Scouting DuPage County girls track
Addison Trail
Coach: Dave Pytko (first year).
Last year: Seventh in the West Suburban Gold; 14th at the Class 3A Leyden sectional
Top athletes: Jazmine Acosta, sr., sprints, hurdles; Kishara Ferguson, so., sprints, jumps; Rebecca Holder, sr., hurdles, sprints; Chandlyr Kulpa, fr., sprints, jumps; Jessica Olascoaga, sr., sprints, jumps; Jen Rowley, sr., sprints; Becky Serna, so., sprints, middle distance.
Outlook: With only one state qualifier in more than a decade, Pytko has few illusions about rebuilding the program. "At our school the attitude is that the girls track team isn't very good," Pytko said. "I'm there to change that." With a dearth of upperclassmen, Ptyko had three athletes compete on varsity at the Blazers' indoor conference championship. Holder is the unquestioned senior leader, who has talented but untested sprinters and jumpers to mentor. Rowley, a transfer from Driscoll, should bolster the Blazers' sprint relays. "We just don't have the numbers, varsity-wise (to be competitive this year)," Pytko said. "We need to take our core group of freshmen and sophomores so we can build success (at the lower levels)."
Benet
Coach: Scott Brooks (16th season).
Last year: East Suburban Catholic Conference champion; third at the Class 3A Leyden sectional; ninth at the state meet.
Top athletes: Jenny Bohac, sr., sprints, hurdles; Darcy Cadman, so., jumps; Chiara Calicdan, jr., sprints, jumps; Al Cesarz, sr., sprints; Kaileen Healy, jr., sprints, middle distance; Liz Johnson, fr., distance; Nini Marchese, so., middle distance; Katie Porada, sr., middle distance; McKinzie Schulz, sr., sprints, hurdles, middle distance, distance; Anne Yahiro, so., jumps; Liz Yahiro, sr., jumps.
Outlook: Benet may very well possess the most versatile athlete in the state in the Notre Dame-bound Schulz, the defending state champion at 800 meters who was also runner-up at 1,600 meters. "(Schulz) is one of those kids, like (former Waubonsie Valley two-time state champion Shakeia) Pinnick, who has a broad spectrum of talent," Brooks said. "She could qualify (at state) in every event from the 200 (meters) to the 2-mile." With Schulz and Porada the Redwings have a potential record-setting 3,200 relay team, and the Yahiro sisters and Bohac are returning state qualifiers. "We have such a diverse array of talent," Brooks said.
Downers Grove North
Coach: Tim McDonald (fourth year).
Last year: Third in the West Suburban Silver; second at the Class 3A Leyden sectional.
Top athletes: Gabrielle Effrein, jr., middle distance; Samantha Fry, jr;, distance; Kilani Gaston, jr., sprints; Katy Lally, jr., hurdles; Abby Long, jr., sprints, jumps; Sara Makey, sr., throws; Ellen McCammon, sr., jumps; Emily Norco, sr., sprints; Vlora Osmani, sr., middle distance; Madeline Thomas, so., jumps.
Outlook: The West Suburban Silver has undeniable talent from top to bottom, considered by many the strongest conference in the state. The Trojans would be a heavy favorite in a number of conferences for top honors, only to have Hinsdale Central and Glenbard West, both sectional champions last year, blocking their path. Still, Downers North has several state possibilities, especially with Makey in the throws, Fry at long distance and Effrein in the open 800 meters. The Trojans' sprint relays also figure to have a prominent status in the conference and postseason tournaments.
Downers Grove South
Coach: Katerina Claiborne (third year, eighth overall).
Last year: West Suburban Gold champion; ninth at Class 3A Leyden sectional
Top athletes: Sam Baeten, fr., sprints; Jada Franklin, fr., sprints, jumps; Tori Franklin, jr., sprints, jumps; Lizzie Lestina, sr., jumps; Grace Magliola, sr., distance; Nikki Mihelich, jr., sprints, jumps; Melissa Radek, jr., sprints, hurdles; Kathleen Riordan, jr., middle distance; Johanna Schnitzler, sr., hurdles; Rebecca Stearns, so., distance.
