Girls track: Scouting the Mid-Suburban League
Mid-Suburban East
Buffalo Grove
Coach: Steve Gibble (30 years)
Last year: 8th in MSL
2009 state qualifiers: Olivia Jones (9th place 3,200, 10th place 1600), Nicole LaMantia (triple jump), and Erin McGrath (800)
Key losses: Nicole LaMantia, Erin McGrath
Top returnees: Seniors Lillie Blackmon (sprints), Linda Dunne (jumps, sprints); juniors Katya Urbanovich (sprints); sophomores Olivia Jones (distance), Erin Thrasher (sprints).
Promising newcomers: Freshman Carly Cheever (sprints, jumps), Niki Salzman (sprints).
Outlook: Jones finished 12th in Class 3A for cross country and is a threat in both the 1,600 and 3,200. "We have several outstanding athletes returning who will lead by example. Hopefully we can develop as a team and become competitive in the MSL," said coach Gibble.
Elk Grove
Coach: Dave Johnson (3rd year)
Last year: 12th in MSL.
2009 state qualifiers: Gina Erbacci (3,200)
Key losses: Gina Erbacci (Point Loma)
Top returnees: Seniors Stefanie Kist (sprints), Lindsay O'Malley (sprints), Sarah Whitchurch (distance), Rina Patel (distance), Krishna Patel (distance); juniors Amanda Clapp (sprints), Emily Sloat (sprints), Maggie Fries (sprints); sophomore Kalene Pfister (sprints).
Promising newcomers: Sophomore Vivien Tran (sprints), Tori Duce (distance); freshman Becca Siwicki (sprints), Abby Brandt (distance), Jackie Wimmer (distance).
Outlook: Johnson is optimistic about the distance crew led by Whitchurch. Rina and Krishna Patel will also be in the mix for in the distance. Clapp and Pfister will be looking to add points in the jumps and will also participate in the sprint relays. Sloat and O'Malley add depth to the sprint relays.
Hersey
Coach: Jim Miks (7th year)
Last year: 9th in MSL
2009 state qualifiers: Tia Roberson (100 dash), Salena Clohisy (3,200), Megan Gojney (1,600); 400 relay
Key losses: Megan Gojney (University Illinois Chicago), Paige Scott
Top returnees: Seniors Domenica Giancola (hurdles), Ashley Martin (distance), Sarah Reynolds (distance), Mahnkar Dahnwein (throws); juniors Dana Markech (hurdles), Danielle Perkins (sprints), Tia Roberson (sprints), Laura Kempf (sprints), Michaela Dwyer (sprints), Salena Clohisy (distance), Riley Wade (distance); sophomore Katie Croak (sprints)
Promising newcomers: Sarah Dospod (distance), Erica Hill (high jump), Carolyn Crost (throws), Maggie Hogan (throws)
Outlook: Martin finished ninth in Class 3A for cross country and leads a talented distance crew. Roberson is one of the top sprinters in the MSL and joins Perkins, Kempf, and Croak in forming solid sprint relays. Giancola is a threat in the hurdles. "We have a balanced team and can't wait to get outside," added Miks of the Huskies attack.
Prospect
Coach: Dave Wurster (26th year)
Last year: 5th in the MSL, Loyola sectional champion
2009 state qualifiers: Samantha Sturm (8th in shot put, discus), Christie Kollias (pole vault), Erin Ward (pole vault), Emily Gruendel (shot put), Kasey Krum (800), Annette White (1,600, 3,200), 3,200 relay (7th place)
Key losses: Erin Ward, Emily Gruendel, Christie Kollias, Joanna Stawarz, Rachel Heiden, Allison Walsh, Maura Benson
Top returnees: Seniors Emily Salzman (mid-dist), Kasey Krum (mid-dist.), Annette White (distance), Amy Abdnor (mid-distance, hurdles), Beata Fiszer (sprints, triple jump), Jeanette Wochinski (mid dist, distance); juniors Samantha Sturm (throws), Savannah Snead (mid-dist, distance), Grace Gruendel (pole vault), Kiley Shelley (sprints), Kelly Villano (jumps), Katie Bialas (sprints, jumps); sophomores Laura Maibuecher (distance), Maggie Partridge (mid-dist.), Abby Banna (sprints, jumps)
Promising newcomers: Junior Allie Travis (mid-dist., distance); freshman Brooke Wolfe (distance), Bailey McGuire (jumps, pole vault), Lauren Yearian (jumps), Allie Travis (mid-dist, distance)
Outlook: The Knights strength lies in the distance group. Abdnor, Krum, Salzman, and Wochinski all have state experience helping the Knights to a 7th place finish in the 3,200 relay last year. Snead has a foot fracture and will likely miss the season, she was a key member of the 3,200 relay last season. White and Wolfe will be threats in the 1,600 and 3,200. Gruendel and Sturm will provide points for the Knights in the field events.
