Plenty from DuPage County in the running
CHARLESTON - McKinzie Schulz survived a gauntlet of fierce competitors Friday afternoon at the Class 3A girls state track and field championship at Eastern Illinois University's O'Brien Stadium.
West Chicago training partner Annette Eichenberger denied the defending Benet state champion at 800 meters, and Schulz was one of five athletes to break five minutes in a brilliant 1,600-meter field.
"I was kind of disappointed," the Notre Dame-bound Schulz said after failing to win either of her heats. "I wasn't thinking time today, more place."
In the large-school division of the three-class tournament, the talent in the area was firmly showcased as a combined 45 individuals and relay teams earned state finals berths. Hinsdale Central, behind its dominant sprint relays, leads all schools with nine finalists.
But the Red Devils will have plenty of competition in the relays alone; Waubonsie Valley, with sophomore sensation Morolake Akinosun and four-event qualifier Da'sha Patton leading the way, countered with finals entries. Benet and Glenbard West duplicated the Warriors' output, and there are several other top contenders for elite status.
Akinosun barreled past four runners on the anchor leg of the Warriors' 400-meter relay to garner a top seed. The sophomore is also a leading threat in the 100 and 200 dashes.
"I still feel like (the 100) is anybody's race to win," Akinosu said after posting a blistering 11.94 seconds. "I see someone in front of me (in the relays) and I try to catch them. I am starting to think that my mind controls my feet."
Cherise Porter, on the other hand, could be the wild card at 200 meters. The Willowbrook sophomore remained undefeated on the season at the distance with the fastest preliminary time. Porter was further aided by the disqualification of top-seeded 100-meter runner Aaliyah Brown; the Lincoln-Way East prized freshman false started.
"My key (in the 200) was to get of the blocks early," Porter said. "For the (last) 100 meters give it my all."
Eichenberger, meanwhile, became the first West Chicago athlete in program history to earn a third consecutive finals berth in the same event. Sixth as a sophomore and third last year at 800 meters, the Air Force Academy recruit was virtually incredulous at stopping Schulz.
"I've never beaten her, never," Eichenberger said. "Not in the (AAU) steeplechase, in the mile, in the 800. She is like my idol. I feel like I have to work 10 times harder just to stay where I am."
The two West Suburban divisions flexed their considerable muscle in advancing a slew of athletes.
"This is the best team we've ever had," said Hinsdale Central sprinter Kayla Schwarz, who helped three relay squads to top times, including a diabolically quick 1:39.96 at 800 meters.
Glenbard West senior Sarah Udelhofen is in the potent mix at high jump; the event also features fellow sectional aces Amanda Rafidia (Lake Park) and Rachel Cagnina (Glenbard North).
"It's probably going to take 5-feet-8 or 5-9 to win it," Udelhofen said.
Willowbrook freshman Colleen Krawczyowski leads three area athletes in the long jump, including three-event finalist Kathryn Pickett of Glenbard West.
The triple jump has four local finalists, with the pole vault and discus yielding three apiece. Glenbard East sophomore Lindsey Rakosnik posted the second-fastest time in her repeat bid for all-state at 400 meters.
In Class 2A competition Glenbard South anchor Kim Iacobazzi revived the Raiders' hope for defending their 1,600-meter relay state championship with a pulsating final leg.
"I knew we had to do it," Iacobazzi said. "(Otherwise) it's my last race of my high school career, why not?"
St. Francis' Kelly McShea earned two finals bids, and the high jump features the Spartans' Katy Garcia, Montini senior Liz Graczyk and Fenton sophomore Taylor Schaub.