Barrington's depth sinks Fremd
There's depth - and then there's Barrington depth.
The Fillies spread their talent around in Thursday's dual at Fremd, allowing them 1-2 in all three relays and roll to a 122-62 victory over the Vikings in a matchup of two of the strongest programs in the area.
"We were able to put in a decent lineup and get a lot of really good races," said Barrington coach Jim Bart. "We got some nice relay splits, and the kids really enjoyed racing."
Bart pointed to performances from Andi Leesley in the 200-meter free, Erika Elliott in the 100 backstroke, Jacqueline Holdsberg in the 200 IM and Kate Valentine in the 100 free as pleasant surprises.
Perhaps in a different way, the meet was also a pleasant surprise for Fremd.
Coach Andy Larson's team is a mix of capable upperclassmen and varsity-ready freshmen. So far, the blend is working well - thanks mostly to leadership from within. Proven competitors such as Megan Kennedy, Erika Lauraitis, Claire Littledale, Sarah Gallo and Katie Littledale are setting the tone for a group that's showing real potential.
"It's really been an excellent year so far," said Larson. "I'm just very pleased with how our team is approaching things.
"We've got girls that are incredible when it comes to understanding the self-discipline it takes to be successful. Obviously, as a coach, it starts with me. I'm not abdicating that responsibility, but it's just really helpful to have kids who have a true investment in being involved, a real belief that they can get things done themselves."
Fremd freshman Breanna Anderson edged Barrington's Kayla Widdowson in a battle of freshman in the 100 breaststroke, and the Vikings had other bright moments, such as a 1-2-3 sweep in the 400 free, and a 1-3 finish from sophomore divers Stephanie (195.10) and Elizabeth (171.55) Uhrich.
"I know it sounds a little suspect, but really, on our team, every person is a contributor," Larson said. "I feel real fortunate to have a group like this."
Girls golf: In a battle unbeaten Mid-Suburban League teams, Prospect and Barrington each shot season-low scores of 160 at the Bonnie Dundee Golf Club on Thursday.
So the dual meet was settled through the tiebreaker of the best fifth score. Prospect's Terese Geraghty won that spot with a 43.
The Knights were led by Rachel Lawless's 38, which tied her season best score. She was followed by Karly Grouwinkel (40), Ellie Pixier (41) and Allison Walsh (41).
Barrington's Taylor Quinn fired a 36 to pace all golfers, followed by teammates Kelly Muskat's 39, Mary Meg Gerbich's 41 and Casey Hahn's 44.
"Barrington played fantastic," said Prospect coach Jim Hamann, whose team is 10-0 with one dual meet remaining. "Our depth paid off today."
The Knights can finish dual meet play at 11-0 with a victory over Wheeling Tuesday.
Barrington is now 6-1 in the MSL.
"We are excited about the positions we put ourselves in heading into the conference meet," Hamann said. "The girls have worked very hard for this. I'm very proud of them."
Boys golf: Hersey coach Dan Caporusso notched his 200th career win when the Huskies defeated Schaumburg 166-187 at Old Orchard in Mount Prospect. Kevin Brawley and Steve Genz each shot 40s for the Huskies while John Durkacz (42) and Kevin Snodgrass (44) followed.