Immanuel athletes shine in tough state track competition
The Immanuel Lutheran School-Batavia track and field team sent eight girls and seven boys to compete in the annual Illinois Lutheran Schools Association State Track Meet on May 20-21 at Concordia University-Chicago.
With more than 500 athletes from 57 schools, competition was challenging; the level of talent this year was evidenced by new state records set in eight different events. While thunderstorms interrupted the schedule of events, it could not dampen the competitive spirit of the Immanuel Lutheran athletes who had a successful and enjoyable weekend.
Following the cancellation of the ceremonial parade of schools, Immanuel Lutheran athletes went straight into action with girls' field events. Seventh-graders Jacque Schroeder made one throw of the discus and Natalie Zagorski completed one triple jump, then lightning was sighted and the sky opened and the ensuing downpour caused a two-hour delay.
During the delay, 500 athletes, their families and event organizers sheltered in the university gymnasium, where socializing across teams in confined quarters replaced competition in events. Following the rain delay, Jacque achieved a 10th-place finish in the discus. Natalie meanwhile added nearly 2½ feet to her previous best, finishing fifth in the triple jump with a measurement of 29 feet, 8 inches.
The Saturday afternoon session was highlighted by a tie for ninth place for eighth-grader Bryce Riner in discus and an eighth-place finish by the boys 4x800-meter relay team, which included sixth-grader Jack McCormick, seventh-grader Cam Gruel and eighth-graders Ray Meiers and anchor Ryan Allspach. The weather on Sunday improved and the days was capped with the girls 4x400-meter relay as the final event. The Immanuel Lutheran team of eighth-grader Claire Bittner, seventh-grader Caroline Hager, sixth-grader Alyce Williams, and Natalie Zagorski took seventh place.
The other athletes on the 15-member state roster were seventh-grader Keri Krivograd; sixth-graders Taylor LaPointe and Caroline Schroeder; fifth-grader Sean Heetland; and eighth-grader John Psyhos.
Considering the high level of achievement required to qualify for state competition and the record-setting field of competitors, being part of the 2017 state roster is a testament to the combination of dedication and talent exhibited by all Immanuel Lutheran School track team representatives.
These athletes acted as impeccable role models for Christian sports competition and proudly represented Immanuel Lutheran School in the penultimate track and field event of the season. At the spring sports celebration May 23, track team members Natalie Zagorski and John Psyhos were presented with the Immanuel Lutheran Christian Character Award for the 2017 spring season.
This award is presented two students per sport per season who demonstrate exceptional Christian sportsmanship and character. The recipients are athletes who set a good example for others, are team leaders, are helpful and kind to others on the team, who encourage team members and help them improve, who model Christian sportsmanship through words and actions, and who are outstanding representatives of Immanuel Lutheran School at home and away.
Additional photos of the track and field competition can be found on the Immanuel Lutheran Church and School Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Immanuelchurchandschool/.