Reaction from Glenbard West coaches Paul and Kelly Hass
Charleston-
Glen Ellyn (Glenbard West) is an athletics powerhouse in terms of high school sports. They have won many state titles over the years in various sports. In girls cross country and football as starters in recent years as starters. And just this past weekend they added boys gymnastics and now track and field. The Milesplit Illinois final power rankings pitted the Hilltoppers #4. It was a tight #4 with a possibility of gaining traction toward the top spot if things rolled right. Glenbard West is a primarily a distance power and distance does not always perform well in state track title points. Plus, consider the fact that Naperville North was also in the trophy chase and they are heavily distance minded. That means both of these two teams would have to split points in four events and more than likely cancel themselves out.
As it turned out the unbelievable happen. Homewood-Flossmoor did not have a perfect day in the prelims as their 4x1 relay was disqualified for a dropped baton. Their superstar senior Jaimie Robinson did not win all four events. E. St. Louis Sr. lost their star junior Rockelle Stanley to a hamstring injury during warm up. Glenbard West took a big game by riding the legs of their star runner freshman Katelynne Hart. Hart was entered in the 4x8, 3200, and 1600. Junior standout Lindsey Payne was entered in the 3200/1600 and few other nickel and dime points in other areas.
The final tally would go Glenbard West 47, Homewood-Flossmoor 43, Naperville North 40. This is as close as you can get in a team race. The #1 Flyerettes fell to 7th place with 25 points.