Girls track: Northwest season preview
MID-SUBURBAN EAST
Buffalo Grove
Coach: Steve Gibble (28th year)
Last year: 11th in the MSL
2007 state qualifiers: Jennifer Kerns (shot put), 3,200 relay.
Key losses: Jennifer Kerns (throws), Lorin Biosca (3,200 relay).
Top returnees: Senior Sam Wellbank (sprints); juniors Erin McGrath (distance), Carolin Kissner (distance), Nicole LaMantia (sprints, jumps); sophomores Erin Cleary (distance), Linda Dunne (jumps), Lillie Blackmon (sprints).
Promising newcomers: Sophomore Cari Geyer (distance); freshmen Emily Lueck (sprints), Sarah Peluse (distance).
Outlook: McGrath, Cleary, and Kissner led the Bison 3,200 relay to state last season and also set a school record (9:39.9). Gibble has a couple of promising newcomers in Geyer and Peluse to fill in the final spot for the distance relay. LaMantia set a school record in the triple jump (34-½) last season and will be joined by Dunne in the long jump to give Bison depth in the jumps. Blackmon, LaMantia, Lueck, and Wellbank set a school indoor record in the 4-lap relay and will add depth to the sprints. The Bison were young last year, but Gibble is hoping a year of experience pays off. "All the young kids that have done well for us last year, stuck with us … we feel pretty good about that, and we think we have some pretty good kids coming in," said Gibble.
Elk Grove
Coach: Dave Johnson (first year)
Last year: 12th in MSL
2007 state qualifier: Jessica Ortega (shot put).
Key losses: Jessica Ortega (throws).
Top returnees: Senior Martika Bertucci (sprints); juniors Lauren Infusino (distance), Ginna Erbacci (distance), Allison Ofisher (sprints, hurdles); sophomore Jennifer Joern (hurdles).
Promising newcomers: Freshman Rachel McInerney (sprints, hurdles), Hana Yoon (sprints).
Outlook: Erbacci and Infusino add strength and experience to the distance events. Ofisher (300 lows) and Joern (100 highs) will be threats in the hurdles. Injuries have hurt depth in the relays especially in the sprints. "The girls have been great and have been working hard," said Johnson. "We're learning a lot and making some great strides."
Hersey
Coach: Jim Miks (fifth year)
Last year: 7th in the MSL
2007 state qualifiers: Frances Dockendorff (discus), Victoria Zimmerman (shot put), Sydney Dougherty (300 low hurdles), Paige Scott (long jump), Georgia Wiard (3,200)
Key losses: Victoria Zimmerman (throws, Nebraska) Frances Dockendorff (throws), Amanda Adams (sprints), Christy Lukas (sprints).
Top returnees: Seniors Michelle Busse (distance), Christine Williams (sprints), Wendy Wingeard (distance), Jennifer Johnson (hurdles), Lena Shapiro (sprints); Jamila Fuller (sprints); juniors Georgia Wiard (distance), Megan Gojney (distance), Paige Scott (jumps); sophomore Lauren Frisbie (distance), Audrina Smelser (distance), Sarah Reynolds (distance), Megan Hackett (pole vault), Ashley Arfman (hurdles, sprints), Shelby Westmoreland (high jump), Domenica Giancola (hurdles).
Promising newcomers: Freshmen Michaela Dwyer (sprints, jumps), Kaitlin Slattery (distance), Salena Clohisy (distance), Danielle Perkins (sprints), Tia Roberson (sprints), Laura Kempf (sprints, mid-distance).
Outlook: Hersey is hoping a combination of experience and youth will add up to a strong showing in May. Wiard, Gojney, and Reynolds lead an experienced distance crew with freshmen Clohisy and Slattery adding depth. Williams will add leadership to the sprint crew and will be aided by talented newcomers Perkins and Roberson. Johnson is back in the hurdles and is poised for a breakout season. Scott was a state qualifier in the long jump and will lead the Huskies in the field events. "We have some strong pieces for success," added Miks, who has high hopes for his four relays. "We have great senior leadership in the sprints and distance, hopefully by May we'll be at our best."
Prospect
Coach: Dave Wurster (12th year)
Last year: 2nd in MSL, 1st in MSL East
2007 state qualifiers: 3,200 relay (6th place), Annette White (3,200, 4th place 1,600), Melissa Geldmyer (long jump), Emily Gruendel (shot put, discus), Christie Kollias (pole vault), Emily Salzman (800), Nikki Weyrauch (100 high hurdles, 300 low hurdles), 400 relay, 800 relay, 1,600 relay.
