Change to three-class system boosts chances for Yorkville

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Is track's change to three classes in the state series a change for the better? In Yorkville they think so.

Seniors Krysten Sebby and Alex Balderas have qualified for the state meet in Charleston two of the past three years. This year, they're anticipating having more company.

"I can't wait," said Sebby, who specializes in the 800-meter run and is running seven seconds better than the Class 2A qualifying mark for that event.

The Foxes will attempt to advance from Friday's Sterling Class 2A Sectional. It's one of six sectionals in which area girls will compete.

"I think I can make it individually again in the 800 and our four by 800 (3,200) relay could qualify, and I'm hopeful our four by four (1,600) relay does, too," said Sebby.

She qualified for the Class AA state meet in the 800 as a freshman and a junior. Balderas did the same in the high jump and is ranked among the best in 2A with a season-best effort of 5-4 this year.

"I'm really excited (about state)," said Balderas, who needs to clear 5-1 to advance. "You never know how you're going to feel, though. I did my (season) best at the Wulff Invitational (clearing 5-4), but earlier that week in a Tuesday dual meet I couldn't clear 4-6."

Yorkville coach Tony Robbins, in his second year as head coach but 12th overall with the program, is also looking forward to the change.

"When I first started coaching we were one of the bigger schools in Class A and we took tons of kids to state," he said. "With our move up to AA, it got a lot more difficult. For several years, it was really disheartening for the kids.

"This year, the attitude changed. If I can fill up a mini-van (with qualifiers) this year that would be great."

Class 1A schools will consist of those with enrollments of 759 or less. Class 2A ranges from 760 to 1,625 and 3A for schools of 1,626 or more. The old two-class system used 750 students as the dividing line.

"I'm not originally from Illinois," IMSA coach Robb Gill said. "I'm from upper Michigan and we always had three classes there. For me, it feels more natural this way. I think it's a positive move for most teams."

The Titans will be joined at the Glenbard South 2A Sectional by Aurora Central and Rosary.

"Given the current situation the IHSA has set up, 2A is better than 3A," ACC coach Troy Kerber said. "We have a chance to qualify in some events."

ACC has an enrollment of just under 500, but the 1.6 multiplier (instituted in 2005 for non-public schools) makes it one of the smallest 2A schools.