Footlocker Midwest: One Step Toward Redemption For Werner and Davis

Taylor Werner is elated in winning the girls seeded race 

Let's start with the FLMW Girls-

The form charts were pretty cut and dry as who was predicted to win and advance on to San Diego, CA for the national finals in two weeks. The underlining theme set by MileSplit editorial brass was simple in referring to the unanimous pre-meet favorite senior Judy Pendergast of Naperville North: "no one from that field will challenge Pendergast, but there are a few battle-challenged All-Americans from other regions with whom she must contend here." Of course the race had to be run on land and not paper.

The opening pace was honest but it seemed like business as usual on the re-routed course with Pendergast holding a slight lead over Stephanie Jenks (Linn-Marr IA) through the first mile in 5:35. As in almost every race this season, this is where Pendergast asserts her will on the competition and the race for second begins. However, one girl did not receive that memo: Taylor Werner. Werner has been here literally and figurative before. The four-time state champion and twice Foot Locker All-American was more than ready to get business after suffering through late season injury in 2014 that halted her racing before FLMW.

Taylor, who came in undefeated, made a decisive move prior to the halfway point and put a few seconds on Pendergast. At the 2m post Werner rolled through in 10:53 and it appeared as though she was on her way to victory. Pendergast did not look gassed or expired but rather comfortable in holding on to second ahead of the karate chopping Maryjeanne Gilbert (Sr., Peoria Notre Dame IL) 11:00-11:05. After Gilbert was a steady stream of "Who's Who" trying to get into the coveted top 10 spots before the courses last treacherous hazard near the 4k mark.

Taylor emerged from the woods alone with a hearty crowd cheering hard. It was unbelievable to watch her close in Anna Roher's course record of 16:54. Perhaps the conditions prevented her from snatching the two-time Footlocker champion from Mishawaka, Indiana pride and joy. Certainly 16:57 is a great time and it puts her in the discussion of a real contender in California.

The future University of Arkansas Lady Razorback has come full circle since staring as a freshman to her lowest point a year ago when she missed out on the post-season festivities. "It was really frustrating for me because I was in pain from June to December," said Werner referring to a nagging injury. "I had to take 10 weeks off."

Pendergast was pleased with her performance. "It was really fun and exciting as I never done Footlocker before," she said after her race. Pendergast motored home in good shape ahead of her state mate Gilbert 17:18-17:23. Gilbert added: "The Midwest girls team is really good heading to San Diego." This year's edition to San Diego should be one of the best crews heading out west in two weeks if you consider the 10th place qualifier Jenks the anchor.