Olson-Whowell distance duel well worth watching

Warren's Heather Olson and Rolling Meadow's Amanda Whowell have certainly left their mark in the 1,600.

Olson has won two state medals, including a fourth-place finish in Class AA last season.

And Whowell is coming off a strong indoor performance - she took first at the Illinios Prep Top Times Meet.

But the two seniors aren't finished yet.

Olson took first individually in the 1,600 (5:10.8) as part of the 6,400 relay, helping Warren secure the team title with 134 points at the 29th annual Mustang Relays at Rolling Meadows.

Highland Park (113 points) took second, followed by Streamwood (51 points) nipping Rolling Meadows (50 points) for third place in the eight-team field.

The highlight event was the 6,400 relay, which pitted Olson against Whowell. The Rolling Meadows senior set the early pace with Olson and Chicago Mathers' Aden Alemu in hot pursuit.

Whowell was a step in front of Olson and Alemu at the gun lap, but then Olson got separation over the final 300 meters in posting her best time of the season.

"I was just trying to run a strategy race," said Olson of the conditions which had strong south wind hitting the competitors in the backstretch. "I was trying to draft as much I could and pick it up the last lap."

Alemu took second (5:16) followed by Whowell (5:19.8), who was running her first outdoor mile of the season.

"My training is going well," said Whowell, "but I'm definitely not in my top distance form."

The 1,600 field is loaded this season with both Benet's Mckinzie Schulz (4:54.24) and St. Charles East Lizzy Hynes (4:59.04) going a sub-5:00 mile.

But both Olson and Whowell are looking forward to the state competition.

"I've been working on my kick at the end," said Olson, who was nipped at the finish at last season state finals by Lockport's Liz Phillips and Barrington's Rebecca Tracy.

"I think she feels great with where she is at," said Warren coach Ryan Dunne. "She is just starting to gear up for the next couple of weeks, we're just focusing on what we know we have to do."

Whowell is also progressing nicely.

"To get into finals last year everyone was running close to 5:01," said Whowell of the state semifinals. "My goal is to break 5:00 in the semis. I'm just waiting to prove myself."

And her victory at the state indoor meet has given her a much-needed boost of confidence.

"That was a big stepping stone," said Rolling Meadows coach Mike Naymola. "She has been in situations where she hasn't had that success, but now she knows she can do it."

Warren showed its balance by winning eight events including the 3,200 relay, 6,400 relay and the distance medley.

DeNitra Brown, Lisa Burns, Jada Keys, and JonTaye Bonds combined to lead Warren to victories in the 400 relay (50.7) and 800 relay (1:47.1).

Brown, Burns, and Bonds were part of the state qualifying sprint relays for last season for the Blue Devils and they are ready again this year.

"The 800 relay is really coming along well," said Bonds, whose team looked very smooth on their exchanges. "If we keep bringing our times down individually we'll get there."

Warren also won the shot put relay (102-9) and discus relay (291-10).

Highland Park won nine events in claiming second.