Wildcats fill in the gaps

Neuqua Valley's girls track team took a hit with four of last year's state qualifiers missing Saturday's competition because of spring break.

But the Wildcats didn't miss a beat on a delightful early spring afternoon, winning four events en route to securing the title at the Buffalo Grove Invite with 145 points.

Lake Park won five events and captured second place with 120 points, followed by Cary-Grove (112 points), Fremd (87), Carmel (81.33), Buffalo Grove (68.33) and Stevenson (67.33).

Among the missing for Neuqua Valley were Monika Jakutyte, who placed ninth in the high jump at state last year; Krista Stillson who was third in the triple jump at last week's Top Times indoor state meet; and Kristin Morrison, eighth in the triple jump at the indoor state meet.

Even coach Gretchen Parejko was missing.

But that didn't slow down a deep and talented Wildcats team that finished second by 1 point to Waubonsie Valley last year in the Upstate Eight Conference.

"Our depth is one of our strengths," said assistant coach Wayne Hartman, whose Wildcats picked up three second-place medals and five third-place medals. "We're confident we can get the job done when others are out. It's everybody filling the gaps and stepping up."

For senior thrower and two-time state medalist Katie Vuckovich, it was business as usual.

Vuckovich secured first place in the shot put at 40 feet, 1 inch, hitting the winning mark on her first attempt.

But she wasn't satisfied.

"Placing first is great," said Vuckovich, who took third in state as a sophomore and fifth as a junior. "But when you get to state or a big meet, 40 feet is not going to get me too far. But it's early and I'm still working on my technique."

Senior Mandy Grahn did a nice job of filling the gaps and leading the Wildcats to third place in the 3,200 relay. Grahn came back to win the 400.

Terri Newman just missed leading the 400 relay team to victory, as the Wildcats finished second. But the junior came back to win the 100.

And finally, senior Debra Okafor did her part by securing first in the 200.

Lake Park didn't miss a beat with its distance crew. Junior Lindsay Flanagan, fresh off winning the 3,200 indoor title, controlled the 1,600 from start to finish -- crossing the line in 5:16.8.

Flanagan also combined with Becky Kohles, Pam Rahman and Colleen Briscoe in securing first place in the 3,200 relay. Rahman and Briscoe supplied a late charge to win the event.

"Just have to keep improving each meet," said Flanagan, who has emerged as one of the top distance runners in the state. "It makes me push even harder."

Junior Juliet Vogel took control in the final 200 meters to win the 800 for the Lancers, and Rachel Kruezer cleared 9-6 to win the pole vault.

Amanda Rafidia also had a busy day for Lake Park, finishing second in both the high jump and 200. The sophomore then combined with Maddy Summers, Amanda Ilag and Laura Pettite to lead the Lancers to first place in the 800 relay.

"We cover a lot of events, which makes for a strong team score," said Lake Park coach Brian Hesik. "This is a good indication of what we're capable of doing."