2015 highlights

IHSA Boys Track and Field Sectional

By: Bill Stone

By just .01 of one second, the Hinsdale Central boys track and field team’s 800-meter relay is returning to the Class 3A state meet.

The lineup of juniors Kareem Muhammad, Matt Hillock and Christian Bobak and senior James Reilly is among the Red Devils’ four state entries after their performances at the 3A Downers Grove South Sectional Friday, May 22.

Senior and sectional champion Steven Chun (pole vault), sophomore Blake Evertsen (3,200-meter run) and the 3,200 relay of junior Nathan Hill, seniors Griffin Gartner and Max Maydanchik and sophomore Jacob Belgrad also advanced to state Friday and Saturday, May 29-30, at Eastern Illinois University.

Reilly and Hill also competed at state last year with their respective relays. Entries qualify for state either automatically with a top-two sectional finish or by achieving state-qualifying standards at the meet.

The 800 relay finished third Friday but its fully automatic time of 1:29.63 edged the state-qualifying standard of 1:29.64 for the relay’s third consecutive state trip. With little hope of catching or Bolingbrook (1:28.32) or Lockport (1:28.59), Reilly basically ran the anchor leg completely against the clock and clearly in third with no nearby competition.

Chun cleared a lifetime-best 14 feet-3 inches for the first time to earn his first state trip. Chun entered as the clear No. 1 seed at 14-0 and was the only competitor Friday that cleared the qualifying standard of 13-9.

Evertsen finished second in the 3,200 (9:20.56) to another sophomore, Hinsdale South’s Charlie Nodus (lifetime-best 9:17.20). Evertsen was well under the 9:29.04 state cut and 6.22 seconds ahead of third place to put himself in the faster of two 3,200 heats at state. Evertsen attempted to come back later and also qualify in the 1,600 but ended up seventh (4:25.73) and missed the 4:22.04 state cut.

The 3,200 relay (8:05.90) is making its fifth straight downstate appearance.

The Red Devils finished 3.14 seconds ahead of third-place Downers Grove North (8:09.04), which dropped the baton on its first exchange. That – and personal-best anchor splits by Hill (1:58.7) and Gartner (2:00.1) over the first 1,600 meters -- gave the Red Devils plenty of leeway going into the anchor leg, even though they probably were going to miss the 7:58.04 qualifying standard.

Belgrad took the baton 11 seconds ahead of Downers North senior Ryan Clevenger, third at state in the 1,600 in 2014. Clevenger closed on the final lap, but Belgrad pulled away in the final 200 meters to secure second. Sandburg won in 7:52.17.

Among non-qualifiers, Muhammad also was third in the 200 (22.59), .41 from second and missing the 22.24 state cut.

Senior Alex Domiano’s sixth-place 9:30.59 in the 3,200 was 1.45 seconds from the state cut.

Senior Josh Feldman’s personal-best 4:23.73 in the 1,600 was fifth and 1.69 seconds from the state cut.

Juniors Dan Lillard (400 in 51.21) and Jared Neumann (110 high hurdles in 16.05) also were fifth. Senior Alex Wang was sixth in triple jump with a career-best 42-3, placing out of the lowest-seeded of three flights.

West Suburban Silver Division Conference Championship

Glenbard West High School – Saturday, May 16, 2015

By: Bill Stone

The Hinsdale Central varsity boys track and field team competed at the West Suburban Conference Silver Division Meet Saturday, May 16, at Glenbard West.

The varsity (50 points) finished seventh. Oak Park-River Forest (151) captured its first outdoor title since 2012, followed by York (85), Glenbard West (82), Lyons Township (69), Proviso West (64) and Downers Grove North (56). The Huskies also captured the indoor Silver title 116-115 over York March 21.

With thoughts turning to the Class 3A Downers Grove South Sectional Friday, May 22, sophomore Blake Evertsen (1,600-meter run) and senior Steven Chun (pole vault) again beat state-qualifying standards in their events Saturday. Entries qualify for state either automatically with top-two sectional finishes or by achieving state-qualifying standards at the sectional, regardless of place.

Evertsen finished second in the 1,600 (4:21.07 fully automatic time), which featured two of the top underclass distance runners in the state. Evertsen again beat the state-qualifying standard of 4:22.04.

Evertsen took the lead on the third lap but was edged by OPRF sophomore Irwin Loud (4:20.49), who earlier won the 3,200 (9:14.13) with the No. 5 fastest reported outdoor best this season, according to DyeStatIL. Evertsen, who held off York senior Alex Sepanski (3rd, 4:22.63), is ranked No. 29 in the 1,600 with his 4:19.70 from May 9.

In pole vault (13-9 state-qualifying standard), Chun continued his consistency, again clearing his outdoor best of 14 feet for third place behind OPRF junior Luke Nelson and York senior David Prigg (11-6). Nelson previously never cleared higher than 13-6. Hinsdale Central senior Erik Knecht was sixth (12-0).

Seven Red Devils entries were fourth -- seniors Stefan Ivanisevic (lifetime-best 46-11 1/2 in shot put) and James Reilly (200 in 22.94), juniors Matt Hillock (100 in 11.39), Kareem Muhammad (42-9 1/4 in triple jump) and Jared Neumann (110 high hurdles in 15.64), the 800 relay of Hillock, Muhammad, junior Christian Bobak and Reilly (1:30.98) and the 3,200 relay of Evertsen, junior Nathan Hill and seniors Griffin Gartner and Max Maydanchik (7:58.48).

