Lincoln-Way East claims the title at Minooka Invitational

MINOOKA – The sun was out Thursday afternoon, but just like everything else this spring, the wind howled and the temperatures were cool for the Minooka Girls Track and Field Invitational.

State power Lincoln-Way East, Lincoln-Way Central, Plainfield South and the host Indians were joined by DeKalb and Metea Valley as team champions were crowned in both the varsity meet and the junior varsity meet. Rolling Meadows withdrew from the meet because of travel concerns regarding the wind, and the pole vault event was canceled.

“We have had some windy meets here at Minooka over the years, but it’s been a long time since we had wind like this,” Minooka coach Kevin Gummerson said.

The host Indians and East battled this one out for the varsity title, as the Griffins used their depth to come away with the team title, scoring 156 points. The Griffins had five individual titles and five runner-up placers. The Indians had four individual winners with three runner-ups and scored 121 points.

Huntley finished third with 103 points and was followed by Metea Valley, Lincoln-Way Central, DeKalb and Plainfield South.

The Griffins were led by double-event winners Mariam Azeez (long jump and 100-meter dash) and Sophia Barnard (100 hurdles and 300 hurdles). Jamie Sierocki won the shot put

“The way this spring has been, we just want to get out here and compete,” Lincoln-Way East coach Brian Evans said. “We have to use opportunities like today was to compete in these conditions because you don’t have any idea what sectionals or even the state meet will be like. You have to be prepared for anything, and competing today at Minooka, which is our sectional site, gives us familiarity in a month. Our goal today was to always come out healthy and compete on the track and in the field events, and we did a good job of that.

“Minooka is always tough, and Huntley did a great job and ran some great relays. Anytime you win a title, your kids performed well. And like I said, we competed well today, and that was what was important.”

Minooka received wins from Gabriella McCollom in the 3,200, Kathryn Cichon in the 800, Kendal Franklin in the high jump and the 4x800 relay team of Cassie Fuhrman, Gabby Kics, Sara McLaughlin and Audrey Boles.

“On a night like this, you look for toughness. But I already know our team has that,” Gummerson said. “You look for the ones who really want to compete. You’re not going to have a perfect race or field event on a night like this, but your preparation and approach can be perfect. Throw out the stopwatch. Tonight it was about the spirit of the sport. It’s not windy just for the Minooka athletes, it’s the same for everyone, and you still want to beat the person next to you.

“We had some great performances, which I’m very happy with. Our kids competed so well at both levels, and this just goes to show you that no matter what the conditions are, if you prepare and compete, good things will happen.”

Lincoln-Way Central’s Marla Hayes won the discus, and Plainfield South’s Janiya Bowman won the 200.

East also came away with the junior varsity title, outscoring Minooka, 177-165.5.