Girls track and field: Scouting Northwest
MID-SUBURBAN EASTBuffalo GroveCoach: Kendra Hutchinson (4th year).
2017 state qualifiers: Nya Carr (7th in 100 dash, 200, long jump)
Last year: 8th in MSL
Key losses: Sherrielle McNeal, Sarah Prommer, Caitlin Roser, Kana Tamai, Deirdre Day
Top returnees: Nya Carr (sr., sprints, jumps), Dagmara Sobolak (so., jumps), Quinn Donahue (so., throws,) Lexi Opperman (sr., distance).
Promising newcomers: Rylee Bers (sr., distance), Pola Kubrak (fr., sprints), Gabby Miljkovic (fr., hurdles).
Outlook: Carr will pace the Bison attack once again this season. The Illinois-bound senior advanced to the Class 3A state meet in three events after winning the 100, 200, and long jump at the Grayslake sectional. She then earned a seventh-place medal at the state meet. Carr enters the outdoor season on a high note after taking first at the MSL indoor meet in the 55 and 200, setting records in both events. Carr finished second in the 60 dash at the Illinois Top Time meet. A group of talented sprinters should help the Bison relays, and Hutchinson is excited about the potential of her throwers, including Donahue and Elise Perkins. Opperman will lead an improving distance crew.
Elk GroveCoach: Sean Milligan (2nd year)
Last year: 11th in MSL
2017 state qualifiers: Emily Stegmeier (Class 3A state champion 800)
Key losses: Emily Stegmeier (Washington University), Mary Cronin.
Top returnees: Nigh Hardrict (sr., sprints), Izabella Sewerynski (sprints), Kelly Walter (sr., jumps), Monica Casillas (distance), Abbey Casey (mid-distance), Lillie Zahn (sprints), Mary Dalenberg (throws)
Promising newcomers: Aiyanna Hudson (fr., sprints), Clare Lasovska (fr.,pole vault, sprints), Tamara Ramirez (fr., sprints)
Outlook: The Grenadiers will miss Stegmeier, who capped a brilliant run at EG by winning the Class 3A 800 title. Milligan is looking for progress from a young team and will lean on his veterans for leadership.
HerseyCoach: Jim Miks (15th year)
Last year: 5th place in MSL
2017 state qualifiers: Sarah Harden (4th in 1,600), Alessia Olhava (Tied for sixth high jump), Stephanie Pawlis (long jump), Barbara Rydzewski (discus), Hailey Bowes (3,200), 3,200 relay.
Key losses: Hailey Bowes (Ohio University), Sarah Harden (Butler), Alanna Ratusz, Grace Picchiott, Claire Gritt.
Top returnees: Barbara Rydzewski (sr., throws), Cate Gudaitis (jr., throws), Stefanie Pawlis (sr., jumps, hurdles), Nataly Ahon (so., sprints), Anshu Jacob (jr., sprints, vault), Alessia Olhava (jr., jumps), Teegan Beckley (jr., distance), Janine Boyan (so., throws), Teddy Zhaklinova (so., sprints, jumps), Hannah Kersemeier (so., distance), Erin Moran (so., distance), Meghan Caulfield (hurdles), Hannah Nolan (sr., sprints).
Promising newcomers: Katie Fredian (so., distance), Natalia Jackowski (fr., jumps).
Outlook: The Huskies advanced five individuals to the state meet last season including Rydzewski, who won the MSL title in the discus, and Olhava, who tied for sixth in high jump at the Class 3A meet. Pawlis also qualified to state in the long jump and will have an impact in the hurdles. The distance crew took a hit in losing Harden and Bowes, as both were state qualifiers, with Harden taking fourth in the 1,600 in Class 3A. But Beckley and Fredian should keep the distance crew humming along nicely. The Huskies offer a strong field squad and have some up-and-coming sprinters which should add to the attack. Expect Hersey to be a fun team to watch this spring.
