High School Sports RSS: Other Sports

Titans star Hepburn headed to Italy

BY GEORGE WILCOX -- PIONEER PRESS — Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:00 CST

Glenbrook South senior Colin Hepburn, the defending Class 3A state champion in the 100-meter dash, was named to Team USA Wednesday night and leaves Saturday to compete in the sixth IAAF World Youth Championships in Italy.

Flossmoor's Dawson makes it back to top

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:00 CST

Lauren Dawson was determined to not let Mother Nature affect her golf game Tuesday afternoon. Dawson, who'll be sophomore at Homewood-Flossmoor High School in the fall, carded a strong 78, overcoming excruciating heat and humidity to win the girls 13 to 15 division.

New Lenox's Jones finds wait worth it

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:00 CST

Christopher Jones of New Lenox fired a 73 on Tuesday to win the Boys 16-18 Division at the 21st SouthtownStar Challenge golf tournament.

A Bolden step by Mokena teen

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:00 CST

Rare is the 13-year-old who manages to capture the Boys 13 to 15 Division of the SouthtownStar Challenge Junior Golf Championship. Don't tell that to 13-year-old Bryant Bolden, of Mokena. He beat the heat and a fast field to win the younger division going away.

Kathy Sterling simply golden in Challenge

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:00 CST

Battling temperatures higher than her golf score and oppressive humidity to boot, Mokena's Kathy Sterling just focused on her next shot during the SouthtownStar Challenge Junior Golf Challenge at Glenwoodie Golf Course. "I pretty much try to ignore (the heat) and just get through it," she said after carding an 82 and winning the girls 16 to 18 division by 10 strokes.

Council rolls out red carpet for Kabba

By LINDA GIRARDI For The Beacon News — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:01 CST

Bai Kabba doesn't hear the crowds in the stands when he's in the starting blocks. "I generally don't hear the cheering until after the race. It was amazing how people were cheering for everyone competing at the state meet," Kabba said. "You clear all thoughts out of your head and let the gun pull you out."

USA Central golfers take first in team event

BY CHRIS PALL -- FOR THE SUN — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

Raymond Knoll, who will be a freshman at Naperville North this fall, helped Team USA Central golfers capture first place in the World Youth Team Challenge that ended Tuesday.

Badminton: West Aurora duo aims high

By TAMARA McQUEEN-SALENTINE For The Beacon News — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

Prep badminton: When she was a freshman, West Aurora badminton player Karina Diaz set a goal to play in the state tournament -- and be named Beacon News Player of the Year. "It is something I actually wanted," she said. "It was a goal." Teammate Alexis Fox had similar aspirations.

Tennis: Break pays off for Oswego's McWethy

By PAUL JOHNSON For The Beacon News — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

Boys Tennis Player of the Year: Last summer, Oswego senior Collin McWethy made a tough decision. Nursing a sore wrist and burned out from constant tennis, McWethy took six months off prior to his senior season with the Panthers. The rest did McWethy wonders as he went 30-2 and earned Beacon News Boys Tennis Player of the Year honors.

Hinsdale C.�s Kramer goes out a winner

BY TAYLOR BELL — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:00 CST

Jay Kramer's plan to become an airline pilot got sidetracked. Instead, Kramer was flying high as Hinsdale Central's boys tennis coach for 50 years and 16 state championships before deciding to retire this spring.

Trevians top rival Loyola, win another title

BY BEN MEYER-ABBOTT — Sun, 7 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

Chris Sweitzer scored a game-high three goals and Will Harris and Steven Shapiro added two goals and two assists Sunday to lead New Trier to a 10-6 victory over Loyola at Toyota Park in the boys lacrosse state championship.

Sulkin, Herbert pace Dukes to 3A title

BY PAUL JOHNSON — Sat, 30 May 2009 16:00 CST

Paced by Steve Sulkin and Jordan Herbert's 1-2 finish in the 3,200 meters, York rolled to its fourth boys track state championship Saturday in Charleston, 56-36 over runner-up Neuqua Valley in Class 3A.

Kramer's farewell gift: 16th state title

BY MATT LE CREN — Sat, 30 May 2009 16:00 CST

Hinsdale Central's Dan Ballantine and Ian Tesmond won the boys tennis state doubles title on Saturday to help clinch a 16th team state championship for coach Jay Kramer, who is retiring after 50 seasons.

