Congratulations to Oak Park and River Forest High School distance runner Mary Blankemeier, the Midtown Athletic Club Athlete of the Week.
The freshman has taken the high school running scene by storm this school year. Blankemeier advanced to the state meet by winning the 3,200-meter run with a time of 11 minutes, 2.58 seconds at the St. Ignatius Sectional hosted by Concordia University.
Previously, Blankemeier (5:01.59) defeated Hinsdale Central’s Anne Zaher (5:02.68) and Glenbard West’s Madeline Perez (5:04.19) in the 1,600 at the West Suburban Conference Silver Division meet. Blankemeier (who also placed fifth in the cross-country state finals during the fall) is a contender to win the 3,200 state title this weekend, a prospect the precocious freshman views with perspective.
“It’s my first time going to state for track so I’m just going to enjoy and don’t let any nerves get to me,” Blankemeier said. “During the race, I think, I’ll stay behind a little bit and then give it all I got toward the end.
In the fall of 2013, she placed fifth at the Class 3A cross country state championships at Peoria’s Detweiller Park.
“It’s clear Mary’s talent has helped our cross country and track and field programs,” said OPRF coach Tom Tarrant said, “but the intangibles of a good work ethic and positive attitude are equally important. If she continues to work smart and stay healthy, the sky’s the limit for her.
The Midtown Athletic Club Athlete Feature, The Midtown Athletic Club Athlete of the Week and weekly sports calendar/scoreboard are sponsored by Midtown Athletic Club in Oak Park.