Girls track: Lake County preview

Antioch

Coach: Dan Oslage (5th season)

Key Returnees: Senior: Jessica Long (Pole Vault), Juniors: Erin Schoenfelder (Hurdles), Jen Naegele (Distance, Hurdles), Sherika Facey (Sprints), Brittney Deem (Shot, Discus), Sophomore: Erin Poss (Distance)

Key Losses: Kyle Sisler (High Jump)

Newcomers: Katie Brito

Outlook: Graduation losses are one of the toughest things for a varsity coach to overcome, but luckily for Dan Oslage, he won't have to worry much about that. Oslage's Sequoits lost one senior, high jumper Kyle Sisler, last year. Now Antioch has plenty of returning talent along with a healthy dose of youth in 2008. That, along with a healthy staff of hurdlers led by Erin Schoenfelder and Jen Naegele, should spell a much-improved team for 2008. "We are a young team looking to improve in our conference and sectional standings from last year," Oslage said. Last year, Schoenfelder was the lone Sequoit state qualifier as she made the cut in both the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles. This year, Oslage hopes his team can have a much bigger presence in the big dance. "We are always looking forward to our larger invitationals, but (we) will keep the focus on conference and sectionals with our goal of qualifying more athletes to state."

Carmel

Coach: Jim Halford (15th season)

Key Returnees: Seniors: Evelyn Fisher (Sprints, Hurdles), Megan Fowler (Jumps, Sprints), Megan Dennis (Sprints), Ally Sturm (Distance), Juniors: Stephanie Richartz (Pole Vault, Sprints), Bonnie Micelli (Sprints), Alison Thumel (Sprint, Middle Distance), Sophomores: Hilary Halford (Mid-Distance), Shannon Howell (Hurdles, Distance) Laura Nozicka (Distance)

Key Losses: Clair Bitto (Shot Put)

Newcomers: Emily Pokrop (Pole Vault), Daniella Clement (Sprints), Marybeth Berg (Distance), Gina Munji (Sprints), Laurie Knauff (Sprints), Jackie Jung (Distance)

Outlook: With teams like Benet and Marist, the East Suburban Catholic Conference has always been powerful. Now, veteran coach Jim Halford hopes to catapult his Corsairs right up with those two teams. Helping him will be sophomore sprinter Hilary Halford. Halford earned state honor roll honors with a 2:27 time in the 800-meter to go along with a 63.0-second time in the 400. Joining Hilary will be fellow sprinters Evelyn Fisher, Megan Dennis, Steaphanie Richartz, Bonnie Micelli and Alison Thumel. With so many names, Halford has plenty of talent to choose from. Last year's biggest graduation loss was Clair Bitto. Bitto, now a thrower at Harper College was the team's lone state qualifier. Before Halford can worry about the state meet, he has to worry about the conference and that's exactly what he's set his mind on. "We hope to finish in the top three in the ESCC conference meet," Halford said. "We also have some individuals and two relay (teams) that could make it downstate."

Grant

Coach: Jim Cramer (12th season)

Key Returnees: Bailey Wagner (Shot Put, Discus), Tori Ziegler (Shot Put, Discus), Erin Daugherty (Pole Vault), Kendra Kennedy (4x800), Erin Horvath (4x800), Rachel Behm (4x800, Hurdles), Alexis Kapps (4x800)

Key Losses: Liz Hitt, Ola Usef, Alyssa Azzano, Lea Monmaum, Nikki Staton

Newcomers: Alex Banquel (Shot Put, Discus)

