Next Man Up

A track team, just like any other team deals with ups and downs throughout the course of the season. This season has been no different for the Wildcats. As we get rolling into the outdoor season we are down our top three scorers from the indoor season. But as we wait for their return, it is a great opportunity for other guys to step up.

Ari Williams took advantage of that chance Saturday at Downers Grove South, Ari took 5^th place with a nice PR in the long jump, and was the 3^rd leg on a scoring 4x200 relay. After the long jump Ari was glad to PR and get 5^th, but he wanted to win. That is the attitude you are looking for, big things ahead for this rookie Senior.

The quartet of Nigel Osei Asare, Will Dotson, Scott Fresichlag, and Torrance Freeman executed a strong race in the 4x100 to take 3^rd overall and run our fastest time in the past 8 years. Nigel ran a great lead off leg in both sprint relays and had a strong run into a slight headwind in the 100. Torrance also came back with a nice PR in the 100.

The throwers had a huge day, Justin Bannister and Tyler Ibarra got things rolling in the shot put, both with big PRs. Bannister followed it up with a PR in the discus. Brayden Burcham had a double throws PR as well as Josiah Castillo. Kyle Bush had a PR in the shot put, Mason Little had a PR in the discus and Josiah Taylor had a PR in the discus. 10 of 12 performances were PRs.

Stephon Griffin took 3^rd place in the F/S high jump, clearing 1.80 meters, and took some really strong attempts at 1.85. Steph is in a great position to be a state qualifier in the high jump. Frank Gibson got in on the PR action as well in the triple jump.

The distance crew had a lot of breakthroughs and PRs on the day. Tyler Schick and Luke Adair ran shoulder to shoulder for 2,400 meters to finish 5^th and 7^th in the 3200, both guys running PRs. Dominik Barrios also ran a strong PR in the 3200. Ubaldo Rodriguez led off the 4x800 with a big PR split to keep the team in the mix early. The 800 saw 4 guys PR: Aden Veljacic, Michael Kazak, Guilian Salas, and Thomas Coleman. Ezequiel Ocegueda ran a big PR (nearly 13 seconds) in the 1600.

In the 400 Nathan Bingham ran a strong race to PR. And to finish out the meet Jake Michel ran a PR split in the 4x400 to lead the team to a season best time.

The team will be back in action twice this week at home against Oswego East and then Friday at Wheaton Warrenville South which falls the same night as prom, so it will be a chance for younger guys to step up in a varsity meet.