Lyke magic: Hurdler, Hawks take state

BY PAUL JOHNSON — Sat, 30 May 2009 16:00 CST

Maurice Lyke ran on two winning relays and took first in the 110 hurdles as Hillcrest cruised to the Class 2A boys track state title Saturday in Charleston. North Shore's Peter Callahan won a pair of events in Class 1A.

Neuqua clinches second place finish at state

By PAUL JOHNSON For The Sun — Sun, 31 May 2009 04:00 CST

Boys track and field: Neuqua Valley's boys track and field team had never won a state title in a relay event and had never won a team trophy. The Wildcats took care of both in the final event of Saturday's Class 3A state meet at Eastern Illinois University.

A day for champions

By PAUL JOHNSON For The Beacon News — Mon, 1 Jun 2009 00:01 CST

Boys track and field: There is rich tradition of success for the Aurora area in boys track and field throughout the years. But there are few days that have gone down in history more than Saturday's finals of the Class 3A state meet at Eastern Illinois University.

Lockport's 1600 relay finishes 3rd

By CURT HERRON For The Herald News — Sun, 31 May 2009 04:00 CST

Boys track and field: Abe Omar, D.J. Jones and Steve Gleaves all had good reasons to be disappointed with how their days started at Saturday's Class 3A boys state track and field finals. But it's safe to say that the three Lockport High School athletes liked how it ended after they made school history in the 1600 relay at Eastern Illinois University's O'Brien Stadium.

Popenfoose has seconds

By DAN CHAMNESS For The Courier-News — Sun, 31 May 2009 04:00 CST

Boys track and field: In the shot put and the discus, the Huntley standout Marcus Popenfoose was second in both events at the Class 3A State Track and Field Finals. He finished with a toss of 59 feet, 11 3/4 inches in the shot and 199-8 in the discus.

Peotone's Clott wins Class 1A shot put state title

By CURT HERRON For The Herald News — Sun, 31 May 2009 04:00 CST

Boys track and field: Peotone High School's Tyler Clott won a state championship in the shot put but he certainly wasn't alone among area athletes who made history at Saturday's boys state track and field meet.

Redlicki steals show at state tennis

BY MATT LE CREN — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:00 CST

Lake Zurich freshman Michael Redlicki, a 9-16 seed, pulled off two upsets on the second day of the state tennis finals Friday at Hersey to advance to Saturday�s singles semifinals.

So far, so good for Hillcrest at state

BY TIM CRONIN -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:00 CST

Hillcrest, which is seeking the school's first team state title in any sport, moved a step closer to its goal by advancing 14 individuals and relays to today's Class 2A boys track state finals in Charleston. Class 3A favorite York also fared well in Friday's qualifying.

Waukegan's Cherfils advances, but will skip final

NEWS-SUN STAFF REPORT — Sat, 30 May 2009 04:00 CST

The area athlete who, based on Friday's performances in the qualifying round of competition would seem to have the best chance of winning a state title today, in truth, has absolutely no chance at all. That would be Waukegan High senior triple-jumper Sadrac Cherfils.

Porters' Omar cruises into finals

BY CURT HERRON -- FOR THE HERALD NEWS — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:00 CST

Lockport's Abe Omar advanced to the Class 3A finals in the 300 hurdles and also helped the Porters move on in the 1,600 relay in Friday's boys track state preliminaries at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

Bolingbrook's Slater a fast learner

BY CURT HERRON -- FOR THE HERALD NEWS — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:00 CST

In just his second season of track and field, Bolingbrook sophomore Jovante Slater has qualified for the Class 3A state finals in two events: the long jump and triple jump.

Harris, Hawks live to run another day

BY TIM CRONIN -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:00 CST

As expected, Hillcrest dominated Friday's qualifying for today's Class 2A boys track state finals, advancing 14 of 18 individuals and relays.

Wildcats' Lindsey stays on track in prelims

BY TIM CRONIN -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:00 CST

Thornton's William Lindsey cruised into Saturday's Class 3A boys track finals in both hurdles events with strong performances in Friday's preliminaries.

Panther, Bulldog serve notice

By CHRISTINE BOLIN For The Beacon News — Sat, 30 May 2009 04:00 CST

Boys tennis: While Oswego senior Collin McWethy capped his fourth consecutive appearance at the boys state tennis tournament Friday, Batavia freshman Josh Cogan enjoyed his first of possibly many more appearances.

