Girls track and field: Scouting Northwest
MID-SUBURBAN EASTBuffalo Grove Coach: Kendra Hutchinson (First year).
Last year: 11th in MSL.
Key losses: Katie Geraghty, Carmen Bustamante.
Top returnees: Seniors: Mia Inman (jumps); juniors: Kaitlyn Ko (distance), Becca Rabs (sprints), Gabby Sowa (sprints, jumps), Meliza Ott (sprints, jumps), Amanda Kowalski (sprints); sophomore: Sherrielle McNeal (sprints, jumps).
Promising newcomers: Freshmen: Nya Carr (sprints, jumps), Elise Perkins (throws).
Outlook: Ko is looking to have a bounce-back season. The junior was slowed by a knee injury last season, and the recovery stretched into the fall cross country season. But she started to show her all-state form at the end of the fall and has continued to rise this spring, hitting a nice 5:17 in the 1,600 at the MSL indoor championship on Saturday. Rabs is also looking to make her mark, specifically in the 400. Hutchinson is also optimistic about BG's 400 relay, especially with the emergence of Carr. The Bison freshman flashed her speed at the MSL indoor by taking second in the 55 dash. The sprint group has definitely made progress and could provide some excitement for the Bisons this spring.
Elk Grove Coach: Dave Johnson (8th year).
Last year: 12th in MSL.
Key losses: Loredana Lappano (Elmhurst College), Jamie Lankford, Megan Frintner.
Top returnees: Seniors: Becky McDonough (distance), Jacqui Colon (distance), Gretchen Schneider (throws), Inah Enolva (sprints), Hristiiyana Valeva (sprints); juniors: Hannah Olson (distance), Inga Augustaitis (throws), Molly Medlock (sprints), Madi Schumacher (sprints), Mia Picchi (sprints); sophomores: Emily Stegmeier (distance), Mary Cronin (hurdles), Ava Sewerynski (sprints), Juliana Lappano (sprints).
Promising newcomers: Freshmen Abbey Casey (distance), Claire Glennon (sprints).
Outlook: Elk Grove is looking keep improving in the distance events. Stegmeier and McDonough will lead the charge for the Grenadiers in the 3,200 relay, with Stegmeier also looking to make her mark in the 800 and 1,600. Sewerynski (400) and Cronin (high hurdles) have also shown improvement. Johnson is also optimistic about Elk Grove's sprint relays lowering their times. Augustaitis has shown promise in the throws.
Hersey Coach: Jim Miks (12 years)
Last year: 9th in MSL.
2014 state qualifiers: Kelly Hill (pole vault).
Key losses: Lenna Fotos, Marianna Morales.
Top returnees: Seniors: Kelly Hill (vault, sprints, jumps), Venus Jones (throws), Kristin Jackson (sprints, hurdles), Rachel Fredrick (sprints). Juniors: Paige Pawlis (sprints, jumps); Sophomores: Hailey Bowes (distance), Lilie Rose (distance).
Promising newcomers: Freshman: Barbara Rydzewski (throws), Stephanie Pawlis (sprints, jumps, hurdles).
Outlook: Kelly Hill is a three time defending MSL pole vault champion and is also a three time state qualifier. She is definitely the star of the Huskies attack. Last year Hill cleared a career best 11-0 feet and she will be looking to go higher this season. Hill is also a threat in the jumps. Jones has also flashed potential in the throws . Miks is working on putting together a sprint relay group, Frederick and Paige Pawlis will be key pieces.
Prospect Coach: Pete Wintermute (first year).
Last year: 9th in Class 3A, 2nd in MSL, MSL East champions.
2014 state qualfiers: Christina Santiago (1,600, 3,200), Maya Mason (6th in 100 high hurdles), Erin Reese (state champion discus, 5th in shot put), Catherine Sherwood (6th in triple jump, 9th in long jump), 3,200 relay.
Key losses: Christina Santiago, Erin Reese (Dayton), Maddie Kiepura, Rachel Henk, Tara Stokes.
Top returnees: Seniors: Catherine Sherwood (jumps, sprints), Hannah Getschman (distance); juniors: Maya Mason (hurdles, jumps), Jes Skudlarek (jumps, sprints), Brenda Kendziera (hurdles, sprints), Cassidy Selep (vault, jumps, hurdles, sprints); sophomore: Brooke Wilson (distance).
