Harper men's track chases third straight national title
Harper College is the target in NJCAA Division III men's track and field even though the two-time defending national champions return only five competitors.
But Harper coach Renee Zellner believes she has all the components in place to win another title trophy.
"It's going to be a challenge," Zellner said. "But we're up for it and so far we've been really successful."
Throwers Ryan Asta (Barrington) and Matt Royer, pole vaulter Carlos Carbajal (Schaumburg), long and triple jumper Darius Voss (Fremd) and high jumper Tyler Austin (Wheeling) are back.
Asta, who has PRs of 54-7 in the shot put and 182-4 in the javelin, is part of a strong crew of throwers with Royer and freshman Cornelius Watkins (Waukegan).
Austin has already PR'd in the high jump at 6-4. Michal Karwowski (Elk Grove) is helping in the long jump and sprints and Anthony Bavaro (Elk Grove) returned after a one-year absence in the 400.
Chris Hoffman (Hoffman Estes), who ran a PR of 4:21 in the 1,500 on Wednesday, is part of a solid distance crew with Josh Perez and Sagar Patel.
Blake Heyman (Hoffman) has also come out to help in the hurdles.
"We've come out strong," Zellner said, "and we just want to be able to continue that momentum."
The women are led by returning national qualifier Vanessa Mensie and Betsy Bailey in the throws. Irene Valadares leads a strong distance crew.
Tough spring starts: The debut coaching seasons for Steve Marchi in baseball and Brenda James in softball haven't been easy.
The baseball team fell to 1-9 when it opened N4C play by losing a doubleheader to COD 5-4 in 8 innings and 10-6. Kyle Henning (Rolling Meadows) allowed only 3 earned runs and 6 hits in the opener and Donnie Fitzgerald was 6-for-7 with 3 RBI on the day.
Freshman Tom Moran (Buffalo Grove) got Harper's only win with a 3-hit shutout with 6 strikeouts and no walks against Wisconsin-Fon du Lac.
The softball team fell to 0-8 after losing an N4C doubleheader to COD 22-3 and 18-3. Alyssa Collins (Prospect) and Marie Ewald (Buffalo Grove) each went 2-for-4.
Winter awards: Harper wrestling coach Dan Loprieno, the NJCAA wrestling man of the year, was among the award-winners recognized at its annual winter sports banquet.
P.J. Starnes (Schaumburg) was a wrestling All-American and women's basketball player Peggie Parhas (Lake Zurich) made the All-Region team and postseason all-tournament team.
Emily Vierneisel (Jacobs) was also on the postseason all-tourney team. Men's basketball player Josh Toon (Elk Grove) was an all-N4C selection.