Goers, Schweikert ready for big finish
Palatine senior Laura Schweikert and Hoffman Estates senior Haley Goers have taken different roads but they have met at the same destination.
Schweikert and Goers have each earned three state track medals and they are looking to add to their collection this weekend at Class 3A state meet at Eastern Illinois in Charleston.
Schweikert has done it in the sprints, finishing fourth (2010) and sixth (2011) in 3A in the 400 meters the past two years. She was also part of the Pirates’ 1,600 relay that finished eighth last year.
“I’m definitely happy with all my accomplishments,” said Schweikert, who has been a key member of the Pirates track team. “It’s been a fun four years.”
Goers has made her mark in the distance as she has finished fifth in 3A in the 1,600 the past two years and she took fourth in the 3,200 last season. Goers also helped Hoffman secure a third-place team trophy in 3A last season.
“I’ve learned to cope with the state pressure,” said Goers of her success. “I’ve been running with a different mindset and I’ve learned to trust the program and the coaches.”
Schwiekert once again qualified for the 400 and will be a key member of the Pirates’ 1,600 relay. Schweikert earned a scholarship and will run for Marquette next year.
“She has basically been a thoroughbred,” said Palatine coach Joe Parks of his senior star. “She will do anything she is asked to do, she’s reliable, consistent. It’s in her makeup.”
Goers qualified in the 1,600 and 3,200 and will also be key component in the 3,200 relay. Goers will take her talents to Purdue next season where she earned a scholarship in cross country and track.
“She is definitely a product of doing the right thing,” said Hoffman Estates cross country coach and assistant track coach Kirk Macnider. “She just looks comfortable, confident, and strong to run very fast. She’s ready to uncork one and that is what state meet is all about.”
Schweikert has not only done it in track, but she was a member of the Palatine cross country team that won the 3A state title in 2009 and finished second in 2010. Schweikert was also the starting guard for the Pirates basketball team.
Goers also excelled in cross country, securing three consecutive all-state honors for the Hawks, including an eighth-place 3A finish this season.
Both Schweikert and Goers made early impressions individually, then grew as leaders to set the tone for their respective teams.
Schweikert has helped power Palatine ever since her freshman year when she took second in the 100, 200 and 400 and led the Pirates to the Mid-Suburban League title.
“Laura has always been a great inspiration,” said Palatine junior Meg Jump, who ran with Schweikert as part of the 1,600 relay team last season. “She has really blazed the trail for the younger runners. She’s a great leader and we all trust her.”
Goers also had the same effect for Hoffman, when she stepped in for an injured Hannah Worman and Melissa Schmidt at the 2009 state cross country meet, powering the Hawks attack with a 23rd-place finish. It was the first of her three consecutive all-state finishes in cross country.
“She (Goers) always knows how to get us ready,” said Hoffman junior Rachel Flach of Goers leadership. “She helps build up your confidence and she always knows what to say.”
Schweikert and Goers both look ready to finish off their careers on top. Schweikert took an impressive second at the Grayslake North sectional in the 400 (58.14) and Goers added to her resume by taking first in both the 3,200 (10:58.65) and 1,600 (5:06.75) at the Bartlett sectional.
“This season is going by so fast, it kind of sad it’s coming to an end,” said Schweikert, “But I’m excited for state, I’m feeling stronger.”
“I’m just excited,” added Goers of her final state meet. “I think the confidence and the effort I put in at sectionals will definitely show.”
Schweikert and Goers’ paths once again lead them to Eastern Illinois O’Brien’s Stadium, where the two hope to meet on the medal stand.