Lady Hubs track and field team season recap

Record-setting seniors paving the way for younger athletes

Russell Hodges
Posted 5/27/18

A strong and successful senior class saw its track and field season come to an end at the IHSA Class 2A State Championships in Charleston recently.

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Lady Hubs track and field team season recap

Record-setting seniors paving the way for younger athletes

Posted

ROCHELLE — A strong and successful senior class saw its track and field season come to an end at the IHSA Class 2A State Championships in Charleston recently.

After earning numerous medals, setting several school records and leading the Lady Hubs to many dual meet and invitational victories over the last four years, athletes such as Jacie Wyatt, Cesca Vardman, Morgan Baker and Morgan Knight will depart from Rochelle having paved the way for the team’s younger classes to fill their shoes. However, head coach Kyle Kissack is confident that Rochelle’s returning athletes will continue delivering quality results.

“I think we had another great season,” Kissack said. “We talk about being intentional and bringing focused effort each day in practice, and we emphasize competitiveness amongst the group… We’ve been through a lot with our seniors and they didn’t back down one time. They really used challenges as a mindset to go out and compete, and they delivered on everything we asked them to. They’ve given everything they can for the program and the community.”

Rochelle’s indoor season began with a win in the Sycamore Invitational, and the Lady Hubs won two outdoor events including the Landers-Loomis Invitational for the second straight season and the Ogle County Invitational for a third consecutive year. Two relays including the 800-meter and 1600-meter relay reached the indoor state championships.

Rochelle’s seniors shined in the sprint relays this season, as the 400-meter, 800-meter and 1600-meter groups each advanced to the outdoor state meet for the second year in a row. Sophomore Macey Ryan also played a critical role in the success of Rochelle’s sprint relays as well as the team’s open sprints such as the 100-meter and the 200-meter dash. With two years of state experience already under her belt, Ryan will be an integral part of Rochelle’s success in the future.

“She has some goals in front of her and she can absolutely obtain those goals,” Kissack said. “She’s definitely ready to take over the leadership role of our sprint group. Macey’s about as solid as they come for a young sprinter.”

Juniors Abby Tilton and Cheyene Watson headlined the Lady Hubs in hurdle events this year, while junior Katherine Bakken was the catalyst of Rochelle’s distance crew, earning a state bid in the 3200-meter run for the first time in her career. Senior Hannah Cruz and sophomore Britney Baez each stepped up in open distance races such as the 1600-meter run, while juniors Emma Smith and Cam Turner each anchored the Lady Hubs in the 800-meter run.

“I couldn’t be prouder of how Katherine progressed throughout the season,” Kissack said. “She was really impressive and this season will be a great launching pad for her as she goes into her senior cross country season and her senior track season… I thought we had a really solid group of hurdlers and their efforts got better as the season went on. Abby had a great amount of growth and Cheyene has been a solid short hurdler for us.”

Sisters Gabrielle (sophomore) and Allysa Harding (senior) led the Rochelle throwing crew in 2018, with sophomore Cristina Alfano and freshman Afi Gati also emerging late in the season for the Lady Hubs. Sophomore Maddie Ohlinger competed in both the long jump and the triple jump for Rochelle, and senior Alexis Bialas represented the Lady Hubs in the pole vault. High jumpers to watch out for include sophomore Katie Van Hise.

“I was really proud of our efforts in the jump pits this year,” Kissack said. “I’m excited for Maddie’s future and I think our field events are an area where we can definitely grow. Our throwers scored points in some big meets this year which gave us a platform to build on.”