The OPRF track and field team’s 107 points, good for a second place finish at the West Suburban (Silver) Conference Indoor Meet held at York on Friday, bodes well for the near future.
“I like the fact that this conference is so tough and such a challenge,” said Sarah McCabe, a former track star at OPRF who took over the head coaching reigns from Greg Dukstein this season. McCabe has been associated with the track and field program for the last 15 years. “Racing with the great teams brings out the best in your team. And with the outdoor season right around the corner, placing second in this meet means we’re on the right track.”
The Huskies garnered points in every event, including five first place finishes.
Kathryn Gevitz led the Huskies by snagging three of those first place finishes in the field events. Gevitz won the triple jump with a leap of 36-2 . She also took first in the high jump (5-5) and the long jump (16-9 ).
“We’ve got a solid group of runners, but the field events are our bread and butter,” said McCabe.
Liz Wilkie took home top honors in the polo vault, springing to a height of 10-3. Johanne Verpil battled back from a hyper-extended arm injury suffered the week before the meet to place second in the shot put. Verpil tossed 37-10, but has thrown 38 earlier this season.
“She’s a tough kid,” said McCabe of Verpil.
The 4 x 200-meter relay team of Sophia Elie, Stacie Taylor, Danica Melton, and Nikeva Stapleton finished first with a time of 1:48.2. Marianne Kirk took second in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:24.4.
York finished first at the meet with 114 points, while Hinsdale Central rounded out third with 104.
“The indoor season is meant for preparation for the outdoor season,” said McCabe. “We’re off to a wonderful start.”
All of OPRF’s top finishers at the conference meet met qualifying standards to compete in the Illinois Prep Top Times Indoor Track and Field Classic in Champaign-Urbana this weekend. The event is considered by many the unofficial State indoor track and field meet.
CONTACT: bspencer@wjinc.com
