2006 Girls AA Track and Field Preview
Thanks to star power over the last several years the girls have catapulted ahead of the boys in terms of quality and interest. Alexandria ÒAlex The GreatÓ Anderson vs. Illinois/Shalina Clarke/the USA/international juniors and collegians all played a huge part in notoriety for the sport. AndersonÕs all-world performances over the past four years single-handily and literally forced everyone to step up and be heard as well be seen.
Now that ÒAlex The GreatÓ has moved on to greater pastures (University of Texas) the show must continue to move on. Clarke becomes the centerpiece of track and field in the land of Lincoln. The one that they call ÒAceÓ is already a multi-state champion and all-time best performer in both hurdle events. Amazingly, ClarkeÕs super performances are beginning to overshadow the fact that she is a team player. Her team, Evanston, has won the last four state championships and will be the heavy favorite to repeat once more.
Team-wise it appears the usual names will be vying for top honors throughout the year: Evanston, Chicago Morgan Park, and E. St. Louis Senior. Evanston is the team to beat though and return everyone that was significant in Õ05. The Wildkits will be lead by Clarke and Demeca Hill. Evanston is more than a two women- wrecking crew- the Northshore team contain the ingredients to repeat as state champions: leadership, experience, great coaching, history, unselfishness, and discipline. Still, it wonÕt be easy being that Morgan Park poses a threat to win a title even without Anderson. The Mustangs have finished in the top two 13 consecutive years. E. St. Louis Senior always seems to have a strong program and will be there in the end. Barrington is another strong and dangerous team that was very young in Õ05, but finished in the top 10. The Fillies will look to move up on the ÒsuperpowersÓ this spring. Also, keep a close eye on Edwardsville, Hinsdale Central, Chicago Lane Tech, Lockport, Naperville North, and Palatine to name a few.
-Top Ten
Scouting Report-
(Alphabetical
order)
Key personnel: Sarah Arnberger (Sr.), Molly Glantz (So.), Samantha Learch (So.), Danielle Locascio (Jr.), Amanda Schnack (So.), Valery Taylor (Jr.).
Strengths: LJ, TJ, 800m medley, 4x8r, 4x2r, 4x4r, 100m, 800m, 400m, 300LH
Weaknesses: throws, open distance events, and 200m.
Outlook: on paper Barrington appear to have the most balance of any team in the state. The Fillies will score big in dual and invitational competitions throughout the year. The post-season will be another story. Can the Fillies match Òthe superpowersÓ point for point in a state championship? Barrington will rely heavily on relays (not always a sure thing) and some open event scoring. The only issue appears to be that there are no individual superstars and a team concept will be strictly employed. Taylor will cover the jumps, Glantz in the relays, Learch in the long sprints and middle distance events. Everyone else will fall in line where needed.
Key personnel: Vanessa Arroyo (Sr.), Rudy Botello (Sr.), Stephanie Hughes (Jr.), Morgan Monroe (So.), Nia Muhammed (Jr.), Jaleesa Pierre (Sr.), Aleah Severin (Sr.), Ashli Thomas (Sr.), Margie Zimoch (Sr.).
Strengths: LJ, TJ, 4x1r, 4x2r, 4x4r, 800medley r, 100,200,400,800,3200,100H.
Weaknesses: throws, vertical jumps, secondary distance corps.
Outlook: Lane Tech made personal history in Õ05 by placing among the elite teams in the state with a number of quality performances. In fact, the Indians supplanted a number of school records last year. However, there is good and bad news on the horizon. The bad news is several key components have graduated in Stephanie Williams and Jessica Rodriguez (both competing for Depaul University). There is still more question marks in Severin and Botello returning. If not, there will be big trouble in achieving another solid run. The good news is Monroe is a future star and incredible talent that will elevate a lot of personnel issues. Pierre will be the team workhorse, as she will more than likely will move into individual events. Look for Georgia transfer Muhammed to fill in nicely in the short relays and hurdles.