Outlook: If there's any Lake County team worthy of the word "dynasty," Grant girls track is it. With returnees like state medalist Bailey Wagner (1st in shot, 2nd in discus) and Tori Ziegler (6th in shot, 11th in discus), Grant is once again reloaded in throwing events. But it's not the way the Bulldogs win that surprises people, it's the numbers with which they win. Most big time track programs have more than 75 athletes, but the Bulldogs usually win their championships with about half that many. But this year, they've got even less than that. "We're a little thin this year; we've only got 25 girls," coach Jim Cramer said. "We lost such a great senior class last year with college athletes like Nikki Staton and Ola Usef, so we're in for a challenge this year." Sure, the Bulldogs may be down a bit, but that doesn't mean they won't be competitive. Along with the ever-impressive throwing unit, Cramer has a competitive 4x800 team that made the top 10 last year. That team, made up of Alexis Capps, Kendra Kennedy, Erin Horvath and Rachel Behm is still here to reek havoc on area teams once more. "We were loaded last year, but this year, we've still got a lot of talent," Cramer said. "We may not be able to steamroll teams like we were last year, but we'll definitely be able to compete with a lot of teams."

Grayslake Central

Coach: Lucia Espinsosa (1st season)

Key Returnees: Seniors: J'nai Emery (Sprints), Laura Sloan (Distance, 4x800 Relay) Junior: Anna Dlesk (Hurdles)

Key Losses: Colleen Centella, Kelly Washington

Newcomers: Senior: Daisy Brey (Distance) Freshmen: Alexa Cabaltera (Sprints), Allyssa Storino (Sprints), Hanna Hobson (Distance)

Outlook: Last year was a tough one in Grayslake as both Central and North tying for 11th place in the Fox Valley Conference. This year, new Rams head coach Lucia Espinosa hopes to elevate her team above the bottom of the conference. How will she accomplish that goal? With youth and talent. "We're a very, very young team at this point," Espinosa said. "But youth can be a good thing because they aren't thinking, they're just doing and that can be very good in track." Returnees like sprinter J'nai Emery, distance runner Laura Sloan and hurdler Anna Dlesk will help the Rams. Newcomers include converted soccer player Daisy Brey. Brey should be a good addition to the distance team while freshmen Alexa Cabaltera, Allyssa Storino and Hanna Hobson will be important additions. Espinosa has another goal: keeping her freshmen around in the future. "Our major focus is to get these girls to stay around," Espinosa said. "So by the time they're seniors, we'll have experience, unlike the team we have now."

Grayslake North

Coach: Kevin Collins (1st season)

Key Returnees: Seniors: Sarah Johnson (Distance), Katie Beden (Spints, Middle Distance), Kiara Pearson (Jumps, Sprints) Junior: Marlee Lane (Middle Distance)

Key Losses: N/A

Newcomers: Fr. Camille Ivory (Sprints), Sarah Solomon (Sprints, Hurdles), Kimmy Denikas (Distance)

Outlook: Last season, Grayslake North's road to starting a new team was quite a bumpy one. Between an 11th-place tie with Grayslake Central in the Fox Valley Conference and numbers hovering around 15 athletes for the season, the Knights were stretched thin in 2007. Now, with new coach Kevin Collins and twice as many athletes, that's a different story. Collins, a former boys coach at Huntley, is optimistic that his team can not only rewrite Grayslake North's record books, but also compete with other teams. "We are looking to move up in the conference from where we were last year," Collins said. "We are looking to set at least 3/4 of our school records again as we continue to improve with our first senior class. We're going nowhere but up." Helping him to that goal will be all-conference runners Marlee Lane and Sarah Johnson. Lane got that distinction in the 800 while Johnson made her mark in the 3,200. Seniors Katie Bedene and Kiara Pearson should also help the Knights reach their goals. "The kids are pushing themselves a lot harder and working together to improve more," Collins said. "[More athletes] is adding competition in practices and hopefully that will show itself during the meets. ... We should be able to surprise a lot of people."

