Cary-Grove serves notice at Buffalo Grove

Cary-Grove seniors have set the bar high for themselves after coming off three consecutive Fox Valley Conference and sectional championships.

Now the Trojans seniors are ready for more, and they certainly got off to a good start by dominating the Buffalo Grove Invite. Cary-Grove won the meet Saturday with 154.5 points.

On sunny and fair afternoon the Trojans swept all four relays, and senior Kathie Wollney added impressive victories in the 100 high hurdles (15.2) and 300 low hurdles (44.3).

“Their work ethic is second to none,” said Cary-Grove coach Mark Anderson of his senior-laden squad. “We had a great season last year, but they had a few doubts entering the state meet. Now the girls know that they are state-medal fast.”

Defending champion Fremd took second with 135 points, followed by Lake Park (96), Lake Zurich (85), Neuqua Valley (82), Carmel (77), Stevenson (40.5), and host Buffalo Grove (12).

Carmel senior Megan Paul and Lake Park junior Kaylee Flanagan also did a nice job of raising the bar.

Paul, who took second in the 400 in Class 3A last season, was in prime form. The Corsairs senior took first in the 100 (12.1), 200 (24.9), and 400 (56.6).

“It’s about time,” said Paul who is completely healthy after dealing with a hamstring injury in her sophomore and junior season. “I’m very confident this year. A lot has been expected of me and I think this is the year I can prove I can do it.”

Flanagan who took fifth place in Class 3A in the 3,200 last year, and then finished in third place at the Class 3A cross country meet this season, is also gearing up for a big season.

The Lake Park junior is was in high gear on Saturday, cruising to the 1,600 title in an impressive 5:01.5. Flanagan separated from the field early, hitting the 800 mark in 2:26.

“I knew I was on pace,” said Flanagan of her half-mile mark. “I was just wanted to run strong. We’ll see what happens, and let it all work out.”

Wollney definitely set the pace for Cary-Grove. The senior showed she will be in the state medal mix in the hurdles, especially after her impressive 300 low performance.

Wollney also combined with fellow seniors Annie McGarrigle, Jenni Maki and Sarah Ryan in taking first in the 800 relay (1:45.8). She then combined with McGarrigle, Lizzy Klicker, and Paige Freund in winning the meet-ending 1,600 relay (4:07.7).

“We all realize this is our last chance and we want to go out with a bang,” said Wollney. “I know I’m feeling much more comfortable with my hurdles — I was hitting them all like I wanted to and I finished strong.”

Ryan also had impressive day. She placed second in the 100 (12.2) and 200 (25.4), aided the first-place 800 relay and combined with McGarrigle, Maki, and sophomore Faith Furio in taking first in the 400 relay (50.5).

“We have great chemistry and we’re always pushing each other,” said Ryan. “We’re looking to make a name for ourselves.”

McGarrigle, who ran all four relays, combined with Freund, sophomore Natashia Geiger-Powell, and freshman Talla Duzey in leading the Trojans to victory in the 3,200 relay (9:50.8).

Junior Joselyn Nicholson took second in the triple jump (35-6), with junior Megan Jacquir (100 high hurdles), Klicker (300 low hurdles), and Olivia Roehri (shot put) adding third-place efforts for the Trojans.

Senior Stephanie Uhrich took first in the high jump (5-5) and added a second-place finish in the pole vault (10-0) in powering Fremd to second place.

“There was a lot of competition and that help to push me,” said Uhrich of the high jump.

The Vikings showed their depth with five second-place finishes, including Sam Bartolai in the 800 (2:28.10), senior Kathryn Kendzior in the 300 low hurdles (48.6), and junior Kelly Breen in the 3,200 (11:45.9).

Senior Laura Plager hit big by taking second in the 400 with an impressive 59.9.

“That was probably one of the most impressive p.r. of the day,” said coach Hali Yoshimura of Plager’s 400. “She has been working really hard at that, and to finally have it come was exciting to see.”

Lake Park’s veterans stepped up big, with Flanagan leading the way. Junior Brianne Murphy eased her way to first place in the 3,200 (11:18.3), senior Shayna Clark gave the Lancers a double shot by winning both the discus (120-10) and shot put (35-8), and junior Tyshai Freeman won the long jump (17-3).

And junior Maya Golliday showed she may be in the state medal mix by taking first and clearing 11-3 in the pole vault.

“We have some great athletes and they stepped up today,” said Lake Park coach Brian Hesik. “We always count on them, and we had a good day.”

Senior Kaeley Ferguson took first in the triple jump (36-09) and third in the long jump (15-11.5) to power Lake Zurich. The Bears also took second in the 400 relay (50.55) and 3,200 relay (9:55.9), with junior Lindsey Moritz taking third in the 400 (1:01.6).

Neuqua Valley was missing some of its big guns, including junior sprinter Savannah Carson, but senior Gina O’Brien (5:21.4) took second in the 1,600, Linda Jiang took second in the long jump (16-0), and Jasmine Maclin added a second in the shot put (35-3) to help power the Wildcats.

Neuqua Valley also took second in the 800 relay (1:47.9) and 1,600 relay (4:15.8).

“Even though we were missing some kids, the kids that were here showed up to compete,” said Wildcats coach Gretchen Parejko.

Senior Sarah Myss took first in the 800 (2:24.2) and senior Shannon Baucus added a second-place finish in the 100 high hurdles (16.10) to aid Carmel.

Jackie Setina took second in the high jump (5-4), senior Christina Pritchett placed third in the 100 (12.6) and Emily Cunningham was third in the 800 (2:28.4) for Stevenson.