Prospect sets the pace, wins MSL indoor meet
When Prospect senior Kellan Strobel found himself at the front of the pack in the 1,600-meter run at the Jim Nagel MSL Indoor Invitational at North Central College on Saturday, it was a place he’s not accustomed to.
But rather than just fall back in the pack, Strobel stayed up front and ended up looking comfortable enjoying the view from first place.
He certainly faced challengers on the final lap — Palatine junior Tim Meincke and senior Anthony Gregorio made sure of that. In the end, Strobel had energy that he was even surprised by to hold on for the win in a personal indoor best of 4:22.
In addition, Strobel qualified for the indoor Prep Top Times meet at Illinois Wesleyan next weekend.
“I normally am not one to take and jump up front like that,” Strobel said. “It’s hard for me to keep up the lead like that but I found a little in the end that helped.”
Strobel was part of a dominant performance by the Knights as Prospect captured its second MSL Indoor Invite title in a row with 99 points. Runner-up Fremd, which also snuck up on the pack, tallied 66 points. Defending MSL outdoor champ Palatine was third (60) followed by Barrington (57) and Buffalo Grove (49).
Prospect, one of the favorites to capture the outdoor conference title, captured wins in two relays including the 3,200 relay team of Mike Thill, Josh Campos, Matt Ashton and Bob Koertgen. That team broke the indoor school record set back in 2006 with a winning mark of 8:04.8.
Senior Nick Batcha showed why he is a major threat to win multiple medals at the state meet in May. He captured wins in the high jump, 55-meter dash and as part of the Knights’ 800 relay. Ryan Ward, Vito Anzalone and Nick Meersman made up the winning foursome.
“Today is a day that you get a chance to find out about what some guys can do and where they might fit heading outdoors,” said Prospect coach Mike Kamedula.
Fremd also had a chance to found out many things about its roster for the upcoming season and coach Jim Aikens had to like what he saw. Senior Brian Bobek showed why is ready to cement himself as another great Vikings thrower after he captured the shot put. His throw of 57-8.5 was a new personal best for Bobek, who finished fifth at state last spring.
The relay team of Jerrell Lewis, Christian Vail, Spencer Filosa and David Ferguson captured the Vikings’ lone win on the track, taking the 1,600 relay in 3:31.7.
“Days like today you want to see who comes out and competes,” Aikens said. “I think we learned that about guys like Andy Mack in the mile and Dave Millado.”
Other event winners included Barrington junior Erik Peterson in the 3,200, Mike Garrity of Buffalo Grove in the 55-meter high hurdles, Shepard Little from Schaumburg in the 55-meter intermediate hurdles and Ryan McGough of Palatine in the 800-meter run.
Rolling Meadows earned a pair of sprint wins as Garrett Peterson and Ryan Gunderson captured the 200 and 400-meter dashes, respectively. Barrington also added a win from AJ Scarbrough in the triple jump, Andrew Selep of Schaumburg earned the pole vault title and Steve Grajek of Hoffman Estates leaped to the win in the long jump with a best effort of 21-5.75.