Boys track and field: Prospect takes 2nd at Glenbrook South sectional
It happens. Batons drop in a track and field meet.
What matters is one's response.
Prospect was hyped up about its chances to repeat 2021 all-state finishes in both its 400- and 800 meter relays. It entered Thursday's Class 3A Glenbrook South boys sectional in Glenview with the second-fastest times in the state in each event.
A dropped baton in the 400 relay only momentarily derailed the Knights, who regrouped to place second in team standings and qualify nine positions into the next weekend's 3A finals in Charleston.
"It really feels good to bounce back," Prospect junior Jack Berman said after qualifying in the open 100-meters at 10.72 seconds.
"I just wanted to do something for the team," Berman said.
Prospect senior Sean Beihoffer ran on both all-state relays last year, as did Matt Raitano, and they'll be back in the 800 to challenge for a 3A title after cruising in a 1 minute, 27.29 seconds.
"In the end we cheered up and ended up winning this race," said Beihoffer, who also won a very fast 200-meter race at 21.68 seconds.
"We got just about everybody we wanted to," Prospect coach Jay Renaud said of qualifiers such as 110-meter hurdler Bryce Tuchner and 400-meter runner Dominic Balenda.
Hersey's Will Nolan has a simple philosophy in throwing the shot put.
"I just keep my head back the whole time then let it all out, with a big yell," the sophomore said.
"My (throws) coach (Joe Rupslauk) always told me it doesn't matter what you throw, it just matters that you put everything into it," Nolan said.
It worked like a charm as Nolan threw the metal sphere 16.67 meters, or 54 feet, 8 inches, to qualify downstate and win the shot put competition. Better yet, he qualified in discus as well.
Hersey teammate Liam Naughton was ale to get down in the 1600 with the exact qualifying standard of 4 minutes, 23.68 seconds.
One of the most poignant qualifications was by Wheeling senior Dahlan Berger in the 300 hurdles. Placing third but reaching downstate with a school-record time of 39.13 seconds, Berger is the grandson of John Davis, namesake of Glenbrook South's stadium.
Berger dedicated his performance to his late grandfather, but also to his friend, former teammate and mentor, Wheeling graduate Jason Aguilar, who died last October.
"I love him, I love him a lot, he meant a lot to me," Berger said. "Everything I do is for him. It's all for him.
Glenbrook South won its second straight sectional title with 108 points to Prospect's 91. New Trier placed third with 74 followed by Evanston (58), Loyola (44) and Hersey (38).