2021 IHSA Girls State Track & Field Championships - Class 3A Preview

 

By Michael Newman

[email protected]

 

 

Running Events

 

4x800m Relay

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 8:59.03 – Wheaton-Warrenville South - 2012

 

IHSA Class 3A State Meet Record – 8:59.03 – Wheaton-Warrenville South - 2012

 

2021 3A Best – 9:19.44 – Downers Grove North

 

2021 3A Sectional Best – 9:19.44 – Downers Grove North

 

Preview – Downers Grove North is one team to keep a close eye on in this race on Saturday. They ran 9:39 in awful conditions to win their conference meet two weeks ago. Their time dropped to 9:19.44 last week at Lyons. The team led by 800 qualifier Melissa Jachim has the talent to get close to 9:10. That would mean a state championship.

 

Prospect should be watched for after running 9:23.54 last week. The talent is there led by Audrey Ginsberg that will challenge for the win. Naperville North did not run their “top” team last week in finishing second in their sectional race. The addition of Campbell Petersen and Audrey Mendrys to their quartet could put the Lady Huskies in contention for the win. Their seasonal best is 9:27.14.

 

It will be interesting to see what happens when the final exchange occurs, and Grayslake Central is close to the lead. Their anchor Bella Domier has burst onto the scene this spring having the ability to track down runners ahead of her. Keep an eye on the Rams in this race.

 

Minooka, Yorkville, and York are all young teams. Minooka pushed to a 9:28.00 time led by 800 qualifier Cassie Fuhrman. Yorkville are all underclassmen and will challenge for a top five finish. York is peaking at the right time led by 1600 state qualifier Brooke Berger. It will not surprise me if that team runs under 9:20 in this meet. Lincoln Way-East, New Trier, and Oswego East are some of the teams also to keep an eye on.

 

4x100m Relay

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 46.04 – Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East) - 2014

 

IHSA Class 3A State Meet Record – 46.04 – Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East) - 2014

 

2021 3A Best – 46.96 – Chicago (Whitney Young)

 

2021 3A Sectional Best – 47.45 – Chicago (Whitney Young)

 

Preview – This is an intriguing event. The 4x100m Relay is a high wire act that increases with intensity in this year’s meet. One bobble and you are done for. It can happen in a preliminary heat, and you may see the next day. Not this season

 

Whitney Young is the team to beat and the only squad under 47 seconds for the season running 46.96 in the Chicago City Championships. Sydney Robinson leads that quartet. The Dolphins ran 47.45 to lead all sectional qualifiers. Homewood-Flossmoor with Ana-Liese Torian anchoring has the talent to run away with the relay title. Lincoln-Way East has Mariam Azeez anchoring their quartet that could put themselves in position for the win.

 

Glenbrook South has been running hot and could be difference makers in this race. Downers Grove North will be looking for points in this race and they could win as they are anchored by McKenna Cinotte. Naperville Central, Rich Township, and Evanston all should be in the final section all able to finish in the top five.

 

Thornton and Waubonsie Valley should be in two in the first two sections that could find their way into the top nine in this event.

 

3200 Meter Run

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 9:56.94 – Kayla Beattie, Woodstock - 2011

 

IHSA Class 3A State Meet Record – 10:12.96 – Katelynne Hart, Glen Ellyn (Glenbard West) - 2018

 

2021 3A Best – 10:19.61 – Josephine Welin (JR), Oak Park-River Forest

 

2021 3A Sectional Best – 10:19.61 – Josephine Welin (JR), Oak Park-River Forest

 

Preview – Josephine Welin has that “it” that makes ordinary runners into those that are on another stratosphere. It is hard to see anyone getting close to Welin in this race unless she runs to just get the win. She does not have that personality. The junior runs to see how fast she can and how much it can hurt. She has run under 10:25 three times outdoors this season. She ran 10:19.68 to win at Lyons Township last week. She collapsed after the race. We all know what she did in the 1600 later in the meet. A runner that has a heart of a champion is tough to beat.