Track: Seton's Martin advances in 1A

BY TIM CRONIN -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:00 CST

Seton's Sean Martin battled the elements in Thursday's state preliminaries to advance to Saturday's Class 1A long jump finals.

Thornton's Lindsey clears tough hurdles

BY MIKE CLARK mclark@suntimes.com — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:00 CST

After missing most of the outdoor season with a left hip injury, Thornton senior William Lindsey is top-seeded in the 110-meter hurdles at this weekend's Class 3A boys track state finals.

Hinsdale Central takes charge

BY SCOTT POWERS — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:00 CST

Celebrating coach Jay Kramer's 50th boys state tennis tournament, Hinsdale Central grabbed the lead after the first day with 24 points, two ahead of New Trier, Oak Park and Stevenson.

Naperville area well-represented in Charleston

By JASON IVANITZ For The Sun — Fri, 29 May 2009 00:01 CST

If the state meet is only half as exciting as the Class 3A boys track and field Plainfield Central Sectional, fans down in Charleston will have a good time. The Naperville-area schools went against tough competition in the sectional and now only a select few have earned the right to go against the elite track and field athletes at Eastern Illinois University.

Porters' Omar leads charge to state

Fri, 29 May 2009 00:01 CST

The word "stud" was used more than once at last Friday's Class 3A Plainfield Central Boys Track and Field Meet.

Singles-minded: Titans' Moore is top seed

BY SCOTT POWERS — Wed, 27 May 2009 18:00 CST

No. 1 singles seed Michael Moore of Glenbrook South, who has just one loss all season, is expecting a highly competitive state tennis tournament this weekend.

Track: Hillcrest has high hopes in 2A

BY TIM CRONIN -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Wed, 27 May 2009 18:00 CST

The split from two to three classes in boys track has Hillcrest in the running for the school's first team state title in any sport this weekend in the Class 2A finals at Charleston.

Track: Kabba, Zinzer enter as top seeds

Thu, 28 May 2009 00:01 CST

They top the charts. It won't win them anything this weekend at the boys state track meet in Charleston, but Batavia's Bai Kabba and West Aurora's Josh Zinzer will enter as the No. 1 rated sprinters in their respective events, the 400-meter and 200-meter dashes.

Tennis: H-F brings full team to state again

BY STEVE MILLAR -- FOR THE SOUTHTOWN STAR — Wed, 27 May 2009 18:00 CST

As usual, Homewood-Flossmoor is bringing the maximum six players � two in singles and a pair of doubles teams � to the boys tennis state finals this weekend.

Tennis: Naperville teams playing with purpose

By NEIL SHALIN For The Sun — Thu, 28 May 2009 00:01 CST

Neuqua Valley's boys tennis team is hoping to crack the top 10 for the first time and Naperville Central's goal is top 15 as state tournament play begins today at a dozen locations in the Northwest suburbs.

Tennis: Hilltopper freshmen play like vets

BY DICK GOSS dgoss@scn1.com — Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00 CST

Joliet Catholic's freshman doubles duo of Ian Barr and Austin Naal showed poise beyond their years en route to finishing second at last week's Bolingbrook Sectional and qualifying for state.

Relay team got Cougars rolling to state

BY DICK GOSS dgoss@scn1.com — Mon, 25 May 2009 18:00 CST

Notes and quotes gathered at last Friday's Class 3A Plainfield Central boys track sectional, which many area coaches termed one of the toughest, if not the toughest, in the state:

Warriors' Pinnick saves her best for last

BY RICK ARMSTRONG -- BEACON NEWS — Sat, 23 May 2009 14:00 CST

Waubonsie Valley's Shakeia Pinnick won both hurdles races at Saturday's Class 3A girls track and field meet. Pinnick led the Warriors to a second-place finish. Belleville West won the team title.

Fenwick juggernaut adds another title

BY BEN MEYER-ABBOTT — Sat, 23 May 2009 14:00 CST

Fenwick's boys water polo team wrapped up the fifth unbeaten season in program history and won its sixth consecutive state title by rolling past Sandburg 19-4 Saturday at Stevenson.

Fenwick's girls stay on target in final

BY BEN MEYER-ABBOTT — Sat, 23 May 2009 14:00 CST

Having what coach Jack Wagner called a target on its back didn't bother the Fenwick girls water polo team, which wrapped up a 33-0 season by beating Naperville Central 15-5 in Saturday's state final.

