Scouting DuPage County girls track

Addison Trail

Coach: Ann Peters (13th season).

Last year: Sixth in the West Suburban Gold. Competed at Class AA Lake Park sectional; one state qualifier.

Top athletes: Jasmine Campbell, so. (sprints); Michelle Fegge, so. (sprints, jumps); Mariola Grzybowska, jr. (distance); Brittney Habel, fr. (sprints); Becca Hoder, so. (hurdles, jumps); Mercedes Rallings, jr. (sprints); Myra Sanchez, sr. (distance).

Outlook: Jenny Jakubowski ended the Blazers' nine-year drought of state qualifiers when she captured the Lake Park sectional shot put crown last spring, and Peters is hoping to build off of a strong underclass this season. "Every girl in every event had a personal best (at the indoor conference championship)," Peters said. "To me that's wonderful. This season we are looking for our leaders to place in the (invitational) meets." Sanchez is the Blazers' best bet for Charleston this spring in the 1,600 meters.

Benet

Coach: Scott Brooks (13th season).

Last year: East Suburban Catholic Conference champions. Third place at Class AA West Aurora sectional; two relays, two individuals scored at state.

Top athletes: Molly Allen, jr. (middle distance); Katy Barron, so. (middle distance); Jenny Bohac, so. (hurdles, jumps); Chiara Calicdan, fr. (sprints); Alison Cesarz so. (sprints); Sarah Clarke, sr. (middle distance); Melissa Ekins, fr. (sprints, jumps); Kaileen Healy, fr. (sprints); Casey O'Donovan, sr. (sprints); Kelsey Ontko, sr. (sprints, jumps); Katie Porada, so. (sprints); McKinzie Schulz, so. (middle distance); Liz Yahiro, so. (jumps).

Outlook: Brooks' optimism is unwavering as the season commences. "There's no question it's the best team I've ever had," Brooks said. "We have elite state-caliber talent with depth. I have more sprinters than I know what to do with." Ontko is the leader, and Schulz -- the linchpin of the Redwings' fifth-place 3,200 relay -- is also a major threat in the open 800.

Downers Grove North

Coach: Tim McDonald (third season, 10th overall).

Last year: Tied for fifth in West Suburban Silver. Eighth at Class AA Downers Grove North sectional; four relays qualified for state.

Top athletes: Tess Baker, sr. (middle distance); Bridgette Brundidge, sr. (sprints); Stephanie Denn, sr. (jumps); Gaby Effrein, fr. (sprints); Samantha Fry, fr. (distance); Kilani Gaston, fr. (sprints); Liz McAnally, sr. (sprints); Emily Norco, so. (sprints); Vlora Osmani, so. (middle distance); Wendy Rasmussen, jr. (middle distance); Danielle Reagin, sr. (sprints); Nicole Sanders, jr. (hurdles); Leia Scott, jr. (jumps); Erin Waldamuth, sr. (middle distance).

Outlook: McDonald returns members from all four state-qualifying relays from last year. "We're pretty excited going into outdoors," McDonald said. "We feel good with where we are right now, and I think we're going to get better. The bar is set high (in the Silver), and you have to get up to it."

Downers Grove South

Coach: Katerina Claiborne (first season, sixth overall)

Last year: West Suburban Gold champions; second at the Class AA Downers Grove North sectional; fifth in state behind two-event champion Egle Staisiuniate.

Top athletes: Katherine Connor, sr. (distance); Natalie Dust, so. (sprints); Courtney Gosewich, jr. (sprints, jumps); Casey Harms, so. (hurdles); Michelle Hartnett, jr. (sprints, jumps); Lynn Mueller, sr. (sprints, jumps); Johanna Schnitzler, so. (sprints, hurdles); Sarah Sielisch, sr. (sprints, hurdles, jumps); Colleen Smith, so. (jumps).

Outlook: Claiborne inherits an explosive group even without the services of Staisiunaite (Wisconsin) and Christine Bowe, state-placer in high jump out for the season with a knee injury. "The girls on the team are by their nature very competitive," Claiborne said. "When you don't have that one superstar to score a lot of points, it brings the team together."