 

This is a deep field where we could see one of two runners under 10:30 in this race besides Welin. Aly Negovetich of Grant Community ran 10:40 early in the season and could be among the front pack in the race. Maggie Gamboa of Naperville North ran 10:39.42 at Palatine in May. She could be under 10:30 along with Negovetich. Sophia McNerney of Downers Grove South is another runner to watch. She ran a personal best of 10:46.13 in Wheaton three weeks ago and has more in the tank to run faster. Brooke Stromsland of Lakes Community was 10 seconds behind Negovetich in their sectional race. She will be closer on Saturday.

 

Caroline Schoen of Homewood-Flossmoor is one of the most improved distance runners in the state with a 10:54.58 best. We could see big things from her in this field. York’s Katherine Klimek and Brianna Bennis dropped big personal bests in their sectional race running under 11 minutes. They could go under 10:50 in Charleston.

 

Watch the first section of this event. Breanna Burak of Huntley and Anna Harden of Hersey ran under 11 minutes during the season. Their sectional times place them here. Both are capable of all-state races.

 

100 Meter Hurdles

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 13.54 – Dawn Harper, East St. Louis-Senior - 2001

 

IHSA Class 3A State Meet Record – 13.54 – Dawn Harper, East St. Louis-Senior - 2001

 

2021 3A Best – 13.90 – Ana-Liese Torian (SO), Homewood-Flossmoor

 

2021 3A Sectional Best – 13.90 – Ana-Liese Torian (SO), Homewood-Flossmoor

 

Preview – I asked a coach that was at the Minooka Sectional his opinion about Homewood-Flossmoor Ana-Liese Torian. Their reply was a simple one: “She is the real deal”. If there is one event that Torian can claim as her own, it would be this one that is her “dojo”. Torian dominated a good field in her sectional winning by more than a second. Someone is going to have to have a big personal best to catch her. The sophomore could run 13.7 in this state final.

 

Macee Rivers of Belleville West is one runner that could get close having run 14.15 in her sectional win. Victoria Spagnola of West Aurora, Janaysia Byrd of Belleville West, and Hallee Thomas of Danville all had times under 14.7 last week and could play a factor on who finishes in the top three. Bria Armstrong of Bloom Township has run 14.80 and might surprise some in the front of this race.

 

100 Meter Dash

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 11.41 – Alexandria Anderson, Chicago (Morgan Park) - 2004

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 11.41 – Morolake Akinosun, Aurora (Waubonsie Valley)  2012

 

IHSA Class 3A State Meet Record – 11.41 – Alexandria Anderson, Chicago (Morgan Park) - 2004

 

IHSA Class 3A State Meet Record – 11.41 – Morolake Akinosun, Aurora (Waubonsie Valley)  2012

 

2021 3A Best – 11.92 – Sydney Robinson (JR), Chicago (Whitney Young)

 

2021 3A Sectional Best – 11.93 – Sydney Robinson (JR), Chicago (Whitney Young)

 

Preview – Sydney Robinson of Whitney Young has run 11.92 and 11.93 this spring and makes her a natural favorite in this race. Mariam Azeez of Lincoln-Way East ran 12.03 last week in her sectional but does have a 11.95 personal best. If there is one runner that will challenge Robinson, it will be Azeez.

 

Ana-Liese Torian of Homewood-Flossmoor will be doubling back after the 100 Hurdles. She ran 12.20 in that double from last week. Renee Raglin of Alton ran 12.07 at O’Fallon and could be ripe to run under 12 seconds. Rachel Robinson of Whitney Young ran 12.11 at Hope Academy and is in the same position as Raglin. Lindsey Miller of Simeon ran a 12.12 personal best last week and could improve on that in this meet.

 

Riley Ammenhauser of Neuqua Valley ran 12.23 last week at Lockport and could miss the final section by one hundredth of a second. She could run in the mid 12’s and find her way into the top 5. Gabi Stephen of Bartlett and Itzel Garcia of Waubonsie Valley would be two runners to keep an eye on this Saturday.

