Girls track/Scouting the Fox Valley
Bartlett Hawks
Coach: Anthony Moorman
Conference: Upstate Eight (Valley)
Top athletes: Seniors Brean Balaskovits (100, 200, 400), Emily Wilson (triple jump, 1,600 relay), Katie Lausen (shot put), Courtney Kingsmill (800, 3,200 relay), Taylor Crawford (distance, 3,200 relay), junior Nicole Watkins (1,600, 3,200 relay)
Outlook: The Hawks have a number of key athletes capable of making major contributions this season. Returning state-qualifier Lausen will be counted on heavily in the shot put, as will the 3,200 relay team, which returns Crawford from last year’s quartet that ran at state. Kingsmill and Watkins also will be on that team and freshman Heather Vance could be another component to it. “Once we get our top 4 girls back and healthy, that race should be our strong suit and I think the 1,600 relay team will come together toward the middle or the end of the outdoor season,” said Moorman. Bartlett’s roster features a number of new athletes to the sport. “We have a team full of young athletes that have never participated in track and field,” the coach said. “After the indoor season, we have a pretty good feel for what is going to go on outdoors. I think we will be able to compete in each and every event and we’ll give people something to think about in the future.”
Burlington Central Rockets
Coach: Vince Neil (1st year as head coach; 8 years as assistant)
Conference: Big Northern East
Top athletes: seniors Alexa Tovsen (400), Autumn Conn (pole vault); juniors Kayla Wolf (400, 800), Jane Crocetti (800, mile), Katie Trupp (high jump, pole vault, hurdles), Natalie Overstreet (pole vault); freshmen Jasmine Castillo (middle distance), Karli Chmelik (field events, hurdles, Bryce Weinrich (sprints, hurdles), Liz Spencer (sprints, middle distance).
Outlook: The Rockets showed at last weekend’s Prep Top Times indoor meet they are ready for the outdoor season, especially Wolf, who won the Class 2A 800. “Some of our returning athletes have a large amount of state and big meet pressure situations already,” said Neil, the former Dundee-Crown standout who takes over for the departed Aaron Wichman. Tovsen qualified for two state events last year, Wolf went to state in the 800, Trupp was 7th in the high jump and 6th in the pole vault and Conn was eighth in the pole vault. The defending Big Northern champions will need to replace consistent points scored by graduated Markelle Turk and Callie Thommes, who was second at state in the high jump. “We have a solid group of young girls who will make an impact,” said Neil. “Being a young team we have to be patient and let the girls develop throughout the season.”
Cary-Grove Trojans
Coach: Mark Anderson (12th year)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
Top athletes: seniors Kathie Wollney (sprints, hurdles), Sarah Ryan (sprints, hurdles), Annie McGarrigle (sprints), Jenni Maki (sprints), Lizzy Klicker (sprints, hurdles), Emily Scott (pole vault), Paige Freund (middle distance), Kaitlin Kownick (middle distance), Jenna Kurz (middle distance); juniors Megan Jacquier (hurdles), Sarah Englund (distance), Anna Wcislo (throws), Emily Barnes (jumps, sprints), Joslyn Nicholson (jumps); sophomores Faith Furio (jumps, sprints), Natasha Geiger-Powell (middle distance); freshmen Delaney Perrone (sprints), Rachael Underwood (jumps), Olivia Roehring (throws), Talia Duzey (distance), Gretchen Price (distance).
Outlook: The defending Fox Valley Conference champions have to replace state high jump champion Karly Loeffel, but the senior-laden Trojans look like the team to beat in the FVC again. “We want to focus on being a balanced and deep track team,” said Anderson. “We have over 90 girls on the squad and they have been working hard. We’ll focus on ourselves and let everything else fall into place.”
Crystal Lake South Gators
Coach: Matt Dunker
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
Top athletes:Seniors Lexi Dahl (pole vault), Haley Smith (sprints), Darby Candy (sprints, jumps); junior Lana Summers (sprints), Jessica Chencinski (sprints); freshmen Carly Nolan (sprints/jumps), Gabby De Jesus (sprints), Tori Mitre (sprints/jumps).
Outlook: The Gators were hit fairly hard by graduation, including losing Marianne Collard, who finished second in the Class 3A 1,600 last year. But the cupboard isn’t bare for Dunker and his team. Returnees include Dahl, who finished 9th at state in the pole vault last year, and all four members of the 400 relay team that set a school record last year. “We lost a lot of really good distance runners from last year’s team,” said Dunker. “We have a lot of young talent with regards to our distance runners, so it should be fun seeing them step up to fill in the gaps. Lexi Dahl in the pole vault should continue to improve and hopefully make a run for a high place at state. We also have a lot of talented sprinters for our relays, especially with everyone back from our school-record holding 4 x 100 team that hopefully will push for a state bid.”