Driscoll

Coach: Pat Ryan (third season).

Last year: Sixth in the Suburban Catholic Conference. Competed at the Class AA Lake Park sectional; one state qualifier.

Top athletes: Vanessa Bain, sr. (distance); Allie Divito, fr. (sprints); Angie Maranan, jr. (hurdles); Megan O'Connor, sr. (sprints); Maggie Osial, jr. (jumps); Jen Rowley, so. (sprints); Stephanie Sullivan, jr. (sprints).

Outlook: Bain has been a stalwart her first three years at Driscoll, and the senior became the first Class AA state qualifier last spring. "We have a smaller team, but we're a talented team with what we have," Ryan said. O'Connor and Rowley anchor the Highlanders' sprint crew. "Even at the sectional, I wouldn't be surprised to see (Bain, O'Connor and Rowley) place."

Fenton

Coach: Frank Kekstadt (first season).

Last year: Second in the Metro Suburban Conference. Participated at the Class AA Lake Park sectional; no state qualifiers.

Top athletes: Amanda Anaya, so. (jumps); Tricia Chiamas, sr. (jumps); Abril Cortes, sr. (pole vault); Heather Crowe, jr. (distance); Ashley Falco, fr. (sprints); Amanda Pikul, so. (jumps); Paris Strong, sr. (throws); Allie Wright, fr. (sprints).

Outlook: Kekstadt has high hopes after his squad romped to the indoor conference championship. "One of our goals this year is to be the outdoor conference champions, and that would be the first time since the 1984 season," Kekstadt said. "We have high hopes to win conference and be a contender in the sectional. I'm expecting us to be pretty good when it comes down to the end of the season." Chiamas is the last link to sectional success for Fenton, qualifying on the medley relay team two years ago.

Glenbard East

Coach: Nikki Hildreth.

Last year: Eighth in the DuPage Valley Conference. Participated at the Class AA Downers Grove North sectional; no state qualifiers.

Top athletes: Casey Angst, jr. (middle distance); Bre Arnold, fr. (throws); Vicky Barreras, jr. (sprints); Olivia Bukowski, so. (distance); Celetha Chapman, sr. (sprints); Sam Comerci, sr. (middle distance); Jackie Cudia, sr. (sprints, jumps); Taylor Dennis, fr. (distance); Allison Frazier, fr. (sprints); Brittany Frazier, jr. (distance, jumps); Caitlin Groeper, jr. (jumps); Sammie Kuderna, so. (sprints, hurdles); Ashley May, jr. (sprints); Sarah Murphy, fr. (throws); Haley Naebig, fr. (sprints); Bridget Peters, fr. (sprints); Danielle Quas, sr. (hurdles); Natalie Rizzo, so. (sprints, throws).

Outlook: The Rams have high hopes for the outdoor season. "There is a very good chemistry on the team," Hildreth said. "I am definitely looking to see some state qualifiers from the (Downers Grove North) sectional."

Glenbard North

Coach: Gary Heilers (eighth season).

Last year: Third in the DuPage Valley Conference. Fourth at the Class AA Streamwood sectional; four individual, two relay state qualifiers.

Top athletes: Kirsten Bescher, jr. (sprints); Rachel Cagnina, fr. (jumps); Jazmin Calep, jr. (sprints); Nicole Chafer, jr. (throws); Meghan Court, sr. (pole vault); Monica Davis, sr. (throws); Jennifer Garrett, jr. (sprints); Marissa Gaskill, jr. (middle distance); Carson Jones, fr. (sprints, middle distance); Dato Paye, so. (sprints); Christina Rini, fr. (hurdles, jumps); Danielle Rossi, fr. (middle distance); Natasha Waramint, sr. (sprints, jumps).

Outlook: Waramint is the likeliest candidate to fill the vacuum created by four-time state finalist Sarah Beutler, and Court is one of the top pole vaulters in the state. "We're looking to have a strong sprint group," Heilers said. "I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do outside. If we can bring some distance kids around, we can be as competitive as we normally are."

