Barrington aims to extend its run in postseason

The new millennium has been quite kind to the Barrington girls track team.

The Fillies have finished in the top 10 at state in six of the nine years, including a state title in Class AA in 2007 and a runner-up finish in 2008.

There has been plenty of individual talent too, including Christina Fiduccia, Erin Frommeyer, Molly Glantz, Samantha Learch, Amanda and Jenny Schnack and Rebecca Tracy.

Seniors Jorie Frey and Anna Etherington can be added to that list. Last Friday at the Mid-Suburban League meet, Frey took first in the 400 meters (57.6) and Etherington took first in the pole vault (11-0).

The two Fillies are primed for a strong finish that starts at tonight's Palatine sectional.

"It's been great to have the younger girls look up to both of them," said Barrington coach Jody Gitelis. "They're goals in their mind are set, it's almost methodical. It's like this is what I have to do and this what I have to do right now, and looking at it realistically and what their accomplishments could be."

Frey and Etherington already have had their share of accomplishments.

Frey joined the track team as a sophomore and helped the Fillies 1,600 relay secure a third-place state medal.

Last year, Frey won the MSL title in the 400 and followed it up by hitting a personal best and taking fourth in the 400 (56.55) in Class 3A.

Frey also has excelled in the long jump and sprints.

"Jorie has that 'wow' power," said Gitelis of Frey's speed. "When she flies by the kids really look up to that."

Etherington has made the same impression in the pole vault. She cleared 8-9 as a freshman, then made quite a statement as a sophomore, taking fifth in AA at 11 feet.

Last year Etherington continued her assault by clearing 11-6 and taking seventh in 3A.

"The other girls see how hard she works, she often is the last one to leave practice," said pole vault coach Mitch Beck of Etherington's dedication. "Even though she is kind of on a pedestal with her ability, she is always cheering for everyone.

"It's kind of a cliché, but she leads by example. She has a way of balancing hard work and fun, and the other girls see that."

Frey and Etherington contributed to the Fillies squad that secured a second-place trophy in 2008. The pair has continued to grow since then.

Frey has been as steady as they come in the 400. The senior has been consistently under the state mark of 59.5 this season and currently holds the third-best time in 3A at 57.10 at the Palatine Relays.

"Last year I was up and down with my times," Frey said. "I was nervous and I didn't want to sprint the whole way, because I didn't know how much I'd have left.

"This year I know the only way to do it is by sprinting the whole way, it's like muscle memory now."

Etherington has been just as consistent in the vault. The senior hit a school record (12-0) at the MSL indoor meet and has met the state qualifying (10-0) easily during the season, culminating with an outdoor best 11-6 at the Glenbard West Invite and Palatine Relays. She is currently tied with five others for the second-best mark in 3A.

"I've probably improved the most on my run," said Etherington of her approach. "Last year it was a little inconsistent and it threw off my vault. Now it's like you know how to do it."

Frey received a scholarship and will be running for Illinois State next season, where she will major in nursing or education. She also excelled as an Irish dancer in her earlier years.

Etherington will be attending and participate in track for Washington University in St. Louis and has not decided on a major. In the fall she took 10th at state in diving and also was on the gymnastics team.

The sectionals mark the beginning of the end for their high school careers. They have already left their mark at Barrington and are looking to add one last memorable moment.

"It's crazy that we're almost done," added Frey, "I want to do well at sectionals and get a good seed, then finish strong."

"I just want to try and make the most of the last two weeks and cherish it," added Etherington.

Frey and Etherington have secured their spot among Barrington's elite track athletes and have definitely continued the strong tradition.

"They are going out in style," added Gitelis, "I'm really excited to see how the next two weeks progress and hopefully with all their hard work their goals will be reached."