Tinley Park's Jemilo has successful day

Updated: April 9, 2011 7:38PM

It was a busy Tuesday for Tinley Park's Matt Jemilo.

After a full day of classes, he was off to track, and off and running.

The senior ran the anchor leg in the Titans' win in the 3,200-meter relay in 2:05. He ran the 800 in 2:01.72 and won it. He ran the 1,600 in 4:34.68 and won it. Then, with only a few minutes rest, he ran the first leg of the 1,600 relay, saying to the second man in the relay, "I'm going to be really tired; don't run away from me!"

Not that you could tell Jemilo was tired when he padded home in 52.7 seconds, giving the Titans a lead they would keep.

It was just another day for Jemilo. Another practice day, that is. With the assent of coach Scott Frigo, Jemilo treats midweek meets as real-time practice sessions. On weekends, he buckles down and concentrates only on the individual 400 and 800.

"This is only in duals or quads, when it's not so important," Jemlio said. "I'm just pushing myself a little harder than normal."

The track season is a continual process to get faster, and Jemilo has a plan. His best outdoor 1,600, for instance, is about 4:30. That's not where he wants to stop.

"I'm hoping to get it down to 4:11 by the end of the season," Jemilo said. "The 800, I'm at 1:56, and I'm at 50.8 for my quarter (the 400). I feel those two are my top events."

Jemilo, then, may have a decision to make by season's end. Last year, 1:56.15 won the Class 2A state title in the 800 (he was eighth, in 1:58.93). The 1,600 was won in 4:18.28, the 400 in 48.25. It's not inconceivable that he could be quick enough to consider qualifying in all three when the Hillcrest Sectional rolls around.

"I'm hoping to win state by running at 1:52 in the half-mile (800), and I hope to win the mile in 4:11 or 4:10," Jemilo said. "I've been thinking a lot about this since the end of cross country; since the end of last year's state (track) meet."

Frigo lauds Jemilo not just for his skill, but his work ethic and selflessness.

"He's the hardest-working kid we've got," Frigo said. "He's dedicated himself to wanting to be the best, and has had a great four years. Matt's found his niche in the 800, qualifying for state the last two years. He's looking to up the ante, and we're on the same page for him trying to accomplish that. He wants to qualify for the 1,600 as well, but the 800 is his game.

"Meet days are more or less workout days for us until we get to later on in the season. Everything's a progression."

And not just for this spring. At the moment, Jemilo plans to attend Western Illinois on a partial ride.

"I'm hoping to be leading the team by my sophomore year, and my ultimate goal is to make the Olympic trials," Jemilo said.

Like Daniel Burnham, Matt Jemilo makes no little plans.

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