ProspectCoach: Pete Wintermute (4th year)
Last year: MSL champions, MSL East Division champions
2017 state qualifiers: 3,200 relay (6th place), Natalie Kowalczuk (long jump), Autumn Stone (pole vault), Jillian Hennig (shot put), Brooke Wilson (1,600, 3,200), Annie Walsh (100, 200), 400 relay, 800 relay,
Key losses: Brooke Wilson (South Carolina), Molley Leeney, Aileen White, Elizabeth Galloway, Molly Heil, Jillian Hennig, Autumn Stone, Izzy Lemus.
Top returnees: Annie Walsh (sr., sprints), Ellen Sherwood (so., sprints, jumps, hurdles), Natalie Kowalczuk (so., sprints, jumps), Samantha Berman (jr., sprints, hurdles), Lia Skoufos (so., distance), Sydney Kitzmiller (sr., distance), Mikayla Olsen (sr., distance).
Promising newcomers: Ashlyn Gadson (fr., sprints, hurdles, jumps), Elena Barbaric (fr., sprints), Annika Erickson (fr., distance), Hannah Smith (fr., sprints, hurdles, jumps), Eileen Deines (fr., sprints, hurdles, jumps), Marissa Valentini (jr., distance).
Outlook: The Knights are the defending MSL champions and should be in the mix again this season. Walsh will pace a young sprinting crew; last year she qualified to state in both the 100 and 200 and will be a factor in the relays. Kowalczuk was a state qualifier in the long jump and she will also contribute to a deep sprinting crew that includes Berman, Sherwood and Kitzmiller. Skoufos had nice debut season and will contribute to the Knights' attack. Olsen excelled during the cross country season and will be looking to continue that during the spring. The Knights took third place in the 3,200 relay at the Illinois Top Times Meet. The Knights also have an influx of young runners that should make an impact by the end of the season.
Rolling MeadowsCoach: Charlie Henry (3rd year)
Last year: 12th in MSL
Key losses: Maeve Moran, Anna Czulno, Mikayla Williams
Top returnees: Macie Robinson (sr., jumps), Jen Kokotis (sr., jumps), Kami Mladenova (sr., pole vault), Dakota Stewart (jr. sprint, hurdles), Sophie Avdjiev (so., high jump), Eliz Clark (jr., distance), Julia Zumski (jr., sprints, jumps), Julia Nowak (jr. sprints, jumps), Jamie Seibert (so., hurdles), Dana Lapinski (so., distance), Andrea Vera (jr., distance), Kim Kokotis (so., sprints, jumps), Katie Kiaupa (sr., distance)
Promising newcomers: Zaya Batbaatar (so., pole vault), Nel Bochenski (so., sprints, hurdles), Amelia Bogdal (so., pole vault, jumps, sprints), Leah Chacko (fr., sprints), Jenna Strauss (so., jumps, sprints), Stephanie Leigh (fr., throws, sprints), Erin Fennelly (so., sprints), Patrisisia Grasyuk (fr., sprints), Isabella Balderas (fr., sprints), Caitlin Cherwin (fr., sprints)
Outlook: Rolling Meadows' strength this year should be in the field events. Robinson took first in the triple jump at the MSL indoor meet and should be a factor outdoors. Jenn Kokotis should also add to the field events in the jumps. Mladenova and Batbaatar are progressing in the pole vault. Keep an eye on an emerging distance crew. The Mustangs should be an improved team this year and are hoping to qualify a few individuals to state.
WheelingCoach: Tim Nowicki (5th year)
Last year: York sectional champions, 2nd in MSL
2017 state qualifiers: Alexis Knight (8th in 400), Timber Terrell (5th in triple jump), Nicole Nguyen (long jump, 300 hurdles), Emily Lucas (pole vault), Ayana Blair (shot put , discus), Nosa Igiehon (triple jump), Yailene Leon (800), 800 relay, 1,600 relay
Key losses: Ayanna Blair (Illinois-Wesleyan), Hannah DeGraff, Sydney Johnson, Timber Terrel' (volleyball, Arkansas State).
