Thomas leads Schaumburg to league title

Schaumburg senior Shandall Thomas put Schaumburg's boys track and field team in the fast lane on Saturday at the Jim Nagle MSL indoor meet.

Thomas, who earned three state medals last season, including a state title in the 800 relay, showed he is ready for more this season.

Thomas took first in the 55-meter dash (6.35) and 200 (22.37), and combined with sophomore Danny Galovich, senior Jarman McMillon, and senior Jack Wagner to take first in the 800 relay (1:34.41), propelling Schaumburg to the title with 70 points at North Central College in Naperville.

"He (Thomas) obviously carried the team today," said Schaumburg coach Ryan Senica, whose team captured the title after finishing third last year and second in 2013. "You always want to go for first and it definitely gives the team a big confidence boost."

Palatine kept things close taking second with 68 points with Prospect (57 points) nipping Barrington (56) for third, followed by Hoffman Estates (47).

Thomas had a fantastic finish to last season, taking fourth in the 100 dash and adding a seventh-place finish in the 200 dash. He also teamed with McMillon, Tom Ciupka and Stacey Smith to capture the state title in the 800 relay.

The Saxons senior kept it going on Saturday holding off Barrington senior Scotty Miller in both the 55 dash and 200.

"I'm super excited," said Thomas. "It definitely gives me a big boost - I've been running against Miller for three years and we definitely push each other. Last year he got me twice at this meet, so it felt good to get the victories today. I feel like I'm ready for anything this year."

Sophomore Dakari Ferguson took first in the high jump (6-01) and senior Eloubaju Halleluyah added a first-place finish in the shot put (51-07.5) for the Saxons.

Palatine kept things interesting with senior Rob Fekete winning the 55 high hurdles (7.82). Senior Jake LaRocca had a big day, clearing 15-0 to take first in the pole vault, and junior Nick Sabado won the long jump (21-03).

Senior Mike Anderson, senior Greg Suarez, junior Luke Fillipe and junior Teddy Eckhardt combined to lead Prospect to a comfortable first-place finish in the 3,200 relay (8:02.62).

The Knights then closed on a high note with junior Matt Cozine combining with Suarez, Eckhardt, and Fillipe combining to take first in the 1,600 relay (3:34.58) holding off a hard charge by Barrington (3:34.89).

Miller earned three state medals last season for Barrington including taking third in the 100 dash and fourth in the 200 dash. On Saturday the Broncos senior just missed a pair of victories, finishing second to Thomas in the 55 dash (6.36) and 200 (22.46).

"He got me at the line but they were both great races," said Miller of his duel with Thomas. "This year I want to break through and get to the top of that podium."

Barrington senior Konrad Eiring also had a big day for the Broncos, cruising to a first-place finish in the 800 (1:56.76).

"I'm feeling good and I'm feeling healthy," said Eiring of his comfortable 800 victory. "I was looking to go a bit lower, but overall I'm happy with my time today."

Conant senior Zach Dale also was in high gear on Saturday. The Cougars senior finished second at the Class 3A cross country meet in the fall and didn't miss a beat in securing first place in the 1,600 with an impressive 4:14.11 on Saturday.

Dale jumped out to an early lead and was never challenged.

"I still have a lot of work to do, but I'm happy with where I'm at now," said Dale.

Buffalo Grove junior Kevin Salvano took fifth at the Class 3A state cross country meet and showed on Saturday he's ready for a big spring.

Salvano battled Palatine senior Graham Brown before pulling away in the final 250 meters to take first in the 3,200 (9:10.05).

"I've been looking to hit that time all season," said Salvano of his mark that was helped by his late surge. "I just wanted to give it my all at the end."

Elk Grove's Paul Ifianayi earned a seventh-place state medal in the 400 as a sophomore but was slowed by hip injury last season. But the Elk Grove senior was back in form Saturday, cruising to a win in the 400 (50.68).

"I'm really motivated this year," said Ifianayi. "I'm feeling great and I'm looking to do my best this year."

Hersey senior Cole Monckton gave the Huskies a first-place finish in the triple jump (42-10).