The usually cordial Ali Ince was quite unsavory in her 2024 season debut on the fast Gately track oval
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RESULTS I VIDEOS I PHOTOS I INCE INTERVIEW
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Chicago IL-
Illinois track and field fans have been spoiled for quite some time but...
It's always fun and games until someone gets hurt. The usually jovial "Ali" Allison Ince knew before the start of the 2024 track and field season that she would be available on a limited basis because of her commitment to basketball. Fortunately, it was this past weekend in the frostbitten Windy City at the Dr. Conrad Worrill Track & Field Center.
The senior superstar from Normal Community HS has been a part of the outstanding Ironwomen hoops squad all four years. Thus far things are going well as they are 18-3 through the weekend.
Ince has always been the ultimate competitor and with an opening in her basketball schedule, she seized the opportunity to open her indoor track campaign. Ince is the nation's top undercover returner in the 800m (2:04.77) but chose to compete in the 1600m. Unfortunately for the competitors that were slated to compete against Ince, she is just as lethal with a personal best 4:46.33 (US#2 returner).
Things were relatively close for the first four circuits in which Ince led through the 800 with a talented Charlize Trinity-Mckenzie (So., Cedarville, WI) within earshot in 2:22.
Ince began to pull away on the fifth lap with a 36.5 clocking and two seconds faster than McKenzie. This is widely considered the point at which opponents are broken off.
At the 1200m mark, Ince passed the checkmark in 3:35.8. The meet record of 4:58.39 was all but gone unless Ince completely broke down. Instead, she was going to break the facility record and possibly obtain the national lead.
Ince hit the bell lap in 4:12.14 and the crowd got on its feet as she entered the backstretch and bent the final turn toward home.
The rebellious flock of pundits appeared amazed when the final time flashed on the electronic board: 4:46.67- good for a facility record and US#2!
It is scary to think that it's just the second week of January and Ince is still in basketball mode. She has nearly equaled her indoor lifetime best. The rest of the prep track and field world will be in a rude awakening once her hardwood season concludes in another month.
We will be excited and waiting!