Dundee-Crown Chargers
Coach: Matt Michalski
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
Top athletes: Seniors Caitlin Emerson (distance), Alexis O’Connor (throws, sprints), juniors Natalie Himmel (middle distance/distance), Maggie Grant (hurdles), sophomores Kyra Flynn (100, 200/400, 800 relays), Emily Michalski (high jump, triple jump)
Outlook: The Chargers graduated a number of key veteran runners that are now plying their trade in college (Katie Gross/Drake, Lauren Mosher/UW Whitewater, Claira Himmel/UW Milwaukee). But Michalski is impressed with the returning group he has. Himmel’s sister, Natalie, has stepped up in the middle and long distance races, while Flynn headlines a young sprinting group. Michalski, a second cousin to the head coach, shows potential in the jumps, while Grant, Emerson and O’Connor are the team captains and have displayed exemplary leadership. “All three have done a good job being leaders for a predominately young team,” said Matt Michalski. D-C has 50 athletes in the program and 35 are either freshmen or sophomores. “We’re extremely young,” he said. “I think a couple years down the road we could possibly put together a real nice team. It’s a really hardworking group of girls that are looking forward to having a good season. We have a lot of kids willing to learn and are excited about doing track.”
Elgin Maroons
Coach: Dave Borg (3rd year)
Conference: Upstate Eight (River)
Top athletes: Juniors Fabiola Ortiz (800), Jodi Lawry (throws); sophomores Amelia Westburg (400, jumps), Lauren Alexander (sprints), Jessica Ramirez (sprints, throws); freshmen Abigail Pierre Louis (sprints, triple jump), Quanita Johnson (sprints), Megan Alexander (400), Nikki Zimmer (middle distance), Fajah Span (400).
Outlook: Despite the fact Elgin has only two seniors out this season, Borg is optimistic about the underclass crop, and the fact the Maroons have 50-plus athletes out for track this season. “Only two seniors but the cupboard is full,” Borg said. “I can’t wait to see this bunch in a couple of years. Elgin track will be back on the map. We will surprise in a few events but we’ll be learning and growing and looking forward to four great years at least. I’m very excited and I’m looking forward to showing the girls the blue track.” Borg said he has high hopes for Ortiz qualifying for state in the 800 as well as freshman Pierre Louis in the sprints and triple jump. “She has a big future,” Borg said.
Hampshire Whip-Purs
Coach: Patti Nihells
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
Top athletes:Seniors Cassie Kruse (800), Liz Sicheri (triple jump, middle distance), Marisa Carrozza (triple jump, sprints), Courtney Deniston (shot and discus), juniors Angela Wozniak (100, 300 hurdles), Ashley Fouch (200, 400, high jump), sophomores Caitlyn Graf (100, 300 hurdles), Elizabeth Pagan (long jump, triple jump, sprints), Anna Baxter (shot and disc), Emily Eischen (1,600, 3,200); Seniors Michelle Dumoulin (sprints, middle distance), Jordan Foss (3,200), junior Jenny Dumoulin (sprints, middle distance), freshmen Trish Dumoulin (sprints, middle distance), Natalie Sztuk Vel Sztukowski (middle distance), Dallas Krueger (high jump), Kylie O’Shea (hurdles, sprints, pole vault)
Outlook: The Whip-Purs got off to a strong start in the indoor season, winning the 10-team Sycamore invitational and the Fenton invitational. Hampshire also took third in the 3,200 relay at the Illinois Prep Top Times Meet. “We have a nice mix of veterans and newbies — all of which are highly competitive,” said Nihells. “We are fairly well-rounded and will be strong in most of the events. We do have our largest team ever and being in the Fox Valley Conference will give the girls many opportunities to compete. This is Hampshire’s first year in the FVC. “We are looking to be competitive within the Fox Valley,” said Nihells. “This being our first year in the conference, we are not sure what to expect.”
Harvest Christian Academy Lions
Coach: Steven Bland (first year)
Conference: None. Will join Northeast Athletic in 2011-12.
Top athletes: Sophomores Anna Olerich (sprints, throws), Anneliese Herman, Sydney Koonce, Lydia Maurer; freshmen Kylee Knox (sprints, middle distance), Valerie Richter, Whitney Donaldson
Outlook: The nascent Harvest Christian girls track program begins its first season of IHSA competition with a roster of four sophomores and three freshmen. All but one girl competed in cross country last fall. Finding the best events for each athlete is coach Steven Bland’s first priority. “We’re still in the discovery phase as to what the natural propensities of each student are,” Bland said. Sophomore Anna Olerich will likely run the sprints and compete in the shot put and discus. Freshman Kylee Knox is the team’s best athlete, according to her coach, able to compete in the 800 or the mile regardless of the size of the meet the Lions attend. She advanced to the sectional level during cross country season. Knox is the team’s fastest sprinter and distance runner, but her full slate of events has yet to be determined. That’s the case with most of the team at this early stage. “It’s a plus that we have all sophomores and freshmen because we can build the program from there,” Bland said. “With hard work we can already see them making improvements.”
Huntley Red Raiders
Coach: Shawn Nordeen (14th year)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
Top athletes: Senior Allison Korn (throws); juniors Amanda Zbilski (sprints, pole vault), Antonia Moore (sprints), Omo Tseumah (high jump); sophomores Taylor Schau (sprints), Tina Driscoll (sprints, long jump, triple jump).