Outlook: The Mustangs are once again a prohibitive favorite to capture their sixth consecutive conference championship this spring. But Downers South has much grander designs after a poor showing at the Leyden sectional last year. "It's really looking up," Claiborne said. "We felt like we raised our level of competitiveness and technique. I can't wait to see what they can do outdoors." Tori Franklin is one of the top athletes in the area; the junior was state runner-up in the triple jump as a sophomore and also anchors the Mustangs' sprint relays. Radek is a bona fide contender to reach state in the hurdles, and Magliola is the linchpin of the Mustangs' distance crew.
Fenton
Coach: Frank Kekstadt (third year).
Last year: Third in the Metro Suburban Conference; seventh at the Class 2A Glenbard South sectional.
Top athletes: Ruby Cazerres, jr., middle distance; Ashley Falco, jr., sprints; Dom Gulotta, sr., pole vault; Jocelyn Munguia, sr., distance; Jessica Oliver, sr., middle distance; Amanda Pikul, sr., jumps; Taylor Schaub, so., jumps, pole vault; Ally Wright, jr., sprints.
Outlook: Fenton, seemingly primed to be a beneficiary of class expansion, looks to make amends after being shut out of the state derby last year. "The outlook is very positive," Kekstadt said. "The group of girls we have is very dedicated with high-character individuals. We feel very strong on qualifying some girls for state this year." Pikul is a legitimate threat for the Bison to make the state cut in both the high and long jump. Cazerres is the top newcomer in the program, with Falco and Wright spearheading the sprint relays. The athletes' collective work ethic has also emboldened the program. "It makes all the coaches want to come (to practice) every day," Kekstadt said.
Glenbard East
Coach: Joe Latala (second year).
Last year: Sixth in the DuPage Valley Conference; eighth at the Class 3A Leyden sectional.
Top athletes: Maggie Angst, so., distance; Hayley Cardinal, so., sprints; Krystle Eskridge, sr., middle distance; Allison Frazier, jr., sprints; Val Gonzalo, jumps, pole vault; Kelly Kevil, fr., sprints; Bridget Peters, jr., sprints; Lindsay Rakosnik, so., sprints; Maddie Smith, fr., jumps; Haley-Joy Wareham, sr., middle distance.
Outlook: Rakosnik is undeniably the face of the program. The sophomore was sixth in the state at 400 meters last season, and the Rams' 1,600 relay is one of the best in the area. Rakosnik also makes the Rams' two shorter sprint relays dangerous with her mere inclusion, and the 3,200 relay is poised for a state run. "We keep improving every meet," Latala said. "We would like to finish in the top half of the conference and get as many kids downstate as possible." Latala is bolstering his four relays with depth, experience and athleticism as he attempts to have all four in contention for state berths. "It's a definite goal," he said.
Glenbard North
Coach: Gary Heilers (ninth year).
Last year: Third in the DuPage Valley Conference; fifth at the Class 3A Leyden sectional.
Top athletes: Amanda Hilliard, sr., throws; Kailey James, fr., jumps, hurdles; Carson Jones, jr., sprints; Christina Rini, jr., sprints, hurdles, jumps; Canethia Walls, sr., sprints.
Outlook: The Panthers have historically built their program around a balanced attack featuring top-notch sprinters, adept field performers and a strong distance program. But Heilers is fighting a delicate issue as the outdoor season commences. "We're not as deep as we have been in the past," Heilers said. "We have to work around that right now." Walls' savvy blend of calmness, desire and flat-out speed will be sorely needed for the Panthers this spring. The senior returns after making all-state in the open 200 meters last year. James and Jones solidify Walls' anchor abilities in the sprint relays, while Rini has state credibility in the 100 hurdles. But all eyes will be on Walls this spring. "She was all-state in the 200 last year, and I think she can do the same this year in the 100," Heilers said.
Glenbard South
Coach: Mark Tacchi (21st year).
Last year: Fifth in the Western Sun Conference; second at the Class 2A Glenbard South sectional.
Top athletes: Bridget Anderson, jr., hurdles, jumps; Talia Benware, so., sprints; Ashley Ellis, jr., sprints, jumps, pole vault; Sarah Engelhardt, jr., sprints; Kim Gaspar, sr., distance; Kim Iacobazzi, sr., sprints, jumps; Sarah Kearney, sr., distance; Karen Lipa, jr., distance; Melissa Nelson, so., pole vault; Mary Kate Sippel, so., jumps; Val Wass, sr., sprints.
