Warning: Hoffman Estates is ready to race

The weather ultimately cooperated at the Class 3A Hoffman Estates sectional, but the host Hawks sure set off some alarms with their performances.

Senior Precious Ogunleye provided the thunder, taking first in the shot put (42-10) and discus (138 feet, 7 inches), while junior Emily D’Amico added the lightning by sweeping the 100 (11.97), 200 (25.15), and also pushing the Hoffman to first in the 400 relay (49.41).

And the Hawks even added a bit of hail — junior Haley Goers, that is, sweeping the 3,200 (10:49.51) and the 1,600 (5:02.2).

It all added up to a perfect storm for Hoffman, as the Hawks won their third straight sectional with 97 points.

“Being at home, the kids wanted to run well,” said Hoffman Estates coach Dan Andersen, “and it was a total team effort.”

Hoffman Estates qualified nine individuals and one relay, and now the Hawks can start thinking about securing their first state trophy at next weekend’s state meet at Eastern Illinois.

Schaumburg suffered a big loss before the meet even began when defending Class 3A 1,600 champion Karen Lesiewicz was scratched due to a left foot injury. The senior Saxon is still eligible to run in the 3,200 relay next weekend.

Despite the setback, Schaumburg took second with 79.5 points, edging Conant (78 points). Prospect (59 points) took fourth and Geneva (51.5 points) nipped St. Charles East (50 points) for fifth.

Ogunleye set the tone with her sweep in the throws, and the senior who has won two state medals says she’s ready to lead the Hawks next weekend.

“I have some unfinished business,” said Ogunleye who is seeking her first state medal in the discus. “I’ve been to state for four years, so there is no pressure.”

D’Amico continued to turn heads by easily sweeping the 100 and 200, but it was her finish in the 400 relay that had the crowd buzzing. The junior came from behind and caught Conant junior Angela Herrmann in the final 10 meters to pull out the victory for the Hawks.

“It feels really good to win the sectionals for three consecutive years,” said D’Amico. “That is what we wanted to come out and do today.”

Goers has emerged as one of the elite distance runners in state, and the junior proved it with her impressive victories in the 1,600 and 3,200. Goers controlled both races and answered every challenge.

“It was really exciting to pull through and it was a total team victory,” said Goers.

Junior Brittany Love came up big by taking second in the 100 low hurdles (15.29). Junior Haley Worman finished third in the 1,600 (5:11.63), with freshman Banke Oginni adding a fifth-place finish in the shot put (38-3).

D’Amico, Love combined with freshman Andrea Miller-Bey and Kayla Turner to win the 400 relay.

Britten Petrey had no let down for Schaumburg. The Saxons senior qualified for state in three events, taking third in the 300 low hurdles (46.47), second in the 800 (2:16.07), and combining with senior Colette Falsey, senior Jordan Wagner and sophomore Hannah Coombs in winning the 3,200 relay (9:21.83).

“I was missing my partner,” said Petrey of the injured Lesiewicz. “Even though she was down, we knew we had to suck it up and run for her. She inspired us.”

The Saxons sprint relays were also inspired. Senior Emily Langlotz, senior Lauren Lindgren, Jasmine Bethea, and senior Jen Pomagier took first in the 800 relay (1:44.93). Maika Kumamoto then joined Lindgren, Langlotz, and Wagner to secure the 1,600 relay (4:02.59).

Pomagier added a second-place finish for the Saxons in the 200 (25.67).

Senior Sarah Gorden continued to flourish for Conant. She won the 100 high hurdles (14.60), 300 low hurdles (44.72), and helped power the Cougars to second in the 400 relay (49.49).

“We’re ready to go,” said Gorden of the Cougars’ effort. “We worked so hard all season, so we knew this was do or die.”

Conant advanced nine individuals and two relays.

Senior Jessica Pryzyby advanced in the shot put and discus, with freshman Jennifer Donnell advancing in the shot put. Senior Tara Goehrke (300 low hurdles), Angela Herrmann (100 and 200), and junior Alison Gallo (800), also all qualified for a stout Cougar attack.

Prospect advanced five individuals and two relays. Senior Samantha Sturm (shot put and discus), Lauren Yearian (high jump), Kiley Shelley (300 low hurdles), and Laura Maibuecher (1,600) all advanced for the Knights.

Maibuecher joined freshman Christina Santiago, senior Savannah Snead, and sophomore Laura Poplawski advancing and taking second in the 3,200 relay and the Knights also advanced in the 1,600 relay.

“The chemistry is there and now we’re ready for the medal,” said Snead of the Knights’ 3,200 relay squad that will be seeking its fifth consecutive state medal. “We just wanted to qualify humbly; then at state we’ll be ready to go.”

Rolling Meadows also looks ready, the Mustangs qualified 7 individuals.

Senior Christina Gastfield took second in the 3,200 (10:55.88) and fourth in the 1,600 (5:12.58). Sophomore Morgan Keller kept the pressure on by qualifying in both the shot put and discus for Meadows, while senior Vicky Pavlou (triple jump), senior Rebecca Zych (800) also advancing.

Senior Bridget Collins inspired the Mustangs’ attack by taking first in the long jump (16-7).

“I’ve been looking to improve all season,” said Collins of her state berth. “It’s pretty amazing and I didn’t see this coming.”