Promising newcomers: Sophomores: Molly Leeney (distance), Molly Heil (distance); freshmen: Annie Walsh (sprints), Angela Roman (throws).
Outlook: Prospect just missed earning its third consecutive MSL title last season, finishing second to Barrington by 3½ points. The Knights took a hit from graduation, losing Santiago, who holds the school record in the 800, 1,600, and 3,200, and also Reese, who won a state title in discus last season. They also lost head coach Dave Wurster, who retired after 30 successful years. Wintermute takes over the reins, and there is enough returning talent to ease his transition and keep the Knights competitive. Sherwood, who has earned three state medals, will once again pace the Knights in long jump and triple jump. She is the two-time defending MSL champion in both the long and triple jump and will be in contention for a state medal this season. Mason had a break through sophomore season earning a sixth place state medal in the 100 high hurdles, she will also contribute to the Knights sprint relays. Wilson has emerged as one of the top distance runners finishing 24th at the Class 3A state cross country meet in the fall, she is also the defending MSL 3,200 champion. Skudlarek has made her mark in the jumps, with Selep and Kendziera adding points. Prospect is still strong in the field events and their sprint crew is also improving, which should help keep the Knights in contention.
Rolling MeadowsCoach: Kevin Young (3rd year)
Last year: 10th in MSL.
2014 state qualifiers: Vanessa Sanchez (3,200).
Key losses: Vanessa Sanchez (Grand Valley State University), Katie Shewmon.
Top returnees: Seniors: Jordanne Wynter (sprints), Ema Kolb (throws); juniors: Gaby Sanchez (distance), Linnea Jessen (throws), Hannah Mickey (sprints, throws); sophomore: Michelle Nebel (sprints).
Promising newcomers: Freshmen: Macie Robinson (sprints, jumps), Riley Kapanjie (sprints, hurdles), Megan Martin (distance), Natalie Burda (sprints, jumps), Miyah Ruiz (sprints), Marguerite Vassos (throws).
Outlook: Rolling Meadows will look to its veterans to help ease the transition of a large freshman class. Sanchez adds experience and talent to the distance squad. Wynter will add to the sprinting core. Young is optimistic that a talented freshman group will add points.
Wheeling Coach: Tim Nowicki (2nd year)
Last year: 5th in MSL
2014 state qualifiers: Marta Dzundza (800), Ashley Sicard (shot put, discus), 3,200 relay.
Key losses: Marta Dzundza (Wisconsin-Parkside), Ashley Sicard (Northern Illinois), Elizabeth Smith, Jacky Guerrero.
Top returnees: Seniors: Ashley Talken (pole vault), Hailey Dammeier (high jump, mid-distance), Alanah Greenberg (throws), Hannah Dobrowski (throws), Imani Evans (throws), Ana Figueroa (mid-distance), Aurora Mala (mid-distance), Maria Bedoya (mid-distance), Joanna Jachim (sprints), Alexa Laureano (sprints); Juniors: Gloria Wide (throws), Dianna Montesinos (hurdles), Andrea Sennett (sprints, hurdles), AJ Zepada ( hurdles), Katherine Kowalski (sprints); sophomores: Timber Terrell (jumps), Ayana Blair (throws), Hannah DeGraff (sprints, hurdles, jumps).
Promising newcomers: Junior: Michaela Vasey (throws), Sydney Johnson (sprints, jumps), Nansy Velev (sprints, jumps), Yailene Leon (sprints, mid-distance), Jessica Talken (pole vault).
Outlook: There is reason for optimism at Wheeling, last year the Wildcats finished a respectable fifth in the MSL and they return plenty of talent this season to also make a mark. Greenberg leads a wave of throwers that will give Nowicki plenty of options. Greenberg took first in the shot put at the MSL indoor meet and will be seeking a state qualification this year. The Wildcats qualified their 3,200 relay to the state meet for the first time in a decade last season with Dammeier, Mala, and Bedoya returning to help push the charge this season. Laureano is the defending MSL 100 champion and the senior will power the Wildcats' sprinters this season. Dammeier is also a threat in the high jump with Ashley Talken adding points in the pole vault. Nowicki is also looking for the newcomers to contribute for a Wildcat attack that continues to rise.