Glenbard South

Coach: Mark Tacchi (18th season).

Last season: Western Sun Conference champion. Fourth at the Class AA Downers Grove North sectional; five individual, one relay state qualifier.

Top athletes: Laura Cyrek, jr. (distance); Ashley Ellis, fr. (sprints, jumps, pole vault); Alicia Englehardt, sr. (throws); Sarah Englehardt, fr. (sprints, jumps); Brenna Grube, jr. (sprints); Kim Iacobazzi, so. (sprints); Niah Jessie, jr. (jumps); Karen Lipa, fr. (distance); Erin O'Brien, sr. (sprints); Libby O'Brien, jr. (sprints); Sarah Schumacher, jr. (sprints); Jasmine Simpson, jr. (throws).

Outlook: The Raiders were hard hit by graduation, but Libby O'Brien is a two-time all-state 400 runner. "We go by the strength of our sprinters right now," Tacchi said. "It's going to be a year of development. We could by decent (by the end of the season)."

Glenbard West

Coach: Kelly Haas (fifth season).

Last year: Third in the West Suburban Silver. Fifth at the Class AA Downers Grove North sectional; one individual, two relays qualified for state.

Top athletes: Erin Aubrey, so. (sprints); Brittany Bauerle, sr. (sprints); Cashmere Bell, sr. (throws); Michelle Dobosz, sr. (throws); Christina Dorn, sr. (throws); Bridget Flanagan, fr. (sprints); Rachel Folan, sr. (middle distance); Maddie Lee, so. (sprints, jumps); Kristen Lemeitz, sr. (hurdles); Cayla Marconi, so. (jumps); Sarah Moore, jr. (middle distance); Katherine Pickett, fr. (hurdles); Janet Plonka, sr. (jumps); Allison Sackett, sr. (jumps); Angela Stearn, jr. (jumps,); Jasmyn Steele, sr. (sprints); Sarah Udelhofen, so. (jumps).

Outlook: Glenbard West should excel in the jumps and middle distances. "Our major issue is going to be consistency," Haas said. "I would have to say the freshman and sophomore class is as talented as we have had in the last seven years or so. I think we can make a splash."

Hinsdale Central

Coach: Pat Richards (19th season).

Last year: West Suburban Silver champion. Class AA Downers Grove North sectional champion; 14th at state meet.

Top athletes: Kendall Arneson, jr. (sprints, jumps); Chelsea Celistan, sr. (sprints); Emily Cleary, sr. (middle distance); Mary Crofton, jr. (hurdles, jumps); Danielle Davis, sr. (hurdles); Amanda Freyn, jr. (sprints); Stephanie Green, so. (middle distance); Graylin Harrison, so. (middle distance); Roey Hines, jr. (middle distance); Grace Hucek, so. (distance); Molly Kinsella, sr. (throws); Elaine Kuckertz, jr. (distance); Lizzie Lusk, jr. (sprints); Lauren Roush, so. (sprints); Allison Selby, sr. (sprints); Heather Stevens, jr. (distance); Katie Truedson, jr. (pole vault); Lauren Zumbach, jr. (distance).

Outlook: The Red Devils have it all: experience, talent, depth and balance. "That would be the ultimate goal -- to place in the top three at the state meet," Richards said of the Red Devils' primary mission. The Red Devils' four relays all placed at state last year, and many of the core members return.

Hinsdale South

Coach: Gail Huster (third season, eighth overall).

Last year: Fourth in the West Suburban Gold. Participated at the Class AA Downers Grove North sectional; no state qualifiers

Top athletes: Paige Copeland, sr. (middle distance); Emily Forsberg, jr. (hurdles); Amanda Gauthier, jr. (distance); Maurissa Hall, sr. (sprints, jumps); Liz Kubic, sr. (middle distance); Chika Okoro, jr. (hurdles); Natalie Patterson, sr. (hurdles, jumps); Deirdre Rudolph, fr. (middle distance, jumps).

