Scouting Cook County girls track sectionals
What to know: Top two finishers in each event, including relays, from each sectional and those surpassing qualifying standards advance to the state meet in Charleston on May 21-22.
Class 3A
At Niles West
When: Today - field events at 3 p.m, running event prelims at 3:45 p.m., and track finals at 4:45 p.m.
Who: Hersey, Prospect, and Maine West will be competing in the 16 team field.
Individuals to Watch: Prospect seniors Emily Salzman, Kasey Krum and Jeannette Wochinski form a solid core in the 3,200-meter relay, which it has medaled at state in the last four seasons. Senior Annette White and freshman Brooke Wolfe will also key the Knights in the 3,200 and 1,600. Junior Samantha Sturm (shot put/discus) and Grace Gruendel (pole vault) also look strong for the Knights. Hersey's Hali Scott has been consistent in the triple jump with Dana Markech and Domenica Giancola looking strong in the 100 high hurdles. Mahnker Dahnwein has come on strong in the discus for the Huskies. Keep an eye on their 400 and 3,200 relays.
At Palatine
When: Friday - field events at 4:30 p.m, running events at 5 p.m, and track finals at 6:15 p.m.
Who: Palatine will be joined by Mid-Suburban League members Barrington, Buffalo Grove, Fremd and Wheeling in the 15-team field.
Individuals to watch: Senior Ruth Allen sets the tone for MSL champion Palatine and is coming off a victory in the 800. Juniors Morgan Quinnett, Valere Guertin, Meghan Flanagan and sophomore Laura Schweikert pace the Pirates' sprint relays. Freshman Meg Jump (triple jump) has been very consistent and the Pirates are looking to qualify all four relays. Jorie Frey (400) and Anna Etherington (pole vault) both won MSL titles and were state medalists last year. Ashley Fullerton (high jump) and Kelsey Onesto (300 hurdles) power Fremd. Wheeling freshman Syndey Keith was third in the 100 in the MSL and will power its sprint relays.
At Bartlett
Where: Millennium Field, Streamwood High School
When: Friday - starting at 4 p.m.
Who: Conant, Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg, and Elk Grove will be participating in the 15-team field.
Individuals to Watch: Hoffman junior Precious Ogunleye won the MSL shot put and discus and helped the Hawks take second. Emily D'Amico and Sharron Jones power the sprint crew, while Melissa Schmidt and Haley Goers anchor the distance events for the deep Hawks. Karen Lesiewicz is coming off an impressive 1,600 MSL title and will lead Schaumburg. Senior Nora Ferguson, and juniors Britten Petrey, Colette Falsey, Jordan Wagner power a potent 3,200 relay for the Saxons. Conant junior Sarah Gorden is coming off a pair of MSL hurdles victories. Josie Hutch is a threat in the long jump and 100 high hurdles, and the Cougars sprint relays have been strong all season.
Class 2A
At Richmond-Burton
When: Friday - starting at 4 p.m.
Who: St. Viator is in the 16-team field.
Individuals to Watch: Freshman Hanna Winter finished fifth at the East Suburban Catholic Conference meet in the 3,200 for St. Viator. The Lions also took second in the 3,200 relay at the ESCC meet.