Top returnees: Saleta Anda (sr., mid-distance), Karolina Balcarcel (sr., sprints), Fifi Ghiorsi (sr., sprints, hurdles, jumps), Yailene Leon (sr., mid-distance), Nansy Velev (sr. sprints, jumps), Taylor Gutt (jr., mid-distance), Nosa Igiehon (jr., sprints, jumps, throws), A. Knight (jr., sprints, jumps), Emily Lucas (jr., pole vault), Luz Martinez (jr., mid-dstance), Nicole Nguyen (jr., sprints, jumps, hurdles), Christina Pierini (jr. mid-distance), Jessica Stavros (jr., hurdles, pole vault), Alanna Chavez (so., sprints), Lizeth Leon (so., mid-distance), Valencia Smith (so., throws), Heidi Wenson (so., throws), Grace Zambrano (so., sprints).
Promising newcomers: Chloe Drozdz (so., mid-distance, jumps), Kiannah Hayes (fr., sprints, jumps), Jasmine Bautista (fr., mid-distance), Lizbeth Gutierrez (fr., mid-distance), Yureni Roman (fr., sprints, hurdles).
Outlook: Here come the Wildcats. Wheeling enters the season eyeing an MSL title. Knight and Nguyen helped lead Wheeling to the MSL indoor title and they are looking to continue that momentum outside. Knight will be fun to watch having earned a pair of state medals in the 400 in her first two years and Nguyen keeps getting better and better and covers a lot in the lineup. Yailene Leon is also a difference-maker. Nguyen (long jump, 300 hurdles), Knight (400), Leon (800), Igiehon (triple jump), and Lucas (pole vault) were state qualifiers last season in helping lead the Wildcats to the York sectional title. The Wildcats also qualified their 800 and 1,600 relays to the state meet. This team also offers plenty of depth, with Stavros, Pierini, Gutt, and Martinez. Smith will be looking to make a mark in the shot put. Nowicki's squad seems to have all the pieces in place for special season.
MID-SUBURBAN WESTBarringtonCoach: Jody Gitelis (31 years).
Last year: Graylake North sectional champion, MSL West Division champions, third in MSL.
2017 state qualifiers: Kelsey McLaurin (7th in triple jump), Jocelyn Long (1,600, 3,200), Alyssa Norris (800), Gabby Cossio (300 low hurdles), 400 relay, 800 relay, 1,600 relay.
Key losses: Kelsey McLaurin (North Central College), Julia Bergquist (Rhodes College), Gia Schwager (Augustana) Samantha Samaryczew, Grace Carey (Harper), Ellie McAuley (soccer).
Top returnees: Niki Barcroft (sr., pole vault), Eleni Filley (sr., sprints), Katie Ketel (sr., jumps), Jocelyn Long (sr., distance), Sarah Messerschmidt (sr.,distance), Megan Miller (sr., sprints), Gina Polito (sr., throws), Gabby Cosio (jr., hurdles, sprints), Eve Hoeltgen (jr., distance), Sophie Hoeltgen (jr., distance), Ella Hutchison (jr., jumps), Shelby Peterson (jr., distance), Sarah Ruesch (jr., pole vault, sprints), Tochi Aliberi (so., throws), Faith Caldwell (so., pole vault), Alyssa Norris (so., distance).
Promising newcomers: Anne Berquist (fr., distance), Molly Fitzpatrick (fr., distance), Olivia Helmer (fr., sprints, jumps), Brooke Husby (fr., hurdles, jumps, sprints), Lucy Ordway (fr., jumps, hurdles, sprints), Reagan Pokorny (fr., jumps, sprints), Katherine Shein (fr., distance).
Outlook: Long, Norris, and Cossio are all returning state qualifiers and should give the Fillies a nice boost. Long finished 18th in the Class 3A cross country meet in the fall and is looking to end her stellar career with a bang. The Northwestern-bound senior won both the 1,600 and 3,200 at the MSL indoor meet and will pace a talented distant squad that won the MSL cross country title in the fall. Norris is coming off a strong freshman year in which she qualified to state in the 800. Cossio was a state qualifier in the 300 low hurdles and will also contribute in the jumps. Keep an eye on Fitzpatrick. The freshman earned all-state honors in cross country, finishing in 21st place, and also had a strong run in taking second in the 800 at the MSL indoor meet. She is a talented runner that will add to the Fillies' attack. Barrington also qualified its 400, 800, and 3,200 relay to state last season and has the pieces to be formidable in all of them again this season. The Fillies will miss McLaurin, who took seventh in Class 3A in the triple jump last year. She covered a lot of ground for the Fillies. But Barrington will once again be one of the top MSL teams and offer plenty of state potential.
