Lake Central continues tradition

Updated: May 17, 2011 10:35PM

HAMMOND — Lake Central’s sectional championship streak started before any of its current members were even born.

The tradition continued Tuesday as the Indians claimed their state-record 20th straight crown, earning 184 points on a cold and windy night at Morton.

Munster finished second with 159 points, while Highland was third (971/2 points), Griffith was fourth (471/2) and Bishop Noll, which won the Greater South Shore title last week, was fifth (33).

Four-year letterwinner Anna Kacius, who ran the first leg in the team’s sectional championship run in the 3,200-meter relay, said the sectional tradition is almost a rite of passage and is something that the girls take very seriously from the moment they become part of the team.

“It means a lot to be a part of a deep tradition,” the senior said. “(When you come in as a freshmen), it’s great to have these upperclassmen know you what it’s like and have the experience to guide you and show you the ropes. (As a senior), I try to be a good role model for the younger girls with lots of positive encouragement and I try to calm their nerves on a big night like tonight.”

Lake Central’s depth was just too much to overcome as the Indians won five events, finished second eight times, third in four events and fourth five times. LC had two athletes place in the top five in eight of the 13 individual events.

Indians coach Ron Fredrick wasn’t sure his girls could keep the tradition going when the season opened because he had lost seven quality seniors from the prior season.

“I’ve thought about it as the season progressed,” he said of the streak. “We graduated seven girls last year and each of them had lettered every year in the program, so coming into the year we had question marks and were wondering if we could keep the streak going. It’s a long streak and speaks well of the dedication of the girls. You don’t just keep turning it over without people wanting to put the time and commitment year round.”

Senior Kyela Specht led the way for the Mustangs in distance running winning the 800- (2:23) and 1,600-meter (5:28.91) runs, while senior Shakyla Askew won the 200 (25.85) and 400 (58.60). Specht was coming off three Northwest Crossroads Conference titles last week at Highland.

“I’m really happy. I won last year in the 800 and the mile too and I wanted to do it again for my senior year,” she said.

“I think we did well from what I saw. We gave LC a run for their money.”

Askew was double winner at the Northwest Crossroads Conference last week and repeated her efforts on Tuesday night.

“I’m so happy. People were telling me today you’re going to finish second,” she said. “So I’m happy I was able to shut up the haters.

“I won the 200 last year (at sectionals) but I didn’t run the 400. This is my first year running the 400. My dad won state in the 400 (at East Chicago). He said it’s in your blood to run this.”

Askew’s father Will, won the 400-meter dash in 1987. She’s hoping to continue the tradition as the post-season continues next week at regionals.

Highland’s Kat Smailis continues to win individual championships too. The two-time NCC champ repeated her performance Tuesday with sectional titles in the 100- (16.19) and 300-meter (47.33) hurdles. Trojans volleyball standout Alexis Jordan also won a title for her school with her throw in the discus (125-06).

Hammond’s Tiara Reed ended her senior year on positive winning the 100-meter dash (12.52) over teammate Kimberly Johnson (12.76).

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