Giants continue to double their pleasure

BY SCOTT POWERS — Sat, 23 May 2009 14:00 CST

Highland Park's boys tennis program is known for its strong doubles teams, a trend that was on display as the Giants won their own sectional on Saturday.

Heat doesn't faze Lane's Haji, Meteors' Evans

BY MIKE CLARK mclark@suntimes.com — Sat, 23 May 2009 14:00 CST

Lane miler Kulayifi Hall and De La Salle sprinter Ahmad Evans were among the runners able to beat the heat and turn in strong performances on Saturday at the Class 3A Fenwick Sectional.

Tennis: Unbeaten Kopinski rolls through sectional

BY TONY BARANEK -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Sat, 23 May 2009 14:00 CST

Stagg sophomore Tim Kopinski, who is 19-0 and hasn't lost a set this season, is looking ahead to the state tournament after cruising to the Sandburg Sectional singles title on Saturday.

Tennis: Plainfield N. duo takes sectional

BY DICK GOSS dgoss@scn1.com — Sat, 23 May 2009 14:00 CST

Plainfield North's Chris Vaselka and Kevin Wilson, who became teammates after this season started, captured the doubles title at Saturday's Bolingbrook Sectional. Andrew won the team title.

Panthers' McWethy stays unbeaten

By BOB REYNOLDS For The Beacon News — Sun, 24 May 2009 04:00 CST

Boys tennis: There was some irony in Collin McWethy's observation that he wasn't supposed to beat Neuqua Valley's Ahvi Singh if both advanced to the finals. They did meet for the championship, and the veteran McWethy of Oswego exposed the inexperience of talented Neuqua Valley freshman Singh and cruised to the singles championship of the Oswego Sectional, winning 6-2, 6-1.

Naperville Central overpowers the field

By TOM STRONG For The Beacon News — Sun, 24 May 2009 04:00 CST

Boys tennis: Naperville Central was dominant at the West Aurora boys tennis sectional, scoring 24 points, compared to 10 by their closest competition, Batavia.

Naperville's North and Central each win sectional

By NEIL SHALIN For The Sun — Sun, 24 May 2009 04:00 CST

Boys tennis: The Naperville North boys tennis team did not have a set lineup this year, but it didn't seem to matter as they won the sectional title on Saturday afternoon.

South Suburban stars shine at state prelims

BY TIM CRONIN -- THE SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Fri, 22 May 2009 18:00 CST

Rich South's Jerika Lewis and Richards' Marissa Golliday may as well be twins. They run around together all the time. That was the case in Friday's state Class 2A track qualifying session at O'Brien Stadium at Eastern Illinois.

Lake Park's Block sets the standard

BY CARTER CRANE — Fri, 22 May 2009 18:00 CST

Track juggernaut York shared center stage with Dan Block in the Class 3A sectional in Roselle. Block, a Lake Park senior already in possession of the best shot-put performance in the state, set the state standard in the discus.

Weigand and Bruton lead Lyons

BY BEN MEYER-ABBOTT -- FOR THE SUN-TIMES — Fri, 22 May 2009 18:00 CST

Patrick Weigand and Peter Bruton combined to score nine of their team�s first 10 goals Friday to lead Lyons to a 14-10 victory over Glenbrook South in a boys water polo state quarterfinal at Stevenson.

Sandburg fends off McHenry, reaches semifinals

Sat, 23 May 2009 04:00 CST

It took Sandburg seven years to win its first state water polo trophy. The Eagles wasted no time claiming No. 2.

Good prelims now a must for Waukegan jumpers

By DAVE MASTERSON dmasterson@scn1.com — Sat, 23 May 2009 04:00 CST

What's more important, a state track championship medal or a high school diploma?

For Bulldogs' Cogan, the buzz is back

By PAUL JOHNSON For The Beacon News — Sat, 23 May 2009 04:00 CST

Boys tennis: Freshman Josh Cogan is going to be the key if Batavia boys tennis is going to have any success this post-season.

Rugby: Redhawks rally past Morton

By JAKE SIMPSON For The Sun — Fri, 22 May 2009 00:01 CST

Rugby: With Naperville Central five minutes away from a season-ending defeat, Kevin Kanzler knew he had to make a play. The senior pulled of a miracle score that was one part athleticism and two parts heart.