The 3,200 and 800 relays ran season bests and the 3,200 relay came just shy of the 7:58.04 state-qualifying standard. The 3,200 relay posted the No. 13 fastest season-best time in the state but finished behind the season bests from Glenbard West (school-record 7:47.16), LT (7:48.27) and OPRF (7:52.30), which are ranked No. 4, 5 and 6. Evertsen (1:56.9), Hill (1:59.3), Maydanchik (2:00.8) and Gartner (2:01.3) all delivered personal-best splits.

The 800 relay was .22 from third and .56 behind first-place OPRF.

Limited in triple jump because of injury, Muhammad improved upon his season best by more than one foot. He tied for third but lost the tiebreaker with Downers North junior Zack Hogan based on their next best jumps.

Ivanisevic improved significantly from his sixth-seeded 45-9 as part of a big day by the throwers. In discus, senior Josh Mysliwiec (129-0) and junior Phil Barrett (126-1) were fifth and sixth with lifetime bests after being seeded ninth and 10th.

Neumann was just .04 from third and .03 ahead of fifth place after basically the same time in prelims (15.63). Hinsdale Central junior Jordan Keen was sixth in the finals (16.04). Neumann later was seventh in the 300 intermediate hurdles (42.92), .36 from sixth.

Reilly was .22 from second place and .19 from third after a slightly faster 22.92 earlier for the fifth-best prelim time. York senior Alex Teague dominated the final in 21.93. Muhammad was sixth (23.68) after the seventh-fastest prelim time (23.32).

In the 100, Hillock was .10 from third and pulled out fourth by .05 and after an 11.34 in prelims. Teague won that final in 10.85.

Also taking sixth were senior Alex Domiano (3,200 in 9:44.98) and the 1,600 relay of senior Jack Breslin, junior Michael Licata, Maydanchik and Gartner (3:35.91).

West Suburban Conference Silver Division Meet

At Glenbard West

Team scores: 1. Oak Park-River Forest 151, 2. York 85, 3. Glenbard West 82, 4. Lyons Township 69, 5. Proviso West 64, 6. Downers Grove North 56, 7. HINSDALE CENTRAL 50

Hinsdale Central top-seven finishers

Second place

1,600: Blake Evertsen 4:21.07

Third place

Pole vault: Steven Chun 14-0

Fourth place

100: Matt Hillock 11.39

Shot put: Stefan Ivanisevic 46-11 1/2

Triple jump: Kareem Muhammad 42-9 1/4

110 high hurdles: Jared Neumann 15.64

200: James Reilly 22.94

800 relay: Matt Hillock, Kareem Muhammad, Christian Bobak, James Reilly 1:30.98

3,200 relay: Blake Evertsen, Nathan Hill, Max Maydanchik, Griffin Gartner 7:58.48

Fifth place

Discus: Josh Mysliwiec 129-0

Sixth place

Discus: Phil Barrett 126-1

3,200: Alex Domiano 9:44.98

200: Kareem Muhammad 23.66

110 high hurdles: Jordan Keen 16.04

Pole vault: Erik Knecht 12-0

1,600 relay: Jack Breslin, Michael Licata, Max Maydanchik, Griffin Gartner 3:35.91

Seventh place

300 intermediate hurdles: Jared Neumann 42.92

The Hinsdale Central sophomore boys track and field team competed at the West Suburban Conference Silver Division Meet Saturday, May 16, at Glenbard West.

The sophomores (90 points) finished a strong third and had three individual champions. Lyons Township (162) comfortably captured the team title, followed by Oak Park-River Forest (137), the Red Devils, York (78.5), Glenbard West (41.5), Downers Grove North (32) and Proviso West (17).

Sophomores Ryan Doorhy (1,600-meter run in 4:37.86 fully automatic time) and Sam Fathizadeh (800 in 2:04.27) and freshman Vlad Vincent (110 high hurdles in 16.99) were Silver champions.

Doorhy took control of the 1,600 and held on defeat York sophomore and 3,200 champion Creighton Wolff (4:38.30) and Downers North freshman Ryan Birkmeier (4:38.34), who each were within one second. Hinsdale Central freshman Ryan O’Connell was fourth (4:41.20).

Fathizadeh won the 400 by .05 over LT sophomore Alex Pall (2:04.32), and Hinsdale Central sophomore Andrew Denos was sixth (2:10.68). The 3,200 relay with Doorhy, Denos, freshman Neil Cumberland and Fathizadeh was fourth (8:36.83).

Vincent used a great start to break 17 seconds and dominate the 110 hurdles by .39 over second-place Glenbard West freshman Patrick Howard (17.38).

Hinsdale Central sophomore Jacob Dawson was third in the 110 high hurdles (17.57) and Vincent (44.65) and freshman Matt Bjorson (45.26) finished 3-4 in the 300 intermediate hurdles.

Also taking third were sophomores Jimmy McKay (5-8 in high jump), Ethan Planson (3,200 in 9:56.74), the 800 relay (sophomore Eli Blacketor, freshman Aaron Antoniou, sophomore Colin Jay, McKay 1:38.00) and the 1,600 relay (sophomores David Lorenz and Jacob Belgrad, Fathizadeh, Denos in 3:40.66).

McKay shared a big day in high jump with Blacketor, who was fifth (5-6). Both of them cleared career-best heights for the first time.

