Girls track and field: Skudlarek, Mason shimmer for versatile Prospect

Prospect mixed it up a bit at the Conant Twilight but the Knights didn't miss a beat on Friday night.

The Knights' girls track and field team showed its depth and versatility by cruising to the title with 284 points at the 14-team field in Hoffman Estates.

Minooka took second with 259 points followed by Lake Park (222), host Conant (199.5) and Belvidere North (186.5).

"We have a lot of pieces and we wanted give them some different challenges," said Prospect coach Pete Wintermute of his team which will enter the post season with some high expectations. "I think we are getting ready for a championship season and for the seniors - it's now or never."

The seniors definitely set the tone at the ABC meet, with senior Jes Skudlarek taking first in the Class A high jump (5-5) and senior Maya Mason adding a second-place finish in the 300 low hurdles (46.70) and a third-place finish in the 200 (26.52).

Mason and Skudlarek also combined with sophomore Annie Walsh and freshman Samantha Berman in leading the Knights to first in the 400 relay (49.07).

"We feel really good about the 400 relay this year," Mason said. "Both Jes and I are pushing each other as hard as we can and we also have a pair of talented young runners."

"We've been working on our hand-off and everything seems to be coming together," added Skudlarek, whose team now has set its focus on the Mid-Suburban League meet next Friday. "We are super excited about conference. It's not that we're just good at sprints or distance or field events - we have it all covered."

And it showed on Friday with junior Brooke Wilson taking first in the Class 800 (2:19.65). Senior Angela Roman added a first-place finish in the Class A shot put (38-3) and senior Cassidy Selep added a second in pole vault (10-0).

Walsh, who is returning from a back injury, also keyed the Knights to a first-place finish in the 800 relay (1:47.77). The Knights' freshman combined with Skudlarek, Berman and junior Autumn Stone.

"Ultimately, we just have confidence in every race and we run against ourselves," Walsh said. "I am super excited for what's to come."

Hoffman Estates senior Meagan Biddle is also gearing up for a big post season.

The Hawks senior started her night by taking second with a season-best time in the 3,200 (10:57.21) and then came back to take first in the 1,600 (5:02.81), where she led start to finish.

"It feels like finally all the hard work is paying off," said Biddle, who pulled away from Minooka junior Mackenzie Callahan (5:05.61) in the final lap to secure the 1,600 victory. "I'm ecstatic with where I am right now. The pieces are falling into place."

Hoffman junior Destinee Jackson added a second-place finish in the 100 high hurdles (15.43) to aid the Hawks' attack.

Buffalo Grove sophomore Nya Carr also has found an extra gear.

The Bison sophomore took first in the 100 (12.67) and was part of the third place 400 relay (51.12). "I am feeling more comfortable this year," said Carr who has emerged as one of the top sprinters in the MSL. "It's a matter of knowing the runners I'm competing against and I'm feeling much more confident."

Sophomore Victoria Marzec, junior Tida Bowers, junior Kierra Munnings and senior Rachel McKenzie gave Conant a lift by taking second in the 800 relay (1:48.07)

The Cougars also took third in the 1,600 relay (4:15.10).

"It's as good as we've been in a while," said Conant coach Bob Borczak of his sprint relays that helped push the Cougars to a fourth-place finish. "And we also had some nice performances in the distance."

at Elk Grove: Emily Stegmeier set a team record with her winning effort in the 1,600-meter run, and teammate Hannah Olson made it a Grens distance sweep with a win in the 3,200.

Stegmeier finished in 5:07.60, and Olson in 11:55.50.

Glenbard East took top honors in the eight-team field with 133 points.

Maine West's Megan Franke won the pole vault (9-0), and teammate Megan Centella won both shot put (36-3.5) and discus (110-7).