Girls track: Scouting the Mid-Suburban League meet
Girls track: Scouting the Mid-Suburban League meet
When: Friday, field events 4:45 p.m., track finals start at 5:45 p.m.
Where: Robert Haskell Stadium, Elk Grove
Background: Wheeling has won the most Mid-Suburban League Girls track titles with 13, but the Wildcats have not won a title since 1991.
Wheeling is hoping to end that 26-year drought on Friday, but it will not be easy. Since 1991 Barrington (7), Palatine (10), and Prospect (8) have combined for 25 of the 26 titles. Those same three teams will push Wheeling on Friday night.
Wheeling holds the top seed in five events. Junior Alexis Knight, junior Nicole Nguyen and senior Yailene Leon provide the Wildcats with plenty of firepower.
Knight holds the top seed in 200 dash (25.91) and 400 (59.11). Nguyen has top seeds in both the 100 dash (12.34) and long jump (18-0.25). Leon has posted some fine times in the 400 (59.67) and 800 (2:28.2). Junior Nosa Igiehon will also cover a lot and hopes to key the Wildcats in the field events. Wheeling also holds the top seed in the 1,600 relay (3:59.98).
Barrington last won the MSL in 2015, but this year's team is in a good position to make a push for another title on Friday. Barrington looks very dangerous on the track, especially in the distance events. The Fillies hold the top seed in the 3,200 relay (9:29.09), with senior Joceyln Long securing the top seed in the 1,600 (4:56.06). Junior Gabby Cossio will contribute in the 100 high hurdles and 300 low hurdles. An infusion of freshmen has also given the Fillies a lift with Molly Fitzpatrick, Brooke Husby and Olivia Helmer adding to the attack.
Palatine has won the second most MSL titles with 10, the last coming in 2011. The Pirates will be in contention on Friday. Junior Erin Oleksak holds the top seed in the 100 high hurdles (15.24), the 300 low hurdles (46.52) and the high jump (5-5). Junior Kate Lechowicz enters with the top time in the 3,200 (11:00.12), while her twin sister Liz has the third-best mark in the 1,600 (5:20.48). Junior Jess Streepy enters as big favorite in the pole vault (11-3).
Prospect is the two-time defending MSL champion and is looking to keep its crown. Senior Annie Walsh and senior Samantha Berman anchor the sprints play big roles on the 400 (49.99) and 800 relays (1:46.71), where the Knights hold the top marks. Sophomore Lia Skoufos has posted some solid times in the 400 (59.98) and 800 (2:19.85).
Schaumburg senior Madison Marasco will set the pace as top seed in the 800 (2:15.57). Buffalo Grove senior Nya Carr enters with the second-best mark in the 100 (12.52) and 200 (26.0) and will challenge for the win in both events. She will be seeking her third consecutive MSL title in the 100. Hersey senior Barbara Rydzewski will be aiming for her second consecutive MSL title in the discus (127-9), while Hoffman Estates junior Makiyha Blackwell holds the top mark in shot put (41-3.75). Rolling Meadows senior Macia Robinson is the top seed hold in the triple jump (34-10.5).
- Michael Eaken