Red Devils aim to end trophy drought

BY ADAM L. JAHNS ajahns@suntimes.com — Thu, 21 May 2009 18:00 CST

Though it's perennially one of the top girls track programs in the state, Hinsdale Central has never won a state trophy. The Red Devils hope to end that streak this weekend in the Class 3A finals at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

Girls track: Knights race into 3,200 final

BY TIM CRONIN -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Thu, 21 May 2009 18:00 CST

Chicago Christian's 3,200-meter relay team ran a season-best 9:36.96 to highlight south suburban schools' qualifying Friday in the Class 1A girls track state meet at Eastern Illinois in Charleston.

Water polo: Fremd reaches semis vs. Friars

BY BEN MEYER-ABBOTT — Thu, 21 May 2009 18:00 CST

Fremd advanced to the girls water polo state semifinals for the first time in school history by edging Lyons 9-8 in double overtime Thursday at Stevenson. The Vikings will meet unbeaten Fenwick in Friday's semifinals.

Water polo: Ramblers, Redhawks advance

BY BEN MEYER-ABBOTT — Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00 CST

Loyola ended a string of four consecutive state quarterfinal losses by edging host Stevenson 7-6 Thursday in girls water polo. The Ramblers move on to play Naperville Central in Saturday's semifinals.

Burlington's Wleklinski vaults to top

By GENE CHAMBERLAIN For The Courier-News — Fri, 22 May 2009 00:01 CST

Prep track and field: Paco Wleklinski made a decision last year before basketball practices started. He was dumping hoops for the pole vault. "I had always liked to play basketball so it was a big decision," Wleklinski said. "I wanted to focus on pole vault and work at it through the winter."

Water polo: Redhawks ready for state quest

By JAKE SIMPSON For The Sun — Fri, 22 May 2009 00:01 CST

Prep polo: A possible rematch with Illinois' top team looms in Saturday's state semifinals for Naperville Central. First, Central has to enter hostile territory tonight for the biggest game of the season.

Heading down to Charleston

By JASON IVANITZ For The Sun — Fri, 22 May 2009 00:01 CST

Prep track and field: Several athletes from the Wheaton and Glen Ellyn areas qualified for this weekend's girls track state meet at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. For a few, it will be their last high school sporting event as athletes like Kristin Morrison (triple jump) from Neuqua Valley and Shakeia Pinnick (100- and 300-meter hurdles) from Waubonsie Valley will be graduating in a couple of weeks.

East Aurora's Taylor hopes to qualify

Fri, 22 May 2009 04:00 CST

Prep feature: Tonight will be different -- much different. Jamario Taylor has vivid memories of his last chance to take part in a graduation ceremony. It came four years ago, following eighth grade at Waldo Middle School. It seems an unlikely scenario for the bright, articulate young man who will step to the podium at Roy Davis Field tonight shortly after 7 p.m. and address fellow graduates, friends and family as president of East High's class of 2009.

Batavia star Tarter to miss state finals

BY ADAM L. JAHNS ajahns@suntimes.com — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:00 CST

Batavia's Natalie Tarter, the defending state champion in the 300 hurdles, is expected to miss this weekend�s girls track and field state finals at Eastern Illinois with a leg injury.

Rosary looks to set new heights

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:01 CST

"Friday will tell," said Vic Mead. In his 20th year of coaching the Rosary track team, Mead doesn't know if his team can match the feat of the school's storied 1985 team and bring home a trophy from the state meet in Charleston. But the current Royals have already done something that team didn't do, win a sectional title.

Jones, Weller lead Joliet contingent to state

By CURT HERRON For The Herald News — Thu, 21 May 2009 00:01 CST

Cessily Jones turned in quite an impressive performance during last Saturday's Plainfield Central Sectional track & field meet.

Girls track: Andrew's Loesch back for more

BY TIM CRONIN -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:00 CST

Andrew's Geena Loesch, who had the state's fastest sectional time in the 800 meters, feels more prepared for this year's state track finals after making two previous trips to Charleston.

Bright future: Joliet bowler picks Lindenwood

BY DICK GOSS dgoss@scn1.com — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:00 CST

Joliet bowler Ashley Bright, who finished ninth in the state last winter, has committed to Lindenwood University in Missouri.

Waubonsie's Schmelzel finds his groove

BY PAUL JOHNSON -- FOR THE BEACON NEWS — Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00 CST

Coming into the Upstate Eight Conference track and field meet Thursday, Waubonsie Valley senior Michael Schmelzel was not expecting too much.