Key losses: Becky Anderson (Illinois State), Jenna Hennig, Nikki Weyrauch.
Top returnees: Seniors Lucy Taylor (mid-distance), Claire Hollis (mid-distance), Jen Nowak (jumps, sprints), Brittany Mule (hurdles, sprints); juniors Emily Gruendel (throws), Christie Kollias (pole vault, triple jump, hurdles), Erin Ward (pole vault, long jump), Courtney Hug (sprints, hurdles), Samantha Ford (high jump); sophomores Emily Salzman (mid-distance), Annette White (distance), Amy Abdnor (mid-distance, hurdles), Beata Fiszer (sprints), Kasey Krum (distance), Jeanette Wochinski (mid-distance, hurdles).
Promising newcomers: Freshmen Kiley Shelley (sprints), Katie Bialas (sprints, jumps), Samantha Sturm (throws), Grace Gruendel (pole vault), Kelly Villano (long jump), Melanie Armgardt (distance).
Outlook: One word describes Prospect -- balance. The Knights used that balance to take second at the MSL meet, then sent a strong contingent to the state meet in Charleston. Prospect can cover every event and it starts with the 3,200 relay. Returnees Abdnor, Hollis, Salzman, and Taylor combined to take 6th in state and set a school record. White is threat in the 3,200 and 1,600, last year she took 4th at state in the 3,200, setting a school record. Wochinski and Krum add depth to the distance. Hug and Mule will lead the sprint crew. The Knights also cover the field events with Gruendel a threat in both the shot and discus, Kollias has made great improvements in the pole vault and Nowak set a school record in the triple jump last season. "I'm really excited about our team this year," said Wurster. "We have a nice blend of veterans and youth, we have some front runners who can usually score big points. We can cover most every event."
Rolling Meadows
Coach: Mike Naymola (first year)
Last year: 10th in MSL
2007 state qualifiers: Mandy Streu (shot put).
Key losses: Melenie Sovereen, Janice Louie.
Top returnees: Seniors Mandy Streu (throws), Erlena Josifi (distance), Sam Liametz (jumps); juniors Amanda Whowell (distance), Lisa Szabo (mid-distance), Tracy Hilbert (hurdles), Katryna Manoli (pole vault), Michelle Mayer (distance), Paula Thompson (jumps, pole vault), Kim Grovak (sprints).
Promising newcomers: Freshmen Izzy Gromow (sprints), Nathline Pheteau (jumps), Gina Vockeroth (hurdles), Julie Matamorus (sprints), Christina Gastfield (distance), Colleen Vrshek (distance).
Outlook: Streu is one of the top throwers in the area and has qualified for state the past two years in the shot put. Josifi and Whowell will also make a strong push for state this year. Manoli is making strides in the pole vault. Naymola starts his first year with a strong freshman class led by Gastfield who made all conference in cross country in the fall. "We need to keep their (freshman) confidence up and get them to compete," said Naymola. "If they do that they will just get better."
Wheeling
Coach: Mike Theodosakis (third year)
Last year: 6th in the MSL
2007 state qualifiers: Amber Stack (3,200), Olivia Semeria (100 dash), 400 relay, 800 relay.
Key losses: Valerie Winkler (Lipscomb University, Tennessee), Jennifer Lynch, Alyssa Havlir, Judy Chen, Nalley Arreola
Top returnees: Seniors Amber Stack (distance), Jenny Giron (mid-distance), Angela Bacci (sprints, jumps), juniors Olivia Semeria (sprints), Lori Felix (sprints, hurdles), Samantha Melinynshyn (jumps, sprints), Rachel Stinebring (distance), Mireya Pulido (sprints), Chrissie Robillard (throws); sophomores Amber Hackney (sprints), Angela Tichelbaut (sprints, jumps), Erin Schanaberger (sprints), Amber Wentzloff (sprints).
Promising newcomers: Junior Ashley Wilson (throws), Larissa Aguero (sprints); freshman Samantha Bell-Brown (sprints), Madalyn Brahar (sprints), Stephanie Fuchs (distance), Sara Hennessy (throws), Shivani Patel (sprints), Yessenia Munoz (distance), Gina Carrillo (distance), Lizbeth Roman (sprints).