Rolling Meadows
Coach: Mike Naymola (3rd year)
Last year: 11th in MSL
2009 state qualifiers: Amanda Whowell (1,600); Christina Gastfield (10th in the 3,200)
Key losses: Amanda Whowell (distance), Michelle Mayer (sprints), Katryna Manoli (pole vault)
Key returnees: Juniors: Christina Gastfield (distance), Rebecca Zych (distance), Bridget Collins (jumps, sprints), Colleen Vrshek (distance), Kayla Davis (throws), Adrianna Kondillis (sprints), Isabelle Growmow (sprints); sophomore Ashley Miller (distance)
Promising newcomers: Freshmen Morgan Keller (throws), Melissa Whowell (distance), Bailey Banger (sprints, pole vault)
Outlook: Gastfield is coming off a spectacular second-place finish in Class 3A for cross country, and the junior is hoping to pick up where she left off last fall. Zych, Miller, Whowell, and Vrshek will power the Mustangs in the 3,200 relay. Keep an eye on freshman thrower Morgan Keller.
Wheeling
Coach: Mike Theodosakis (5th year)
Last year: 10th in MSL
2009 state qualifiers: 400 relay
Key losses: Olivia Semeria (Illinois Wesleyan), Lori Felix, Chrissie Robillard, Michelle Chong
Top returnees: Seniors Amber Wentzloff (sprints), Amber Hackney (sprints), Erin Schnanaberger (sprints), Angela Tichelbaut (sprints, jumps), Amy Burke (pole vault, hurdles), Katie Anderson (distance), Tonya Leu (throws); juniors: Yessenia Munoz (distance); sophomores Kim Voltaire (sprints), Mayra Ocampo (sprints), Colleen Creech-Woolcott (hurdles, sprints), Dee Hanna (sprints, jumps), Yvette Hernandez (distance)
Promising newcomers: Junior Katie Crouch (sprints); sophomore Alex Cowan (throws); freshman Sydney Keith (sprints, jumps), Eva Poznanski (jumps), Brie Majkowski (throws), Rocio Gutierrez (sprints, jumps), Maria Castillo (sprints), Justine Bowes (distance), Angela Reinhart (sprints), Kara Browall (sprints), Nicole Tinetti (throws), Jessica Zuba (throws, sprints), Maddy Hennessy (sprints, throws)
Outlook: Wentzloff, Felix, and Hackney are back from the 400 relay that qualified for state last season. The Wildcats once again look strong in the sprints, with the distance squad make progress. Theodosakis is hoping to have the team jell and make strong push in May.
MID-SUBURBAN WEST
Barrington
Coach: Jody Gitelis (24th year)
Last year: 3rd in MSL
2009 state qualifiers: Rebecca Tracy (1,600 state champion), Jorie Frey (4th in the 400), Anna Etherington (7th in pole vault), Robin Bingham (discus), Lela DiMonte (discus), Maureen Doyle (high jump), Jenny Schnack (200), Elizabeth Tracy (3,200), 400 relay, 1,600 relay, 3,200 relay
Key losses: Rebecca Tracy (Notre Dame), Robin Bingham (Harper), Jayne Jaderholm (Wheaton), Lela DiMonte, Jenny Schnack, Maureen Doyle, Amy Madden
Top returnees: Seniors Sarah Bach (jumps, sprints, hurdles), Anna Etherington (pole vault), Jorie Frey (sprints, jumps), Emily Rebmann (jumps); junior Amy Johnson (jumps); sophomores Alexa Argiannas (mid-distance), Nicole Collins (sprints, jumps), Melissa Madden (sprints, hurdles), Kaila Privatsky (distance), Elizabeth Tracy (distance)
Promising newcomers: Sophomores Caroline Carley (distance), Ally Mclaughlin (sprints); freshman Becca Batliner (distance), Charlotte Gravesen (sprints), Nicole Amato (jumps, sprints).
Outlook: Frey is one of the top 400 runners in the state and will also contribute in the long jump. Etherington holds the school record in the pole vault (12-0) and will contend for a high finish at state. The Fillies have plenty of depth this season and Gitelis will have her team ready come May.