 

800 Meter Run

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 2:07.05 – Courtney Clayton, Rockton (Hononegah) - 2013

 

IHSA Class 3A State Meet Record – Courtney Clayton, Rockton (Hononegah) - 2013

 

2021 3A Best – 2:04.10 – Ali Ince (FR), Normal (Community)

 

2021 3A Sectional Best – 2:05.31 – Ali Ince (FR), Normal (Community)

 

Preview – What does the freshman do in this race? Ali Ince of Normal Community shocked some at the end of February when she ran 2:09.42 to win the adidas Indoor Nationals. Her outdoor season has been just as good or even better. She ran the fastest time ever for an Illinois High School runner in 2:04.10 at Palatine on May 8. She is attempting the 800/1600/4x4 triple in this meet. Her sectional race was spectacular running 2:05.31 and winning by over 18 seconds. She has gone past the state meet record already twice this year. It could be for a third time on Saturday.

 

Ince has the best time heading into this meet by seven seconds over this field. The competition is good with eight more runners running 2:16 or faster in their sectional meets. Lauren Huber of Glenbard East dropped her personal best down to 2:12.48 in winning at Lake Park. She had company as she edged Katrina Schlenker of Batavia by three hundredth of a second. Both could run under 2:10 in this race. Bella Domier of Grayslake Central is another freshman to keep a close eye on. She ran 2:12.48 in her sectional race after running in the 4x8. Anything is possible on Saturday for Domier.

 

Audrey Allman of Glenbard West is peaking at the right time having run a personal best of 2:13.32 behind Huber and Schlenker last week. She thrives for the big race. This is one of those races where she could throw down another fast time. Brooke Johnston of Lake Zurich ran a personal best 2:14.92 and could be in the mix for a top five finish. Lexi Affolter of St. Ignatius ran a 2:13.50 to win her sectional race. Don’t be surprised if she runs faster.

 

The second section of this race could be fast. Audrey Ginsberg of Prospect will run on her team’s 4x8. The junior has a 2:13.44 best. Sophia McNerney of Downers Grove South will be making a quick double in this meet from the 3200. She could be a surprise in this event.

 

4x200m Relay

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 1:36.86 – Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East) - 2013

 

IHSA Class 3A State Meet Record – 1:36.86 – Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East) - 2013

 

2021 3A Best – 1:41.85 – Evanston (Township)

 

2021 3A Sectional Best – 1:41.85 – Evanston (Township)

 

Preview – Central Suburban League rivals Evanston Township and Glenbrook South have been at the top of the mountain in this event. Evanston ran 1:41.85 at Loyola last week with Glenbrook South at 1:42.64. Both could run faster in the final section. West Aurora shocked some running 1:42.35 at Rock Island. I would not count them out in this race. Naperville Central, Wheaton-Warrenville South, and Naperville North all pushed themselves to times under 1:44 last week at Lockport. It will not be a surprise if all three drop their times in this race. Rich Township and Whitney Young both have times in the same range as the Lockport trio teams. This is a deep final section. No surprises in this race.

 

Batavia and Palatine lead Section 2 but are a full second behind the final group. A top five finish could be possible for one of those teams.

 

400 Meter Dash

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 52.63 – Alexandria Anderson, Chicago (Morgan Park) - 2005

 

IHSA Class 3A State Meet Record – 52.63 – Alexandria Anderson, Chicago (Morgan Park) - 2005

 

2021 3A Best – 57.29 – Alexandria Edison (JR), Flossmoor (Homewood-F.)

 

2021 3A Sectional Best – 57.29 – Alexandria Edison (JR), Flossmoor (Homewood-F.)

 

Preview – This event is wide-open with the first four runners all within half a second of each other. Alexandria Edison has the top time in 3A with the 57.29 she ran at Minooka. She has the talent to go faster than that. Rylee Lydon of Prairie Ridge is having a fantastic first season of high school track and field. She has a 57.41 time that will be dropped under 57 with Edison. Dakota Lyons of Libertyville and Bridget Vitu of New Trier both are under 58 and will also be in contention for the win.

 

Angela Alozie of Homewood-Flossmoor, Kyrah Maas of Glenbard West, Mackenzie Skeen of Naperville North, and Allison Comer of Naperville Central all are in the 58.15 and under range and could supply some surprises.