Outlook: The Raiders have the formidable challenge of replacing four-time all-state quarter-miler Libby O'Brien, who anchored the 1,600 relay to the Class 2A state championship last spring. Iacobazzi and Wass return to defend their championship, and the Raiders are optimistic Lipa is fully healed after an injury-plagued sophomore season. "I am excited because this is probably the most balanced team I have had since '05," Tacchi said. "We're going to get scoring from everywhere, especially when it comes to the AA sectional and things like that."
Glenbard West
Coach: Kelly Haas (seventh year).
Last year: Second in the West Suburban Silver; Class 3A Leyden sectional champion.
Top athletes: Erin Aubrey, sr., sprints; Kinn Badger, so., sprints; Rachel Dau, sr., throws; Sarah Dau, jr., throws; Bridget Flanagan, jr., sprints, jumps; Hannah Flood, sr., sprints; Rebecca Folan, so., sprints, hurdles; Maddie Lee, sr., jumps; Carol Maloney, so., sprints; Maddie Nagle, so., distance; Mariela Paz, fr., middle distance; Kathryn Pickett, jr., hurdles, jumps; Emma Reifel, fr., middle distance; Sarah Udelhofen, sr., jumps.
Outlook: Glenbard West captured its second sectional team title in program history last year at Leyden and returns a core nucleus. "I think we're probably better than we were last year," Haas said. "Probably not good enough to beat Hinsdale Central (for conference), but good enough to defend our sectional title." The Hilltoppers have several distinct scoring possibilities at state, most notable from Pickett, who qualified in three events en route to fourth in the long jump last year. Udelhofen upholds the tradition at high jump for Glenbard West, while Flanagan and Nagle are poised for breakouts.
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Pat Richards (22nd year).
Last year: West Suburban Silver champion; Class 3A Hinsdale Central sectional champion; fifth at the state meet.
Top athletes: Paris Bates, jr., sprints, hurdles; Chelsea Celistan, sr., sprints; Monique Bronowicki, sr., sprints; Adabele Ekechukwu, sr., throws; Stephanie Green, sr., sprints; Jill Hardies, fr., distance; Graylin Harrison, sr., distance; Katie Kummerer, sr., middle distance; Meghan McCabe, fr., jumps; Lauren Roush, sr., sprints; Kayla Schwarz, jr., sprints; Jesse Vardas, sr., pole vault.
Outlook: Hinsdale Central enters the season as the consensus top program in the area. Vardas (Wisconsin), Green (Penn), Celistan (Harvard) and Roush (Maine) have all committed to continue competing next year at the collegiate level, and several other quality seniors are determined to compete at the next level. "They are a very tough group," said Richards, who will seek his fourth straight conference title this spring. "They really have a passion for what they're doing. They really care about the sport." The Red Devils' four relays are all state-title contenders.
Hinsdale South
Coach: Matt Guritz (first year).
Last year: Fourth in the West Suburban Gold; seventh at the Class 3A Hinsdale Central sectional.
Top athletes: Emelyn Barrientos, so., sprints, jumps; Brianne Basek, jr., sprints; Shauvana Clark, sr., throws; Destinee Ferguson, so., sprints; Karley Jerden, so., sprints; Natalie Kubik, sr., sprints, pole vault; Haley Marks, jr., sprints; Christine Miller, sr., hurdles; Swansea Mo, jr., sprints, jumps; Uzo Okoro, so., sprints, jumps; Kerry Reinbold, sr., sprints; Maya Rodriques, so., sprints, jumps; Deirdre Rudolph, jr., middle distance, jumps.
Outlook: Okoro is yet another in a long line of outstanding underclassmen ready to make a defining statement. The sophomore was runner-up at indoor state in the triple jump after making finals last spring as a freshman. "We have pretty good depth, but other than Uzo we don't have an obvious all-state athlete," Guritz said. "We want to put together (relay) combinations that have the best chance of qualifying for downstate."
Immaculate Conception
Coach: Bob Cronin (seventh year).
Last year: Eighth in the Suburban Catholic Conference; competed at the Class 1A Lisle sectional.
Top athletes: Michelle Erpelo, jr., sprints; Ashia Johnson, jr, throws; Bridget McCann, jr., sprints; Danielle Ramirez, jr., sprints; Stephanie Stahl, so., hurdles.
Outlook: There are many obstacles for Immaculate Conception to overcome on the path to respectability, but at least the squad has been infused with greater numbers. The Knights struggled to attract double digits in participants in recent years, but Cronin has 23 athletes out this spring. "We're just thrilled that the numbers are growing," Cronin said. "It bodes well for the future." Without any seniors at his disposal, Cronin is realistic about the upcoming season. "As far as achievement, we're just going to focus on improvement throughout the year," Cronin said. Stahl is the most promising of four transfers from Driscoll.
