Wheaton North typically strong

Wheaton North boys track coach Don Helberg can always count on a strong performance from his squad in the Red Grange Invitational, held every year across town at Wheaton Warrenville South.

"We really like this meet, and the kids really get excited," Helberg said of the Falcons' annual 20-minute trek south to compete at the massive midseason meet.

Wheaton North's vigor and enthusiasm showed, as the Falcons easily coasted to the victory with a score of 268, 52.5 points more than second-place WW South.

Evanston was third with 184 points, followed by Naperville North (143), Waubonsie Valley (140) and Batavia (134).

"Sprint-wise and hurdle-wise, the kids really did well. That's our strength this year," Helberg said. "Distance kids -did a great job, jumpers really came through for us today. Just a good team effort. That's what this meet is all about."

With the teamwide dedication put in by the Falcons, it's no surprise Helberg felt pleased with all areas.

"Everyone takes it very serious in practice. We really do care a lot about it, because we know how much coach Helberg cares about it," Falcons senior Mike Trumpy said. "Even outside of track, we all are stretching outside, and trying to watch what we eat and stay out of trouble and stuff like that."

Trumpy participated in a pair of 10-point races for the Falcons, posting a 14.73-second time in the 110-meter hurdles after running the second leg of Wheaton North's 400 meter relay victory.

Batavia's performance left coach Dennis Piron feeling quite happy about where his team is heading toward May.

"I'm especially pleased with our team this year. We've got a nice group of kids and a pretty well-balanced group," Piron said. "I'm really happy right now with our quarter-milers."

Batavia's Bai Kabba earned 10 points for the Bulldogs in the 400-meter dash, clocking in at 49.08 seconds.

"All in all, this is a really good group of kids to coach," Piron said. "My senior leaders are fantastic, and for me, it's one of the most satisfying seasons I've had."

Despite dealing with schedule conflicts and illness, Waubonsie Valley coach Kevin Rafferty left Wheaton feeling encouraged.

"We're still putting a couple pieces together," Rafferty said. "We're getting further and further along, so we're pretty happy."

Prospect was seventh with 125.5 points, and Palatine was eighth at 68.5. St. Francis finished 11th, followed by Glenbard West.