Palatine Pirates back atop Mid-Suburban League

Palatine was back in familiar territory on Friday night at the 38th annual Mid-Suburban League meet.

The Pirates hadn't won a title since 2005, but they flashed their championship form from start to finish on calm night at Hoffman Estates.

The Palatine throwers started off the night by sweeping the shot put and discus, and the Pirates added an exclamation by taking first in the 1,600 relay the final event of the night.

Palatine cruised to its eighth MSL title with 130 points, followed by a much-improved Hoffman Estates (105 points).

Defending champion Barrington (95.5 points) took third with Fremd (83 points) and Prospect (76 points) rounding out the top five.

"I told our kids every point counted," said Palatine coach Steve Currins, whose team scored in every event except the triple jump. "Our kids did a good job of competing tonight."

Senior Katie MacFabe (138-2) and Lauren Orris (133-2) went 1-2 in the discus. MacFabe set a conference record with her mark.

Then senior Martha Shepard took first, setting a conference record in the shot put (44-5.5) with Orris (39-4) taking fourth.

"I had a good feeling," said Shepard about her mark. "We hadn't won the title in a few years and it's a great way to finish out senior year."

Junior Ruth Allen continued the momentum by taking first in the 800 (2:14.61). Allen took control of the race early, but Schaumburg's Karen Lesiewicz (2:16.07) took a brief lead with just under 200 meters remaining.

But Allen switched gears for the final 50 meters in nailing down the victory.

Allen then combined with Morgan Quinnet, Meghan Flanagan, and Krystal Pitts in securing the victory in the 1,600 relay (4:02.9).

"It's so exciting," added Allen of the Pirates title drive. "We've been working so hard to get to where we are - it all paid off."

Freshman Laura Schweikert also had an impressive night in helping the Pirates take second in the 400 relay (49.5) and 800 relay (1:45.8). Schweikert also took second in the 100 dash (12.51) and 200 dash (25.85). Sarah McIntosh added points with an impressive second-place finish in the 3,200 (10:51.8).

Hoffman Estates put a scare into Palatine early in the meet by flashing its speed.

Freshman Emily D'Amico took first in the 100 (12.5) and also combined with Sharron Jones, Jada Stotts, and Katie D'Amico in taking first in the 400 relay (49.2).

Cairrese Ayers joined Emily D'Amico, Jada Stotts, and Katie D'Amico in powering the Hawks to first in the 800 relay (1:45.3).

"We just put it all together today," said Emily D'Amico, who anchored the two sprint relays. "We finally put it together in the 800 relay. Everything worked out so well."

Freshman Simone Hawkins took second in the long jump (16-11) and sophomore Precious Ogunleye took second in the shot put (42-5) to add to the Hawks success.

Kristie Hisey also took first for the Hawks in the high jump (5-3).

"This is the best team we've ever had," said Hoffman Estates coach Dan Anderson whose team had its best conference finish. "We ran as good as we possibly could."

Barrington's Rebecca Tracy took control of a loaded 1,600 field and separated from the pack the final two laps in taking first in 4:57.85. Tracy set the tone early and eased her way to victory.

"I knew if I set the pace I was going to have to hold it and go," said Tracy of her impressive victory.

Junior Jorie Frey (58.5) and senior Jenny Schnack (59.1) went 1-2 in the 400 for the Fillies and Schnack added a victory in the 200 (25.8).

"I didn't go out as hard as I wanted," said Frey of her 400 victory, "I still had a little left at the end."

Senior Bizzy Mellado paced Fremd by taking first in the pole vault (11-6), second in the 100 high hurdles (15.85), and third in the 200 (26.15).

"Maybe I got a little tired at the end," said Mellado of her busy night. "But I think they helped each other."

Senior Jamie Notaro added to the Vikings' drive by taking first in the long jump (17-4.5) and triple jump (35-6.75).

Josie Hutch took first in the 100 high hurdles (15.35) and Sarah Gorden took first in the 300 low hurdles (45.3) to pace Conant.

Jordan Wagner, Karen Lesiewicz, Nora Ferguson, and Britten Petrey powered Schaumburg to first in the 3,200 relay setting school record (9:21.41).

Petrey held off Prospect's Kasey Krum on the final lap to secure the victory for the Saxons.

"We were just preparing for it the whole day," said Petrey of the Saxons fine run. "We just believed we could do it."

Freshman Olivia Jones had quite a night for Buffalo Grove. The freshman held off Palatine's McIntosh the final 100 meters in securing the 3,200 (10:50.9), then came back to take second in the 1,600 (5:05.68).

"She definitely pushed me," said Jones of McIntosh in the 3,200. "But I knew I had another gear."