Schneider, McGlone shine at Hoffman
When it comes to state medals, Bartlett senior Alyssa Schneider knows a thing or two.
Schneider has won two state medals in track finishing fifth in the 1,600 in 2009, and taking sixth last season. The Hawk senior also took fifth at the Class 3A cross country state meet as a junior.
Schneider is looking to add to her collection next week at the IHSA Class 3A state track meet at Eastern Illinois.
Schneider finished second in the loaded 1,600 (5:03.20), behind Hoffman Estates junior Haley Goers (5:02.20) to secure her spot at the state meet Friday night at the Hoffman Estates sectional.
Schaumburg senior Karen Lesiewicz, the defending Class 3A champion, was scratched from the 1,600 due to a left foot injury, but the event still lived up to its billing with 8 runners advancing to next Fridays preliminaries.
Goers and Schneider separated from the talented pack in the second lap, and the two elite runners didn’t look back.
“I knew it was sectionals and I needed to lay it all out there,” said Schneider who also helped the Hawks qualify in the 3,200 relay (9:24.56). “It’s senior year and I’m feeling faster than ever.”
Senior Megan McGlone came up big for Streamwood taking first in the triple jump (37-00.5); it will mark her third trip to state.
“Now I want to go a bit farther,” said McGlone who hit a personal best mark. “Each time you get one, you want to do a bit better.”
Jordan Tuin became the first state qualifier in girls track for South Elgin. The junior took fourth in the 800 (2:18.89) to secure her spot at state.
“It was hard,” said Tuin who closed with a flourish. “I was in the second pack and I knew I had to get to the first pack if I wanted to make time and I did.”
Host Hoffman Estates won the sectional with 97 points, followed by Schaumburg (79.5 points), Conant (78 points), and Prospect (59 points).
Upstate Eight River division champion Geneva (51.5 points) took fifth place with six individual qualifiers, and St. Charles East (50 points) took sixth place qualifying 5 individuals and 1 relay.
Senior Taylor Wickware led Geneva using a surge in the final lap to win the 800 (2:15.69). Wickware held off a late charge by Schaumburg’s Britten Petrey to nail down the title.
“On the final corner I could tell that she (Petrey) was there, and I was just trying to keep my form,” said Wickware of her final burst. “We’ve had so many people step up and it was a great night for the team.”
Senior Liza Tauschner (3,200), Erin Kluck (pole vault), and Kailie Briza (long jump) also qualified for the Vikings.
Senior Tess Ehrhardt (5:14.41) and Rachel Hammond (5:15.24) also qualified Geneva finishing 6-8 in the 1,600.
Annie Martinez came up big for St. Charles East, the 5-foot-1 junior used a strong finished to take second in the 300 low hurdles (46.19).
Martinez spun out of the final curve, using burst in the final straight away to nail down her spot at state.
“Last year my start was better, but this year it has kind of switched,” said Martinez of her finish.
Sophomore Brittany Williams (59.7) was nipped at the finish by Bartlett senior Julie Cronin (58.96), taking second in the 400 for the Saints. Kelsey Gentry used a lean at the tape to secure third and qualify in the 100 (12.44).
Also qualifying for St. Charles East was Sydney Stuenkel (5:13.49) in the 1,600, and Laney Deckrow took first in the high jump (5-0).
The Saints closed their day with an impressive second place finish in the 1,600 (4:03.13).
Bartlett had three individuals qualify and also hit in the 3,200 relay. Senior Julie Cronin used a late push to win the 400, and junior Katie Lausen took an impressive second in the shot put (41-2).
“I went against some pretty good throwers today and I’m feeling really confident,” said Lausen who hit her state qualifying mark on her first throw in the finals. “It was really exciting.”
Meridith Beird continued a stellar season by taking first in the pole vault (11-0) and qualifying for St. Charles North.