Meadows' Gastfield charges to victory at Wheeling Invite
Plans change. Just ask Rolling Meadows Christina Gastfield.
Going into Saturday's Wheeling Invitational the Mustangs senior was going to run a conservative race.
But that all changed once Gastfield hit the starting line. She stuck with the lead pack for the first 2 miles before getting separation from Lake Park sophomore Kaylee Flanagan in the final 100 meters in taking first in 17:19 at Heritage Park.
“We kind of switched it up right at the starting line, said Gastfield of her race strategy. “I kind of like it better, because I really don't know how to go out conservative.
There was no holding back Barrington, either. The Fillies, who are ranked No. 6 in the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches poll, pushed out to an early lead and finished strong by placing five girls in the top 10 in easily taking the team title with 33 points.
St. Viator took second with 113 points, followed by Lake Park (118 points), Libertyville (157 points), and Rolling Meadows (164 points).
“They needed to pack together and get out to an early lead, said Barrington coach Deb Revolta. “It's not going to get any easier, but we're headed in the right direction, the workouts are going good everything is going well so far.
Gastfield is also on a strong pace. Last year she took second in Class 3A, and she's followed it up with a strong season so far.
“She's gotten smarter as a runner, said Rolling Meadows coach Kevin Young. “She kind of sat on people for awhile and when she was feeling good she made a move.
Last week Gastfield led the Peoria Invitational for the first 2 miles before Prospect sophomore Brooke Wolfe surged to the victory in the final mile. The senior didn't repeat that sequence this time.
Gastfield hung with Flanagan and Barrington sophomore Becca Batliner for the first 2 miles, and then showed her experience in the final mile.
“I learned from last week I only need to lead the final steps, said Gastfield who also finished eighth in Class 3A as a sophomore. “Today I wanted to stick back and use the final mile to see what I could do.
Flanagan had an uneventful freshman campaign, but the sophomore has shined brightly this season.
Flanagan matched Gastfield step-for-step until the final 100 meters, finishing second in 17:22.
“Each week she is gaining confidence, said Lake Park coach Lauren May of Flanagan's emergence. “I think it was kind of a shock in the beginning of the season, and we've been trying to convince her that is where she belongs. Today she came out and looked awesome.
“Coach May has really helped my progress, said Flanagan. “We've been doing some different workouts and it has really helped.
Batliner was right with the leaders the first 2-miles before getting separated in the final mile, but the Fillies sophomore finished strong in taking third place in 17:31.
“I wanted to go with them, said Batliner of the final mile. “I kind of made my move a bit early, but it's one race and I'm really happy with my time.
Junior Alexa Argianas (18:24) and Ella Tracy (18:31) went 5-6 for Barrington, with sophomore Rachel Simon (18:35) and senior Sarah Miller (18:40) taking ninth and 10th to lead a solid Fillies attack.
“The key to the pack is staying with each other and being positive, said Argianas of the Fillies' swarm. “I think all of us were ready to go out there and take a risk today.
Freshman Meghan Carroll (18:15) took an early lead before settling into her pace and finishing fourth leading St. Viator to second place.
“I wanted to get out fast, said Carroll of her start, “I wanted to stay with them. My goal is to win (East Suburban Catholic Conference) so I wanted to use today as a practice for that.
Sophomore Hanna Winter (18:52) and senior Keegan Griebel (18:55) finished 15th and 17th in aiding the Lions' attack.
“They're improving every week and that's the idea, said St. Viator coach Jim Milner. “We keep adding girls to the mix, and they've been tough every week.
Freshman Lindsay Lewis (18:33) made an impressive showing by taking seventh and leading Grant.
“I was shooting for the top 10 and I did it, said Lewis who is gaining valuable experience. “I'm getting more comfortable and I'm not as nervous.
Huntley senior Haylee Loprieno (18:34) took eighth to lead the Red Raiders.
Sophomore Brianne Murphy (18:45) added 11th place to help Lake Park.
Carmel sophomore Caitlin Murphy (18:47) took 13th place for the Corsairs.
Senior Erika Danckers (19:18) took 25th place for Libertyville.
Senior Colleen Vrshek (18:56), sophomore Melissa Whowell (19:14) and junior Ashley Miller (19:16) finished 19th, 23rd, and 24th in helping Rolling Meadows.
Lakes junior Hannah Wittman (19:05) finished in 20th place.