Key personnel: Aja Evans (Sr.), Britney Mathis (Jr.), Wendy Moore (Jr.), Brandi Robinson (Jr.), Tamika Robinson (Jr.), Tierra Russell (Jr.), Samantha Newman (Jr.),
Strengths: 800medley r, 4x1, 4x2, 4x4, 100, 200, and 400, SP.
Weaknesses: jumps, hurdles, distance.
Outlook: a number of things can go right or wrong for MP. It all depends how they use their personnel in order to maintain their streak of top 2 state performances. It appears the Mustangs donÕt have the depth as in past years and they are finally without all-world performer Anderson. Coach Derrick Calhoun has always been a winner with or without a superstar. He does have a solid corps returning that include Evans. Evans will be the leader here now- itÕs her team. ItÕs uncertain where she will be used without ÒAlex The Great.Ó This past summer the Mustangs experimented with Robinson twins, Newman, and Russell in several events they might fill. The big question is: where will they find 40 points that are no longer guaranteed? This will be the question of the decade.
Key personnel: April Anderson (Sr.), Ambrea Brimmage (Jr.), Kristin Chism (Jr.), Brittany Harris (So.), Ronecia Nash (So.), Samilya Nixon (Jr.).
Strengths: 800medley relay, 4x1, 4x2, 4x4, 4x8, 100, 200, and 400, LJ, TJ
Weaknesses: vertical jumps, distance, and hurdles, throws.
Outlook: ESL has always been in the mix throughout the regular year, but somehow find a way to self-destruct in the end. Last year was a classic example as the Flyers had all the tools to win but was disqualified in a relay that very well would have won or placed among the leaders. How about Chism fading at the end of the 800medley anchor and being rendered ineffective in the open 400? Several suspect coaching decisions cost the team tremendous scoring opportunities. This year the Flyers return another great squad with the ability to score well in many events and the key factor will be to place talent.
Key personnel: Leah Bateman (Jr.), Kelsey Baumgartner (So.), Jamie Kenner (Jr.), Liam Saunders (So.), Erin Stephenson (So.).
Strengths: 800medley r, 4x2, 4x4, 4x8, 100H, 300H, and 100, 800
Weaknesses: field events, 200, most distance events (individually).
Outlook: a relatively young team with a wealth of experience. The Tigers made some big noise last season by challenging superpower ESL in league play and standing tall in the strong metro-St. Louis area. E-Ville will look to expand its point total and heavy reliance on relays. Coach John Cunningham proved his worth this past off- season by leading his xc team among the best in the state. His numero uno athlete will be Kenner, who is as versatile as they come. Also, the workhorse Bateman will look to contribute in many events.
Key personnel: Shalina Clarke (Sr.), Demeca Hill (Sr.), Arielle McLain (Sr.), Morgan Pointer (Sr.), Leah Schenkier (So.), Jonkea Stewart-Butler (Sr.), Brittany Tovar (Jr.).
Strengths: 100, 200, 100H, 300H, 4x1, 4x2, 4x4, 800medley relay, LJ, TJ.
Weaknesses: the only weakness the three-time defending state champion will have is what they view as unimportant (which really isnÕt a weakness to them). The Wildkits are so deep at their strengths that can afford to dismiss most field events and distance (entirely). Consider the fact that Evanston got Clarke and Hill back once more to corner the short sprints and hurdles. This will take tremendous pressure off of the role players- they can just go out and run and compete. Plus, this luxury allows the coaching staff to re-configure relay lineups without the stars. However, when stacked the Wildcats clearly become one of the best units the fans of Illinois has ever seen and certainly one of the most swift in the USA. At last summerÕs Junior Olympics the Wildkits quartet blitzed a 46.44 4x1r- good for 5th against all-star lineups and 8th ranked nationally. Coach Fenton GŸnter will let his speedsters loose at high profile national during the regular season. Check for Evanston to possibly compete at Arcadia, California or possibly Penn Relays. However, the first goal will remain winning the state championship and that spells doom for everyone else.