Boys tennis: Wildcats rule league again

By JAKE SIMPSON For The Sun — Wed, 20 May 2009 00:01 CST

Even the swine flu can't slow down Neuqua Valley. The Wildcats won their ninth straight Upstate Eight conference championship in boys tennis in dominant fashion, winning all but one division in the conference tournament to capture the title.

Trojans' Rybar vaults to crown

BY DICK QUAGLIANO — Sat, 16 May 2009 14:00 CST

Downers Grove North's Doug Rybar used a solid vault as a springboard to the all-around title Saturday at the boys gymnastics state meet at Lincoln-Way East. Rybar scored 56.45 to beat out runner-up Scott Wiedmeyer of Glenbard South by 1.4 points.

Fremd's Langhorst captures state

BY MATT LE CREN — Sat, 16 May 2009 14:00 CST

Fremd senior Jenna Langhorst upset top-seeded and previously unbeaten Lincoln-Way Central senior Kelly Byar 21-14, 20-22, 21-13 Saturday to become the first badminton champion in her school�s history and help the Vikings take the team title.

Warriors win what they call a Triple Crown

By JASON IVANITZ For The Sun — Sun, 17 May 2009 04:00 CST

Girls track and field: At the beginning of the season, Waubonsie girls track and field coach Jim Braun told the team that the main goal for the season would be to win his version of the "Triple Crown," which is an indoor and outdoor championship, and a sectional championship.

Girls track: L-Way North starts tradition

BY TIM CRONIN -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Sat, 16 May 2009 14:00 CST

Lincoln-Way North, in its first season of varsity competition, had its first state qualifiers on Saturday in the Class 3A Homewood-Flossmoor Sectional. Thornton won its fourth straight sectional title.

Saturday's track roundup

Sat, 16 May 2009 14:00 CST

Highlights from Saturday's girls and boys track action.

Glenbard West stars at Leyden Sectional

BY CARTER CRANE — Sat, 16 May 2009 14:00 CST

Glenbard West qualified in 10 events for next weekend's state meet on its way to the Leyden sectional championship on Saturday. Sophomore hurdler Kathryn Pickett led the way for Glenbard West.

Girls water polo: Pinelli lifts Ramblers

BY BEN MEYER-ABBOTT — Sat, 16 May 2009 14:00 CST

Nicole Pinelli scored the game-winner late in the fourth quarter to lead Loyola past New Trier 6-5 Saturday in the Glenbrook North Sectional final.

Three strong quarters do it for Central

By BLAKE BAUMGARTNER For The Sun — Mon, 18 May 2009 00:01 CST

Boys water polo: Staring down an unbelievable individual performance from John Mikuzis, Naperville Central was determined to let someone else beat them. After Neuqua Valley tied the match behind Mikuzis' heroics late in the third quarter, the top-seeded Redhawks scored eight unanswered goals to win the Neuqua Valley Sectional crown, 16-8.

Saturday's water polo roundup

Sat, 16 May 2009 14:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Saturday's boys and girls water polo sectional finals.

Boys water polo: Glenbrook S. returns to state

BY GEORGE WILCOX -- PIONEER PRESS — Sat, 16 May 2009 14:00 CST

Glenbrook South pulled away from a 4-3 halftime lead to beat New Trier 9-6 Saturday to win the Glenbrook North Sectional title.

Neuqua starts well in Upstate Eight

By JAKE SIMPSON For The Sun — Sun, 17 May 2009 04:00 CST

Boys tennis: A year after dominating the Upstate Eight conference tournament, Skeeter Plowman and Chase Perry entered this year's bracket ready to defend their title. After 24 hours and one slow start, they're finally on their way. The Neuqua Valley duo overcame a sluggish first set and blew past St. Charles North's David Johnson and Parker Featherston 6-4, 6-1 to advance to the UEC tournament semifinals at No. 1 doubles.

Glenbard N. rebounds, claims state title

BY DICK QUAGLIANO — Sat, 16 May 2009 14:00 CST

Glenbard North never worried despite trailing after four rotations at the boys gymnastics state meet on Friday. The Panthers' confidence was well-founded, as they used strong efforts on pommel horse and rings to capture the team title with 160.20 points.