In the 3,200, Planson was 2.67 seconds behind the victorious Wolff (9:54.07) and 1.18 seconds behind second-place York freshman Jackson Bode (9:55.56) with the next two finishers 1.23 and 1.25 seconds back. Belgrad was sixth (10:07.16).

Sophomore Aleks Konstantinovic was fourth in long jump (17-5) and sixth in triple jump (35-0).

Lorenz was fifth in the 400 (53.96), and sophomore Charlie Kallas was sixth in shot put (39-2) and seventh in discus (97-10). The 400 relay of Blacketor, Bjorson, Jay and Antoniou was seventh (47.57), .16 from sixth.

West Suburban Conference Silver Division Meet

At Glenbard West

Team scores: 1. Lyons Township 162, 2. Oak Park-River Forest 137, 3. HINSDALE CENTRAL 90, 4. York 78.5, 5. Glenbard West 41.5, 6. Downers Grove North 32, 7. Proviso West 17

Hinsdale Central top-six finishers

First place

1,600: Ryan Doorhy 4:37.86

800: Sam Fathizadeh 2:04.27

110 high hurdles: Vlad Vincent 16.99

Third place

110 high hurdles: Jacob Dawson 17.57

High jump: Jimmy McKay 5-8

3,200: Ethan Planson 9:56.74

300 intermediate hurdles: Vlad Vincent 44.65

800 relay: Eli Blacketor, Aaron Antoniou, Colin Jay, Jimmy McKay 1:38.00

1,600 relay: David Lorenz, Jacob Belgrad, Sam Fathizadeh, Andrew Denos 3:40.66

Fourth place

300 intermediate hurdles: Matt Bjorson 45.26

Long jump: Aleks Konstantinovic 17-5

1,600: Sean O’Connell 4:41.20

3,200 relay: Ryan Doorhy, Andrew Denos, Neil Cumberland, Sam Fathizadeh 8:36.83

Fifth place

High jump: Eli Blacketor 5-6

400: David Lorenz 53.96

Sixth place

3,200: Jacob Belgrad 10:07.16

800: Andrew Denos 2:10.68

Shot put: Charlie Kallas 39-2

Triple jump: Aleks Konstantinovic 35-0

Seventh place

Discus: Charlie Kallas 97-10

400 relay: Eli Blacketor, Matt Bjorson, Colin Jay, Aaron Antoniou 47.57

Lincoln-Way West Warrior Invitational

Friday, May 1, 2015

By: Bill Stone

The Hinsdale Central boys track and field team competed at Lincoln-Way West’s Warrior Invitational Friday, May 1.

The Red Devils (101.75 points) finished fourth. The invite is varsity-only for individual events but allows three entries per team rather than the usual two. There also are frosh-soph levels for all four relays that factor into the team scoring.

Huntley (160) won the team title with Thornton (139.75) second. Hinsdale Central was just 2.25 points behind third-place Lincoln-Way North (104) but also did not enter the varsity 400 or 800 relay.

The invite also is known for awarding special T-shirts to all first-place finishers. The Red Devils came away with five of them.

Senior Steven Chun won pole vault by again clearing his outdoor best of 14 feet and maintaining his consistency above the 13-9 state-qualifying standard. Chun won by six inches.

The frosh-soph 3,200-meter relay of sophomore Andrew Denos, freshmen Neil Cumberland and Steven Zaher and sophomore Sam Fathizadeh (8:49.70) were the only team in that race to break 9:00. They won by 13.37 seconds and would have finished sixth in the varsity 3,200 relay. Denos led off in a team-best 2:09.3 split, followed by Cumberland (2:12.4), Zaher (2:14.4) and Fathizadeh (2:13.2).

Junior Kareem Muhammad (41-8 in triple jump) and the frosh-soph 1,600 relay of sophomores David Lorenz, Denos, Ryan Doorhy and Ethan Planson (3:44.34) were second. Muhammad also was third in the 200 (22.88).

In triple jump, Muhammad was one foot behind Thornton junior Malik Williams (42-8 1/2). The 1,600 relay, which was 7.03 seconds behind Providence’s 3:37.31, received personal-best splits from Doorhy (56.3) and Planson (56.8).

In the 3,200, senior Nick Tandle (9:47.90), sophomore Ethan Planson (9:51.77) and freshman Sean O’Connell (10:01.23) all ran significant lifetime bests for a 3-4-5 finish. Tandle beat his previous best from 2014 by roughly six seconds while Planson cut 10 seconds and O’Connell a stunning 21.

Four relays took fourth – the varsity 3,200 relay (senior Max Maydanchik, Matt Tobia, junior Andrew Irvine, senior Joe Griffin in 8:22.14), the varsity 1,600 relay (junior Dan Lillard, Maydanchik, seniors Jack Breslin and Griffin Gartner in 3:34.08), the frosh-soph 400 relay (sophomore Jacob Dawson, freshman Aaron Antoniou, sophomore Colin Jay and freshman Vlad Vincent in 47.81) and the frosh-soph 800 relay (Dawson, sophomore David Lorenz, Jay, Vincent in 1:37.50). Maydanchik (2:01.6) and Griffin (2:07.7) had personal-best splits in their 3,200 relay.

Senior James Reilly was fifth in the 400 (51.53) and seventh in the 200 final (23.81). Gartner (2:02.54) and senior Alex Domiano (2:03.08) were fifth and sixth in the 800 and junior Christian Bobak was sixth in the 100 final (11.36). In the 110 high hurdles finals, juniors Jared Neumann (16.42) and Jordan Keen (16.54) were seventh and eighth.

