Prospect, Hoffman Estates share Conant title

Prospect and Hoffman Estates took two different paths at the 20th annual Cougar Twilight, but the two trails led to the same destination.

Hoffman Estates won five individual events in the Class A division of the A-B-C meet, while Prospect used its depth to gather points throughout the three divisions.

Both approaches worked as Hoffman Estates and Prospect tied for the title with 186 points at Conant’s Feutz Field in Hoffman Estates.

Host Conant took third with 182 points, followed by Minooka (149 points) and Lake Park (136 points).

“We talked to the kids about everyone giving their best effort,” said Hoffman assistant Kirk Macnider. “We were able to pick it up at the end.”

“We have a team that is good at this type of meet,” said Prospect coach Dave Wurster of the Knights depth. “We were able to score in all three divisions.”

Junior Emily D’Amico continued to post some fast times in the sprints taking first in both the 100 (11.7) and 200 (25.5) to lead the Hawks.

“I’ve just been really focused,” said D’Amico. “We knew this was an important meet to set the tone for the postseason.”

Junior Haley Goers continued to impress by taking first in the 1,600 (5:02.1) and also helping the Hawks take second in the 3,200 relay (9:43.3). Goers closed with a flourish as she just missed going under the 5:00 mark.

Senior Precious Ogunleye added a pair of victories for the Hawks in the shot put (41-3) and discus (125-10).

Junior Laura Maibuecher paced Prospect by taking third in the 3,200 (11:13.4) and then adding a first-place finish in the Class B 1,600 (5:23.8).

“We had a really strong cross country season and we just have kept it going during the track season,” said Maibuecher of the Knights distance crew. “We keep pushing each other.”

Sophomore Lauren Poplawski helped power the Knights to first place in the 3,200 relay (9:41.6) and then came back to take second in the 1,600 (5:12.1). Senior Samantha Sturm added a second-place finish for the Knights in the discus (121-3) and third-place finish in the shot put (37-10.25).

Sarah Gorden continued her assault by sweeping to a pair of victories in the 100 high hurdles (14.5) and 300 low hurdles (45.3) for host Conant. The senior also combined with senior Taylor Graham, senior Tina Tortorici and junior Angela Herrmann in an impressive victory in the 400 relay (48.9).

“We just wanted to come out and run with no regrets,” said Gorden.

Senior Allison Gallo also kicked it into gear by taking first for Conant in the 800 (2:18.3). Sophomore Maya Lane helped power the Cougars to first in the 800 relay (1:45.7).

“We’ve been training really hard and I am just trying push myself as best as I can,” added Lane of the explosive Cougars relays.

Sophomore Tyshai Freeman took first in the high jump (5-6) and long jump (17-0) to aid Lake Park.

“I feel like it’s coming together,” said Freeman of her pair of victories. “Hitting these marks just motivates me to do better.”

Sophomore Kaylee Flanagan took second in the 3,200 (10:53.2) and sophomore Maya Golleday added a second-place finish in the pole vault (9-9) for the Lancers.

Senior Danielle Perkins took second in the 100 (12.6) and helped Hersey take second in the 400 relay (50.0) and 800 relay (1:46.9).

“We know what we have to work on, but the relays are coming together,” said Perkins.

Senior Haley Scott added a first place in the triple jump (34-11.5) for the Huskies.

Bartlett senior Alyssia Schneider secured a school record in taking an impressive first in the 3,200 (10:47.2).

“I knew I wanted to go for a good time,” said Schneider of her victory, “And it just felt good out there tonight.”