Lake Park
Coach: Brian Hesik (seventh year).
Last year: Fourth in the Upstate Eight Conference; fourth at the Class 3A Leyden sectional.
Top athletes: Natale Ansuso, jr., jumps; Yasmeen Bankole, jr., sprints; Sarah Drozdowski, sr., throws; Meghan Duggan, so., distance; Marissa Fang, sr., sprints; Kaylee Flanagan, fr., distance; Diane Fru, sr., jumps; Elise Gross, jr., jumps; Lizbeth Mendoza, sr., sprints, jumps; Ellen Pivaral, jr., pole vault; Amanda Rafidia, sr., jumps; Sarah Steger, sr., throws.
Outlook: With the departure of All-America distance runner Lindsay Flanagan to the University of Washington, the spotlight turns to senior classmates Rafidia and Drozdowski for the Lancers this spring. The former was third in the high jump at state last spring; the latter was all-state in the discus and has improved tremendously in the shot put. "We have high expectations for our seniors," Hesik said. "I think (Drozdowksi) will do well in both (throwing events) this year. We would like to see (Rafidia) hit about 5-(feet)-10 outdoors."
Lisle
Coach: Venessa Hardy (third year).
Last year: Sixth in the Interstate Eight Conference; fourth at the Class 1A Lisle sectional.
Top athletes: Jessica Abenante, jr., sprints; Kristi Agne, jr., jumps; Audrey Danner, so., sprints; Vanessa Del Real, jr., middle distance; Candace Harris, fr., throws; Katarina Hoelper, sr., middle distance; Kelly O'Connell, sr., jumps; Caroline Smith, so., sprints, hurdles; Sarah Spiel, sr., distance; Nicole Tillman, sr., throws; Kelsey Wilhelm, jr., sprints; Danyale Worsheim, sr., sprints, jumps.
Outlook: There can little doubt as to the highlight of the Lions' season last year. In the Class 1A state finals the 800-meter relay, which has Danner, Wilhelm and Worsheim coming back, was runner-up to Walther Lutheran. With Wilhelm and Worsheim as its sprinting workhorses, Lisle should once again contend in the two sprint relays this spring. Speil could very well be the ace in the hole for Lisle; the senior has already run an indoor 3,200-meter time faster than the winning sectional time at the Lions' state preliminary last spring.
Montini
Coach: Pete Connelly (second year).
Last year: Fifth in the Suburban Catholic Conference; eighth at the Class 2A Glenbard South sectional.
Top athletes: Clare Biederman, so., throws; Tiana Brown, so., throws; Theresa Connelly, fr., sprints, hurdles, middle distance; Rebecca Farrell, so., sprints; Liz Graczyk, sr., jumps; Ericka Laviste, so., distance; Bianca Maduko, so., throws; Christina Perrino, so., sprints; Annette Popernik, so., sprints; Theresa Weber, sr., middle distance.
Outlook: Despite its relatively small numbers, Montini will have a look typically associated with larger programs: balance. "I have a fairly well-rounded team," Connelly said. "We'll be strong in the throws, we'll be strong in distance." Much will be expected of Graczyk and Weber, the only seniors in the program. "The two seniors are very good leaders," Connelly said. "The girls who have been in the program know what to expect." The Broncos' desire to improve upon past performances in the league will largely depend upon the growth of the underclassmen. Theresa Connelly is the most versatile of the Broncos' newcomers.
Naperville Central
Coach: Mike Stine (23rd year).
Last year: Fifth in the DuPage Valley Conference; eighth at the Class 3A Plainfield Central sectional.
Top athletes: Liz Chrissie, jr., sprints, hurdles, jumps; Caley Faulkner, sr., pole vault; Amanda Fox, so., distance; Sarah Kutz, sr., sprints; Kailey Mikulek, so., middle distance; Sara Sheehan, jr., sprints.
Outlook: Naperville Central was a perennial power for much of the last decade, but the cyclical nature of high school athletics has caught the program in a position rarely encountered. "We're still going to try and finish in the top half of the conference," Stine said. "I don't know if that is realistic or not. You can't win in track if you don't have the athletes." Fox did provide the program a tremendous boost last weekend by capturing the 3,200-meter run at the Prep Top Times Meet. Faulkner also has designs on a glorious final campaign in the pole vault after dominating the indoor conference meet. "Faulkner and Fox are the two who really have a chance to get (medals) downstate," Stine said.