Lincoln-Way West Warrior Invitational

Team scores: 1. Huntley 160, 2. Thornton 139.75, 3. Lincoln-Way North 104, 4. HINSDALE CENTRAL 101.75, 5. Bradley-Bourbonnais 99, 6. Lincoln-Way Central 95, 7. Providence 70.75, 8. Lincoln-Way West 47, 9. Romeoville 29.75

Hinsdale Central top-eight finishers

First place

Steven Chun: Pole vault (14-0)

Frosh-soph 3,200 relay: Andrew Denos, Neil Cumberland, Steven Zaher, Sam Fathizadeh (8:49.70)

Second place

Kareem Muhammad: Triple jump (41-8)

Frosh-soph 1,600 relay: David Lorenz, Andrew Denos, Ryan Doorhy, Ethan Planson (3:44.34)

Third place

Kareem Muhammad: 200 (22.88)

Nick Tandle: 3,200 (9:47.90)

Fourth place

Ethan Planson: 3,200 (9:51.77)

Varsity 1,600 relay: Dan Lillard, Max Maydanchik, Jack Breslin, Griffin Gartner (3:34.08)

Varsity 3,200 relay: Max Maydanchik, Matt Tobia, Andrew Irvine, Joe Griffin (8:22.14)

Frosh-soph 400 relay: Jacob Dawson, Aaron Antoniou, Colin Jay, Vlad Vincent (47.81)

Frosh-soph 800 relay: Jacob Dawson, David Lorenz, Colin Jay, Vlad Vincent (1:37.50)

Fifth place

Griffin Gartner: 800 (2:02.54)

Sean O’Connell: 3,200 (10:01.23)

James Reilly: 400 (51.53)

Sixth place

Christian Bobak: 100 (11.36)

Alex Domiano: 800 (2:03.08)

Seventh place

Andrew Irvine: 800 (2:04.28)

Jared Neumann: 110 high hurdles (16.42)

James Reilly: 200 (23.81)

Jorell Wilson: High jump (5-2)-tie

Eighth place

Joey Armonda: 300 intermediate hurdles (43.44)

Stefan Ivanisevic: Shot put (45-9 1/4)

Jordan Keen: 110 high hurdles (16.54)

Dan Lillard: 400 (52.55)

Hinsdale Central Sophomore Invitational

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

By: Bill Stone

The Hinsdale Central boys track and field team again defended its team title at its annual sophomore invitational Wednesday, April 29.

The Red Devils won six events and were credited with 146 points, 36 points more than second-place Downers Grove South in the six-team field.

Sophomore Blake Evertsen won the 3,200-meter run in a meet-record 9:49.9 manual time and sophomore Sam Fathizadeh was part of two titles.

Fathizadeh won the 800 (2:02.8) and anchored the winning 1,600 relay with freshman Neil Cumberland and sophomores Ryan Doorhy and Andrew Denos (3:52.1).

Also winning were sophomore Ethan Planson in the 1,600 (4:39.1), freshman Vlad Vincent in the 110 high hurdles (16.5) and the 3,200 relay of freshman Steven Zaher, sophomores John Bynan and Michael Caldwell and freshman Luka Karginov (9:03.5).

Teams were allowed three individual entries per event rather than the usual two. All three Red Devils scored in four events and they swept first through third in the 3,200 and 1,600.

Evertsen (9:49.9) broke the meet record set by current junior Andrew Irvine (9:52.9) at the 2014 invite when he and Evertsen (9:53.5) finished 1-2 after Evertsen paced them for a sub-10:00 finish. In similar fashion Wednesday, Evertsen set the pace and Doorhy (9:52.7) followed closely to enjoy a huge personal-record time and second place. Sophomore Jacob Belgrad, battling illness, was third (10:16.4).

Planson (4:39.1) and freshman Sean O’Connell (4:41.8) paced off each other to finish 1-2 in the 1,600 and sophomore Ben Schnieders was third (4:51.4). One of the few freshmen in last year’s invite lineup, Planson improved upon a fourth-place finish in the 1,600 (4:52.0).

Fathizadeh used a PR to win the 800 (2:02.8) and passed Willowbrook’s Casey King (2:03.4) with 40 meters left to win by .6 after King pulled ahead with 200 meters left. Denos (2:07.5) and Cumberland (2:09.1) were third and fifth.

Denos provided the dramatics in the 1,600 relay, taking the Red Devils from fourth to a one-second lead when he handed off to Fathizadeh for the anchor leg. The Red Devils won by 4.6 seconds over Andrew.

Vincent won the 110 hurdles final by .45 and with a personal-best time after having the fastest prelim time of 17.30 but struggling over the final hurdle.

There was no drama in the 3,200 relay as Zaher (2:12.7), Karginov (2:16.0) and Bynan (2:17.3) ran personal-best splits and Chadwell (2:17.5) missed his by about a second. When Zaher handed off to Bynan, the Red Devils already were in front by six seconds, and Bynan increased that gap to 20. They eventually won by 34.1 seconds.

In the 300 intermediate hurdles, freshman Matt Bjorson (44.8), Vincent (45.0) and sophomore Collin Jay (45.6) were second, third and fourth to Willowbrook’s Will Schuller (44.1).

