Track and field: Vernon Hills boys, Antioch girls win titles at McHenry

Vernon Hills senior Charles Blackmer gets all the competition he needs in practice.

Freshman Bryant Lester pushes Blackmer in workouts everyday.

The method has worked.

Blackmer took top honors in the 3,200 at Friday's Trackin at McCracken Co-Ed Invite held at McCracken Field and hosted by McHenry High School. Blackmer crossed the finish line in 9:39.8 followed by Lester who covered the course in 9:41.59.

"I have a great relationship with Bryant," said Blackmer. “I feel I am a mentor for him. He really pushes me in practice. It was nice to race outdoors. It was perfect weather for me."

Led by Blackmer and Lester the Cougars claimed the team title with 125 points followed by Grant who scored 118.

Other individual winners for Vernon Hills were Josh Benson (300 hurdles, 43.18) Purab Arora (discus, 39.35) and Sean Kalu (200, 22.13).

On the final event of the night the Cougars won the 1,600 relay in a time of 3:35.32.

Runner-up Grant got first place efforts from Maxx Haas (800, 2:03.31) and Ayden Sheppard (100 hurdles, 16.66).

The Bulldogs won the 400 relay (44.40) and 800 relay (1:35.22).

Lakes won six events including five field events. The Eagles, who got a first place effort from Payton Whitehead (1,600, 4:25.75) were third with 102 points.

Lakes got titles from Thomas Mercure (high jump, 1.90 meters), Paul Migas (pole vault, 5.13), Mason Crowley (long jump, 6.35), Patrik Dortch (triple jump, 13.07) and Jordan Phelan (shot put, 14.64).

McHenry, fourth with 91 points, won the 3,200 relay with a time of 8:35.17. Libertyville was fifth with a score of 51 points.

Gryaslake North, spearheaded by a win from Cam Bates (100, 11.55), was sixth with 35 points. Crystal Lake South senior Blake Marunde won the 400 in a time of 54.19. The Gators placed seventh with 32 points.

"I finished strong the last 50 meters," said Marunde. “It was cold out there. My goal is to make it to the state finals this year."

Girls meet: Antioch, with five individual first place finishes and two relays, claimed the title with a score of 127.75.

Charlee Kempf won the shot put (10.74) and discus (36.60) while junior Sydney Walker won the high jump (1.54).

"It was nice to get outdoors," said Walker. "I hope to make it to the state finals."

Rosalyn Gonzales won the 3,200 in a time of 11:38.26 and Shyanne Hernandez won the long jump (4.98) while the Sequoits won the 3,200 relay (11:38.26) and 400 relay (50.53).

McHenry behind a double win by Kelly Huerta was second with 122.75 points. Huerta won the 100 (12.60) and 200 (26.09). The Warriors also won the 800 relay in a clocking of 1:49.29.

Lakes was third with a score of 89 points. Madison Twirling won the 1,600 in 5:16.67 and Josie Gates won the pole vault (3.41).

Grant, fourth with 73 points, got first place finishes from Noelle Patrick (100 hurdles, 15.97), Lauryn Francis (400, 1:00.82), Noelle Patrick (300 hurdles, 48.73) and Malia Henriot (triple jump, 9.91). The Bulldogs won the 1,600 relay in 4:27.60.

Vernon Hills, sixth with 57 points, was led by Anna Lester who won the 800 in a time of 2:20.98.