Lake Zurich

Coach: Lance Pacernick (6th season)

Key Returnees: Seniors: Stephanie Laidlaw, Steffi Weiss Juniors: Olivia Allen (Sprints), Megan Beigl, Erika Powers Sophomore: Kelsey Iverhouse

Key Losses: Jenn Ewan, Nina Kothari, Emma Degen, Amanda Roach, Jenny Foggia

Newcomers: Herel Hughes, Vicki Pavlou, Marissa Wagner, Kelly Hoheny, Emily Trittschuh, Audrey Smith

Outlook: An undefeated dual meet record is a tough act to follow, but with a slew of new talent, Lake Zurich coach Lance Pacernick hopes to continue his team's run. "We have a lot of new faces, [with] 31 freshmen and 23 sophomores," Pacernick said. "We are looking to continue our undefeated conference dual meet record of 13-0-1 in the North Suburban Conference." Pacernick is banking on talent like junior Olivia Allen. Allen was a sectional champ in both the 100- and 200-meter sprints last year. Even with such an impressive dual meet resume, Allen was the lone state qualifier on last year's team. That's something Pacernick wants to change in 2008. With senior leadership like Stephanie Laidlaw and Steffi Weiss, there's plenty of winning experience that could help this year. That, and 54 underclassmen could mean a quite an impressive Lake Zurich team for years to come.

Lakes

Coach: Tamara Ribbens (3rd season)

Key Returnees: Seniors: Rachael Dean (Distance), Nicole Mede (Jumps, Sprints) Juniors: Ariel Butzine (Distance), Amber Larsen (Shot Put, Discus), Sophomore: Melissa Lewis (Sprints, Hurdles)

Key Losses: Chaz Stipetic (Jumps, Sprints), Kim Pope (Jumps, Sprints)

Newcomers: Kecia Morway (Sprints), Laurne Hennelly (Distance)

Outlook: Improvement has long been the goal for Lakes ever since the school first fielded varsity teams three years ago. According to coach Tamara Ribbens, improvement won't be the only goal -- winning will be. "Last year, we broke every single record from the 2006 season, and I am hoping we will do the same this year," Ribbens said. Lakes' distance runners are some of the strongest in the area. Junior Ariel Butzine is a two-time state qualifier in the 800 while senior Rachael Dean made state in the cross country season, meanwhile junior Lauren Hennelly could also make an impact. Lakes also has some balance thanks to sprinters like sophomore Kecia Morway and sohomore Melissa Lewis who was a sectional champion in the 100-meter hurdles. This year, depth is the name of the game for the Eagles. "We have more girls this year than in years past and I am excited to see what this year holds for us."

Libertyville

Coach: Tom Bizosky (1st season)

Key Returnees: Lisa Branding (Distance), Alyssa Corrigan (Distance, Hurdles), Hannah Reilly (Distance), Anne Strychalski (Distance), Mo Jones (Sprints), Christina Janczak (Sprints), Sam Zoellick (Sprints), Cally Turner (Distance, Pole Vault), Kate Tunicliff (Sprints, Pole Vault)

Key Losses: Nicole Cieplicki (Sprints), Katie Jarosz (Shot Put, Discus), Mary Jones (Sprints), Monika Kaechele (Sprints)

Newcomers: Throwers: Kylie Jones, Liz MacNair, Marissa Yukus Distance: Megan Ryan Jenna Tranel, Megan Ahlgrim Sprints: Keely Neville, Kelly Keep, Katherine Werner, Katherine Watson

Outlook: Numbers have always been in the corner of the Libertyville Wildcats. With one of the biggest rosters in the area, new coach Tom Bizosky has plenty of options for his rookie season. But the numbers on the roster isn't the story - it's the record numbers that have fallen. Last year, Libertyville relay teams were some of the best in the state. The 3,200 relay team of Lisa Branding, Alyssa Corrigan, Hannah Reilly and Anne Strychalski and the 800 relay team of Mo Jones, Christina Janczak, Sam Zoellick and grad Nicole Cieplicki both set school records. In 2008, Bizosky's team hopes to rewrite the record books a little more. Even with his team's impressive relay resume, it's other events that excite the new coach. "I would say our strongest area is the distance and pole vault. Close behind that would be our sprint relays coupled with Alyssa Corrigan in the 300 low hurdles." How will Bizosky inspire his team? His answer is to show them how many quality teams in the North Suburban Conference. Between Lake Forest, Warren, Grant and Lake Zurich, there's plenty of excellent teams for the Wildcats to compete with. "This year looks to be extremely exciting as I feel all of the teams in the conference have something to offer in particular areas," Bizosky said.