Key personnel: Amanda Izquierdo (Sr.), Gina Kapusta (Jr.), Cassie Ludwig (Jr.), Jenna Urbanski (Jr.), Temika Waldroup (Jr.).
Strengths: 4x1, 4x2, 4x8, 100H, 300H, LJ, TJ, PV
Weaknesses: open distance events, 100, 200, 400, throws.
Outlook: not as deep as in past years but the Red Devils will be stronger than last yearÕs disappointing affair. HC has reloaded and matured in the sprint relays and hurdles. Urbanski and Waldroup are potential blue chip athletes if they maximize their talents. Field events will be the key area as to whether they are for real or just pretenders.
Key personnel: Caitlin Finnegan (Sr.), Courtney Jones (Sr.), Lindsay Dostoevsky (Jr.), Erin Lakie (So.), Janna Mitsos (Fr.), Liz Phillips (So.), Cheri Williams (Sr.).
Strengths: 4x1, 4x2, 4x8, 200, 800, 1600, 3200, 100H, 300H, LJ, TJ
Weaknesses: throws, vertical jumps, and 100, 400
Outlook: perhaps the most underrated team in the state. The Porters were solid last year in the post-season and will be much stronger due to improved distance corps. Lakie, Mitsos, and Phillips will be the backbone in generating points. DonÕt count out Finnegan. She should be among the best in hurdles and relay assistance.
Key personnel: Maggie Deberge (Jr.), Brittany Prazak (Jr.), Shannon Phelan (Sr.), Bekah Regenfuss (Sr.), Laura Suchomel (Sr.), Michelle Stratton (Fr.), Cindy Wu (Jr.).
Strengths: 4x800, 800, 1600, 3200, 4x400
Weaknesses: open sprints, field events
Outlook: distance running can score big points in a sport that is often times dominated by sprints. Endurance will be the key for the Huskies who happen to possess the deepest talent pool of such runners in the state. The Huskies finished 4th at Nike Team Nationals this past cross-country season. The wonderful feelings and experience gained competing against the nationÕs best should carry over to the track. Now, all the Huskies need is a little help from a few sprinters and field event personnel.
Key personnel: Carly Bates (Sr.), Michelle Brunk (Jr.), Shevon Burgin (Jr.), Amanda LaRocca (Sr.), Amy Laskowske (Sr.), Ginny MacFabe (Sr.), Katlin Millin (Sr.), Brittany Rhett (Sr.), Colleen Standridge (So.).
Strengths: 4x1, 4x2, 4x4, 4x8, 800, 1600, 3200, DT, SP
Weaknesses: open sprints, vertical jumps, and hurdles.
Outlook: the loss of Briana Officer and Barb Ware will loom large in terms of open sprints and relays. The Pirates will lean more on distance running more than ever. Laskowske and her unit will be up to task in leading the team toward a success season and a push toward another state trophy. The Pirates do have enough quality athletes on board and undoubtedly some of the inexperienced ones from last year should be much improved.
Thornwood-
Key personnel: Leslie Collins (Jr.), Lorielle Hondras (Jr.), Paris McFarland (Jr.), Sequoia McKinney (Sr.), ShoneeÕ Muse (Sr.), Paris Streeter (Sr.).
Strengths: 800medley r, 4x2, 4x4, 4x8, 400, 800, 1600, LJ
Weaknesses: 100, 200, 100H, 300H, and vertical jumps, throws
Outlook: the saving grace for the T-Birds is McKinney. The wonder kid is very dangerous from 400-5000m. Look for Coach Roy White to spread McKinney around in the aforementioned events until the state series. Still, the T-Birds are going to ride McKinney and the relays all the way to the state meet.