MID-SUBURBAN WESTBarrington Coach: Jody Gitelis (28th year).
Last year: MSL champion.
2014 state qualifiers: McCall Braun (8th in long jump, 100 high hurdles), Addison Coy (400), Sara-Kate Capel (300 low hurdles), Anna Cossio (300 low hurdles), Rachel Cheever (discus), Brooke Morgan (triple jump), 800 relay, 1,600 relay, 3,200 relay.
Key losses: McCall Braun, Rachel Cheever, Kristin Clarke, Gabby McLaurin, Brooke Morgan.
Top returnees: Seniors: Stephanie Bergren (mid-distance), Lauren Cropsey (sprints, mid-distance), Nina Hodges (sprints); juniors: Sara-Kate Capel (jumps, hurdles, sprints), Anna Cossio (jumps, sprints), Katie Schneider (mid-distance); sophomores: Addison Coy (sprints, hurdles), Kelsey McLaurin (jumps, sprints)
Promising newcomers: Senior: Jada Jones (jumps); freshmen: Niki Barcroft (vault, sprints), Lauren Caffe (sprints, mid-distance), Alexia Chiambas (jumps, sprints), Caitlin Feely (distance), Eleni Fille (sprints), Katie Ketel (jumps, sprints), Jocelyn Long (distance), Julia Piotrowski (hurdles, sprints, mid-distance), Ella Redfern (hurdles, jumps, sprints).
Outlook: Expectations are high for the defending MSL champions. Barrington returns a core group of talented athletes, especially in the sprints, to make a big mark. Hodges is the defending MSL 200 champion and had made an early mark this season by winning a pair of MSL indoor titles in the 55 and 200. She is also a big contributor to the Fillies sprint relays. But it doesn't stop with her. Coy, Capel, Cossio, and McLaurin emerged last season and are the core of the Fillies attack this season. Coy is a special athlete and is ready for a big season. Last year she won the MSL 400 title and will be a threat for a state medal this season. Capel and Cossio went 2-3 in the 300 low hurdles at the MSL meet last season, with Cossio adding points in the high jump. McLaurin is also primed for a breakout season she will combine with Hodges on the sprint relays. The four Fillies give Gitelis plenty of options for the 1,600 relay that is looking for a big mark this season. They combined to win the MSL indoor 1,600 relay in an impressive 3:58.8. The distance crew will get a jolt from freshmen Feely and Long. Fille looked impressive in the sprints at the MSL indoor meet. Barrington will be dangerous with its wealth of sprinters and the Fillies will be favored to win its second consecutive MSL title.
Conant Coach: Bob Borczak (14th year).
Last year: 6th in MSL.
2014 state qualifiers: Tracy Iroegbulem (100 high hurdles), Jennifer Donnell (4th in shot put, 4th in discus), Meicie Bennett (pole vault).
Key losses: Jennifer Donnell (Judson College), Tracy Iroegbulem.
Top returnees: Senior: Michelle Marasigan (distance), Abby Tripp (distance), Ola Urbanski (hurdles, sprints), Joniece Jones (hurdles, sprints); juniors: Natalie Lakomski (distance), Heather Cizek (distance), Rachel McKenzie (sprints, jumps); sophomores: Sydney Davis (distance), Jaemie Bennett (sprints, jumps).
Outlook: Conant will miss the contributions of Donnell, who won a pair of medals in the shot put and discus last season. Borczak will count on his distance squad early. Davis made an early mark by taking second in the 3,200 at the MSL indoor meet. Cizek, Lakomski, and Marasigan will also add to the distance crew. McKenzie offers hope in the sprints. Borczak will look to develop his sprinters and jumpers. The Cougars will build as the season progresses.
Fremd Coach: Jeremy Herriges (First year).
Last year: 7th in MSL.
2014 state qualifiers: Ayako Higuchi (3rd in the 1,600), Katie Escobar (1,600), 3,200 relay ( 8th place medal).
Key losses: Anne Mahoney.
Top returnees: Seniors: Ayako Higuchi (distance), Katie Escobar (distance), Lauren Ciardiello (distance); juniors: Nora Finegan (distance), Grace Korn (long jump); sophomores: Kailyn Bryk (jumps), Cara Ogilvy (sprints), Linda Varela (sprints).
