Prospect, WW South match solid efforts

Prospect and Wheaton Warrenville South offered a glimpse into the future on a pleasant Friday evening.

The Knights and Tigers showed plenty of depth and had some big performances in tying for first with 136 points at the sixth annual Prospect Relays.

Warren took third with 104 points followed by Wheeling (90 points), Rolling Meadows (48) and Elk Grove (18).

Prospect won nine events, including a sweep in the distance events in gaining a share of the title.

"Things are kind of rolling pretty good," said Prospect coach Dave Wurster. "We had really good intensity and all the kids did a good job of focusing on the events. I was pretty impressed."

WW South also looked impressive, blending its experience with some talented new comers in winning six events for its share of the title.

"We have some great senior leaders and some really exciting freshman and sophomores," said WW South coach Rob Harvey. "We mix all that together with a lot of hard work and you have a great team."

Prospect showed its power in the distance events by taking first in the 3,200-meter relay (9:37.7), distance medley relay (12:40.7) and the 4-by-1,600 relay (21:22).

"We're looking really strong and we're looking to improve," said senior Emily Salzman, who helped propel the Knights in the 3,200 relay and distance medley. "We have a lot of versatility and we're pretty healthy."

Freshman Brooke Wolfe (5:16) and senior Annette White finished 1-2 in 4-by-1,600 relay to add to the Knights success.

"We just wanted to hold out to the finish," said Wolfe, who also was a part of the 3,200 relay team. "We are trying a lot of different events."

"We all are really motivated this year," added White, who also ran in the distance medley. "I think this is a really good meet to set the tone, this is one of the meets where we can really show off our distance."

Jeannette Wochinski, Kasey Krum, Amy Abdnor and Laura Maibuecher also were key members of the Knights distance crew.

Prospect also flashed its speed in winning the 800 medley (1:55), 1,600 sprint medley (4:28.9) and 300 low hurdle relay (3:23.2).

The Knights also showed their depth in the field events, taking first in the high jump (13-10), pole vault (26-10) and triple jump (94-71/4).

Lauren Yearian cleared 5 feet in the high jump, Grace Gruendel hit a career best 10-10 in the pole vault, and Veronica Bertellotti hit 33-3 in the triple jump to lead the Knights.

WW South showed plenty of potential and finished the meet with a flurry. Sophomore Amy Yong, freshman Hope Schmelze, senior Caitlin Schwark and senior Sarah Vorreiter combined to lead the Tigers to first in the 1,600 relay (4:08.5).

"We're much more well rounded this year," said Schwark, who also helped lead the Tigers to first place in the 800 relay (1:49.5). "And we have some good freshmen this year and that is going to help."

"It's one of our fastest times," said Vorreiter of the 1,600 relay. "It's a huge accomplishment this early. We really came together."

Kathryn Regalado was a state qualifier in shot put last season for the Tigers, and the senior picked up where she left off with a meet best 39-3 in lead WW South to first place in the shot put relay (98-111/2).

"When I'm focusing on myself and not focusing on the competitors I'm in a better place," added Regalado, who also hit a meet best 113-8 in the discus. "Since freshman year this senior class has been focusing on its goals, now we're just looking to go out and do the best we can."

WW South also took first place in the 400 shuttle hurdle relay (1:11.3), long jump relay (45-41/2) and the throwers 400 relay (59.3).

Senior JonTaye Bonds, senior Lisa Burns, and sophomore Jada Keys were state qualifiers for Warren in the 400 and 800 relay last season. The three combined with senior Aleshia Keys in propelling the Blue Devils to first place in the 400 relay (50.7) on Friday.

Bonds finished seventh in Class 3A in the 200 last season for the Blue Devils and anchored their attack on Friday.

"She's confident and I know she's stronger," said Warren coach Ryan Dunn of his senior star. "She's a great competitor and obviously recognizes her potential."

Freshman Jessica Prince hit 108-1, leading the Blue Devils to first place in the discus relay (299-4). Amber Cook hit a meet best 16-31/4 in the long jump and also hit 34-11 in the triple jump for Warren.

Sophomore Dee Hanna, sophomore Mayra Ocampo, sophomore Kim Voltaire, and freshman Sydney Keith combined to lead Wheeling to first place in the frosh/soph 400 relay (51.5).

"We have a lot of youth out here," said Wheeling coach Mike Theodosakis. "They're performing pretty well and showing a lot of enthusiasm."

Freshman Morgan Keller hit 34-4 in leading Rolling Meadows to second place in the shot put (96-51/2) and Colleen Vrshek, Rebecca Zych, Ashley Miller, and Melissa Whowell combined to lead the Mustangs to third place in the 3,200 relay (9:57.1).

Sarah Whitchurch, Krishna Patel, Abby Brandt, and Nancy De LaCruz stepped up for Elk Grove in the 4-by-1,600 and the Grenadiers took second in the throwers 400 relay (59.4).