Outlook: Stack is always a threat for a state medal in the distance, the senior will be going for her third state medal this season. Semeria will lead the sprint group that advanced two relays to state last season. Wilson is hoping to translate her basketball success to the track and the junior should make a difference in the throws by the end of the season. Robillard is making improvement in the throws. Giron, Stinebring, Felix, and Bacci all add experience to the Wildcat attack. Wheeling has a number of talented athletes but one concern for Theodosakis is depth. "We have a high quality of athletes, but we need a little more depth and are asking for a few girls with little or no experience to step up and excel," said Theodosakis
MID-SUBURBAN WEST
Barrington
Coach: Jody Gitelis (22nd year)
Last year: Class AA state champions, Streamwood sectional champions, MSL champions, MSL West champions.
2007 state qualifiers: 3,200 relay (first place, Molly Glantz, Samatha Learch, Danielle Locascio, Rebecca Tracy), 1,600 relay (first, Glantz, Val Taylor, Jayne Jaderholm, Jenny Schnack), 800 relay (fifth place), 400 relay (second place), Dipti Karmarkar (8th place triple jump), Glantz (5th place 300 high hurdles, 100 high hurdles), Amanda Schnack (6th place 200, 100), Jenny Schnack (4th place 400, 100), Rebecca Tracy (5th place 1,600), Siobhan Callanan (shot put), Learch (800, 200), Taylor (400, long jump), Jaderholm (medals in the 800 and 1,600 relay, 100 hurdles).
Key losses: Dipti Karmarkar (University of Chicago, jumps, sprints), Danielle Locascio (Loyola University, distance), Sara Rebmann (Indiana University, medal in the 400 and 800 relay), Val Taylor (SIU-Edwardsville, relays, sprints, jumps), Siobhan Callanan (John Hopkins basketball, throws).
Top returnees: Seniors Molly Glantz (hurdles, mid-distance), Samantha Learch (sprints, mid-distance, distance), Amanda Schnack (sprints), Kala Bingham (distance), Niggy Hussain (jumps), Arielle Johnston (pole vault), Erin Murray (pole vault); juniors Rebecca Tracy (distance), Jenny Schnack (sprints), Jayne Jaderholm (hurdles, sprints, long jump), Robin Bingham (discus), Annie Choi (mid-distance, distance), Lela DiMonte (throws), Maureen Doyle (sprints, jumps, pole vault), Anne Marie Kerchberger (distance), Amy Madden (sprints, jumps, pole vault), Stephanie Berg (sprints); sophomores Sara Bach (sprints, hurdles, jumps), Melissa Brindise (distance), Anna Etherington (jumps, pole vault), Alaine Argianas (mid-distance, jumps), Sarah Eastham (sprints)
Promising newcomers: Junior Claire Roggeveen (sprints, jumps); sophomores Jorie Frey (sprints, jumps), Lindsay Pickering (sprints, jumps), Shanna Privatsky (sprints), Kylle Vrbicek (hurdles); freshmen Casey Breslin (sprints), Tessa Cimmarusti (sprints), Briana Greer (throws), Amy Johnson (sprints, jumps).
Outlook: What can the defending AA state champions do for an encore? With seniors Glantz, Learch, and Amanda Schnack combining with juniors Jenny Schnack, Tracy, and Jaderholm the sky is the limit. The six returning medal winners will set the tone. Glantz, Learch, and Tracy return to pace the 3,200 relay team that took first at state, while Glantz, Jaderholm, and Jenny Schnack return to pace the 1,600 relay team that took first at state. Sophomore Melissa Brindise adds depth to the 3,200 relay team and was part of the squad that took first at the MSL indoor meet. Last year the Fillies set school records in the 3,200 relay (9:09.2), 400 relay (47.84), and 1,600 relay (3:50.21). Glantz set school record in the 100 high hurdles (14.9), Jenny Schnack added one in the 400 (56.54), with Amanda Schnack adding one in the 200 (25.16) and Johnston adding one in the pole vault (10-0). Barrington once again will be one of the favorites to win the state title. "We are off to a good start," added Gitelis, who was honored in January with the 2007 coach of the year award. "The work ethic, enthusiasm, and determination are at an all time high. Staying healthy and being at our best when it counts is our goal." Count on the Fillies to break a few more records this year and continue their heavy medal beat.
Conant
Coach: Bob Borczak (seventh year).
Last year: 4th in state, 3rd in the MSL.
