Palatine's run of excellence continues
Palatine has had a pretty good run in the last 12 months.
The Pirates tied Waubonsie Valley for second at the Class 3A state track meet last spring and came back this fall to take the Class 3A girls cross country state title.
Palatine is aiming to add to its successes this season, and the Pirates finished the indoor season on a high note at the Mark Saylor Indoor Invitational on Saturday.
A balanced Palatine squad stormed to its 15th Mid-Suburban League indoor title with 122 points at Lewis University in Romeoville.
Hoffman Estates edged a much-improved Schaumburg team 73-72 for second place, with Barrington (58 points) and Conant (49 points) rounding out the top five.
Last season Palatine leaned on its veteran throwers to set the tone as Martha Shepard, Lauren Orris, and Katie MacFabe scored 27 of the Pirates 41' points at the state meet.
The three throwers have since graduated, but Palatine is spreading out the wealth this year with a mixture of youth and experience.
"We had some new athletes come through," said Palatine coach Steve Currins. "We're learning how to compete and they're doing a great job with that. Now they just have to keep believing."
Sophomore Laura Schweikert took first in the 200 dash (26.40) and second in the 55 dash (7.4), and combined with juniors Valerie Guertin, Morgan Quinnett, and Meghan Flanagan to take first in the 800 relay (1:47.3).
"We have confidence but we're not cocky," said Schweikert. "We know we still have a lot of work to do and we're still trying our hardest."
The Pirates' veteran distance runners flashed their state championship form from the fall with senior Johanna Dibuz, junior Sarah McIntosh, junior Becca Sund and freshman Tess Wasowicz taking first in the 3,200 relay (9:35.7), followed by junior Courtney Brown taking first in the 3,200 (11:01.5).
The newcomers added to the fun with freshman Meg Jump (34-3.75) and Rebbeca Korus (33-4) going 1-2 in the triple jump, and Deviin Marby taking second in the shot put (35-09.75)
"I think today definitely showed the potential we have," said Palatine senior Ruth Allen, who took second in the 800 (2:17.2). "We've been working really hard the entire indoor season and we're ready to take it outdoors."
Hoffman Estates is eager to show what it has this season, too. Sophomore Emily D'Amico blazed to first place in the 55 dash (7.10), senior Kristy Hisey elevated to first place in the high jump (5-4), and junior Precious Ogunleye powered to first place in the shot put (41-4.25).
"We have a couple holes to fill and we'll see what happens," added Hoffman Estates coach Dan Anderson, who is optimistic about the Hawks' potential. "We just need to do it outdoors in the three meets that count - conference, sectional and state."
Ogunleye finished seventh in shot put in Class 3A last season and the junior is on the short list for medal contenders this season.
"I'm feeling more comfortable," said the junior. "When you have a good indoor season, it shows what you can do outdoors."
That is certainly the case for Schaumburg juniors Karen Lesiewicz and Britten Petrey.
Lesiewicz finished second in the 800 in Class 3A last season, and the junior picked up where she left off, coming from behind just before the final lap and burning to a first-place finish in the 800 (2:15.6)
"With 2 laps to go I wanted to see how much I had left," said Lesiewicz, who passed Palatine's Allen at the bell lap. "Then I just kicked it in."
Petrey, who finished sixth in Class 3A for the mile last season, used a similar approach in coming from behind in the final lap to pass Hoffman Estates sophomore Haley Goers to take first in the 1,600 (5:10.3).
"I just wanted to take it out nice and easy, and put myself in striking position," said Petrey of her final flourish.
Lesiewicz and Petrey finished the day by combining with senior Nora Ferguson and junior Jordan Wagner to take first in the 1,600 relay (4:08.5).
Barrington also had a couple of returning state medalists flash their form.
Anna Etherington took seventh in the pole vault in Class 3A as a junior. The Fillies senior is shooting a bit higher this season, and it showed.
Etherington cleared a school record 12-feet in taking first in the pole vault.
"Twelve feet is big barrier to hit," said Etherington. "I'm going to keep raising my goal. Right now it's not about state medals or place."
Jorie Frey finished fourth in the 400 in Class 3A. The Barrington senior showed no letdown in taking first in the 400 (59.50) on Saturday.
"I'm coming in with a lot of confidence," said Frey, "and I'm going to continue to keep working hard this season."
Senior Sarah Bach (16-6.5) combined with Frey (16-5) to go 1-2 in the long jump for Barrington.
Conant senior Josie Hutch took first in the 55 hurdles (8.6).