Promising newcomers: Sophomore: Bethany Ekwonwa (sprints), Anayia Veremis (sprints).
Outlook: Fremd's strength is its distance squad. Higuchi had an outstanding season last year, capping it with a third-place medal in the 1,600. She is also a member of the 3,200 relay team that earned an 8th-place medal. Escobar, Ciardiello, and Finegan all return and will combine with Higuchi in pushing the relay this season. Ciardiello and Finegan also are part of the 1,600 relay that has shown promise. Korn and Bryk give the Vikings depth in the jumps. Herriges is excited about the Vikings up-and-coming sprinters. Fremd finished fourth at the MSL indoor meet and is definitely an improved squad.
Hoffman Estates Coach: Kirk Macnider (first year).
Last year: 4th in MSL.
2014 state qualifiers: Banke Oginni ( 3rd in shot put, 9th in discus), Meagen Biddle (1,600), Solome Haile (1,600), 800 relay, 3,200 relay.
Key losses: Banki Oginni (Wisconsin), Solome Haile, Elsabet Haile.
Top returnees: Seniors: Kaylan Williams (sprints), Edyta Kraweic (sprints), Melanie Bliudzius (throws), Alondra Aguirre (distance), Yazmin Nunez (distance); juniors: Meagen Biddle (distance), Reena Prahbu (distance); sophomores: Jessica Hagen (sprints, jumps), Destinee Jackson (sprints).
Promising newcomers: Sophomre: Katie Bonney (distance); freshman: Allison Schrader (distance).
Outlook: Hoffman Estates will miss the contributions of Oginni. The standout thrower earned five state medals during her career. But Macnider has plenty to work with in his first season as head coach including a distance squad that will be powered by Biddle and Aguirre. Biddle is one of the top distance runners in the MSL and will aiming for a state medal this season. Aguirre is also a talented runner that will add to the distance depth. Keep an eye on the 3,200 relay that has the potential for a state medal. Kraweic and Williams return to lead the sprint group that is gearing up for a big 800 relay.
Palatine Coach: Joe Parks (5th year)
Lasts year: 2nd in MSL, West division champions, Lake Zurich sectional champions.
2014 state qualifiers: Kelly O'Brien (2nd in 1,600), Amy Kieliszewski (3,200), Jessica Lincoln (3,200), Cassidy McPherson (800), Caitlin Riedy (300 low hurdles), Megan Thabuteau (triple jump), 400 relay, 1,600 relay, 3,200 relay.
Key losses: Cassidy McPherson (University Chicago), Liz Cox (MIT), Jessica Lincoln (Southern Indiana), Lorana Sarabia.
Top returnees: Seniors: Kara Burton (mid-distance), Amy Kieliszewski (distance), Basiret Iginla (sprints), Ashley Proska (sprints, jumps), Gabbi Heidrich (jumps, relays), Megan Thabuteau (jumps), Caitlin Riedy (hurdles, relays), Megan Beach (distance); juniors: Kelly O'Brien (distance), Sabina Yosif (distance), Sam Lechowicz (distance); sophomore: Corey Rinella (sprints, relays).
Promising newcomers: Sophomores: Kiki Gaiter (throws); freshman: Tiana Henderson (sprints), Ada Sieminski (jumps, relays), Lauryn Simons (distance), Brittany Padden (jumps, sprints).
Outlook: Palatine is a very experience and talented team. O'Brien is one of the top runners in state and has the medals to prove. O'Brien has finished in the top 10 in Class 3A cross country two consecutive years including a third-place finish this past fall. She also earned two state medals in track last spring, including a second place finish in the 1,600. O'Brien is part of the distance crew that finished at the cross country state meet, the team also qualified for the Nike National Race in December. Burton, Kieliszewski, and Beach add depth to the distance squad that finished third in the Class 3A 3,200 relay. Kieliszewski earned a state medal in cross country (22nd place) There is also plenty of experience on the sprint side. Riedy is the defending MSL 300 low hurdle champion and Iginla covers a lot. Proska, Heidrich, and Thabuteau can add points in both the jumps and sprints relays. Parks is also optimistic about the incoming talent that hopes to add to the Pirates attack. Palatine flashed its potential by winning the MSL indoor meet. Barrington may be the MSL favorites but Palatine is a close second.
Schaumburg Coach: Courtney Smith (fourth year).