2007 state qualifiers: 400 relay (3rd place medal), 800 relay (4th place medal), Toni Graham ( 2nd place 100, 2nd place 200), Kalli Dalton (4th place 1,600, 800), Allison Buckley (100 high hurdles, 300 low hurdles), Josie Hutch (100 high hurdles), Sara Pessimisis (long jump).
Key losses: Allison Buckley (hurdles), Brittany Lindeman (hurdles), Faith Harris (sprints), Jessica Hinkley (sprints), Cari Pick (sprints), Kat Takeda (throws).
Top returnees: Seniors: Toni Graham (sprints), Destiny Arps (sprints), Emily Quinones (sprints), Brianna Millar (sprints) Sara Pessimisis (jumps); juniors Kalli Dalton (mid-distance, distance), Jenna Verity (throws), Joelle Lein (sprints); sophomore Josie Hutch (hurdles, jumps).
Promising newcomers: Freshmen Sara Gorden (sprints), Taylor Graham (sprints), Jamie Millar (sprints).
Outlook: Conant missed the third place trophy by 1 point to Thornton last season and will be right in the hunt for a trophy again this season. Graham has become one of the most exciting sprinters in the state and will be in the hunt for the 100 and 200 this year. Graham combines with fellow seniors Arps, Quinones, and Brianna Millar to form a powerful sprint relay group with junior Joelle Lein adding depth. "They can make those handoffs blind folded," added Borczak of his senior leaders. "Their big-race experience is wonderful, they know what is expected of them." Gordon will add depth to the sprinters. Dalton will be a threat in the 1,600 and 800 and Verity will be looking to pick up points in the discus. Pessimisis had a strong season in the jumps and keep an eye on Hucth in the hurdles. The Cougars had their highest finish at state last year and are poised for another big year as a state trophy could be in their future.
Fremd
Coach: Hali Henderson (first year)
Last year: 5th in the MSL.
2007 state qualifiers: Vanessa Mensie (7th in the shot put), Chelsea Bolton (6th in the 3,200, 1.600), Meriel Harwood (4th in the pole vault), Vanessa Mensie (shot put, discus), Jamie Notaro (long jump).
Key losses: Chelsea Bolton (Wake Forest, distance), Vanessa Mensie (throws), Victoria Hewitt (Princeton, throws), Meriel Harwood (Kansas State, pole vault), Alex Flis
Top returnees: Senior Anna Gonzalez; juniors Elizabeth Mellado (pole vault, sprints, hurdles), Jamie Notaro (sprints, jumps), Ashley Ruff (sprints, jumps) Roxanne Miller (distance), Margaret Weber (distance), Ryoh Shinohara (distance); sophomores Ashley Fullerton (hurdles, high jump), Aylla Lashaway (distance)
Promising newcomers: Senior Sharon Mhango (throws), junior Rachel Palumbo (distance); freshman Nicollette McKenzie (sprints, jumps), Kelsey Onesto (pole vault, hurdles, sprints), Stephanie Resis (distance).
Outlook: Fremd lost some top scorers to graduation but Henderson is excited about her young team. Mellado is a threat to score points in the pole vault, sprints, and hurdles. Notaro qualified for state in the long jump and will be joined in the field events by Ruff and Fullerton. Miller will lead a potentially strong distance crew. "We're a young team with the bulk of the team being juniors and freshmen," said Henderson, who holds the school record in the long jump (17-7¾). "We're usually pretty strong in field events but at the same time we'll be looking to score in all areas."
Hoffman Estates
Coach: Dan Anderson (3rd year)
Last year: 7th in MSL
2007 state qualifiers: Victoria Mikszta (high jump), Ashley Chervinko (shot put, discus).
Top returnees: Seniors Victoria Mikszta (high jump), Ashley Chervinko (throws), Amy Schwent (distance), Altrese Hawkins (sprints, jumps), Heather Bartos (distance), Sara Ahn (distance); junior Gaby Duenas (distance), Kathy Kenley (distance), Kristie Windels (pole vault); sophomore Hannah Worman (distance).
Promising newcomers: Freshmen Jada Stotts (sprints), Cairesse Ayers (sprints).