Outlook: The Red Raiders have a deep team this season, giving Nordeen optimism as his squad and everyone else chases Cary-Grove in the Fox Valley Conference. “Our relays from last year will be intact for an even stronger performance this season,” Nordeen said. “This year’s team has made us even deeper than we have been in the past with an addition of 20-plus freshmen. This class brings a large amount of middle school state qualifying relays and individuals — quite a few more than we’ve had in the past years. We are excited to see many of these girls and our returners in competition to see exactly where we are going.”
Larkin Royals
Coach: James Henk
Conference: Upstate Eight (River)
Top athletes: Seniors Teoceasha Smith (shot put), Allison Driscoll (hurdles), junior Taylor Chandler (long jump, 200), sophomore Danielle Bogan (400, relays); Junior Crystal Nava (400, 800), freshmen Elizabeth Alvarado (800, relays), Damaris Fuentes (400, relays), Adiranna James (100, 200), Jada Love (shot put)
Outlook:First-year Larkin coach Henk is at the controls of a team that has grown considerably in size from 12-15 girls last year to 30 this season. “We have eight returning girls and the rest are freshmen and sophomores,” said Henk. “It’s kind of a building year for us.” Henk has seen no shortage of enthusiasm since winter workouts started. “I’m proud of the team for the drive and determination they have given since we started,” said Henk. “These girls strive for the best. They always are giving 110 percent. If they keep coming out and doing what they do, we should have a pretty solid team in the future here.”
South Elgin Storm
Coach: Jorie Bartholomew (1st year)
Conference: Upstate Eight (Valley)
Top athletes: Senior Jordan Tuin (800, mile); junior Casey Schoencorn (mile, 4 x 8); sophomores Brittany Carson (400, 200), Tacmena Williby (100, 200, 4 x 1), Taylor Wichers (long jump, low hurdles, 4 x 1).
Outlook: It’s a rebuilding year for the Storm. “We lost 9-10 seniors that were the core of our team,” said Bartholomew, who takes over for Kari Turcan after being Turcan’s assistant since their days together at Streamwood and ever since South Elgin opened. “We’ve got a lot of freshmen and sophomores this year so we just want to improve on their goals each meet. We want them to get excited about improving their times.” Tuin is one of the top runners in the area and a potential state qualifier. “Our goal with Jordan is to get her to state and we’ll see if we can get anyone else to that level,” Bartholomew said. “They have potential but it might take a year or two to get to that level.”
Streamwood Sabres
Coach: Jen Porto (1st year)
Conference: Upstate Eight (River)
Top athletes: Seniors Alyssa Patterson (400), Shanelle English (100 hurdles), Jeanette Kirshenbaum (3,200), Jess Kirshenbaum (3,200), Aysia Barnett (200, sprint relays); freshmen Bernice Cabral (3,200, 800), Cassidy Wingerd (3,200, 800), Aaliyah Winters (200, sprint relays), Andrea Swieton (200, sprint relays).
Outlook: Porto takes over the Streamwood program after being an assistant working with sprinters and jumps. It’s a youth movement for the Sabres this season after several graduations, including Megan McGlone, who was 11th at state in the triple jump, and the 3,200 relay team that set a school record. “We have a young team of mainly sophomores and freshmen this year who are enthusiastic to learn the sport and grow with each meet,” said Porto. “Though we are a much smaller team than in years past, our small group of upperclassmen are taking charge and leading our inexperienced younger athletes. All the girls on the team are highly motivated, dedicated to improvement, and have positive attitudes. I am looking forward to us remaining competitive this year with our upperclassmen while focusing on grooming our underclassmen to be smart, highly competitive varsity athletes in the future. We’ll look to finish ahead of Elgin and Larkin as we did last year in the River Division and continue to challenge our rivals Bartlett and South Elgin within the Upstate Eight.”
St. Edward Green Wave
Top athletes: freshmen Claire Cholewa (hurdles), Daniella Gaden (middle distance), Erin Freeman (middle distance), Brianne Lagtapon (sprints), Jessica Puquirre (middle distance)
Outlook: Coach Mike Olenek and new assistant coach Betsy Danner will try to make competitive racers of the five freshmen out for girls track. Cholewa ran a decent time in the 400 at the Suburban Christian Conference indoor meet without much training, Olenek said. She definitely compete in the low hurdles and could add high hurdles down the road. Jessica Puquirre is expected to be competitive in the 400. Brianne Lagtapon could be a strong sprinter once she regains full strength after an early injury. Erin Freeman and Daniella Gaden are hard workers who will contribute. “Our goal is just to be competitive in the conference and start to grow the team,” Olenek said. “We’re still hoping to get a senior on board and have a competitive 800-meter relay team. We’re one person short.”
Westminster Christian Warriors
Coach: Ron Froeschke (first year)
Conference: Northeast Athletic
Top athlete: sophomore Suzi Thompson (sprints).
Outlook:Suzi Thompson is literally a one-person team as she is the only girl out for track this season. She will compete in one of the sprint events. “We’re trying to find the perfect event for her,” coach Ron Froeschke said. “It’s a good building year for her. Her times will definitely come down this year.”