ConantCoach: Kalli Dalton (First year).
Last year: 10th place in MSL.
Key losses: Sydney Davis, Vanessa Iroegbulem, Maya Crawford, Emily Lakmski, Tida Bowers, Kiaerra Munnings, Kristina Loznjakovix.
Top returnees: Kayla Wartman (jr., distance), Melissa Peisker (sr., distance), Gracie Palomo (so., distance), Destiny Aaron (sr., throws), Chikere Oduocha (so., throws), Leah Jones (sr., hurdles, sprints), Victoria Marzec (sr. sprints, jumps), Kyla Chalmers (sr., sprints), Rachel Moore (sr., jumps, hurdles).
Promising newcomers: Ava Miltz (fr., distance), Calli Bessemer (fr., distance), Maria Feng (fr., distance), Graciele Green (fr., throws), Aariana Hairston-El (fr., throws), Mia Grimaldi (fr., throws), Kassandra Torres (fr., throws), Morgan Belcher (fr., sprints), Melonie Vera (fr., sprints), Jessica Malecki (fr., jumps), Rebecca Schulz (fr., sprints), Theresa Holmes (fr., hurdles, jumps), Amy Reyes (fr., jumps, sprints).
Outlook: Dalton takes over for Bob Borczak, who led the Cougars' program for 15 years. Dalton will be fielding a fairly young team in her first season, but there is plenty of potential. Wartman was a state qualifier her freshman season and has the talent to return to state in the 800. Oduocha and Aaron are showing promise in the throws. So sure, the Cougars are young - but this is a team that could offer a few surprises by the end of the season.
FremdCoach: Jeremy Herriges (fourth year)
Last year: Tied for sixth in MSL
2017 state qualifiers: 400 relay, 800 relay, 1,600 relay, 3,200 relay
Key losses: Hana Murakami, Cara Ogilvy, Kailyn Bryk (MIT), Linda Varela (Marquette).
Top returnees: Anayia Veremis (sr., sprints, relays), Sumin Cho (jr., sprints, relays), Julia Finegan (so., mid-distance).
Promising newcomers: Grace Chae (fr., sprints),
Outlook: Fremd lost a strong core of runners that helped the Vikings qualify all four relays to the Class 3A state meet. Murakami and Ogilvy were a big part of the Vikings relay attack and they will be missed. But Veremis returns and should help lead a young group of sprinters that is showing plenty of potential. Cho and Finegan will also play a big part in the Vikings' efforts. This team will get better as the season progresses and Herriges is hoping the Vikings peak at the right time.
Hoffman EstatesCoach: Kirk Macnider (fourth year)
Last year: Tied for sixth in MSL
2017 state qualifiers: 3,200 relay (5th), 1,600 relay (6th), Makiyha Blackwell (shot put).
Key losses: Katie Bonney (North Central College), Misbah Baig (Harper).
Top returnees: Anna Miller (jr., distance), Janae Dean (so., sprints), Allison Schrader (sr., distance), Makiyha Blackwell (jr., throws), Christina Wood (sr., throws), Nikki Rong (jr., distance), Mikkaela Palmer (jr., distance), Bella Alansari (jr., distance), Vanessa Peinado (sr., distance), Megha Ramanathan (sr., distance).
Promising newcomers: Aahniyah McAllister (fr., jumps), Gianna Sullivan (fr., distance), Neisha Allen (fr., sprints).
Outlook: The Hawks struck it big at state last season, earning a fifth-place medal in the 3,200 and a sixth-place medal in the 1,600. Miller and Schrader were big parts of both relays and will return to anchor the attack this season. Dean also made big contribution on the 1,600 relay and should be even better this season. Hoffman is also strong in the throws. Blackwell finished 14th in Class 3A last season, while Wood was a state qualifier in the discus in 2016. Blackwell has looked strong indoors and should be a force outdoors. Macnider is also very high on freshman McAllister, who is looking strong in the long jump. Thanks to Miller and Schrader, the relays should be in good shape again and be a threat to do some more damage, making Hoffman Estates a team that bears watching.