Naperville North
Coach: Chuck Hoff (seventh year).
Last year: Fourth in the DuPage Valley Conference; fifth at the Class 3A Plainfield Central sectional.
Top athletes: Bukky Adesanyo, jr., jumps; Tavia Carter, sr., sprints, hurdles; Emily Grissom, sr., distance; Anne Herbert, jr., middle distance, distance; Kara Kolany, so., pole vault; Addy Nuleya, jr., sprints, jumps; Jamie Schertz, middle distance, distance; Emily Smith, fr., distance; Abby Witmer, jr., sprints.
Outlook: The Huskies had their four-year conference-championship reign end last year. Naperville North was further hampered last year by a renovation at its stadium, which cost the team invaluable practice opportunities. "We were literally (practicing) on the road," Hoff said. Naperville North had its numbers swelled to well over triple digits in seeking a return to its customary excellence. "We're looking for ways to make kids varsity," Hoff said. "That's our main objective." Schertz is the best of the returnees; the senior is a top contender at 1,600 meters and anchors the always formidable 3,200 relay.
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Gretchen Parejko (ninth year).
Last year: Fourth in the Upstate Eight Conference; ninth at the Class 3A Plainfield Central sectional.
Top athletes: Daylyn Diverney, so., middle distance; Allie Frost, fr., jumps; Stephanie Jackson, so., middle distance; Michelle Kay, sr., pole vault; Shannon Larson, sr., throws; Kelly Lonergan, sr., hurdles; Ariel Martinez, sr., sprints; Victoria McCadd, jr., sprints; Caitlyn Summers, so., middle distance, distance; Megan Taylor, sr., middle distance, distance.
Outlook: For the first time in her multiple state-champion-producing career, Parejko enters the season with no returning state qualifiers. "Life can change very quickly," Parejko said. In order for the Wildcats to challenge the likes of Waubonsie Valley and St. Charles East for conference legitimacy, the squad will lean heavily upon Lonergan and its stable of 800 runners. The Wildcats' 3,200 relay has been a staple at state for the past several years; Taylor, Summers, Diverney and Jackson are the likely anointed ones this spring. "I'm very excited to have such a young group," Parejko said. "Every meet has been a learning experience for them and (the coaches). We'll see what happens in the outdoor season."
St. Francis
Coach: Scott Nelson (10th year).
Last year: Third place in the Suburban Catholic Conference; tied for fourth place at Class 2A Glenbard South sectional.
Top athletes: Allison Cochrane, sr., throws; Kelly McShea, jr., middle distance, distance; Joelle Nelson, jr., distance; Bridget Reczek, jr., sprints; Amanda Schmitt, fr., middle distance; Sarah Torres, sr., hurdles, jumps; Courtney Windsch, so., sprints,; Liz Yanan, so., sprints, middle distance.
Outlook: St. Francis will look to challenge Rosary in the inaugural outdoor track and field season in the Suburban Christian. "Rosary is the team to beat in the conference," Nelson said. "There's no doubt about it." With a dearth of seniors in the program, Cochrane and Torres will be asked to carry the Spartans' hopes in the field. Torres is particularly dangerous in the high jump and intent upon overcoming a poor performance at the Glenbard South sectional last year. McShea is the top junior in the program. "I think (McShea) is going to be pretty tough in the mile and half-mile this year," Nelson said.
Timothy Christian
Coach: Kevin Hackert (14th year).
Last year: Second place in the Private School League; third place at the Class 1A Lisle sectional.
Top athletes: Brittany Alston, so., sprints; Kate Ardinger, jr., distance; Amanda Dykema, sr., middle distance, distance; Kelah Freeman, so., sprints; Lauren LeDay, jr., sprints, middle distance; Krista Lodewyk, sprints, pole vault; Jordyn Platt, jr., middle distance.
Outlook: Timothy Christian does not have a returning senior in the program; Dykema is out for the first time. But after the indoor season, Hackert was forced to re-evaluate the Trojans' prospects for the coming season. "We really thought this would be a rebuilding year," Hackert said. "But ever since the Proviso West (indoor tournament) we have a bunch of new talent." Lodewyk is the most versatile athlete coming back, and the junior should not only anchor the Trojans' sprint relays but also score consistently in the pole vault. "We would like to be in the top two in the sectional and qualify for four or five events downstate."
