Track and field: Huntley's boys, girls excel at County meet

Alex Pitrone is just happy to be competing again.

Pitrone, who was McHenry County champion in the shot put two years ago as a sophomore, missed most of his junior year with torn ligaments in his knee.

The Huntley senior got back in the winners circle Thursday night winning the county shot put title with a heave of 53-10.

The county meet was held at Huntley High School.

"It is just fun to compete again," said Pitrone. "It was a great win and it was my best throw of the season. The big issue for me is my lift and I had felt comfortable with that. I couldn't have done this without coach Max (Chris Maxedon). I give him all the credit. He is the greatest coach and person. It is a privilege to be in his program."

Huntley, which led the meet with 98 points and two events to go, also got first place efforts from Josh Guyer (high jump, 6-0) and Ian Geisler (1600, 4:25.8). Geisler dethroned two-time defending champion Zach Albrecht, who holds the county record in the meet with a time of 4:13.25.

Huntley also won the 3,200 (8:04.49, 400 (43.70) and 800 (1:32.18) relays.

After two scratches and a subpar throw, Cary-Grove senior Jason Petko exploded for a throw of 180-8 to win the county discus title.

"I was really mad at myself after my first 3 throws," said Petko. "I was translating my last throw to the power it takes to play football. I was totally focused and put everything in that last throw."

On the girls side, Huntley had 150 points after 16 events and was on its way to the County title. Marian Central was a distant second with 72 points.

Daryn Davis was a double winner for the Red Raiders winning the 100 hurdles (15.18) and triple jump (38.3).

"I was just focused on doing me best," said Davis. "I wanted to help the team win the county championship."

Other winners for the Red Raiders were Mary Raclawski (800, 2:25.75) and Kayla Wolnick (300 hurdles, 49.48).

The Red Raiders also won the 3,200 relay (7:57.06) and 800 relay (1:48.87).

Crystal Lake South's MacKenzie Aldridge won the 3,200 in a clocking of 11:55.48.

"I had enough at the end of the race to win," said Aldridge. "I tried to block the cold weather out of my mind."