Outlook: Hinsdale South does not have a wide margin for error this outdoor season. "We don't have a lot of bodies to throw around," Huster said. "If we can stay healthy, that would be big. My biggest goal is that they improve every week. The points will take care of themselves if they keep improving." Hall and Forsberg are the Hornets' best bet for individual berths downstate.

Immaculate Conception

Coach: Bob Cronin (fifth season).

Last year: Eighth in the Suburban Catholic Conference. Participated at Class A Lisle sectional; one state qualifier.

Top athletes: Mary Cheng, jr. (sprints, jumps); Meg Kowieski, sr. (sprints, jumps); Gabriela Montielj, fr. (middle distance, distance).

Outlook: With a single-digit roster for its entire program for a second consecutive year, the focus for the Knights is on individual improvement. "Obviously, we want to see them work hard and continue to improve," Cronin said. "I think Mary has a good chance to qualify (in the Class A open 400 meters)." Cheng is back to full strength after a knee injury sidelined her for much of her sophomore year.

Lake Park

Coach: Brian Hesik (fifth season).

Last year: Third in the Upstate Eight Conference. Class AA Lake Park sectional champion; six individual, two relay state qualifiers.

Top athletes: Lindsay Flanagan, jr. (distance); Elizabeth Hancock, jr. (sprints, hurdles); Amanda Ilag, jr. (sprints); Ugne Klibaite, jr. (pole vault); Rachel Kruezer, jr. (jumps, pole vault); Kiana McClelland, so. (sprints); Laura Petitte, so. (sprints, jumps); Amanda Rafidia, so. (sprints, jumps); Pam Rahman, sr. (distance); Juliet Vogel, jr. (middle distance).

Outlook: Flanagan has made a national name for herself with her emergence as an elite 3,200 runner. The junior followed her seventh-place national effort with a trailblazing victory at the Top Times Indoor Classic last Saturday. Her indoor times have obliterated the winning outdoor performances of recent years, "She had such a great cross country season that we decided to give her a chance in the 3,200," Hesik said.

Lisle

Coach: Venessa Hardy (third season).

Last year: Fifth in the Interstate Eight Conference. Fifth at the Class A Lisle sectional; no state qualifiers.

Top athletes: Amy Carrabine, jr. (hurdles); Allyson Corona, jr. (sprints, middle distance); Megan Hannan, sr. (sprints); Eileen Neuffer, sr. (distance); Nicole Phelps, sr. (sprints, middle distance, jumps); Kelsey Wilhelm, fr. (sprints); Danyale Worsham, so. (sprints).

Outlook: Hardy has increased expectations after the Lions failed to send anyone downstate last spring. "We're pretty solid in just about every event," Hardy said. "We have a lot of freshmen who are very talented and very anxious to compete. The thing we need to focus on is the end of the year with conference, sectional and state." Hannan is the Lions' senior leader. "She is one of our, if not, top sprinters consistently," Hardy said.

Montini

Coach: Jen Keogh (second season).

Last year: Fifth in the Suburban Catholic Conference. Competed at Class AA Downers Grove North sectional; no state qualifiers.

Top athletes: Mary Connelly, sr. (hurdles, jumps); Bridget Fahey, sr. (sprints, pole vault); Ashley Giannini, sr. (throws); Liz Graczyk, so. (sprints, jumps); Allison Guertler, jr. (middle distance); Therese Koelle, fr. (middle distance); Stephanie Lipira, jr. (sprints); Mary Kate Mulkerrin, fr. (hurdles, jumps); Suzy Novotny, sr. (middle distance); Danielle Pohlman, fr. (middle distance); Char Thomas, sr. (sprints, jumps); Kayla Waniak, so. (middle distance).

Outlook: As the Broncos make the collective psychological adjustment to Class AA status, Connelly returns as one of the top hurdlers in the area. Thomas is also a threat to advance to Charleston. "I'm excited that we have all of our top returners from last year," Keogh said. "My main goal is to do better at conference."

Naperville Central

Coach: Mike Stine (19th season).