 

The second section is loaded with talent led by Arianna Burkes of Plainfield East and Daylee Braden of Willowbrook. Three or four runners in that section could dip under 58 seconds.

 

300 Meter Hurdles

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 40.61 – Shalina Clarke, Evanston Township - 2005

 

IHSA Class 3A State Meet Record – 40.61 – Shalina Clarke, Evanston Township - 2005

 

2021 3A Best – 44.44 – Victoria Spagnola (SR), Aurora (West Aurora)

 

2021 3A Sectional Best – 44.83 – Victoria Spagnola (SR), Aurora (West Aurora)

 

Preview – Victoria Spagnola is the class of this event with a best of 44.44 run at Batavia in mid-May. She is the only qualifier in this event that has gone under 45-seconds. She could go under 44 seconds in this race. Hallee Thomas of Danville ran 45.09 during the season and ran 45.40 last week at O’Fallon. Katie Sciarini of Lincoln-Way East got a second chance to qualify last week at Lockport after a hurdle knocked into her lane. That second chance could pull her to a top five finish along with teammate Sophia Barnard. Grace Mildice of Lockport ran a personal best of 45.38 on her home track. Don’t be surprised if she runs faster than that on Saturday.

 

Madeline Andelbradt of Naperville North has the third fastest time in Class 3A with a 45.24 time. She did not have her best race of the season just barely qualifying. She will be in the second of three sections. Don’t be surprised if she wins this event. Corryn Holmes of Moline is an athlete to be on the watch for along with Carlin Wach of Wheaton-Warrenville South and Breanne Dunn of Barrington.

 

1600 Meter Run

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 4:43.65 – Kayla Beattie, Woodstock - 2011

 

IHSA Class 3A State Meet Record – 4:47.36 – Katelynne Hart, Glen Ellyn (Glenbard West) - 2018

 

2021 3A Best – 4:44.52 – Josephine Welin (JR), Oak Park-River Forest

 

2021 3A Sectional Best – 4:44.52 – Josephine Welin (JR), Oak Park-River Forest

 

Preview – This could be the best race of the meet. Three runners in this field have personal bests of 4:47 or faster. Josephine Welin ran a fantastic double last week and the 4:44.52 that she ran is a personal best. Ali Ince of Normal Community will be doubling back from the 800 Meter Run and has a season’s best of 4:46.01 run at Morton on May 22. If the race comes down to a kick, Ince ran a 55.6 split in her team’s 4x4 relay last week. Kate Dickman of Lyons Township ran a lifetime best of 4:46.40 and was two seconds behind Welin. She looks to repeat that in this race on Saturday.

 

Samantha Poglitsch of Wheaton-Warrenville South also ran a personal best of 4:53.36 in winning her race at Lockport. She again is peaking at the right time and will play a factor up front in this race. Catie McCabe of Hinsdale Central and Brooke Berger of York both ran personal bests at the Lyons Township Sectional. Both could run some great times in this meet. Audrey Mendrys and Campbell Petersen of Naperville North figure to be doubling from the 4x8. Both could finish in the top five. Katrina Schlenker of Batavia loves running double races in meets. She will be racing after competing in the 800 Meter Run. She should get close to her 4:51 PR in this race. Bella Domier of Grayslake Central and Brooke Johnston will be both doubling from the 800. Both could run under five in this race. Aly Negovetich of Grant Community will double from the 3200. The junior could also be a factor in her second race.

 

200 Meter Dash

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 23.32 – Alexandria Anderson, Chicago (Morgan Park) - 2005

 

IHSA Class 3A State Meet Record – 23.32 – Alexandria Anderson, Chicago (Morgan Park) - 2005

 

2021 3A Best – 24.67 – Mariam Azeez (JR), Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East)

 

2021 3A Sectional Best - – 24.67 – Mariam Azeez (JR), Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East)

 

Preview – Mariam Azeez will look for big points for her team in this event having the fastest time in the state so far this season in this distance. Homewood-Flossmoor will also be looking for big points in this event and they could get them with Ana-Liese Torian and Alexandria Edison two of the top four sectional runners. Sydney Robinson of Whitney Young just made the final section and could finish in the top five along with Arianna Walker of Rich Township. Itzel Garcia of Waubonsie Valley and Savannah Ming of West Aurora are two runners to watch in this final section.