Outlook: Anderson has the Hoffman program on the move. Mikszta was a state qualifier in the high jump last season after finishing 5th in state as a sophomore. This year the senior will again contend for a state medal. Chervinko has established herself as one of the top throwers in the conference and is eyeing a state medal this season. Worman is one of the most exciting distance runners in conference, the sophomore is looking to have a breakout season after setting school indoor records in the 800 and 1,600. Worman also combined with Schwent, Duenas, and Bartos to set a school indoor record in the 3,200 relay. The Hawks won the MSL title in cross country and the energy has flowed to the track with Hoffman finishing fourth at the MSL indoor meet. Hawkins is primed for a big season, especially in the long jump. Hoffman may have used a van to get their kids downstate last season, but the Hawks will definitely need a bus this season. "We're building and our kids are hungry," said Anderson. "We have a lot of kids and we're pretty deep. The kids have bought into it now, and that's exciting."
Palatine
Coach: Steve Currins (17th year at Palatine, 34th overall).
Last year: 9th at State, Buffalo Grove sectional Champions, 4th in the MSL.
2007 state qualifiers: Jocelyn Kuksa (3rd in the pole vault, 100 high hurdles, 300 low hurdles), Lauren Orris (4th in the discus), 3,200 relay (2nd place medal), 1,600 relay (8th place medal), Katie MacFabe (discus), Martha Shepard (shot put), Tory Wright (1,600), Ruth Allen (1,600), Michelle Brunk (800), Tally Millin (long jump), Angie Gonzalez (long jump), Claire Shepard (shot put).
Key losses: Michelle Brunk (Illinois State, mid-distance, distance), Brittany Scales (Illinois, sprints), Claire Shepard (throws), Jenni Abram (distance).
Top returnees: Seniors Jocelyn Kuksa (pole vault, hurdles, sprints), Colleen Standridge (distance), Tally Millin (sprints, jumps), Maria Koczur (sprints, jumps), Chelsea McPherson (distance); juniors Martha Shepard (throws), Lauren Orris (throws), Katie MacFabe (throws), Tory Wright (distance), Valerie Bach (sprints), Lindsey Weinber (pole vault, jumps); sophomores Angie Gonzalez (sprints, jumps), Johanna Dibuz (distance), Robin Anderson (jumps).
Promising newcomers: Juniors Meh Harahan (pole vault, mid-distance), Kristal Pitts (mid-distance); freshmen Courtney Brown (distance), Sarah McIntosh (distance), Becca Sund (distance), Stephanie Burbidge (jumps, sprints), Meghan Flannagan (hurdles, sprints), Morgan Quinnett (hurdles, sprints), Valerie Guertin (sprints, jumps), Jasmine Chapman (sprints).
Outlook: Palatine is looking to continue its consistency and add to its legacy, the Pirates are the only team in Illinois to finish in the top 10 at state the last 10 years. And things shouldn't be different this year for the Pirates. Kuksa is one of the most versatile athletes around, she covers the pole vault, hurdles, and also was a member of the 1,600 relay. Orris, Shepard, and MacFabe lead one of the strongest throwing groups in the state with each having a good shot at a medal. Standridge, Wright, and Allen return to form a solid nucleus in the 3,200 relay as the Pirates have a first place finish and two second place finishes the last three years. Currins is also excited about a strong group of newcomers that will replenish the Pirates' attack. Look for them to be in the hunt at state once again. "I'm very excited about this season and the team," said Currins. "We have tremendous senior leadership and the freshman are very talented. We have a number of individuals that will be competing for a state title."
Schaumburg
Coach: Mike Rebeck (29th year)
Last year: 8th in the MSL.
2007 state qualifiers: 800 relay, Emily Gallup (1,600).
Key losses: Lauren Reader (sprints), Jaime Giovannone (sprints), Katie McCabe (distance), Kelly Jackowski (sprints)
Top returnees: Seniors Veronica Painter (sprints), Kelsey Druckman (sprints), Emily Gallup (distance), Michelle Fassano (jumps, pole vault), Michelle Roy (triple jump), Danielle Cacioppo (hurdles); juniors Emily Kondras (sprints); sophomores Nora Ferguson (sprints), Jessica Lucas (hurdles)
Promising newcomers: Senior Allie Jackson (sprints, discus); freshman Britten Petrey (distance), Karen Lesiewicz (distance), Jordan Wagner (sprints), Emily Langlotz (sprints).