Last year: Second in the DuPage Valley Conference. Fourth at the Class AA West Aurora sectional; top 15 at state behind two-event champion Casey Short.

Top athletes: Lauren Batterham, sr. (sprints, middle distance); Jessica Carter, jr. (throws); Liz Crissy, fr. (sprints, jumps); Cali Faulkner, so. (pole vault); Brittany Fischer, jr. (middle distance, hurdles); Jess Harney, jr. (middle distance); Laurie Mitrenga, jr. (sprints); Shelby Pealer, so. (distance); Kristen Reschke, sr. (jumps); Jocelyn Troester, jr. (hurdles).

Outlook: Short returned to soccer this spring, ending her track career as a three-time state champion, including the first athlete in Class AA history to capture the 400-800-meter double. "It hurts," Stine said. "We're going to be a young and inexperienced team. Our goal is to finish in the top half of the conference."

Naperville North

Coach: Chuck Hoff (fifth season).

Last year: DuPage Valley Conference champion. Class AA West Aurora sectional champion; seven individual, three relay state qualifiers.

Top athletes: Courtney Armetta, sr. (sprints, hurdles); Shelly Dulman, jr. (pole vault, throws); Emily Grissom, so. (distance); Anne Herbert, fr. (middle distance); Whitney Hill, sr. (sprints); Kamaria Huggins, jr. (sprints); Alexis McAdams, jr. (distance); Elle Metz, sr. (middle distance); Jen Prazak, jr. (middle distance); Erica Schertz, sr. (middle distance); Jamie Schertz, sr. (middle distance); Michelle Stratton, jr. (distance); Adrienne Thome, sr. (throws); Abby Winter, fr. (sprints).

Outlook: The reigning conference and sectional champions have legitimate state-scoring opportunities in a number of events. "We have enough talent to compete, but it will depend upon the leadership," Hoff said. "We're going to depend more on the track than the field (for points), not as much balance (as recent years)." The Huskies' middle-distance contingent maintains traditional status.

Neuqua Valley

Coach: Gretchen Parejko (seventh season).

Last year: Second in the Upstate Eight Conference. Fifth at the Class AA West Aurora sectional; 11th at state meet.

Top athletes: Danielle Dybas, sr. (hurdles); Mandy Grahn, sr. (sprints); Jen Harkey, sr. (distance); Sara Hartley, sr. (middle distance); Meagen Hynes, jr. (middle distance); Aura Jakutyte, jr. (jumps); Monika Jakutyte, sr. (jumps); Kristen LaRue, jr. (middle distance); Kristin Morrison, jr. (jumps); Debra Okafor, sr. (sprints); Krista Stillson, sr. (jumps); Casey Thomson, jr. (distance); Dana Wehman, jr. (middle distance); Charisse Williams, sr. (throws).

Outlook: The Wildcats' roster is littered with all-state performers, and the squad is poised to make another state statement. "Neuqua is extraordinary in the field events," Waubonsie Valley coach Jim Braun said. "They have earned all those (all-state) honors," Parejko said. Stillson and Morrison continue the Wildcats' brilliant legacy in the triple jump.

St. Francis

Coach: Scott Nelson (20th season).

Last year: Third in the Suburban Catholic Conference. Competed at the Class AA Streamwood sectional; no state qualifiers.

Top athletes: Maria Diamond, jr. (middle distance); Meg Harig, so. (sprints); Meghan McLaughlin, jr. (sprints, hurdles); Erin McShea, jr. (middle distance); Kelly McShea, fr. (middle distance); Rachel O'Connell, jr. (sprints, pole vault); Alyssa Robinson, fr. (middle distance); Lindsey Robinson, sr. (middle distance); Ellen Schram, jr. (sprints, hurdles); Courtney Taylor, sr. (distance).

Outlook: Nelson begins his third decade at the helm with a more balanced squad. "We are going to be strong this year," he said. "I think we will be a little more solid in scoring more points in more events. I think we're going to surprise some people in the field events." The Spartans' historic excellence at middle distance shines again.

