Class A Girls Prelim Recap: The Favorites Move On


KD Young completed her day with two qualifying marks in the shot put and discus throw heaving the ball 50-4.75 and 140-3 (Dan Chamness photo)

The opening day of the state championship was met with more taking care of business and go home. A hefty percentage of the teams and individuals which compose Class A are within a stone's throw away and usually sleep in their own beds at night. Plus, with a lull in between competition why not air it on the track and in the field. Jenny Kimbro (Sr., Caitlin Salt Fork) was scheduled to compete in four events. She garnered the top seed in the long jump (17-8.25) then moved over to the 100HH and busted the competition with a fast time of 14.44. It was as if her competition was standing still. But guess what? The best was to come in the 300H when she rocketed out of the blocks against a slight headwind and punished the field. Kimbro did not show any signs of faltering despite hitting one hurdle on the northwest curve. The result was a new state class meet record in 42.57.

Jenny Kimbro Interview below:


  • 4x800: Kewanee produces a classification best 9:51.18 and will head to the finals ahead of Deer Creek and Dakota who are considered favorites.
  • Chicago Luther North wins easily wins their 4x100 relay heat but then unleashes fury in the 4x200 with a sizzling 1:43.94; Clifton Central and Decatur (St. Teresa) also advance to Saturday's final.
  • The battle of the 800 will be huge on Saturday as Arielle Summitt (So., Urbana U High) and Audrey Harrod (Jr., Hinckley Big Rock) waged war separately in their heats. The renewed Summitt took control midway before posting a 2:17.40. Harrod dueled with Mariah Brodie (Sr., Illini West) 2:16.67-2:18.06.
  • Mariah Brodie claims top seed in the 400 (58.98)
  • Despite claims of a sore knee recently Anna Sophia Keller (Jr., Effingham St. Anthony) goes 4:55.62 (2;28/2:26)- only athlete under 5:00
  • The return of Courtney Sockwell (Jr., Rockford Lutheran) was evident as she posted heat winners in the 100 (12.45) and 200 (25.20); Taylor George has fastest time in 25.16