impressive third place.
"I definitely wanted to get under five minutes tonight," said Marasco who also closed hard. "Right now my times are a little bit better than they were last year. I'm just trying to take advantage of every opportunity."
Libertyville senior Melissa Manetsch also seems to be taking advantage of her opportunities.
A winner in the 3,200 at the Illinois Top Times Invite, Manetsch took the lead in the final lap to win the 3,200 (10:40.09) on Saturday with a career-best mark.
"I made my move and just tried to hang on for dear life after that," said Manetsch. "I'm definitely excited."
Lasalle-Peru senior Rachel Hickey, the defending Class 2A state 800 champion, took first in the 800 in a swift 2:10.70.
Senior Hannah Ricci, junior Claire Hill, junior Alex Morris, and senior Sarah Schmitt combined to lead Naperville North to a big victory in the Distance Medley Relay in 12:12.54.
Schmitt closed the deal by running the final mile under five minutes.
Hersey's Josh Methner had a breakout race in winning the 3,200 (9:06.65). The Huskies sophomore stayed patient early, then used a closing surge to secure the victory.
"I knew I had it in me," said Methner. "I've been looking forward to this race, it's great to know I have this kind of speed."
Whitney Young senior Clayton Mendez won the 3,200 last year at the Distance Night. This year, he added a victory in the 1,600 (4:08.64).
Senior Jacob Ridderhoff led Downers Grove North to a victory in the Distance Medley (10:15.38).
Rockford Christian junior Riley Wells took first in the 800 (1:55.38).