Timothy Christian

Coach: Kevin Hackert (11th season).

Last year: Second in the Private School League. Second at the Class A Lisle sectional; two individual, two relay state qualifiers.

Top athletes: Leah Bosman, jr. (middle distance); Kristin Caruso, sr. (sprints); Elizabeth DeGroot, jr. (middle distance); Samantha Goedeke, jr. (middle distance); Natalie Kuick, jr. (sprints, middle distance); Krista Lodewyk, fr. (sprints); Shannon McNeil, jr. (sprints, jumps); Lindsey VanderBrug, (sprints, hurdles); Joy VandDerDyke, so. (sprints).

Outlook: VanderBrug is expected to contend at the Class A meet in the hurdles event, and the senior also ignites the Trojans' sprint relays. McNeil is another potential state-place threat in the smaller division. "We look to bring multiple relays and individuals (to Charleston) again," Hackert said. "I would like to win the league again. The sectional will be more about getting (as many athletes) downstate."

Waubonsie Valley

Coach: Jim Braun (fifth season).

Last year: Upstate Eight Conference champion. Second at the Class AA West Aurora sectional; nine individuals, one relay state qualifier.

Top athletes: Ayo Adewole, fr. (sprints); Maria Aguilar, fr. (pole vault); Angela Beckham, jr. (throws); Joslyn Drew, jr. (sprints, jumps); Arielle Green, sr. (sprints); Emily Kelly, fr. (sprints); Michelle Higgins, (sprints, hurdles); Toni Ogundare, sr. (middle distance, jumps); Allie Pacienza, sr. (sprints); Dasha Patton, so. (jumps); Shakeia Pinnick, jr. (sprints, hurdles, middle distance, jumps).

Outlook: Pinnick and Ogundare are coming off three combined indoor state titles last weekend. The central question for Braun will be where to put the incomparable Pinnick in the state series. "Never say never," Braun said. With her amazing versatility, Pinnick could be a state threat in any of these events: the 100 or 300 hurdles, the 200 and 400 dashes, the 800-meter run as well as the long and high jump. "I think we'll be a force in the outdoor season," Braun said.

West Chicago

Coach: George Petmezas (second season).

Last year: Seventh in the DuPage Valley Conference. Eighth at the Class AA Streamwood sectional; one state qualifier in three events.

Top athletes: Karlie Becker, fr. (sprints); Annette Eichenberger, so. (middle distance, distance); Sara Fouts, sr. (pole vault); Rachel Jefferson, sr. (sprints, jumps); Kristen Johansen, sr. (throws); Brittany Smith, jr. (sprints); Kara Triner, sr. (sprints, jumps).

Outlook: The Wildcats have to fill the considerable void with the graduation of three-event state qualifier Amber Triner. Eichenberger has the most upside after a strong indoor season that included the 1,600-meter title at indoor conference. "We've got a very strong group of freshmen," Petmezas said. "We hope that is a good sign of things to come. We're trying to rebuild and recruit for the future."

Wheaton Academy

Coach: Bill Bickhart (14th season).

Last year: Fifth in the Private School League. Competed at the Class AA Streamwood sectional; no state qualifiers.

Top athletes: Anna Curato, jr. (middle distance); Sarah Daly, jr. (middle distance); Katy Emerson, fr. (distance); Hannah Huff, so. (middle distance); Bethany Killian, jr. (sprints); Kortney Moss, jr. (sprints); Rachael Reichman, sr. (sprints, middle distance).

Outlook: Bickhart is far from immune from the challenges faced by small, private schools. "I'm excited about (our team), but it's real green," Bickhart said. "We only had seven athletes (in the program) for the indoor season. It's pretty lean. That's what I'm battling." For the Warriors to gain notice, the distance group in general and Reichman in particular will be called upon. "(Reichman) had a really good cross country season, and we're hoping that will springboard her for track."

Wheaton North

Coach: Pete Macabobby (first season).

Last year: Fifth in the DuPage Valley Conference. Competed at the Class AA Streamwood sectional; one individual, two relay state qualifiers.

