Short-handed Huntley still able to claim FVC title

Standout hurdler Brennan Bell didn't compete because of a concussion and you rack up only one first-place finish.

With those obstacles Huntley's chances to win the Fox Valley Conference boys track and field title seemed slim.

The Red Raiders overcame the odds and claimed top honors with 111 points at Friday's FVC Meet held at Crystal Lake South.

"This was a total team effort," said Huntley coach Jim Rolando. "Everybody we brought scored at least one point. We certainly missed Brennan but he should be ready for sectionals."

The Red Raiders' first-place effort came in the 400 relay in a clocking of 42.56.

Huntley garnered second place finishes from Connor Boos (100, 200), Brendan O' Donnell (400,), Keagan Smith (1,600) and Sean Patel (

triple jump).

Smith finished a solid second with a time of 4:21.95 behind McHenry standout Jesse Reiser, who ran a conference record time of 4:14.76.

"I tried to stay with Jesse as long as I could," said Smith. "He is a tremendous runner. I did all right. I hope to do better next week in the sectionals."

Cary-Grove and Jacobs tied for second with 98 points each.

Cary-Grove boasted two double winners. Ricky Hurley, headed to Southern Illinois, won the discus (171-07) and shot put (58-1¼).

"I overthrew in practice on Thursday and didn't throw my best in either the shot and disc," said Hurley. "I hope to improve next week in the sectionals and get ready for the state meet."

Without Bell in the mix, the Trojans' Michael Saxon was able to race to titles in the 110 hurdles (14.57) and 300 hurdles (39.80).

"Brennan really pushes me and we have had some great battles over the years," said Saxon. "It was a perfect night and I thought I had a good start and did a good job of clearing the hurdles."

Robbie Gleeson joined Hurley and Saxon in the winners circle by winning the 400 in a clocking of 50.21.

The Trojans finished the night with a win in the 1,600 relay in a time of 3:21.05.

Jacobs' tie for second was keyed by sprinter Josh Walker, who won the 100 (10.78) and 200 (21.71).

"This was my best ever high school meet," said Walker. "The weather was great and competition was great. I got off to a great start and finished strong."

Matt Goldby gave the Golden Eagles another first place by claiming the 800 in a time of 1:55.43.

"I got off to a great start and had a good kick at the end," said Goldby. "I am super confident going into the sectionals."

Patrick Shannon leaped to the long jump title with a jump of 22-6½. Jacobs also finished first in the 3,200 relay (8:00.82) and the 800 relay (1:29.18).

Dundee-Crown, with first place efforts by Kiwaun Seals in the high jump (6-5) and triple jump (44-6) was fifth with a score of 56 points.