Sophomore David Lorenz’s personal-best 55.2 in the 400 earned second to Hillcrest’s Deontae Holland (54.6). Sophomore Anthony Carta tied for sixth (57.7).

In high jump, sophomore Eli Blacketor tied for third and sophomore Jorell Wilson tied for fifth, both clearing 4-10.

Sophomore Aleks Konstantinovic was fourth in pole vault, again clearing his best height of 8-0, and tied for fourth in triple jump (34-5 1/2).

The 400 relay (Jay, Lorenz, Wilson, freshman Lars Lofquist in 49.9) and 800 relay (Blacketor, freshman Alex Antoniou, Lofquist, freshman Lonnell Smith in 1:43.4) both were fourth. Sophomores Charlie Kallas (36-3 in shot put) and John Laughton (33-10 1/2 in triple jump) were sixth.

Hinsdale Central Sophomore Invitational

Final team scores: 1. HINSDALE CENTRAL 146, 2. Downers Grove South 110, 3. Willowbrook 84.5, 4. Libertyville 82.5, 5. Hillcrest 80, 6. Andrew 53

Hinsdale Central top-six finishers

First place

Blake Evertsen: 3,200 (9:49.9 – invite record)

Sam Fathizadeh: 800 (2:02.8)

Ethan Planson: 1,600 (4:39.1)

Vlad Vincent: 110 high hurdles (16.5)

1,600 relay (3:52.1): Neil Cumberland, Ryan Doorhy, Andrew Denos, Sam Fathizadeh

3,200 relay (9:03.5): Steven Zaher, John Bynan, Michael Chadwell, Luka Karginov

Second place

Matt Bjorson: 300 intermediate hurdles (44.8)

Ryan Doorhy: 3,200 (9:52.7)

David Lorenz: 400 (55.2)

Sean O’Connell: 1,600 (4:41.8)

Third place

Jacob Belgrad: 3,200 (10:16.4)

Jacob Dawson: 110 high hurdles (17.22)

Andrew Denos: 800 (2:07.5)

Ben Schnieders: 1,600 (4:51.4)

Vlad Vincent: 300 intermediate hurdles (45.0)

Eli Blacketor: High jump (4-10)-tie

Fourth place

Collin Jay: 300 intermediate hurdles (45.6)

Aleks Konstantinovic: Pole vault (8-0)

400 relay (49.9): Collin Jay, David Lorenz, Jorell Wilson, Lars Lofquist

800 relay (1:43.4): Eli Blacketor, Alex Antoniou, Lars Lofquist, Lonnell Smith

Aleks Konstantinovic: Triple jump (34-5 1/2)-tie

Fifth place

Neil Cumberland: 800 (2:09.1)

Jorell Wilson: High jump (4-10)-tie

Sixth place

Charlie Kallas: Shot put (36-3)

John Laughton: Triple jump (33-10 1/2)

Anthony Carta: 400 (57.7)-tie

32^nd Annual LT Relays

Friday, April 24, 2015

By: Bill Stone

The Hinsdale Central boys track and field team competed at the annual Lyons Township Relays Friday, April 24.

The Red Devils (55 points) finished sixth of nine teams in the format that combines results from 20 relays – 14 track relays for varsity, frosh-soph and class (freshman-sophomore-junior-senior) division and relays for the six field events in which results from each team’s individual entries are combined into one total. Top-seven finishers earned team points (10-8-6-4-3-2-1).

Hinsdale Central won the first track event, the 4-by-1,600-meter relay, with seniors Josh Feldman, Alex Domiano and Nick Tandle and sophomore Ethan Planson (18:31.4 manual time).

The Red Devils won by 6.5 seconds over LT (18:37.90) after strong legs by Feldman (4:32.7) and Domiano (4:31.4) gave them an 11-second lead at the halfway point. Tandle (4:43.7) and Planson (4:47.6) closed out the victory.

The frosh-soph 3,200 relay of sophomores Ryan Doorhy, Sam Fathizadeh, Andrew Denos, Jacob Belgrad (8:28.30) and the weightmen’s 400 relay of seniors John Rohan and Josh Mysliwiec, junior Greg Debrosse, and senior Spencer Laughman (51.50) both finished second.

The frosh-soph 3,200 relay was edged by LT (8:28.10) by just .2 after Belgrad challenged for the lead down the stretch. Doorhy led off in a personal-best 2:04.2 split, followed by Belgrad (2:05.1), Fathizadeh (2:06.9) and Denos (2:11.9).

Weightmen’s 400 relay candidates must have competed in shot put or discus.

The Red Devils won their flight by 1.1 seconds but ended up second overall by 2.2 seconds to Thornton (48.90), which won the first heat. Laughman, the anchor, had the Red Devils’ fastest split (11.7), followed by Mysliwiec (11.8), Rohan (3.9) and Debrosse (14.4).

The high jump relay of sophomores Eli Blacketor, Jimmy McKay and Jorell Wilson and freshman Alex Antoniou was third with a combined 20 feet-6 inches. Blacketor, McKay and Antoniou cleared 5-2 and Wilson 5-0.

The varsity 800 relay of junior Kareem Muhammad, Matt Hillock and Christian Bobak and senior James Reilly was fourth (1:32.84), just .1 behind third-place LT.

Because of injuries and illness, the Red Devils made several changes to their intended relay lineups. Senior Shah-Zeb Raja, making his season debut, junior Matt Hillock and sophomore Aleks Konstantinovic competed in the maximum four events.

