Boys track and field: Lake Zurich’s Libby, Lakes’ Mercure cap careers in style
CHARLESTON — Lake Zurich’s Cameron Libby saved his last performance to be grouped among one of the best races of his career at Eastern Illinois University’s O’Brien Field on Saturday afternoon.
The Indiana recruit battled tough throughout a tough 1,600-meter field in the Class 3A state track and field meet. Libby came short of his goal, but he happily settled for second place with a time of 4:11.93.
“I feel great,” Libby said. “Every kid wants to win it, especially after seeded first after prelims. I was on top of the world, but that’s why we run the races and seeds don’t matter at the end of the day. I wasn’t able to pull it off. I lost to Downers Grove North Philip Cupial, so I can’t be upset. He’s a phenomenal athlete and a great person. It was great competition.
“My coaches and family deserve all the credit. I wouldn’t be here without my mom. I’m really happy with the way my high school career went.”
Fremd junior Jack Jennings was satisfied with his performance in a strong 3,200-meter field. Jennings relied on a strong finish to take second place in a time of 9:00.47.
“This is the best race I’ve had,” Jennings said. “I ran good. I expected to be little off because the pace was little slower, like a time trail. I was patient, just staying behind guys. I maybe was little too patient. I was a little off, but I feel very good about my race.”
Lakes senior William Mercure added another milestone to the program’s growing pole vault state history, helped by former three-time state champion Paul Migas. Mercure leaped into second place in the pole vault (4.85 meters).
“It feels great to get second,” Mercure said. “Obviously, I wanted first, but a great athlete got it. I did my best. I had fun out here today. I was two centimeters under a PR, so it was a great day. I’m lucky to have more opportunities next year.”
Barrington finished with six points, sparked by a sixth-place run by the 400 relay team (41.74), while Adam Lyon took eighth in the 400 (48.94). Glenbrook North’s Joshua Dapin placed fourth in the long jump (6.93 meters), and Glenbrook South’s Phoenix Bodino earned third in the pole vault (4.75) and Junior Lopez placed seventh in the 800 (1:55.68). Grayslake Central picked up a sixth-place showing from Ken-Ye Pendleton Jr. in the 100 (10.76).
Hersey’s top showing came via the 3,200 relay, which finished in second place in a time of 7:44.22. Palatine’s Eliaz Egbe finished in fifth in the discus (52.70). Prospect placed in four events, fueled by Jack Kruger’s sixth place in the pole vault (4.55). Rolling Meadows had a seventh-place effort by Armen Lepuzanovic in the long jump (6.90).