PalatineCoach: Joe Parks (8th year)
Last year: 4th in MSL
2017 state qualifiers: Jess Streepy (pole vault), Erin Oleksak (100 high hurdles), 800 relay, 3,200 relay.
Key losses: Anna Buckstaff (Marquette), Izzeh Stankiewicz, Chloe Stewart (moved).
Top returnees: Erin Oleksak (jr., jumps, sprints, hurdles), Tianna Henderson (sr., sprints), Jess Streepy (jr., pole vault), Kate Lechowicz (so., distance), Liz Lechowicz (so., distance), Jaclyn Frank (sr., mid-distance), Dejah Thomas (so., sprints), Fiona Metzo (so., mid-distance), Ada Sieminski (sr., jumps, sprints), Dacia Foster (so., pole vault, sprints), Sarah Elischer (so., hurdles, sprints, jumps), Tiana Noud (jr., sprints, jumps).
Promising newcomers: Anne Maria Jordan (fr., distance), Alli Gerdes (fr., jumps, sprints), Elli Roy (fr., distance), Anya Ball (fr., jumps), Anais Gonzalez (fr., sprints), Kylee Stammer (fr., throws), Laura Seeberger (fr., pole vault, mid-distance, sprints).
Outlook: The Pirates return a strong core that gained important state experience last season. It starts with the versatile Oleksak, who covers a lot of ground. The junior was a state qualifier in the 100 high hurdles last season but she is also a force in the sprints and will add to the Pirates' relay aptitude. Oleksak, who recently won the Illinois Top Time high jump by clearing 5-foot-5, is definitely a difference-maker. Henderson will add to the sprinting depth. Streepy is also looking to have a big season after qualifying for state last season. She won the MSL indoor pole vault title clearing, 11-3; she also cleared that height last year during the outdoor season. Streepy is one of the top vaulters in state. The distance squad also looks to be in good hands with the Lechowicz twins, Frank, and Jordan pacing the group. Thomas will add strength to the sprint crew. Sieminski and Anastasia Vassiliev will provide leadership. Expect Palatine to once again be one of the top teams in the MSL, and one that's poised for some big things at the state meet.
SchaumburgCoach: Kristen Zillmer (2nd year)
Last year: Ninth in MSL
2017 state qualifiers: Maddie Marasco (5th in 800), 3,200 relay (9th place), Megan Gale (pole vault), Maya Bowens (shot put).
Key losses: Valerie Schackelton, Ellie O'Connell (Carrol College), Maya Bowens (South Florida).
Top returnees: Madison Marasco (sr., distance), Rachael Vaccaro (sr., distance), Lauren Kubinski (sr., distance), Maggy Centeno (sr., sprints, distance), Mikeelie Jensen (jr., distance), Jackie Williams (jr., jumps, hurdles), Deja Patterson (so., sprints), Megan Gale (jr., pole vault), Mary Hilgart (so., throws).
Promising newcomers: Ashlee Jenks (fr., distance), Ann Maria Narske (fr., distance), Jasmine Cruz ( fr., jumps, hurdles).
Outlook: It starts with Marasco. The Illinois-bound senior won the MSL indoor 800 title in a blazing 2:11.74, and she continued her assault at the Top Times Invitational by taking first and setting a meet record in the 800 (2:11.44). Last year, Marasco took fifth in Class 3A in the 800; this year she is on the short list for title contenders. Marasco also finished ninth at the Class 3A cross country meet in the fall. She also will play a key part on the Saxons' 3,200 relay that took ninth at state last year and finished second at the Top Times Invitational. Kubinski and Vaccaro return from that medal-winning relay and should have the Saxons in contention for another state run. Centeno covers a lot of ground and will contribute to the 3,200 relay and 1,600 relay. Gale and Williams are coming on strong in the field, with Gale looking for a return trip to state meet in the pole vault and Williams adding to the attack in the triple jump. Patterson has improved in the sprints and the Saxons will also be looking for a few freshman to contribute. Catching Marasco in action will definitely be worth the trip for any fan of fine running this spring.
EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. ViatorLast year: 6th in ESSC
2017 state qualifiers: Elizabeth Drab (3rd in 400, 7th in 200, 100).
Coach: Wayne Edelman (first year).
Key losses: Elizabeth Drab (Connecticut, diving).
Top returnees: Megan Lifka (sr., sprints), Delaney Collis (jr., sprints), Katheryn Williams (jr., sprints, jumps), Kylie Thornton (jr., sprints), Nicole Gallant (jr., throw), Sophia Dominguez (so., sprints).
Promising newcomers: Katie Castelli (fr., distance), Grace Stack (fr., sprints, jumps), Mia Rafferty (so., distance), Anne Sheriff (fr., sprints).
Outlook: How do you replace the most successful runner in school history? St. Viator will find out. Drab won five state medals at Viator, including the 2016 Class 2A state title in the 400; she is now competing in diving at Connecticut. Edelman has been the longtime face of the St. Viator boys cross country team, but he will guide the Lions girls track attack this season, taking over for Kelli Wosick. Lifka provides senior leadership to guide a young Lions group. Castelli had a strong cross country season and also qualified for the Top Time Invitational. The Lions freshman has a lot of upside and should contribute immediately. Edelman is optimistic about his young team's talent level.
WEST SUBURBAN GOLDLeydenCoach: Brent Dempsey (9th year)
Last year: 5th in WSG
2017 state qualifiers: Ester Aldana (100, 200)
Top returnees: Esther Aldana (sr., sprints, jumps), Isabella Ivy-Raydl (jr., sprints, jumps), Jasmine Santoyo (jr., distance), Gabriela Hurtado (jr., throws), Jamiya Tate (so., sprints, jumps).
Promising newcomers: Dominka Mikiewicz (so., sprints, jumps), Kennedi Burks (fr., sprints), Cassidy Allen (fr., throws), Nicole Cruz (fr., distance)
Outlook: Aldana will power the Eagles this season. The senior was a state qualifier last season in both the 100 and 200. Aldana is off to solid start this season, having won the 55 dash, 200, and long jump titles at the West Suburban League indoor meet. The Eagles senior seems primed for a big season.
CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine WestCoach: Gregory Regalado (6th year)
Last year: 4th in the CSL North
2017 state qualifiers: Alisa Fallon (5th in discus, shot put), Serenity McCrary (shot put).
Top returnees: Alissa Fallon (sr., throws), Nicole Palarz (sr., hurdles, jumps), Angela Dugalic (so., sprints), Serenity McCrary (jr., throws), Kara Dempsey (sr., throws).
Promising newcomers: Alyson Block (jr.), Krysta Block (fr.)
Outlook: The strength for the Warriors is in the throws, where they return two state qualifiers. Fallon, who was key member of the Warriors' superlative basketball team this season, earned a fifth-place Class 3A state medal in discus last season and will be looking to return to state this year. Fallon took third in the shot put at the recent Illinois Top Times Invitational. McCrary was a state qualifier in the shot put and gives the Warriors a nice 1-2 punch in the throws. Palarz will be a threat in the hurdles, and Dugalic adds support in the sprints.
NORTHEASTERN ATHLETICChristian Liberty AcademyCoach: Alan Maruschak (first year)
2017 state qualifiers: Bella Wolke (1,600, 3,200)
Key losses: Bella Wolke, Angie Nicols, Valerie Karr
Top returnees: Cailee Hillinger (sr., sprints), Hannah Sterger (sr., jumps, hurdles, sprints), Chloe Wilson (fr., hurdles), Meghan Schuster (fr., distance), Sam Dunbar (so., throws), Emma Wolke (throws, distance), Sephora Ducrozet (so, distance).
Outlook: Maruschak has a young team that should get better throughout the season. Ducrozet has been a key member of the Chargers' cross country team and should provide some key points. CLA will miss Bella Wolke, who won three state track medals during her career.