Congratulations to our University High School Girl's Team, the 2014, Class 2A Sectional Champions! This talented group has worked through what would be excuses for many teams (i.e. no practice facilities) and scored in all but two events in a 17 team meet. This type of consistent scoring is what coaches always hope for but rarely see. These athletes have also 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)
- Gabi Jacobs (Shot Put, Discus)
- 4x800 Meter Relay (Ashley LaFayette, Madigan Landess, Leah Taylor, Amber Nanni with alternates Sydney Billingsley, Shannan Supan, Katie Herrman, and Nadia Khusro)
- Sydney Billingsley (3200, 1600)
- Shannan Supan (3200)
- Chante Stonewall (100m Hurdles, 300m Hurdles)
We had a handful of athletes just miss qualifying, which, for me as a coach, is extremely difficult. The weather seemed to take it's toll across the board in sprinting and field events. Results show only 1 person other than the top two places qaulified for the state meet in sprint/field events. We have athletes who have worked very hard for the chance to compete at state and having a variable we have no control over such as weather affect their chance is disappointing. It is, however, the nature of our sport. I was impressed with the way our athletes handled it (much better than I did, I should say) and I want to be sure to recognize their effort and the manner in which they handled adversity. So for our near misses ...
- 4 x 200 (Spencer, Micayla, Nia, Chante)
- Kara in TJ and 100H
- Jessica in the Discus
... 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 meals to and from the meet, water and snacks for the meet, traveled hours and endured wet/cold weather to cheer on and support our athletes. Thank you so much ... we are blessed to have you!
We will send out information on the state meet as soon as it has confirmed. We hope to see as many of you there as possible ... 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 great ... warm and sunny. Hope to see you there!!