Family affair: Hornets' Niemann eyes medal

BY MATT LE CREN — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:00 CST

Olivia Neimann, the youngest member of a badminton dynasty at Hinsdale South, is one win away from joining her sisters as state medalists after breezing into Saturday's quarterfinals.

Badminton: Byar, Knights focused on finals

BY JOSH KROCKEY -- FOR THE SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:00 CST

Top-seeded and unbeaten Kelly Byar of Lincoln-Way Central rolled into Saturday's singles quarterfinals of the state badminton tournament in Charleston, while the Knights stayed in the hunt for team honors.

Girls track: Antioch wins first sectional

BY DAVE MASTERSON -- NEWS-SUN — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:00 CST

Antioch found the new three-class format for girls track to its liking, winning the first sectional in program history Friday in Class 2A action at Grayslake North. The Sequoits beat runner-up Lakes 112-90.

Wolfpack's fast start sinks Lane

BY BEN MEYER-ABBOTT — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:00 CST

Host St. Ignatius opened a 10-1 halftime lead and rolled to a 20-5 win over Lane Friday night in a boys water polo sectional semifinal.

Friday's girls track roundup

Fri, 15 May 2009 18:00 CST

Highlights from Friday's girls track sectionals.

Water polo: East wins Lincoln-Way battle

BY STEVE MILLAR -- FOR THE SOUTHTOWN STAR — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:00 CST

Lincoln-Way East edged rival Lincoln-Way Central 10-8 on Friday to advance to Saturday's Lincoln-Way Central girls water polo sectional final against Homewood-Flossmoor. Lincoln-Way East and Sandburg won to reach the boys sectional final.

Friday's water polo roundup

Fri, 15 May 2009 18:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Friday's water polo sectional semifinals.

Discus dandy: Shepard, Palatine prevail

BY CARTER CRANE — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:00 CST

Discus thrower Martha Shepard uncorked the longest throw in the state this season by a Class 3A competitor � 45 feet, 3 inches � to help host Palatine win its own girls track sectional on Friday night.

Boys track: Avant, Neuqua rule Upstate Eight

BY PAUL JOHNSON -- SPECIAL TO THE SUN — Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00 CST

Led by sprinter Aryan Avant's three first-place medals, Neuqua Valley rolled to the Upstate Eight boys track title Thursday, 163-114 over runner-up Waubonsie Valley.

Boys track: Jones leads way in Porters' win

BY TIM CLODJEAUX -- FOR THE HERALD NEWS — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:00 CST

D.J. Jones won four first-place medals to pace Lockport to a dominating 71-point win over runner-up Bolingbrook Thursday in the SouthWest Suburban Blue boys track meet in Joliet.

Bloom keeps SICA South trophy at home

BY TIM CRONIN -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:00 CST

With strong performances in the sprints and hurdles, Bloom won the SICA South boys track title Thursday night in Chicago Heights.

Thursday's boys water polo roundup

Thu, 14 May 2009 18:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Thursday's boys water polo action, updated throughout the night

Thursday's boys track roundup

Thu, 14 May 2009 18:00 CST

Highlights from Thursday's boys track conference meets.

Gymnastics: Griffins take nothing for granted

BY TONY BARANEK -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:00 CST

Though Lincoln-Way's co-op team posted the highest sectional score and will host the meet, coach Skip Adamson is anything but overconfident heading into the boys gymnastics state finals.

Gymnastics: L-W East aims to be host with most

BY TONY BARANEK -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:00 CST

When Barrington's stint as host of the boys gymnastics state finals was over, Lincoln-Way East jumped at the chance to become the first south suburban school to host a state meet.

Boys track: Scouts cruise in North Suburban

By Dave Masterson dMAsterson@scn1.com — Fri, 15 May 2009 04:00 CST

After winning the North Suburban Conference meet by an eyelash last season, the Lake Forest Scouts repeated in breezy style on Thursday at Grant High School. But unlike last year when the meet was decided in a close finish in the last event of the day, the 1,600-meter relay, Lake Forest went into the final relay on Tuesday with no chance to lose the meet.

Boys track: Benet gets four-peat in ESCC

By ROB WOLLENZIEN For The Sun — Sat, 16 May 2009 00:01 CST

Benet Academy track has pulled off the elusive four-peat. The Redwings boys team won its fourth straight East Suburban Catholic Conference Thursday night by scoring 139 points. Runner-up St. Patrick finished with a distant 82 points.