Outlook: Things are looking promising for Schaumburg. Rebeck is counting on his senior leaders and an infusion of energetic freshman to propel the Saxons. Painter and Druckman return from the 800 relay that qualified for state last year. Gallup qualified in the 1,600 and leads a young and talented distance squad. Newcomer Jackson has opened some eyes in the shot put. The 800 and 1,600 relays are eyeing a trip to the state meet. "We have a little more depth than we've had in the past," said Rebeck. "And we have some people that will make some noise at the big meets."
EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC
St. Viator
Coach: Brad Krupinski (third year)
Last year: 8th in the ESSC
2007 state qualifiers: none
Key losses: Nicole Lazzara
Top returnees: Seniors Christy Supergan (sprints), Danielle Vitacco (sprints); juniors Amanda Kompanowski (distance), Kelly Hendricks (sprints), Eleatee Bass (sprints, jumps).
Promising newcomers: Seniors Kelsey Ford (sprints, jumps), Arika Cozzi (sprints, jumps); juniors Krista Ruddick( sprints, hurdles, jumps); sophomores Arianna Kulinczenko (sprints), Stephanie Roundtree (sprints); freshmen Marissa Mueller (mid-distance), Kelly Wosick (mid-distance), Natalie Wasmund (sprints), Caite Kompanowskie (throws, sprints), Carolyn Hutyra (distance)
Outlook: Krupinski has St. Viator heading in the right direction as the numbers keep increasing. Kompanowski is eyeing a return to state after missing last year and will lead the distance crew. Hendricks, Bass, Supergan, and Vitacco combined to set a school record in the 800 relay last season and the four are looking to take it a step further and qualify for state this season. Wosick will be one to watch in the 400, the freshman has opened a few eyes. St. Viator will be able to field almost every event after a few down years. Benet is the class of the ESCC, but Marian Catholic and Carmel will contend. "We're going to try a bunch of people at different spots and see where we can score," said Krupinski. "I'm excited for the season, we'll have to wait and see what happens."
CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTH
Maine West
Coach: Joe LeCastro (27th year)
Last year: CSL North champs
2007 state qualifiers: Olga Ciura (shot put, discus), Stephanie Moy (high jump, pole vault), Liz Meier (800).
Key losses: Olga Ciura (Southern Illinois, throws), Stephanie Moy (Carthage, jumps, sprints, pole vault), Angela Defenbaugh (sprints), Nicole Lascelles (sprints).
Top returnees: Senior Elaine Gallichio (sprints) Mary Kusner (jumps, sprints); junior Liz Meier (distance), Shaneese Nelson (throws), Janelle Stolz, Sara Ring (distance).
Promising newcomer: Junior Shaina Yalda (sprints).
Outlook: Maine West has won three consecutive CSL North titles, but the Warriors will be in tight six-team race this season. Highland Park won the indoor title and is currently the front-runner. Meier is looking to lead the Warriors, last year the junior qualified for state in the 800. Gallichio will lead the sprint squad and Nelson is hoping to do some damage in the throws. The Warriors loss some talent but are hoping to make a mark by May. "Our team is young and somewhat inexperienced," said LeCastro, "but we've improved during the indoor season and we're still developing."
WEST SUBURBAN GOLD
Leyden
Coach: Tom Cartwright (third year)
Last year: 2nd in the WSG.
2007 state qualifiers: Jamie Johnson (3,200), 400 relay, 800 relay.
Key losses: Kathleen Rose (distance), Erica Green (sprints, jumps).
Top returnees: Seniors Bridget Sanchez (sprints), Nancy Delgado (mid-distance); juniors Jamie Johnson (distance), Sonja Filipovic (sprints, jumps), Jenna Quinn (sprints, jumps), Emilita Stanil (sprints, hurdles); sophomores Klaudia Susul (sprints), Tattiyana Usry (sprints).
Promising newcomers: Sophomore Marta Karpacz (mid-distance).
Outlook: Last year Leyden finished 2nd in the WSG and followed it up this spring by finishing 3rd at the conference indoor meet. It was the best finish for the Eagles since claiming the conference title in 1979. "To finish top-two outdoor and top-three indoor this season is a good thing," said Cartwright. "We're looking to repeat that." And with a core of talented sprinters back the Eagles are in good position. Sanchez, Susul, and Usry return from the 800 relay that won a sectional title and qualified for state. Sanchez provides leadership for a deep sprint squad. Johnson qualified in the 3,200 and looks strong early this season. Filipovic has made improvement in the high jump and is eyeing a spot at state. The 1,600 relay is also looking strong this season. Downers Grove South finished 5th at state and is the team to beat in the WSC.