-Event by event
prognosis-
Jonkea Stewart-Butler (Sr.) Evanston
Arielle McAlpin (Sr.) Evanston
April Anderson (Sr.) E. St. Louis Senior
Outlook: 4 of 8 return and they all cleared 18 feet during the state series. This will be a strong event once more. Look for Varery Taylor (Jr.) Barrington, Rochelle Muskeyvalley (Sr.) Rock Island to add pressure on the favorites.
Kaylin Himes (Sr.) Rockford Guilford
Taylor Troemel (Sr.) Normal Community
Brittany Bernardoni (Sr.) Batavia
Outlook: Hines is the top returnee but Troemel could very win it all after enjoying a very good summer track season.
Laura Morris (Jr.) Mahomet-Seymour
Ashley Perkins (Jr.) Joliet Township
Raisa Taylor (Jr.) Decatur Eisenhower
Outlook: event will take a major hit because of graduation; including four-time state champion Nicole Williams. None of the returnees cleared higher than 5-6 in Õ05.
Jenna Silver (Sr.) York
Cora Caulfield (Sr.) Grant
Aja Evans (Sr.) Chicago Park
Outlook: event has been down last several years and will remain so again. State runner up Silver will be favorite but will have her hands full though. Evans has a shot to win it all the cards are played properly.
Arielle McAlpin (Sr.) Evanston
Kathryn Gevitz (Sr.) Oak Park-River Forest
Aleisha Leeper (Jr.) Freeport
Outlook: TJ will be a very strong event even without graduated Casey Taylor (now starring for U of Michigan). 9 of 12 state finalists return.
Jewel Sanders (Sr.) Peoria Richwoods
Cora Caulfield (Sr.) Grant
Ann Bucaro (Sr.) Cary-Grove
Outlook: just like its cousin- the SP- this is an event that will take a fall in terms of quality. Top three performers from Õ05 have graduated.
800m medley relay-
E. St. Louis Senior
Thornwood
Hoffman Estates (Conant)
Outlook: this odd event as perhaps the most entertaining from a fan standpoint. ThornwoodÕs Sequoia McKinney reeled in a horribly fading ESL anchor for the win in the final meters. The scenario could take place once more as nearly all of the top teams return. Look for dangerous Morgan Park and Hononegah. Barrington will add depth to this strong event.
4x800 relay-
Naperville North
Palatine
Lisle (Benet Academy)
Outlook: always a strong event because Illinois is distance rich. Palatine was Õ05 champion in near record time and they return entire unit. The Pirates will have company with the likes of NN- who tripped literally tripped themselves out of contention at state last year. Lockport is a team that will be very strong with the addition of Janna Mitsos. Barrington is still the record holder and will be strong. Hinsdale Central expects to be among the elite as well. Let the fireworks begin.
3200m-
Amy Laskowske (Sr.) Palatine
Lauren Haberkorn (So.) Chicago (Marist)
Amber Stack (So.) Wheeling
Outlook: if XC season has any correlation to track then expect the same outcome. There are perhaps 10-15 girls who could challenge the top spot. Laskowske has proven to be more of a track specialist despite several athletes from past harrier seasons. The two-time state champion should be a favorite along with tremendously improved Õ05 cross-country state champion Haberkorn. The stalwart Amanda Beggs (sr.) Lincoln Way East should be in the mix with xc regular season #1 Caitlin Comfort (so.) Peoria Notre Dame.
Shalina Clarke (Sr.) Evanston
Egle Stasiunaite (Jr.) Downers Grove South
Clarissa Rice (Jr.) Thornton
Outlook: how easy can it be? No longer will there be Seun Adigun or Megan Thompson around to annoy Clarke. It appears her only opponent will be the hurdles. So be it. Clarke has continually gotten better since the Õ04 state debacle when she tripped and fell in the prelims. ÒThe AceÓ now holds the all-time best mark of 13.51- achieved over the summer- and itÕs not even her best event! Other quality performers will be Caitlin Finnegan (Sr) Lockport, Sarah Beutler (jr) Glenbard North and all-around specialist Nefeteri Williams (sr) Proviso West. Williams is a wonderful talent who competes in the heptathlon and Steeplechase during the summer may opt out for the 800m instead.