Conant
Coach: Bob Borczak (9th year)
Last year: 6th in the MSL
2009 state qualifiers: Sarah Gorden (5th in 300 low hurdles), Angela Herrmann (100), Kalli Dalton (1,600), Jenna Verity (discus), 400 relay, 800 relay
Key losses: Kalli Dalton (Mississippi State), Megan Hodgson, Brooke Fairbanks, Joelle Lein
Top returnees: Senior Josie Hutch (hurdles, jumps), Caitlin Reid (pole vault), Connie Leberis (throws); junior Sarah Gorden (hurdles, relays), Taylor Graham (sprints), Allison Gallo (sprints), Tina Tortorici (sprints), Jessica Przyby (throws), Aushia Stump (throws); sophomore Angela Herrmann (sprints)
Promising newcomers: Senior Becky Sulentic (mid-distance), Angela Romozzi (sprints); junior Tara Goehrke (hurdles, sprints); sophomores Maya Lane (sprints), Jessica Giannini (hurdles, sprints), Michelle Smith (hurdles, jumps); freshman Mollie Dalton (distance), Addie Droessler (jumps), Allie Wright (jumps)
Outlook: Gorden established herself in 2009 and is one of the top 300 low hurdlers in state. Hutch is also solid in the high hurdles. Herrmann and Gallo will lead the Cougars in the sprints. The sprint relays look strong with plenty of depth.
Fremd
Coach: Hali Henderson (3rd year)
Last year: 4th in MSL
2009 state qualifiers: Bizzy Mellado (3rd in pole vault), Jamie Notaro (6th in long jump), 3,200 relay
Key losses: Jamie Notaro, Bizzy Mellado, Roxanne Miller, Alexis McAdams
Top returnees: Senior Ashley Fullerton (jumps, sprints, hurdles); juniors Stephanie Resis (distance), Emi Sudo (distance), Nickolette McKenzie (sprints), Kelsey Onesto (sprints, hurdles)
Promising newcomers: Sophomores Ida Crawford (long jump, sprinters), Taryn Lempa (sprints, hurdles); freshman Kelly Breen (distance), Bridget Dincher (distance)
Outlook: Henderson is quietly building a solid program and the Vikings are looking to reload after losing a handful of state qualifiers. Fullerton has experience in the high jump and Sudo had a strong cross country season. "The girls have been working hard during the indoor season and we expect this to pay off come outdoor season," added Henderson.
Hoffman Estates
Coach: Dan Anderson (5th year)
Last year: 2nd in MSL, Streamwood sectional title
2009 state qualifiers: Precious Ogunleye (7th in shot put, 12th in discus), Melissa Schmidt (3,200, 1,600), Emily D'Amico (100), Cairesse Ayers (200), Simone Hawkins (long jump), Jada Stotts (long jump), 400 relay, 800 relay
Key losses: Katie D'Amico, Gaby Duenas (Eastern Illinois), Jada Stotts, Simone Hawkins
Top returnees: Senior Sharron Jones (sprints), Melissa Schmidt (distance), Hannah Worman (distance), Kristy Hisey (jumps); juniors Precious Ogunleye (throws); sophomore Emily D'Amico (sprints), Haley Goers (distance)
Promising newcomers: Sophomore Ali Englehardt (jumps); freshman Crystal Zick (sprints), Rachel Flach (distance), Destinee Young (throws)
Outlook: Here come the Hawks. Last year Hoffman took second in the MSL then won first sectional title. This year the Hawks are looking to make a bit more noise down at the state meet. Ogunleye took first at the Top Times Indoor Meet last weekend, the junior is primed for a big season. D'Amico and Jones will lead a strong sprint crew and Schmidt and Goers headline the distance crew. Hisey will also be a threat in the high jump. Hoffman will challenge for the conference title and will make a dent at the state meet. A very balanced and dangerous team.
Palatine
Coach: Steve Currins (36th year)
Last year: Tied for 2nd in Class 3A, Palatine sectional champion, MSL champion
2009 state qualifiers: Martha Shepard (state champion shot put), Katie MacFabe (4th in discus), Lauren Orris (4th in shot put, 5th in discus), Ruth Allen (4th in 800), 3,200 relay( second place, Kristal Pitts, Ruth Allen, Sarah McIntosh, Becca Sund), Sarah McIntosh (3,200, 1,600), Becca Sund (1,600), 400 relay, 800 relay, 1,600 relay
Key losses: Martha Shepard (Illinois State), Katie MacFabe (Depaul), Lauren Orris (Azuza Pacific), Kristal Pitts (Judson), Tory Wright (Illinois State)
Top returnees: Senior Ruth Allen (distance), Johanna Dibuz (800), Robin Anderson (jumps, hurdles), Angie Gonzalez (jumps), Deviin Mabry (throws), Brittany Walls (throws); juniors Courtney Brown (distance), Sarah McIntosh (distance), Becca Sund (distance), Meghan Flanagan (hurdles, pole vault), Valere Guertin (jumps, sprints), Morgan Quinnett (hurdles, sprints), Jessica DelRe (throws); Sophomores Laura Schweikert (sprints), Emily Schulte (distance)
Promising newcomers: Junior Rebecca Korus (jumps, sprints); freshman Tess Wasowicz (distance), Meg Jump (jumps, sprints), Taylor Tenca (jumps, sprints), Taylor Fricano (jumps, sprints), Megan O'Brien (throws)
Outlook: Palatine once again looks loaded and is early favorite to capture the MSL title. McIntosh, Allen, and Sund are back for another run at the 3,200 relay title and three were instrumental in the Pirates state title run in cross country. Allen is also a threat in the 800. Schweikert opened plenty of eyes last season and combines with Quinnett, Guertin, and Flanagan on the sprint relays. The Pirates lost a lot in the throws, but should be balanced in the field events. "We are well aware that we will need to keep improving in the always tough MSL," said Currins.
