Lombardino, Grant on track for big finish
CHARLESTON — It was easy to understand why Grant junior Brandon Lombardino had the look of a very relieved Bulldog after the Class 3A discus prelims at the state track and field championships at O’Brien Field on the campus of Eastern Illinois University.
As the top seed in the event, and one of the top throwers in the state so far this spring, Lombardino was mired in a throwing slump and needed a big throw to get him into Saturday’s finals. On his last throw, he came up with one. While the throw was modest by Lombardino’s standards, the toss of 168-3 was good for third out of prelims and a spot in the finals.
“I think I was a little more nervous today compared to last year because I expected to do something this year,” said Lombardino, who placed fifth a year ago. “I know what I need to get better at, so I will be ready for tomorrow.”
Lombardino and the Bulldogs continued their terrific season by qualifying every competitor from the prelims into the finals.
Senior Sean Wells made a statement in the hurdles events, qualifying comfortably in both. The Grand Valley State-bound Wells finished second in his heat in the 110 high hurdles (14.40) but his time was third-best among all competitors. He then took down one more hurdling record by winning his heat in the 300 hurdles in a blazing 38.09. That takes down the Grant record set by Eric Horvath in 2005.
“I think my adrenaline was going so high in the 300 hurdles that I short-stepped the first hurdle,” Wells said. “I can’t wait to race tomorrow against the best. That’s what it’s all about.”
Wells’ brother Jonathan wasted little time qualifying for his first finals in the high jump. He needed to clear 6-foot-5 and did so with little trouble, earning his first shot at a medal.
Libertyville had several newcomers at state, but they performed more like veterans. Junior Matt Dziedzic qualified for the finals of the shot put with a toss of 56-4.75 and senior Easton Huch earned a finals berth in the mile by running 4:16.21. AJ Wilson and Shane Reilly ran in the prelims for the Wildcats in the 300 hurdles and mile, respectively.
A senior that is no stranger to racing for a medal is Lake Zurich’s Pat Juras. He placed ninth in the 1,600 a year ago, and has a much bigger and more brightly colored medal in his sights this time.
In the prelims of the hotly contested 1,600, Juras raced to a second-place finish in in 4:14.23.
“It wasn’t as important for me today to win the heat as it was to run a good time,” the MIT- bound Juras said. “It was a bit warmer than I liked too, but I got through it and am looking forward to tomorrow.”
Juras’ teammates competed in the 3,200 relay and the 1,600 relay. The 3,200 team of William Llanos, Alex Milner, Jared Ripoli and Trevor Kuehr ran 8:19.31. The 1,600-relay team of Jon Ramirez, Mike Rantis, David Smith, and Chris Rantis ran 3:25.22. Mike Rantis also raced in the 400 for the Bears.
The hot weather was just the type of conditions that Round Lake senior Antonio Farley was built to race in. At least, that’s what coach Kevin Brady said.
Farley took control of his heat of the 400 early and cruised to a state-best 47.95 and the top spot in Saturday’s finals.
“I came down here wanting to run in the 48’s,” Farley said. “But my coach told me that these conditions were perfect for me. Guess I need to adjust my goals now.”
The goal structure for Grayslake Central was simple even before the season began. The Rams had a state trophy in their plans and after Friday’s performances in the Class 2A prelims, Central is in prime position to get one.
Outstanding senior distance standouts Will Brewster and Luke Zygmunt did their jobs by earning finals spots in both their races. The Illinois-bound Brewster ran under the state record in his 1,600-meter prelims, ultimately finishing second to new state record holder Jamison Dale of Chicago Jones (4:18.31). Zygmunt ran 4:22.71 in his heat in the mile and earned a finals spot.
“I knew that with 300 meters left I was comfortably in the finals,” Brewster said. “I have a lot more work to do.”
Senior Joel Valdivia made quick work of the shot, tossing it 56-1.5 to set a school record and earn a state finals berth. The most surprising part of the day came later when the 800 relay team of Jourdan Swopes, Matt Weatherhead, Kacey Adams, and Davonta Jennings qualified in 1:30.15.
Lakes had its best state meet prelim day in its history, earning three qualifiers for the finals. Senior Trevor Ray set a school mark in the 400, running 49.82. Troy Swindel cleared the necessary 6-2 in the high jump and Ty Summers tossed the shot 51-2 to make the shot put finals.
Carmel qualified its 1,600-relay team with an impressive 3:24.43 clocking, Christian Horcher, J.P. Blaida, Jordan Yancey and Jack Schoen made up the Corsairs relay.
Warren competed in the 1,600 and 3,200 relays. Parker Deloye, Danny Gardiner, Tommy Barnes, Michael Dolan and James Vestuto of Stevenson competed individually for the Patriots. Grayslake North raced in a pair of relays (400 and 800) and Ben Guhl competed in the discus for the Knights.
Chris Bednarski of Wauconda and Brendan Zawaski of Carmel competed in the Class 2A long jump.