Top athletes: Janessa Armstrong, jr. (sprints, hurdles, pole vault); Kim Boi, so. (sprints, hurdles); Katina Bolos, so. (middle distance); Bethany Ester, sr. (sprints, jumps); Caroline Kempe, (sprints); Jackie Laesch, (middle distance, distance); Alexa Reinecke, fr. (distance); Sarah Rosenwinkel, jr. (distance); Danielle Weybright, sr. (throws).

Outlook: Laesch is the final link of the Falcons' state-record 3,200-meter relay squad from two years ago. The senior qualified in the open 1,600 last spring, and a major development for Wheaton North is the progression of its sprinters. "We should have a reasonably strong distance team," Macabobby said. "And we have more depth with our sprinters." The Falcons' 1,600 relay is another quartet to keep an eye on.

Wheaton Warrenville South

Coach: Rob Harvey (ninth season).

Last year: Fourth in the DuPage Valley Conference. Competed at the Class AA Streamwood sectional; two individual, one relay state qualifier.

Top athletes: Elise Anderson, jr. (distance); Colleen Gibbons, so. (middle distance); Mel Loth, sr. (hurdles); Abby Mitchell, sr. (middle distance); Kelsey Novotny, sr. (sprints, jumps); Alexa Odom, sr. (sprints); Caitlin Schwark, so. (middle distance); Vashti Selix, sr. (throws); Allie Winberg, sr. (throws); Alicia Zimmerman, sr. (sprints, pole vault).

Outlook: WW South is riding high after winning the indoor conference championship. "We're not flashy," Harvey said. "We're going to nickel and dime people on points this year. We're going to double score in a lot of events." The Tigers' strengths are in the throws and pole vault for the field; long sprinters and middle-distance runners anchor the track events.

Willowbrook

Coach: Scott McKinney (17th season).

Last year: Sixth in the West Suburban Gold. Competed at the Class AA Downers Grove North sectional; no state qualifiers.

Top athletes: Daryn Basil, sr. (sprints, jumps); Hillary Blumke, so. (sprints); Rashana Burns, jr. (throws); Krystal Estridge, so. (sprints, middle distance); Erica Garcia, jr. (middle distance, jumps); Althea Gatto, so. (distance); Katie Looby, so. (sprints, hurdles); Jenna Lovebay, jr. (throws); Lizzy Lundine, fr. (middle distance); Natalie Nocek, so. (sprints, jumps); Gina Sementa, fr. (sprints, jumps); Nona Tepper, sr. (middle distance); Dana Walls, sr. (sprints, jumps); Cassie Wesslon, sr. (distance).

Outlook: The Warriors were fifth in indoor conference. "It's a very well-balanced conference this year, probably the most it has been in years," McKinney said. "I would say our strength is our middle distance and distance." Estridge and Gatto are key for Willowbrook this spring.

York

Coach: Annette Schulte (15th season).

Last year: Fourth in the West Suburban Silver. Third at the Class AA Lake Park sectional; four individual, two relay state qualifiers.

Top athletes: Glynis Alvue, fr. (sprints, hurdles, jumps); Olivia Arispa, jr. (distance); Melanie Battistoni, sr. (throws); Ashley Campbell, so. (sprints); Lauren Clay, jr. (throws); Allie Fazzio, so. (pole vault); Meghan Frigo, so. (distance); Allie Haling, sr. (middle distance); Stephanie Huster, fr. (middle distance); Stephanie Malepich, sr. (sprints); Margaret Platt, jr. (pole vault); Molly Platt, jr. (sprints, jumps); Angela Pisani, sr. (middle distance); Maggie Sack, sr. (distance); Christine Saen, sr. (sprints); Sherya Singh, jr. (distance); Rebecca Zaiter, fr. (distance).

Outlook: Sack looks to reclaim elite status after injury-plagued junior year. "We just have to keep the girls healthy, give them confidence and time to develop," Schulte said. "The competitive passion is going to be the big thing."

-- Kevin McGavin