Girls track: Palatine makes progress with victory at Rolling Meadows

Palatine's girls track team may be in transition, but the Pirates still took a nice step forward on Tuesday.

Kelly O'Brien, who the Class 3A 1,600 and was key member of the Pirates' 3,200 relay last year, has graduated.

The Pirates also took a hit with the loss of Corey Rinella, who tore her ACL during basketball season.

But Palatine coach Joe Parks is starting to get a feel for his team, and it showed as the Pirates won a Mid-Suburban League crossover triangular victory on Tuesday at Rolling Meadows. Palatine score 84.5 points to take first followed by a talented Hersey team (65.5) and host Rolling Meadows (30 points).

"We don't have the depth that we have had in previous years," said Parks, whose team won nine events on Tuesday. "But we had some good things happened tonight and I think we are moving in the right direction."

Chloe Stewart made a nice impression by taking first in the 100 high hurdles (16.9) and 300 low hurdles (49.9), with sophomore Erin Oleksak adding a victory in the 400.

Sydney Winters helped to power the 800 relay (1:58.9) and 1,600 relay (4:21.3) to a pair of victories.

"There are a lot of positive things happening," said Winters. "We've all been pushing each other and I feel like we are coming together."

One big ace that the Pirates hold is Jess Streepy in the pole vault. She was a state qualifier last year after clearing 10 feet, 9 inches at the sectional meet.

Streepy will be one to watch this season, and she took first on Tuesday by making 10-0.

"I feel like I have a lot of room for improvement, but I'm more well rounded this year," said Streepy, "I'm looking to qualify for state again this year and make it to Saturday finals."

Twins Kate and Liz Lechowicz went 1-2 in the 3,200 crossing the line together in 12:31.4.

Hersey also offered a balance attack on Tuesday.

Freshman Jessica Ahon showed some promise by scoring victories in the 100 (13.4) and 200 (27.5).

Senior Sarah Harden (2:25.9) led Hersey to a sweep of the top three spots in the 800.

The Huskies took first in the 3,200 relay at the MSL indoor meet and also added a third-place finish at the Illinois Top Times Indoor meet. So that 3,200 relay should be fun to watch as the season progresses.

"We're looking to bring it back together at the end of the season," said Harden, who is member of that relay. "We're focusing on training right now, but we'll put it together and be ready to attack."

Hersey also offers quite a bit in the field, where the effort is led by junior thrower Barbara Rydzewski. Last year she was a state qualifier in the discus and she is off to a solid start this season.

Rydzewski won both the discus (111-0) and shot put (34-04-5) on Tuesday, with Teddy Zhaklinova taking first in the high jump (4-10) and junior Stephanie Pawlis winning long jump (14-10.25).

"Qualifying for state last year definitely gives me a lot of confidence," said Rydzewski. "It's all about form and technique in discus, and I feel my form is improving."

The Huskies also ran to a first-place finish in the 400 relay (54.2).

Rolling Meadows also is showing signs of improvement. Sophomore Elizabeth Clark, senior Maeve Moran, senior Anna Czulno and junior Megan Martin powered a victory in the 3,200 relay (10:18.1) on Tuesday.

"I'm encouraged by a lot of our young kids," said Rolling Meadows coach Steve Henry. "Those distance kids are definitely the strongest kids on our team, and they are setting a great example for our younger kids."