 

4x400m Relay

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 3:45.0 – East St. Louis-Lincoln - 1984

 

IHSA Class 3A State Meet Record – 3:45.0 – East St. Louis-Lincoln - 1984

 

2021 3A Best – 3:57.83 – Naperville (North)

 

2021 3A Sectional Best – 3:57.83 – Naperville (North)

 

Preview – There is usually one big favorite in this race. This season, it is anyone’s guess who could come out the winner. Naperville North has the fastest sectional time by more than a second and will be the favorite here. Big points for them in this race could mean a state championship. Evanston Township and Normal Community have run under four minutes and will be a factor in this race especially if Ali Ince is anchoring for them. She ran a 55.6 split in the relay last week. Wheaton-Warrenville South ran right at 4:00.00 in their sectional race. I would not count them out for the win.

 

Field Events

 

High Jump

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 1.8288m (6-0) – Jelena Rowe, Chicago Heights (Bloom Township) - 2017

 

IHSA Class 3A State Meet Record – 1.8288m (6-0) – Jelena Rowe, Chicago Hts. (Bloom Township) - 2017

 

2021 3A Best – 1.71m (5-7.25) – Madeline Andelbradt (JR), Naperville (North)

 

2021 3A Sectional Best – 1.71m (5-7.25) – Madeline Andelbradt (JR), Naperville (North)

 

Preview – This could be a wild event with 26 athletes qualifying. Madeline Andelbrandt achieved a personal best last week clearing 5-7.25 at Lockport. Annika Bynum of Warren has a seasonal best of 5-7. Rylee Lydon of Prairie Ridge has a seasonal best of 5-6.25. Watch for all three of these athletes challenging for the win. Maeve Conneely of Naperville North has a 5-5 best and will be in the mix for a top five finish along with Macy O’Neill of Plainfield South and Natalie Buarczuk of St. Charles North

 

Pole Vault

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 4.064m (13-4) – Lindsey Murray, Harrisburg - 2014

 

IHSA Class 3A State Meet Record – 4.0386m (13-3) – Sarah Lindau, Geneva - 2004

 

2021 3A Best – 3.91m (12-10) – Mia Morello (JR), Grayslake (Central)

 

2021 3A Sectional Best – 3.73m (12-2.75) – Lillianna Ifft (JR), Bloomington

 

2021 3A Sectional Best – 3.73m (12-2.75) – Mia Morello (JR), Grayslake (Central)

 

Preview – Mia Morello of Grayslake Central enters this competition with the best 3A performance in the state with a 12-10 clearance. Lilliana Ifft of Bloomington, along with Morello, share the best sectionals bests. Ifft has a 12-6 seasonal best. The two should challenge for  Way East’s the state championship. Mia Bowers of Downers Grove North has cleared 12-0 this season. Carmen Trillo of Plainfield East cleared 11-9 at Rock Island last week. Lincoln-Way East’s Ali Van Dyke and Kailey Bell both have bests of 11-5.75 and could get big points for their team.

 

Shot Put

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 15.5448m (51-0) – Kathleen Young, Warrensburg-Latham - 2016

 

IHSA Class 3A State Meet Record – 15.4813m (50-9.5) – Emmonnie Henderson, Edwardsville - 2013

 

2021 3A Best – 14.76m (48-5) – Julia Reglewski (SR), Grayslake (Central)

 

2021 3A Sectional Best – 14.21m (46-7.5) – Julia Reglewski (SR), Grayslake (Central)

 

Preview – There are two athletes in this event to keep an eye on. Julia Reglewski has been the queen of the 3A ring in this event with a best of 48-5. Sarah Byrd of Springfield has a best of 46-8.25 this year and could be a factor for the win along with Reglewski.

