Flannagan claims Wheeling victory

The Libertyville girls cross country team made quite an impression at the Wheeling Invitational at Heritage Park on Saturday.

The Wildcats placed five runners in the top 29 on a hot and sticky morning to win the title with 73 points.

Lake Park (89 points) took second, followed by Barrington (96), Lincoln-Way Central (168), and Buffalo Grove (182).

Lake Park junior Lindsay Flannagan took the lead she would never relinquish in the second mile, winning the individual title in 18:28.

Lincoln-Way Central's freshman Monica Hahn took second, followed by Libertyville's junior Hannah Reilly, Wheeling's senior Amber Stack and Libertyville's freshman Erin Jaffke.

Flannagan paced Lake Park attack as the junior battled the heat before taking control of the race.

"It was really hot but we worked through it," said Flannagan, who continued her standout season. "I didn't think I'd do this well, but it's all about the team, they have my back."

Sophomore Ashley Prochazka finished 13th and junior Juliet Vogel took 18th to aid the Lancers.

Despite finishing second no alarms are going off for the talented Lancers.

"We didn't win, but it's OK," Flannagan said. "We just have to step it up next week and stay focused."

Senior Samantha Learch and junior Rebecca Tracy finished 11th and 12th, leading Barrington to third place.

Barrington won the invitational last year, but the Fillies are still searching a bit for their identity this year.

"We're still trying to jell," Tracy said of the Fillies, who also received a strong run by freshman Colleen Shandley who finished 22nd. "We can't put our finger on it but we seem to be missing on little piece. The good thing is everyone is excited to run."

Sophomore Cari Geyer led Buffalo Grove to fifth with a seventh-place finish, and Erin Cleary added a 26th.

"I'm still really nervous," said Geyer, who has been leading the Bison charge this season. " I went into the race with no expectations and I just want to keep improving."

Amber Stack led host Wheeling (208 points) to sixth place, as the senior ran her final race on her home course. Senior Jenny Giron and junior Rachel Stinebring aided the Wildcats by finishing 17th and 25th.

"I ran a good first and second mile," Stack said. "Now I'm looking to maintain that pace and become more consistent for the final mile."

Freshman Audrey Smith finished 27th, leading Lake Zurich (261 points) to eighth place.

Senior Josifi Erlena took 15th, followed by freshman Christina Gastfield in 19th as Rolling Meadows finished ninth.

Stevenson's Kim Tarnoff edged Lakes senior Rachel Dean and Huntley freshman Haley Loprieno (19:06) for eighth place.

"I tried to stay with the front of the pack," said Tarnoff a state qualifier last season. "I knew if I fell behind I might not catch them, and I wanted to position myself, then surge at different times."

Maine West's Lizzy Meier (19:20) battled back after falling behind early to finish 14th.

"I definitely improve my confidence which help me stay focus for the entire race," Meier said.

St. Viator's Amanda Kompanowski finished 24th.