Girls track and field: Hersey victorious at Glenbard South invite

Hersey's Teagan Beckley had plenty of time on her side on Friday.

The senior runner had to wait over four hours before her lone event at the Raider Invitational, hosted by Glenbard South.

Beckley, a four-year varsity member in cross country and track, made her extensive wait in the bitter cold worthwhile. She ran a first-place time of 5 minutes, 28.50 seconds in the 1,600-meter run to highlight Hersey's second-place team finish.

As expected, Lincoln-Way East dominated the meet with a first-place tally of 162 points. The Huskies took second with 147 points, while Fenton notched fourth (50), Glenbard South claimed fifth (34), Streamwood took seventh (23) and Montini placed eighth (11) among the local teams.

"It was a long time coming for my race," Beckley said. "I remember counting down four hours until my race. I tried not to get too nervous and cheered on my teammates. I distracted myself to waste time. I'm hoping this race gives me more confidence, knowing I can push even harder on a nicer day."

Junior Hannah Kersemeier, a one-time state qualifier, also placed first in 2:26.07 in the 800 run for the Huskies. Teammate Natalia Plewa took second with a time of 2:27.05.

"I had a bad season with injury last year, so I'm glad I've come back stronger," Kersemeier said. "I tried to go out fast in the 800 so they would have to pass me. I pushed the third 200 of the 800. I felt it was a good effort."

Janine Boyan notched a first-place medal for the Huskies, tossing a 103-4 to win the discus. Hersey's Alessia Olhava captured the title in the high jump with a leap of 5-1, while teammate Anshu Jacob won the triple jump.

Glenbard South's Ciara Jackson nearly won two events, capturing first in the shot put and placing second in the discus.

"It was some unbelievable competition, and for some of the athletes the times were probably shocking," Glenbard South coach Ryan Chrissy said. "I was very happy with Ciara Jackson. She had a personal record in the discus. We had a lot of kids competing that got better."

Fenton senior Hanna Matuszewski had a memorable showing in the 200, placing second in 27.51. She had a late push to notch her top-two spot.

"I didn't know what would happen, but I felt that push at the end and it worked out for me," she said. "I just stayed back and really kicked it in during the last 100."

Fenton freshman Hailey Miller, a three-sport athlete, took fourth in the 400 with a clocking of 1:05.82.

"I'm happy with how I did because I've been working really hard and it was nice to see it pay off at this meet," Miller said.