Freshman McGlone propels Streamwood
Streamwood's Megan McGlone wasn't quite sure what to expect in her first outdoor track meet.
It only took the freshman two indoor meets to destroy Streamwood's triple jump record. It took just 2 jumps to beat it outside. McGlone, who owned the Sabres mark of 32 feet, 6 inches, went for an even 33 feet. The record prior to McGlone's arrival had been a 31-8ΒΌ, a mark which Ambrer Lightbourne also topped for the Sabres when she finished second with a 32-3.
The duo helped host Streamwood (88) defeat Elgin (53) and Larkin (42) in Upstate Eight Conference action Wednesday at Millennium Field.
"I like the outdoors a lot better," McGlone said. "It's fresh air and the wind is a challenge. I like the outdoors a lot."
McGlone also ran a personal best split of 1:04 in Streamwood's victory in the 1,600 relay (4:37). Her first ever race in the 300 hurdles ended with a first-place finish (50.45) and she added a second in the 110 high hurdles (18.25).
"She just runs where the other girls are at," Streamwood coach Ryan Korn said. "She likes to be a front runner. That's why she leads off the 1,600 relay. She knows she has to beat the top girls."
Mercedes Mancha anchored the 1,600 relay for the Sabres. Mancha finished first in the 3,200 (13:43.8) and second in the 1,600 (6:22.7). Jordana Lesavage finished first in the 1,600 (6:21.0) and second in the 3,200 (13:45.2).
Larkin junior Nadiyah Spencer wasn't quite sure what to expect either. Spencer had ran for the Royals during her freshman year, but was forced to watch her sophomore year.
Her junior year started off with success.
Spencer won the 100 (13.8) edging out Elgin's Kayla Jackson (14.2). Spencer added a third-place finish in the 200 (29.9), with teammate Brittany Whitehead (28.9) finishing first.
"I'm just trying to get back in the gist of things," Spencer said. "I have to try to work hard to get back to where I was."
Whitehead added a first place in the 110 hurdles (17.2) and second in the 300 hurdles (53.1).
Elgin's strength came in its relay teams.
The Maroons returned all of their relay teams from last year and the experience paid off. Elgin's 400 (54.9) and 800 (1:57.7) both finished first, while the Maroons earned second in the 1,600 relay.
"I think we're improved from last year," Elgin coach Justin Goebel said. "This is the second year together for our relay teams and their starting to gel. That's going to be one of our strong suits."