Fine finish for Cary-Grove’s seniors
CHARLESTON — Cary-Grove senior Kathie Wollney felt a bit empty after last year’s state girls track meet, but on a warm day at the IHSA Class 3A state meet finals at Eastern Illinois O’Brien Stadium the Trojan senior left with a bit more luggage.
Wollney took fourth in the 300 low hurdles (43.45) and combined with senior Annie McGarrigle, senior Jenni Mak, and senior Sarah Ryan leading the Trojans to a ninth place finish in the 800 relay (1:43.88) Saturday.
It’s a big difference from last season when Wollney and the Trojans’ 800 relay did not make out of the preliminary rounds.
“I definitely had something to prove,” said Wollney of her two state medals. “I’ve become much more consistent in my hurdles this season, I’m happy with it.”
Springfield Southeast won its third consecutive Class 2A title with 63 points, Walther Lutheran took second with 46 points, and junior Shamier Little led Chicago Linblom to a third-place finish (38 points) all by herself by winning and setting Class 2A state record in the 100 (14.02), 400 (54.19), and 300 low hurdles (42.80). Little also finished second in the 200 (24.48).
Edwardsville won the Class 3A title with 51 points edging Belleville West (48.50 points) and Evanston (47 points).
Wollney, McGarrigle, Maki, and Ryan have been shooting for this moment for four years, and the seniors made the most of it on their final chance for Cary-Grove.
Cary-Grove entered the 800 relay with the third best time (1:41.09), but a hic-up on the first handoff slowed the Trojans’ attack on Saturday.
But it was still a successful day for the Trojan seniors.
“It’s bittersweet because it is our last race together,” added McGarrigle of senior last race. “But to get a medal is a great way to end it.”
Junior Omo Tseumah, despite battling a back injury, delivered for Huntley in taking second in the high jump (5 feet, 6 inches).
Tseumah did not qualify for state last season, but the junior had a breakout season this year, capping it with her first state medal.
“I was trying to conserve my energy in the lower jumps, then give it all I had in the higher jumps,” said Tseumah of her performance. “Not making it last year was not a good feeling. This year I wanted to make it and then do good. I wanted to hit my goal.”
Huntley junior Anthonia Moore also had a goal this season, and she delivered by taking a ninth-place medal in the 400 (58.19).
“I definitely want to keep lowering my times and shoot for another medal next year,” added Moore.
Jacobs senior Allie Virgilio secured her second straight state medal by taking third in the triple jump (38-09).
“I really wanted that first-place medal but everybody does,” said Virgilio, who struggled all weekend with her marks.
Crystal Lake South senior Lexi Dahl cleared a career best 11-9 in the pole vault to secure the sixth-place medal for the Gators.
“I’m so excited,” said Dahl of her performance. “I was able to get my mark on my last attempt, it’s just amazing.”
Crystal Lake Central freshman Sami Staples finished 9th in the 3,200 (10:54.78), then came back to take 10th in the 1,600 (5:06.74).
Autumn Conn and Kayla Wolf delivered for Burlington Central in Class 2A. Wolf secured seventh place in the 800 (2:15.38) and Conn took second place in the pole vault (11-09).
“I was excited for the finish,” said Wolf of her 800 race. “It was a fast race and it is great to get a medal.”
Hampshire junior Ashley Fouch also hit big. Fouch took an impressive fourth in the 200 (25.62)
“It’s amazing,” said Fouch of her first state medal. “I’ve been working hard and I have my team behind me.”