800m-
Sequoia McKinney (Sr.) Thornwood
Ashley Verplank (So.) Bloomington
Molly Sullivan (Sr.) York
Outlook: moments after capturing her second consecutive state title in Ô05, McKinney indicated that she would like to go 2:04-2:05. That boisterous statement would smash the all-time record by over two seconds. In order for this to occur McKinney would need some assistance from her fellow competitors. It would take someone who could go out in 57-58 for the first 400m. The chance of that happening on Illinois soil is very unlikely. However, there are post season meets where such an attempt would be probable. However, three-peat looks good.
4x200m relay-
Evanston
E. St. Louis Senior
Chicago Morgan Park
Outlook: how can anyone go against the Òsuper powersÓ sweeping. Yes, Lane Tech and Loyola Academy had a nice run last year but the Òsuper powersÓ used their horses elsewhere and allowed their young talent to run relays. This upcoming year the youngsters will be a year older. Evanston finished second here with a Òsecond tierÓ line up. Word is they have some blazing new talent coming in to further cement their cause for celebration. Edwardsville, Lane Tech, and Thornwood should compete for all-state spots again.
400m-
Sophia Ponce (Sr.) Hononegah
Kristin Chism (Sr.) E. St. Louis Senior
Tia Harvey (Jr.) Rock Island
Outlook: the one-lapper will not be as strong or glamorous with top three performers gone. Plus, a ton of potentially solid 400m runners will probably choose relay duty or be placed in other areas to help their teams. Ponce should be strong candidate to win with just the 800medley to deal with.
Shalina Clarke (Sr.) Evanston
Neferteri Williams (Sr.) Proviso West
Amesha Baker (Sr.) Mundelein
Outlook: ÒThe AceÓ has made the long hurdle events a fan favorite the last three years. Clarke returns as the #2 hurdler in the country but very well could #1. The upcoming season will define her. No one in Illinois is within 3.5 seconds of her. Her main focus will shift toward Ebony Collins (Long Beach, California) possibly in April at Arcadia. Clarke is has ran a mind boggling 40.34+ and 40.61 while Collins clocked 40.09. Statewide, other strong hurdlers include Caitlin Finnegan (Lockport). However, none of them will be able to compete with the dominant Clarke.
1600m-
Shannon Phelan (Sr.) Naperville North
Hailee Elmore (Sr.) Springfield
Chelsea Bolton (Jr.) Palatine Fremd
Outlook: the metric mile has always been one of the softer events in recent years, perhaps because many of the four-lappers are spent from 4x8 and/or 3200m duties. Several specialists such as Elmore elevated the game somewhat. Last year, three girls broke 5:00 in the state final. The likes of that havenÕt been seen since the Ô80Õs. Barring a bog down (like the boys often do) expect more quality. Add Amy Laskowske and several others to the mix.
200m-
Shalina Clarke (Sr.) Evanston
Demeca Hill (Sr.) Evanston
Kiara Clark-Lewis (So.) (Rantoul)
Outlook: an event filled with many underclassmen but the Evanston duo of Clarke and Hill will ÒreignÓ on everyoneÕs parade. Still, expect to see many magnificent performances from future stars Ermanda Roberts (So.) (Champaign Central), Blair Wyman (So.) East Peoria, and Aireonna Bailey (So.) Zion-Benton. It is safe to say that the talent pool for the short event is very strong.
4x400m relay-
E. St. Louis Senior
Edwardsville
Thornwood
Outlook: without a doubt the deepest event in Õ05 and will remain so. Case in point: Cary-Grove ran 4:00.03 and didnÕt make the state final- that has never happened in the history of the state meet. An amazing 32 of 51 teams ran state qualifying marks in the prelims. ESL had the fastest mark during the regular season but DQÕed in their prelim for false starting out of the blocks. There are too many good teams to list but expect another showstopper in May.