The Young Guys Step Up

Sunday, April 24 2022 - Red Grange Invitational

Prom is a big moment in many high school student’s life, it means a chance for the fresh/soph crew to step up at a varsity invite, and that is exactly what the Wildcats did on Friday night at Red Grange. 13 of the 17 athletes who ran a race on the track ran lifetime bests in at least 1 event.

Christian Crowder continues his steady improvement and double PRd for the second meet this week. Harlan Matson had a great double PR as well running a tactically smooth 3200 with a negative split to finish 5^th in the B Section and break 10:30 for the first time. Tyler Schick ran right at 10:30 in an even split 3200. Paul DeAvila ran a season best to finish 5^th in the A Section of the mile. Arnold Arce went for it in the 3200 and struggled home the last 800, but those guts allowed him to PR.

Bryan Underwood ran a great 110, setting a PR and then came back and ran a season best in the 300 hurdles to finish 5^th in the B Section. Justin Matula continues his epic improvement when he ran 2:16 in the 800. Nick Papesh ran a 400 PR for the second weekend in a row. Aiden Fannin ran a PR in the 800 C Section.

One of my favorite moments of the night, after the 4x200 one of the 4x400 legs hurt their foot, so Joey Mikoljaczyk was asked to step in and he did in a big way running a PR split and the fastest split on the relay.

I was so proud of the way all the guys stepped up and competed at a very high level in less than ideal conditions. I hope Prom was a great time for those who went, I know it was for me because I know the team is in good hands with this young crew for years to come.

Palatine Distance Night was the following night. Paul DeAvila and Mike Forbear had a chance to race. It was really windy but a chance for some fast times with great competition.

Paul came back from the mile on Friday night to run his second best 800 time ever.

Mike Forbear finished 5^th in the undercard 1600 and dipped under 4:30 for the first time since Sectionals last year, a good confidence boost as we move towards the post season.