Field events allowed four entries per event, except for three in pole vault. With just three entries, the long jump relay of Hillock (18-4), Raja (17-7 1/2) and Konstantinovic (17-4) was sixth (54-0) and the triple jump relay of junior Kareem Muhammad (40-7 1/2), Raja (36-10 1/4) and Konstantinovic (36-0 1/4) ended up seventh (113-6). The Red Devils were 3-2 from fourth in long jump and 32-7 3/4 from fourth and 33-4 from third in triple jump.

The pole vault relay of seniors Erik Knecht (12-6) and Tyler Rizzuto (8-6) and Konstantinovic (7-6) was fifth (28-6) without senior standout Steven Chun. Also down an entry in the shot put relay, Debrosse threw a lifetime-best 45-11 but he, senior Stefan Ivanisevic (44-1 1/2) and Mysliwiec (41-6 1/2) ended up ninth (131-7). The Red Devils were 30-11 from third place and 38-0 from second.

Lyons Township (131) continued its streak of invite team titles that dates back to 2007. Plainfield South (109) was second, followed by Thornton (100), Zion-Benton (68), St. Charles East (57), the Red Devils, Maine South and St. Charles North (54 each) and Conant (52).

Lyons Township Relays

Final team scores: 1. Lyons Township 131, 2. Plainfield South 109, 3. Thornton 100, 4. Zion-Benton 68, 5. St. Charles East 57, 6. Hinsdale Central 55, 7T. Maine South 54 and St. Charles North 54, 9. Conant 52

Hinsdale Central event finishers

First place

4-by-1,600 relay (18:31.40): Josh Feldman, Alex Domiano, Nick Tandle, Ethan Planson

Second place

Frosh-soph 3,200 relay (8:28.30): Ryan Doorhy, Sam Fathizadeh, Andrew Denos, Jacob Belgrad

Weightmen’s 400 relay (51.50): John Rohan, Josh Mysliwiec, Greg Debrosse, Spencer Laughman

Third place

High jump relay (20-6 combined): Eli Blacketor (5-2), Jimmy McKay (5-2), Alex Antoniou (5-2), Jorell Wilson (5-0)

Fourth place

Varsity 800 relay (1:32.84): Kareem Muhammad, Matt Hillock, Christian Bobak, James Reilly

Fifth place

Pole vault relay (28-6 combined): Erik Knecht (12-6), Tyler Rizzuto (8-6), Aleks Konstantinovic (7-6)

Varsity 3,200 relay (8:28.96): Griffin Gartner, Dan Lillard, Matt Tobia, Max Maydanchik

4,000 distance medley relay (1,200-800-400-1,600) (11:14.30): Alex Domiano, Griffin Gartner, Jacob Belgrad, Josh Feldman

1,600 sprint medley relay (400-200-200-800) (3:54.26): Jared Neumann, Shah-Zeb Raja, Michael Licata, Yuji Cusick

Sixth place

Varsity 1,600 relay (3:36.60): James Reilly, Kareem Muhammad, Matt Hillock, Dan Lillard

Long jump relay (54-0 combined): Matt Hillock (18-4), Shah-Zeb Raja (17-7 1/2), Aleks Konstantinovic (17-4)

Seventh place

110 high hurdles shuttle relay (1:12.80): Jared Neumann, Vlad Vincent, Matt Bjorson, Michael Licata

Class 1,600 relay (freshman-sophomore-junior senior) (3:56.00): Steven Zaher, Ryan Doorhy, Michael Irvine, Austin Kleber

Triple jump relay (113-6 combined): Kareem Muhammad (40-7 1/2), Shah-Zeb Raja (36-10 1/4), Aleks Konstantinovic (36-0 1/4)

Eighth place

Frosh-soph 400 relay (48.81): Matt Bjorson, Eli Blacketor, Jimmy McKay, Alex Antoniou

Varsity 400 relay (47.55): Matt Hillock, Christian Bobak, Michael Licata, Shah-Zeb Raja

Discus relay (408-1 1/2 combined): Josh Mysliwiec (120-8), Spencer Laughman (100-2 1/2), John Rohan (96-8), Mark Cybor (90-7)

Ninth place

Frosh-soph 1,600 relay (3:56.60): Aleks Konstantinovic, Andrew Denos, Neil Cumberland, Sam Fathizadeh

Shot put relay: (131-7 combined): Greg Debrosse (45-11), Stefan Ivanisevic (44-1 1/2), Josh Mysliwiec (41-6 1/2)

2015 Bud Mohns Invitational

Saturday, April 18, 2015

By: Bill Stone

The Hinsdale Central boys track and field team competed at the 29th annual Downers Grove South’s Bud Mohns Invitational Saturday, April 18.

The varsity finished third (78 points) behind York (109), Lake Park (105) and just ahead of fourth-place Downers South (73). York won for the seventh straight year and Lake Park was second for the third straight year. Morton (67), Plainfield Central (61), Hinsdale South (60) and Andrew (5) were fifth through eighth.

Junior Chris Brenk (9:36.91 fully automatic time) and senior Josh Feldman (9:37.05) finished 1-2 in the varsity 3,200-meter run, both with personal bests.

Senior Steven Chun won pole vault by again clearing his outdoor season best of 14 feet.

