Girls track and field: Barrington's Long times it right in 800, 1,600 victories

Barrington's Jocelyn Long seems to have a knack for timing, and it showed at the Barrington Invitational in girls track and field on Friday night.

The Fillies sophomore started her night by coming from behind in the final 100 meters to cross the finish line in 2:15.50, edging out Hoffman Estates senior Meagan Biddle (2:15.88) in the 800.

Long (5:05.52) added another climatic finish, once again nipping Biddle (5:05.52) at the tape in the 1,600.

"I felt really strong tonight and knew during my races that I had to keep pushing," said Long. "I kind of go on my own internal feelings. When I can see the finish, I know it's time to go."

Biddle set the tone for both the 800 and 1,600, running a controlled pace.

"I felt pretty good about both races," said Biddle. "Getting outkicked in the end was kind of news flash that I have to keep giving it my best. It was great competition."

Grant showed plenty of balance in cruising to the title in the 12-team field with 124 points, followed by New Trier (90 points), host Barrington (86 points) and Warren (61 points).

Grant senior Delaney Basala took third in both the 100 (12.94) and 400 (59.63), and she also helped the Bulldogs to a first-place finish in the 400 relay (49.68) and a second-place finish in the 1,600 relay (4:07.81).

"We just have a deep talented team, and the chemistry is just amazing," said Basala.

Senior Madison Romig also did her part by taking third in the 800 (2:20.46) and third in the 1,600 (5:14.13).

"Very balanced," said Romig, "We're very strong, and we're looking at getting even stronger."

Senior Rachel Bicknase gave Grant a big lift in the field events by taking first in the shot put (37-11) and first in the discus (131-02).

"We have a lot of young talent," said Bicknase, "and the seniors are just trying to set the tone. We're looking for a big season."

Senior Anna Cossio aided Barrington's effort by taking first in the high jump (5-3), with junior Kelsey McLaurin adding a first in the triple jump (37-0.5). Barrrington also placed second in the 800 relay (1:48.47).

Senior Brynn Santos propelled Warren to a fast start by winning the 100 (12.78), while junior Kiara Mabien added to the Blue Devils' scoring by taking first in the 200 (26.32) and second in the 400 (59.53).

Lake Zurich senior Caitlin Shepard cruised to an easy victory in the 3,200 (11:03.03), with junior Alyssa Morello adding a pair of first-place finishes in the pole vault (12-0) and 300 low hurdles (46.62). She added a second-place finish in the 100 low hurdles (15.78).

Junior Destinee Jackson gave Hoffman Estates a lift by taking first in the 100 high hurdles (15.66).