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Dave Gowing (first year).
Last year: Upstate Eight Conference champion; Class 3A Plainfield Central champion; tied for second at state meet.
Top athletes: Ayo Adewole, jr., hurdles, sprints; Maria Aguilar, sr., pole vault; Morikaye Akinuson, sr., sprints; Morolake Akinuson, so., sprints; Ashley Bruner, fr., distance; Haley Davis, sr., middle distance; Tina Marie Franition, fr., sprints; Brianna Gatto, jr., pole vault; Emily Kelly, jr., sprints, jumps; Emily Killacky, sr., sprints; Da'sha Patton, sr., sprints, jumps.
Outlook: Waubonsie Valley may have lost the services of its most storied female athlete in school history with the graduation of two-time state champion Shakeia Pinnick (Arizona State), but the cupboard is far from bare for the defending state runners-up. Patton is built in the same mold as Pinnick, displaying uncommon athleticism in several different events. The senior, along with the Akinuson sisters, Adewole and Kelly, has the Warriors' sprint relays on another collision course this spring with elite status. "We can't make the same mistakes we did at indoor conference," Gowing said. "If we can continue (to improve), I feel we can have some of the same success we had last year." The Warriors are rated perhaps only behind Hinsdale Central as possessing the most balance and physical talent in the area.
West Chicago
Coach: Bob Maxson (first year).
Last year: Eighth in the DuPage Valley Conference; ninth at the Class 3A Streamwood sectional.
Top athletes: Karlie Becker, jr., sprints; Carla Dunnug, fr., sprints, jumps; Annette Eichenberger, sr., middle distance, distance, jumps; Emily Hahn, sr., middle distance; Becca Howe, sr., sprints, pole vault; Meghan Nichol, jr., sprints, hurdles, middle distance; Kelsey Sayner, so., middle distance, distance; Lauren Stanton, fr., jumps; Tanya Starkey, sr., distance, pole vault; Connie Tan, sr., sprints, jumps; Lalia Valdivia, so., sprints, jumps.
Outlook: It doesn't require a telescope to discern the brightest star in the Wildcats' galaxy. Eichenberger improved three places from her sophomore year in finishing third at 800 meters last spring in Charleston. The Air Force Academy recruit also showed tremendous endurance this indoor season in the open 1,600 meters while performing admirably in the high jump and anchoring the suddenly viable 3,200 relay. "This year (Eichenberger) doesn't have any injuries," Maxson said. "Her college plans have been settled. We'll see how good she can be by the end of the year." Maxson feels his squad will be considerably more competitive this spring behind the likes of Tan, Howe and Hahn. "I feel pretty positive about building a strong program for the future."
Wheaton Academy
Coach: Bill Bickhart (15th year).
Last year: Fifth place in the Private School League; 12th place at Class 2A Glenbard South sectional.
Top athletes: Morgan Durden, fr., sprints; Beth Fisher, sr., sprints; Hannah Huff, sr., distance; Janelle Marquedt, sr., sprints; Kate Murnane, so., sprints; Julia Nellison, so., middle distance; Alex Ovington, jr., sprints; Helen Torrez, fr., throws; Anne York, sr., sprints.
Outlook: Bickhart is both an optimist and a realist when it comes to dissecting the Wheaton Academy season. "Realistically, in the (Suburban Christian Conference) we're going to be near the bottom," Bickhart said. "We're very green. We have a lot of freshmen and first-year girls. I am extremely excited for the girls we have in the program. We lost a huge nucleus to graduation last year." With 22 athletes in the program, Huff is the Warriors' best hope to make a lasting impression this spring. "(Huff) is the one girl who is going to be an outstanding distance runner for us," Bickhart said.
Wheaton North
Coach: Pete Mac bobby (third year).
Last year: Seventh in the DuPage Valley Conference; 12th at the Class 3A Leyden sectional.
Top athletes: Kimberly Boi, sr., sprints, hurdles; Shenelle Burnett, jr., sprints, hurdles, jumps; Jamika Cozzens, so., sprints, jumps; Hannah Farnsworth, sr., middle distance; Emma Grisanzio, fr., sprints, jumps; Karen Jensen, jr., distance; Alexa Reinecke, jr., middle distance; Arica Secrest, fr, sprints, hurdles, pole vault; Stephanie Sells, sr., sprints, jumps, pole vault; Maggie Westwater, jr., distance.