Senior James Reilly ran a lifetime-best 22.76 in the 200 preliminaries and was second in the 200 final (22.76) to Plainfield Central senior Kahmari Montgomery (21.05), the defending Class 3A state champion in the 200 (21.25) and 400 (46.82). Montgomery earlier won the 400 (48.28) with Reilly taking fourth (51.40).

Taking third were senior Matt Tobia in the 800 (2:02.77), .83 from first place, junior Michael Licata in the 300 intermediate hurdles (42.36) and the 3,200 relay of junior Dan Lillard, senior Alex Domiano, sophomore Blake Evertsen and senior Griffin Gartner (8:14.00). Lillard, a relative newcomer to the relay, ran a personal-best and team-best 2:01.0 on the opening leg.

Junior Jared Neumann was fourth in the 110 high hurdles (15.96), .01 from third place, and 300 hurdles (42.49), .13 behind Licata.

The 800 relay of juniors Matt Hillock, Christian Bobak and Jordan Keen and senior Alex Wang (1:36.58) was fourth. The 400 relay of Hillock, Bobak, Licata and Wang was sixth (45.88).

Hillock again improved his personal best in long jump with a fifth-place 19-9 3/4. Domiano was fifth in the 1,600 (4:33.11), .90 from fourth place, and senior Erik Knecht (12-0 in pole vault), junior Yuji Cusick (800 in 2:05.21) and sophomore Greg Debrosse (44-6 in shot put) were sixth.

FROSH-SOPH LEVEL

Hinsdale Central finished third on the sophomore level (100.5 points) behind Lake Park (162) and York (104).

Downers South (89), Hinsdale South (29), Plainfield Central (26.5) and Andrew and Morton (23.5 each) were fourth through seventh. Lake Park won the sophomore title for the second time in the past three years. York won last year and from 2010-12.

Event champions were sophomores Jacob Belgrad (800 in 2:03.04) and Ben Schnieders (10:15.09), freshman Matt Bjorson (300 intermediate hurdles in 44.55) and the 3,200 relay of sophomores Ryan Doorhy, Ethan Planson, Andrew Denos and Sam Fathizadeh (8:33.98).

Belgrad’s personal best in the 800 won by just .01 of a second ahead of York sophomore Alex Bashqawi (2:03.05) after losing the lead with about 200 meters left. Freshman Sean O’Connell was fourth (2:10.11).

Schnieders ran a personal best by roughly 13 seconds to win by 3.74 seconds over Lake Park freshman Colin Kirkham (10:18.83). Sophomore Conor Bryan was fourth (10:24.33), 1.85 seconds from third.

Bjorson and freshman Vlad Vincent (46.24) finished 1-3 in the 300 hurdles. This was only the second time competing the event for Bjorson, who debuted in the Red Devils’ triangular meet Tuesday, April 14 at Morton.

The 3,200 relay started out strong with Doorhy (2:07.1), Planson (2:08.4) followed by personal-best splits by Fathizadeh (2:07.0) and Denos (2:11.1). Fathizadeh, who had a slight lead at the start of the anchor leg, completed the Red Devils’ 15.38-second victory over York (8:49.36). Planson (4:44.53) and Doorhy (personal-best 4:45.09) came back for second and third in the 1,600 to York sophomore Creighton Wolff (4:40.00).

Sophomore Aleks Konstantinovic had a busy but successful meet. He was second in the 400 (55.52) to York sophomore Kurt Namini (53.68), fourth in triple jump (35-8 3/4) and fifth in pole vault (12-0) and was a late addition to the fourth-place 1,600 relay with sophomore Anthony Carta, Denos and Fathizadeh (3:51.8).

In the 110 high hurdles, sophomore Jacob Dawson was third (16.95) and Vincent fifth (17.63).

In high jump, sophomore Jimmy McKay was fourth (5-2) and freshman Alex Antoniou tied for sixth (5-0). The 800 relay of freshman Reno Mensah, Antoniou, sophomore Colin Jay and Carta was fifth (1:44.28).

29th annual Bud Mohns Invitational at Downers Grove South

Varsity team scores: 1. York 109, 2. Lake Park 105, 3. HINSDALE CENTRAL 78, 4. Downers South 73, 5. Morton 67, 6. Plainfield Central 61, 7. Hinsdale South 60, 8. Andrew 5

Hinsdale Central top-six finishers

First place

Chris Brenk: 3,200 (9:36.91)

Steven Chun: Pole vault (14-0)

Second place

Josh Feldman: 3,200 (9:37.05)

James Reilly: 200 (22.76)

Third place

Michael Licata: 300 intermediate hurdles (42.36)

Matt Tobia: 800 (2:02.77)

3,200 relay: Dan Lillard, Alex Domiano, Blake Evertsen, Griffin Gartner (8:14.00)

Fourth place

Jared Neumann: 110 high hurdles (15.96)

Jared Neumann: 300 intermediate hurdles (42.49)

James Reilly: 400 (51.70)

800 relay: Matt Hillock, Christian Bobak, Jordan Keen, Alex Wang (1:36.58)

Fifth place

Alex Domiano: 1,600 (4:33.11)

Matt Hillock: Long jump (19-9 3/4)

Sixth place

Yuji Cusick: 800 (2:05.21)

Hinsdale Relays

By: Bill Stone

The Hinsdale Central boys track and field team competed at the annual Hinsdale Relays Saturday, April 11, at Hinsdale Central.