 

Christine Nosike of Thornwood, Ella O’Neall of Stevenson, Abby Peeler of Kaneland, and Sylvia Bruzga of Batavia are all capable of placing in the top three.

 

Discus

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 51.0032m  (167-4) – Kelsey Card, Carlinville - 2010

 

IHSA Class 3A State Meet Record – 49.0982m (161-1) – Emmonnie Henderson, Edwardsville - 2011

 

2021 3A Best – 45.25m (148-5.5) – Julia Reglewski (SR), Grayslake Central)

 

2021 3A Sectional Best – 45.25m (147-0.5) – Julia Reglewski (SR), Grayslake Central)

 

Preview – Julia Reglewski again has the best mark in a 3A weight event having a 148-5.5 best. Her closest competition comes from Christine Nosike of Thornwood who threw a best of 138-11 last week at Minooka.

 

Ella O’Neall of Stevenson, Marla Hayes of Lincoln-Way Central, and Claire Kavanaugh of Barrington all had sectional bests over 130 feet. All could challenge for a top three finish. Kylee Stammer of Palatine threw 132-8 at her conference meet and could also be a part of that top three finish conversation.

 

Long Jump

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 6.3246m (20-9) – Alexandria Anderson, Chicago (Morgan Park) - 2005

 

IHSA Class 3A State Meet Record – 6.3246m (20-9) – Alexandria Anderson, Chicago (Morgan Pk) - 2005

 

2021 3A Best – 6.16m (20-2.5) – Riley Ammenhauser (SR), Naperville (Neuqua Valley)

 

2021 3A Sectional Best – 5.90m (19-4.25) – Riley Ammenhauser (SR), Naperville (Neuqua Valley)

 

Preview – This could be the top field event competition of Saturday. Five qualifiers in this event have personal bests past 19 feet. Riley Ammenhauser jumped 20-2.5 in South Carolina at the end of March. Add in that she has the best sectional mark at 19-4.25 states that she is ready to go for this week. Sydney Willits of Glenbrook South jumped 20-2.25 at New Trier on May 22 and will also be in the mix for the win. She had a best of 19-4 in her sectional win. Mariam Azeez of Lincoln-Way East jumped 19-0 last week to win her sectional at Minooka. She has a best of 20-0.5 from the middle of May showing that she also is ready to go.

 

McKenna Cinotte of Downers Grove North jumped 19-1.5 at the beginning of the season. The senior jumped 18-6.75 at Lyons Township last week. Alexandria Johnson of Huntley jumped 18-6.5 for her sectional win. Johnson jumped 19-4 in a home meet in the middle of May.

 

Bria Armstrong of Bloom Township, Shanera Cambric of TF South, and Marisa Brown of Lockport all jumped past 18 feet last week. They could be surprises in this event on Saturday.

 

Triple Jump

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 13.0175m (42-8.5) – Jaimie Robinson, Homewood-Flossmoor - 2017

 

IHSA Class 3A State Meet Record – 13.0175m (42-8.5) – Jaimie Robinson, Homewood-Flossmoor - 2017

 

2021 3A Best – 13.08m (42-11) – Riley Ammenhauser (SR), Naperville (Neuqua Valley)

 

2021 3A Sectional Best – 13.08m (42-11) – Riley Ammenhauser (SR), Naperville (Neuqua Valley)

 

Preview – Riley Ammenhauser is on fire at the right time. She jumped a US #2 42-11 to win at Lockport last week. Ammenhauser also jumped farther than the meet record that Jaimie Robinson set in 2017. That record is in her sights.

 

One athlete to keep an eye on is McKenna Cinotte of Downers Grove North who also is peaking at just the right time. Cinotte jumped 41-0.5 to win at Lyons Township last week. If Ammenhauser has an off day, the Downers North senior could pick up the state title.

 

Sydney Willits of Glenbrook South is close to that 40-foot region after jumping 39-9.5 last week. Kaylee Hopp of St. Charles North, Bria Armstrong of Bloom Township, and Kelly McCloughan of Geneva all went past 38 feet last week. All have the ability of earning all-state honors.