Outlook: Wheaton North was shut out of state qualifiers for the first time in ages last year. But Burnett could very well reverse that anomaly all by herself this spring. The supremely talented junior won the high jump at indoor conference at state-qualifying height and displayed tremendous speed on the track as well. "We don't have a lot of superstars," Macbobby said. "We just have a lot of tough girls." Boi is another strong contender in the 100 hurdles, while Reinecke, Sells and newcomer Secrest offer the best remaining chances for the Falcons in their respective events. "We have a lot of returning talent and a lot of younger talent that is developing," Macbobby said. "Hopefully, we can be in the upper half of the conference, which would be a great improvement over last year."
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Rob Harvey (11th year).
Last year: Second in the DuPage Valley Conference; sixth at the Class 3A Leyden sectional.
Top athletes: Chelsea Brtis, sr., sprints, hurdles; Colleen Gibbons, sr., middle distance, distance; Clare Kelly, so., middle distance; Lauren Mordini, so., distance; Kathryn Regalado, sr., throws; Tulo Rosanwo, sr., jumps; Hope Schmelzle, fr., middle distance; Caitlin Schwark, sr., sprints; Emily Schwartz, so., pole vault; Jessica Spera, fr., sprints, hurdles; Amy Yong, so., middle distance.
Outlook: Harvey has already conceded the conference race to defending champion West Aurora. "It's a race for second in the conference," Harvey said. "I do think we're a better outdoor team than indoor team." The Tigers are never completely bereft of individual stars, and this spring is no different. Regalado should contend for top honors in the shot put at state, and Gibbons is one of the better 1,600 runners in the area. The senior also anchors the Tigers' always competitive 3,200 relay, which features freshman whiz Schmelzle. Schwark is the best of the Tigers' sprinters, and Schwartz is another threat to advance in the pole vault. "We have a lot of maybes, a lot of ifs," Harvey said. "It should be fun. We're hosting the sectional, so that should help."
Willowbrook
Coach: Scott McKinney (21st year).
Last year: Third in the West Suburban Gold; ninth at the Class 3A Leyden sectional.
Top athletes: Hillary Bloemke, sr., sprints; Jen Dobbs, sr., jumps, throws; Grace Flood, so., sprints; Althea Gatto, sr., distance; Rachel Gibson, sr., middle distance; Cheyenne Jackson, jr., sprints, middle distance; Katie Looby, sr., sprints; Lizzy Lundine, jr., middle distance, distance; Natalie Nocek, sr., sprints, jumps; Chirese Porter, so., sprints; Gina Sementa, jr., sprints.
Outlook: McKinney, one of the deans of the area coaches, is awfully excited about the upcoming season. "This is the most depth I've had in a while," he said. The Warriors possess a star in the making as Porter returns for her sophomore campaign after earning all-state status at 200 meters last spring. The Warriors' sprinting and middle-distance stable is such that McKinney feels all four relays could be state bound. "The girls are shooting for that, too," McKinney said. "My fingers are crossed. I am very curious to see what (Porter) is going to do in the 100." Gatto and Lundine are the Warriors' most experienced longer runners, while Dobbs is the field leader for Willowbrook.
York
Coach: Annette Schulte (15th year).
Last year: Fifth in the West Suburban Silver; seventh at the Class 3A Leyden sectional.
Top athletes: Carolyn Cahill, sr., sprints, hurdles; Alli Fazzio, sr., pole vault; Emma Fisher, fr., distance; Meghan Frigo, sr., distance; Michelle Frigo, so., sprints, middle distance; Megan Fry, sr., distance; Alexandra Harrell, so., sprints, jumps; Amanda Huster, so., sprints, hurdles; Stephanie Huster, jr., middle distance; Krystal Kause, jr., throws; Kayla Liefeld, jr., sprints, jumps; Erin McHugh, jr., sprints; Kayla Spencer, so., middle distance; Kailee Sweeney, so., middle distance; Rebecca Zaider, jr., sprints, middle distance.
Outlook: Meghan Frigo is the leader of the Dukes' deep and varied distance crew. But York is far more potent than its historical breeding ground, and the squad has a potentially combustible mixture of underclass zeal with seasoned veterans. Numbers are not an issue either. "It's the biggest team I've ever coached," Schulte said. "Getting to know where their talents lie will be the key to our success over the next three years."