Track Notes, May 20, 2015

Congratulations to our University High School Girl's Team for their 2nd place finish at the 2015, Class 2A Sectionals. This young talented team has worked through a challenging meet of 17 teams to represent University High School in a manner we were all proud of.  These athletes have demonstrated the definition of sportsmanship.  So many coaches and parents (and even bus drivers) have commented to me on the talent and demeanor of this team ... Coach Neisler and I are extremely proud of these young ladies and feel blessed to coach them as athletes.

The following athletes will represent our team at the Illinois State Girl's Track and Field Championships this Friday and Saturday at the campus of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL.

• Katie Reeves (Pole Vault)
• Lauren Seaver (Pole Vault) 
• 4x800 Meter Relay (Ashley LaFayette, Madigan Landess, Shannan Supan, Amber Nanni with alternates Ally Shepard, Katie Herrman, Advika Kamatar and Riley Madix)
• Ashley LaFayette, 1600
• Chante Stonewall (100m Hurdles, 300m Hurdles)

We had a handful of athletes just miss qualifying, which, for me as a coach, is extremely difficult.   We have athletes who have worked very hard for the chance to compete at state.  It is, however, the nature of our sport that nagging injuries or an off day may take it's toll.  I was impressed with the way our athletes handled it and I want to be sure to recognize their effort and the manner in which they handled adversity.  So for our near misses ... our 4 x 200 (Spencer, Micayla, Nia, Chante), Jessica in the Discus, Bri in the jumps, Kara in triple ... congratulations on your outstanding performances!  As coaches, we have been in your position ... we know it's not easy.  We are extremely proud of your efforts this season and are glad we have more years to try again.

Thanks to our wonderful parents who provided water and snacks for the meet, traveled hours and endured two days to cheer on and support our athletes.  Thank you so much ... we are blessed to have you!

Coach Neisler sent out state meet info earlier ... Prelims for class 2A begin on Friday at 9a and are scheduled to be finished by 1230p.  The Finals for all 3 classes begin at 10A on Saturday and are scheduled to be finished around 5p.  This meet features the best athletes in the state and some of the best in the nation.  It is one of the best organized and well run sporting events I have witnessed.  If you like our sport, you'll love this meet.  Make plans to cheer on our qualifiers ... the weather, so far, looks to be good!  Hope to see you there!!

And since I am re-sending this I wanted to recognize Ally Shepard in the 800 barely missing the state qualifying time ... she ran a 2:23.82 in the open!  Strange circumstances to be so happy and sad for a runner at the same time. We are so proud of Ally and her season she is having too!