Mundelein

Coach: John Osmanski (4th season)

Key Returnees: Crimea Baker (Jumps, Sprints), Hannah Glenner (Middle Distance), Chelsea Grant (Hurdles, Sprints), Katie Hartnett (Jumps, Sprints), Claire Heitman (distance), Jeanne Herry (Sprints), Mandy Ranck (Distance)

Key Losses: Robin Ireland

Newcomers: Sarah Bassett (Middle Distance), Megan Geldernick (Sprints)

Outlook: Breaking with tradition is a hard thing to do, but that's exactly what the Mudelein Mustangs want to do this year. Mundelein has traditionally been strong in sprinting and jumping events, but this year, the Mustang staff wants to diversify the portfolio. "We are really excited about the season," assistant coach Steph Gates said. "I think we look competitive overall (and) we are starting to build some depth to the team, which is something we haven't always been able to do." Distance runners like Hannah Glenner, Mandy Ranck and Claire Heitman fill out a usual weak spot in the Mustang roster. But that doesn't mean the Mustangs are weak in their usual areas. Crimea Baker is a state-qualifier in the triple jump last year. "Our team has traditionally been strong in the sprints and jumps and now we are finding emerging talents in a greater variety of events," Gates said.

Round Lake

Coach: Gerry Volenec (2nd season)

Key Returnees: Labrenthia Murdock (Hurdles, Jumps), Shawna Smythe (Sprints), Danya Aceves (Distance)

Key Losses: Miranda Daily (High Jump), Eren Hvarlik (High Jump)

Newcomers: Haley Ward (Sprints)

Outlook: Last year, change was rampant for the Round Lake track team as coach Gerry Volenec took over the team. Now, Volenec just wants to change Round Lake's standing in the Lake County girls track scene. "We have a lot of girls that, based on last year, could surprise us," Volenec said. Hurdler, jumper Labrenthia Murdock could not only surprise Volenec, but surprise the rest of the county as well. Last year, Murdock missed the state cut in hurdles by less than a second. Now, with another year under her belt, she could be one of the best hurdlers in the area. Volenec said sprinter Shawna Smythe has also improved significantly. Distance runner Danya Aceves qualified for sectionals in cross country and Volenec believes that she could break school records in both the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs. Numbers are also on Volenec's side. Last year, athletes were unsure of their new coach. Now, with another year, Volenec has doubled his roster and that has helped his team significantly. "We've got a nice, balanced team," Volenec said. "We're strong in distance and field, but sprinting is the question mark. If runners like Haley Ward show that they've developed like I thought they would, then we could be good all around."

Stevenson

Coach: Don Proft (9th season)

Key Returnees: Annamarie Cassata (Discus), Kim Tarnoff (3,200), Paige Ekenberg (1,600), Chrissy Pacewicz (800)

Key Losses: Laurel Heath (High Jump, 4x400 Relay), Abby Fisher (800), Allie Cartwright (4x400 Relay), Erin Coogan (4x400 Relay), Tamaki Nozawa (4x400 Relay)

Newcomers: Sydney Davis (400), Gabby Schmidt (Jumps, Relays), Rachel Redmond (Throws, Sprints)

Outlook: Skill versatility is a treasured commodity on girls track teams. So often, distance runners, sprinters, throwers, etc. are confined to their chosen discipline. Stevenson's veteran coach Don Proft said he doesn't have that problem. With multifaceted newcomers like high jumper/relay runner Gabby Smith and thrower and sprinter Rachel Redmond, Proft has many versatile athletes on this year's team. "Many athletes are good in more than one discipline which will give our team a more balanced attack," Proft said. "We have a great group of returning athletes as well as some new athletes that have proved they can help the team." Along with versatility, Proft also has talented specialists like Annamarie Cassata, Kim Tarnoff, Paige Ekenberg and Chrissy Pacewicz. Cassata leads the way as she was a state medalist in the discus in 2007 and her leadership should be invaluable to the Patriots. "We have had a great beginning to our season and I am looking forward to the outdoor part of the season," Proft said.

