Herrmann, D’Amico make healthy returns
Conant senior Angela Herrmann and Hoffman Estates senior Emily D’Amico are two of the top sprinters in the Mid-Suburban League.
But the two stars have been cooling their heels for most of the outdoor track season due to injuries. Herrmann and D’Amico were back in the fast lane at the 21st annual Cougar Twilight at Conant on Friday night.
Herrmann, who is coming back from an Achilles injury, took first in Class A in the 100 (12.5) and 200 (25.9).
And D’Amico anchored Hoffman to first place in the 400 relay (50.4) and then added a third place finish in the 100 (12.8).
“I’m definitely back,” said Herrmann who is coming off an Achilles injury that put a drag on her early season exploits. “I feel like I’m even better, and the two victories definitely gave me a lot of confidence.”
Last year D’Amico took third in the 100 and fifth in the 200 at the Class 3A state meet, but a left foot injury wiped out the majority of her outdoor season.
The Hoffman senior only had one day of practice, but she showed glimpses of her state potential on Friday.
“I’m definitely a little rusty,” said D’Amico of her return to action. “I just have to get my confidence back and hopefully it will come together.”
Minooka won both the 800 relay (1:46.7) and the 1,600 relay (4:09.8) in taking the title with 236 points in the three-class meet. Prospect hung tight for most of the night and finished in second with 214 points, followed by Hoffman Estates (165), Lake Park (152), and host Conant (148).
Junior Brooke Wolfe paced Prospect, taking first in the 800 (2:21.4) and also combining with senior Laura Maibuecher, junior Lauren Poplawski and freshman Hannah Getschman in taking first in the 3,200 relay (9:34) in helping the Knights.
“With it being an A-B-C meet a lot of different people were able to get a chance to compete,” said Wolfe, “We’re really deep in the 3,200 relay and we’re looking for the right combination.”
Sophomore Erin Reese aided the Knights attack by taking first in the discus (123-11) and fourth in the shot put (37-7).
“We definitely have a diverse team,” said Reese of the Knights depth,” but I think we work really well together.”
Melissa Jones added a second-place finish in the 300 low hurdles (48.8), and Maggie Devereux added a second place finish in the 100 high hurdles (16.3). Christina Santiago also aided the Knights attack by taking second in the 3,200 (11:17.1).
D’Amico’s return seem to give Hoffman Estates an emotional lift, especially in the sprints. ’Amico teamed with Shayan Dussard, Andrea Miller-Bey, and Edyta Krawiec in taking first in the 400 relay.
Miller-Bey then came back to an impressive first in the 400 (59.8).
“It definitely feels like we’re getting our groove back,” said Miller-Bey of the Hawks sprints. “Getting that time in the 400 relay was one of our goals.”
Senior Haley Goers has been in a groove all season, and she continued her momentum on Friday by taking first in the 3,200 (10:55.8) and second in the 1,600 (5:16.4).
Sophomore Banke Oginni continued her strong showing for Hoffman by taking first in the shot put (42-5).
Senior Brianne Murphy help pace Lake Park by turning on in the final two laps to take first place in the 1,600 (5:10.3).
“I just kind of went for it,” said Murphy of her final surge. “I’m feeling stronger and I’m able to go out harder.”
Maya Golliday aided the Lancers by taking first in the pole vault (11-0) and Tyshai Freeman added a first place finish in the high jump (5-4). Shayna Clark took second in the discus (123-10).
Conant took second in the 800 relay (1:48.5) and third in the 400 relay (51.2) and Jennifer Donnell adding a second place finish in the shot put (38-11).
Kelly Hill took second in the pole vault (9-6) for Hersey, with senior Nora Gawlik adding a third-place finish in the 3,200 (11:21) for the Huskies.
Megan Seidl gave Bartlett a lift by taking second in the 400 (59.9).