Girls track preview
Class 3A sectional preview
What to know: First- and second-place finishers in each event, including relays, from each sectional and those surpassing qualifying standards advance to the state meet in Charleston, May 16-17.
At Palatine
When: Today, field event preliminaries at 4:30 p.m., running event prelims at 4:45 p.m.
Team competition: Palatine will be joined by fellow Mid-Suburban League teams Barrington, Buffalo Grove, Fremd, and Wheeling in the 16-team field.
Individuals to watch: Seniors Martha Shepard (shot put), Lauren Orris (discus, shot), and Katie MacFabe (discus) have set the tone for Palatine in the throws this year, and all three are looking to return to state. Junior Ruth Allen, who won the 800 (2:14.6) at the MSL meet, is a key member of the Palatine 3,200 and 1,600 relays. Freshman Lauren Schweikert has looked strong in the sprints, but Lake Zurich's senior Olivia Allen and Carmel's Megan Paul will also be part of the strong sprinting field. Jorie Frey (400), Jenny Schnack (200), and Rebecca Tracy (1,600) all won MSL titles for Barrington last weekend and play key roles on the 1,600 relay. Barrington junior Anna Etherington took second in the MSL in the pole vault (11-3) and will be seeking her second state trip. BG freshman Olivia Jones has been a force in the 1,600 and 3,200. Fremd is counting on seniors Bizzy Mellado and Jamie Notaro. Mellado is a threat in the pole vault, sprints and hurdles. Notaro is coming off a pair of MSL titles in the long jump and triple jump. Wheeling's Olivia Semeria leads a strong 400 relay.
At Loyola
When: Field event preliminaries at 2 p.m. today and running event preliminaries at 2:45 p.m.
Team competition: Hersey, Prospect, and Elk Grove from the MSL will join St. Viator and Maine West in the 15-team field.
Individuals to Watch: Last week, sophomore Savannah Snead and junior Kasey Krum helped power Prospect to second in the 3,200 relay at the MSL meet. Junior Emily Salzman has also helped the Knights after returning from injury. Senior Emily Gruendel and sophomore Samantha Sturm look strong in the shot. Hersey sophomore Tia Roberson will be looking to advance in the sprints. The Huskies have also looked strong in the 800 relay. Senior Gina Erbacci has paced Elk Grove in the 1,600 and 3,200. Viator's Kelly Hendricks is looking to return to state and has looked strong in the 100 and 200.
At Streamwood
When: Field event prelims at 4 p.m. today, running event prelims at 4:30 and track finals at 6 p.m.
Team competition: MSL members Hoffman Estates, Conant, Rolling Meadows and Schaumburg are part of the 15-team field.
Individuals to watch: Freshman Emily D'Amico had an outstanding performance to help lead Hoffman to second in the MSL. The freshman anchors the 400 and 800 relays and is a threat in the 100. Sophomore Precious Ogunleye has hit qualifying marks in the shot and discus. Juniors Hannah Worman and Melissa Schmidt lead a strong distance crew, and junior Kristie Hisey is looking to advance in the high jump. Schaumburg sophomores Karen Lesiewicz and Britten Petrey have powered the 3,200 relay. Lesiewicz is also a threat in the 800 and Petrey in the 1,600. Sophomore Sarah Gorden has powered Conant's sprint relays and is a strong threat in the 300 low hurdles. Junior Josie Hutch took first for the Cougars in the 100 high hurdles at the MSL meet. Meadows senior Amanda Whowell is seeking her second trip to state and will be a threat in the 1,600s.
At Leyden (East campus in Northlake)
When: Field events prelims at 4 p.m. today, running prelims at 4:45 p.m.
Team competition: Leyden will host the 15-team field.
Individuals to watch: Leyden senior Jaime Johnson is looking to advance in the 1,600 and 3,200.
- Michael Eaken