Vernon Hills

Coach: Corey Atwell (7th season)

Key Returnees: Seniors: Brianna Skeens (Throws, High Jump), Justyna Antczak (Sprints) Juniors: Danielle Dickman (Distance), Jamie Rucks (Throws) Sophomore: Carley Umphress (Sprints)

Key Losses: Alison Dardini, Lauren Rucks

Newcomers: Freshman: Kelly Gallagher (Distance)

Outlook: Vernon Hills coach Corey Atwell is cautiously optimistic this year. While he's not shooting for the moon, he does have his sights set on a decent conference finish in the stacked North Suburban Conference. "We hope we [will be] .500 in our duals and make the top eight at conference and sectionals," Atwell said. Senior thrower Brianna Skeens is coming off a banner year as she qualified for the state meet in discus. Atwell said she will also be competing in the shot put and high jump for the Cougars this year. Sprints should be a strength for Vernon Hills with veterans Justyna Antczak and Carley Umphress leading the way. Junior distance runner Danielle Dickman is coming off of a fruitful cross country season as she qualified for state in that sport. Helping Dickman fill out the distance squad will be freshman newcomer Kelly Gallagher.

Warren

Coach: Ryan Dunn (2nd season)

Key Returnees: Heather Olson (Distance), Sarahbeth Jones (Middle Distance), JonTaye Bonds (Sprints)

Key Losses: Shacuana Gaines

Newcomers: Gabby Nystrom (Middle Distance)

Outlook: At this point of the season, most teams want to simply make a dent in the conference or maybe make the sectional cut. With a team like warren, the bar is set a little higher. Last year, four Blue Devils qualified for state in individual events. Heather Olson has always been a big weapon in Warren's arsenal. The long distance runner qualified for state in the one mile. "Olson's always been big for us, both as a freshman and a sophomore," Dunn said. "We're just hoping that she can keep it up this year." Sprinter JonTaye Bonds qualified for state in the 100-meter dash while Sarahbeth Jones made the cut as a sophomore in the 800. Meanwhile, Shacuana Gaines made it in the triple jump and is now competing at Carthage College. "(Bonds, Jones and Gaines) all made it to state last year, so we're expecting a lot out of them this year," Dunn said. As for any potential newcomers that could make a dent, Dunn is coy about the subject. "It's just too early to tell who's going to help us out," Dunn said. "There were girls that did well toward the end of the year last year and we have some talented freshmen, so you never know until the end of the season."

Wauconda

Coach: Al Willhoit (26th season)

Key Returnees: Seniors: Courtney Kimes (Hurdles, Relays), Amanda Zacharkiewicz (Hurdles, Triple Jump, Long Jump), Sam Shumate (Long Jump, Triple Jump), Emily Eakin (Shot Put) Juniors: Lauren Serum (Hurdles)

Key Losses: Dani Connor, Ashley Baker, Stephanie Marin, Megan Elliot

Newcomers: Sophomores: Danielle Brust, Ashley Collier, Felicia Osler

Outlook: Youth can either be a good thing or a bad thing for any athletic team. With so many underclassmen on his roster, Wauconda coach Al Willhoit is hoping it'll be a great thing for his Bulldogs. More than 40 athletes will be competing for Wauconda this year, but just eight of them are in the class of 2008. "I've got a whole group of underclassmen that should develop well," Willhoit said. "But I also have a lot of versatility in my upperclassmen." Willhoit's most versatile leaders include senior Amanda Zacharkiewicz, who will be competing in hurdles and jumps, and Courtney Kimes, who is both a hurdler and a sprinter. "I don't think we're as strong in distance as we have been before," Willhoit said. "[Junior] Sam Michelau was strong in cross country, but she doesn't have a lot of support, so she's been carrying our distance team." Long distance runners might be in short supply, but Willhoit has plenty of hurdlers. Between Kimes, Zacharkiewicz, junior Lauren Serum and others, Wauconda should be strong in both the 300- and 100-meter hurdles.