Last year: 8th in MSL.
2014 state qualifiers: Erin Falsey (800, 1,600), Ali Gutt (3,200), Darniesha Spann (200).
Key losses: Darneisha Spann (Eastern Illinios)
Top returnees: Seniors: Erin Falsey (distance), Ali Gutt (distance), Jada Bethea (throws), Bri Penton (throws); juniors: Nadine Pola (sprints), Enfiniti Kelly (sprints, jumps); sophomores: Valerie Schackelton (sprints), Ellie O'Connell (distance).
Promising newcomers: Sophomore: Maya Bowens (throws); freshmen: Maggy Centeno (sprints), Lauren Kubinksi (distance), Maddy Marasco (distance), Racheal Vaccaro (distance).
Outlook: Schaumburg strength is in its distance. Ali Gutt made all-state in cross country helping the Saxons finish sixth in the Class 3A. Gutt is definitely a gamer and will provide a spark in the 3,200 or 1,600. Falsey also will contribute the Saxons attack, she one of the top returning 800 runners in the MSL. O'Connell and Kubinski add depth to the distance. Kelly will anchor the sprints and also contribute in the jumps. Bethea will give the Saxons a lift in the throws.
EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. Viator Coach: Jim Williams (first year).
2014 state qualifiers: Meghan Carroll (9th in 800, 3rd in 1,600, and 6th in 3,200).
Key losses: Meghan Carroll (Marquette), Kristin Yi, Katie Malek.
Top returnees: Seniors: Bianca DiVincenzo (throws), Kelly Kompanowski (pole vault, throws, relays), Maria Dugo (distance), junior Julia Bergstrom (distsance, relays); sophomore: Clare Sheffert (distance), Theresa Donahue (distance), Marian Madaras (distance), Kendall Fundum (sprints, jumps), Elizabeth Drab (sprints, jumps).
Promising newcomers: Senior: Grace Fedus (jump, relays); sophomores: Kaitlyn Solaza (sprints), Olivia Domingues (sprints), Angelica Presta (sprints), Hannah Barbour (sprints); freshmen: Megan Lifke (distance, relays), Zoe Dunlap (hurdles, jumps), Nicole Marcinkus (jumps), Loreta Dugo (distance, relays).
Outlook: The Lions will miss the contributions of Carroll. She completed a grueling day at the state track by earning three medals in the three distance events (800, 1,600, 3,200) and is now competing at Marquette. DiVincezo and Kompanowski will give Viator experience in the throws. Drab covered a lot of events for the Lions. Viator has a large group of newcomers that will look to contribute.
WEST SUBURBAN GOLDLeyden Coach: Brent Dempsey (sixth year).
Last year: sixth in WSG.
2014 state qualifiers: Stephanie Dominguez (300 low hurdles).
Key losses: Stephanie Dominguez (Eastern Illinois).
Top returnees: Juniors: Estefania Ramirez (distance), Michalina Szelazek (mid-distance, Leslie Palacios (hurdles), Katherine Hinojosa (sprints).
Promising newcomers: Sophomore: Tiana Hamilton (throws), Ester Aldana (sprints, jumps).
Outlook: Szelazak covered a lot for the Eagles last season. She is a big contributor the relays and is also a threat in the 400. Ramirez also is looking to make a mark in the distance event. Palacios will contribute via the hurdles. Demspey expects plenty of growth from a young Eagle team throughout the season.
CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine West Coach: Greg Regalado (2nd year).
Last year: 6th in the CSL North
Key losses: Abbey Riportella (Wisconsin-Whitewater), Kassidy Riportella, Ashley Grahn, Gigi Ortiz.
Top returnees: Senior: Sarah Engstrom (throws); juniors: Audrey Magnoni (distance), Madeline Bobinski (throws).
Promising newcomers: Junior: Megan Centella (throws), Megan Franke (pole vault); freshmen: Destiny Onyeise (jumps), Nicole Palarz (jumps, middle-distance).
Outlook: Magnoni and Bobinski look to lead the Warriors attack this season. Magnoni finished second in CSL North in the 1,600, while Bobinski took second in the discus and fifth in the shot put at the conference meet. Engstrom will add to Warriors strength in the throws. Maine West finished 5th at the CSL North indoor meet and is looking to improve in the outdoor season.