Schaumburg
Coach: Jon Macnider (1st year)
Last year: 7th in MSL
2009 state qualifiers: Karen Lesiewicz ( 2nd in the 800), Britten Petrey (6th in the 1,600), 1,600 relay, 3,200 relay
Key losses: Emily Kondras, Janet Franco (Harper)
Top returnees: Senior Nora Ferguson (distance), Ashley Kemp (jumps, sprints), Jessica Lucas (hurdles), Alyssa Poniatowski (throws); juniors Debra Eluobaju (throws), Emily Langlotz (sprints), Karen Lesiewicz (distance), Britten Petrey (distance), Jordan Wagner (sprints); sophomore Lauren Lindgren (sprints), Kiyomi Mino (sprints)
Promising newcomers: Junior Colette Falsey (distance), Bailey McNamara (sprints), Lizzie Tapia (distance); sophomores Whitney Grossman (jumps, sprints), Grace Haerr (distance).
Outlook: Falsey, Ferguson, Lesiewicz, and Petrey set a meet record in winning the 3,200 relay at the Top Times Indoor Meet last weekend. The four will be looking to continue their success outdoors. Lesiewicz (800) and Petrey (1,600) give the Saxons a powerful 1-2 punch. Wagner is a threat in the 400. Mike Rebeck who coached Schaumburg for 30 years will be missed, but it should be a smooth transition with Macnider in charge.
Central Suburban North
Maine West
Coach: Joe LeCastro (29th year)
2009 state qualifiers: Shaneese Nelson (shot put)
Key losses: Shaneese Nelson (Northern Michigan), Liz Meier, Shaina Yalda
Top returnees: Senior Heather Foy (distance), Janelle Stolz (throws), Jessica Ley (pole vault), Rachel Gallicho (sprints, hurdles), Karolina Salaiza (sprints); junior Taylor Stephenson (distance), Caitlin Walsh (jumps), Sabina Hedlova (jumps); sophomores Rhianna Krutz (sprints), Alisha Barnaby (throws)
Promising newcomers: Freshman Alexia Prosperi (sprints), Maddi Plantz (sprints)
Outlook: Stolz (shot put) and Stephenson (distance) will lead the Warriors, both have state qualifying aspirations. LeCastro optimistic that young team will make improvement over the course of the season.
East Suburban Catholic
St. Viator
Coach: Jim Milner (1st year)
2009 state qualifiers: Kelly Hendricks
Key losses: Kelly Hendricks, Amanda Kompanowski (Illinois Weslyan)
Top returnees: Juniors Megan Baily (sprints, jumps), Nicole LoVerde (distance), Sara Levenson (distance), Carolyn Hutyra (mid-distance), Marissa Mueller (mid-distance, sprints), Kelli Wosick (mid-distance, hurdles), Stephanie Schatz (throws); sophomores Lara Sladek (sprints, throws)
Promising newcomers: Junior Samantha Hardt (sprints, jumps), freshman Jiana Toben (sprints, jumps), Justice Johnson (sprints), Hanna Winter (mid-distance), Shannon Cooney (mid-distance), Jenny Joyce (distance)
Outlook: A solid group of juniors hopes to guide a young, but deep team. Winter leads a very talented distance group that took 9th place in Class 2A cross country. Milner is hoping team jells by end of season.
West Suburban Gold
Leyden
Coach: Brett Dempsey (1st year)
Last year: 2nd in WSG
2009 state qualifiers: Jaime Johnson (5th in 800), Klaudia Susul ( 100, 400)
Key losses: Jaime Johnson (University of Illinois Chicago), Cheryl Robaczewski (Concordia), Shandi Hammer (Aurora)
Top returnees: Seniors Kladia Susul (sprints, jumps), Jessica Cochiaro (sprints), Marta Korpacz (mid-distance), Anna Perkowski (distance); junior Denise Pourlherg (hurdles)
Top Newcomers: Junior Yarisel Mata (distance), Jenna Urbaniak (sprints); sophomore Christa Pitts (mid-distance), Inez Carrazquillo (throws)
Outlook: The Eagles lost a lot of talent to graduation, but Susul returns to lead the sprint squad. The senior is seeking a return trip to the state meet. Korpacz is also looking strong in the 800. Dempsey is also optimistic about his 3,200 relay squad.