The Red Devils (76 points) tied with Lane Tech for fourth place in the 10-team meet that combines scores from 21 relays or individual performances that are combined for a relay total. Hinsdale Central had two second-place finishes. Top-seven finishers earned team points (10-8-6-4-3-2-1). The frosh-soph 3,200-meter relay Ryan Doorhy, freshman Sean O’Connell, Jacob Belgrad and Ethan Planson (8:30.5 manual time) was second to the meet-record 8:22.7 by Lyons Township. LT set the previous record of 8:27.2 in 2012. The discus relay’s combined 330 feet-7 inches by senior Josh Mysliwiec (126-3), junior Phil Barrett (107-4) and senior John Rohan (97-0) was second to LT’s combined. Mysliwiec had the second-best individual throw to LT senior Adam Schaufelberger (139-9).

In the pole vault relay, senior Steven Chun was first individually by clearing an outdoor personal-best 14-0 on his first attempt. The Red Devils were sixth (22-0). Oak Park-River Forest (157 points) won the meet for the second year in a row and third time in the past four years. LT (126) was second for the second year in a row, followed by Downers Grove South (81), the Red Devils and Lane, Morton (65), Plainfield Central (59.5), Hinsdale South (31), Proviso East (26.5) and Taft (14). These were the highest point totals by the invite champion and second-place team since 2006. The 2007 meet was canceled because of bad weather.

Team scores: 1. Oak Park and River Forest 157, 2. Lyons Township 126, 3. Downers Grove South 81, 4T. Hinsdale Central and Lane Tech 76, 6. Morton 65, 7. Plainfield Central 59.5, 8. Hinsdale South 31, 9. Proviso East 26.5, 10. Taft 14

HINSDALE CENTRAL TOP-SIX FINISHERS

SECOND PLACE

Frosh-soph 3,200 relay: Ryan Doorhy, Sean O’Connell, Jacob Belgrad, Ethan Planson (8:30.50) and Discus relay (330-7 combined): Josh Mysliwiec (126-3), Phil Barrett (107-4), John Rohan (97-0)

THIRD PLACE

Varsity 400 relay (45.0): Christian Bobak, Kareem Muhammad, Alex Wang, Matt Hillock, Varsity 3,200 relay (8:17.80): Griffin Gartner, Dan Lillard, Max Maydanchik, Matt Tobia, 110 hurdles shuttle relay (1:10.30): Jared Neumann, Shuaike Zhou, Michael Licata, Jordan Keen, High jump relay (15-6): Jimmy McKay (5-2), Alex Antoniou (5-2), Eli Blacketor (5-2) and 4x1,600 relay: (18:21.10): Alex Domiano, Josh Feldman, Nick Tandle, Michael Gates

FOURTH PLACE

Frosh-soph 1,600 relay (3:47.82): Jacob Belgrad, Sam Fathizadeh, Andrew Denos, Ryan Doorhy, Frosh-soph 400 relay: (47.30): Vlad Vincent, Matt Bjorson, Eli Blacketor, Alex Antoniou, Frosh-soph 800 relay (1:39.28): Vlad Vincent, Eli Blacketor, Alex Antoniou, Matt Bjorson and 300 intermediate hurdles relay (2:19.0 combined): Jared Neumann (42.7), Michael Licata (42.9), Jordan Keen (45.6)

FIFTH PLACE

Triple jump relay: (113-10 combined): Kareem Muhammad (40-2), Alex Wang (37-9), Aleks Konstantinovic (35-0) and Shot put relay: (115-0 combined): Stefan Ivanisevic (40-9), Mysliwiec (39-0), Jack Kavanagh (35-3)

SIXTH PLACE

Varsity 1,600 relay: (3:39.10): Max Maydanchik, Jared Neumann, Yuji Cusick, Michael Licata, Distance medley relay 1200-800-400-1600 (11:02.90): Griffin Gartner, Matt Tobia, Dan Lillard, Josh Feldman, Pole vault relay: (22-0 combined): Steven Chun (14-0), Aleks Konstantinovic (8-0), Eric Knecht (NH) and

Long jump relay: (53-1 1/2 combined): Matt Hillock (19-7, third best jump), Alex Wang (18-3 1/4), Aleks Konstantinovic (16-3 1/4)

York Boys Track JV/Frosh Invite

By: Bill Stone

Several Hinsdale Central boys indoor track team freshmen competed at the West Suburban Conference Silver Division Freshman Invitational Tuesday, March 24 at York. No team scores were kept but individual awards were given to top-six finishers.

Aaron Antoniou and Vlad Vincent each captured two individual titles. Antoniou won high jump (5 feet-2 inches) and triple jump (35-0 1/2) and Vincent swept the 55-meter high hurdles (8.95 manual time) and 55 low hurdles (7.98).

The second-place 3,200 relay (9:01.2) set a freshman indoor school record. Neil Cumberland (2:16.4 split), Steven Zaher (2:14.7-personal record), Justin Lue (2:19.8-PR) and Sean O’Connell (2:10.4-PR 9:01.2) easily beat the previous mark of 9:08.0 from 1997. York won in 8:59.2.

Matt Bjorson was second in the 55 low hurdles (8.1) and third in the 55 high hurdles (9.25).

The 800 relay of Vincent, Garrett Oakey, Antoniou and Bjorson was second (1:43.1) to Downers Grove North’s freshman indoor school-record 1:40.2.

The 1,600 relay of Vincent, Nick Von Stein, Antoniou and Lonnell Smith was second (4:05.71) to the Trojans’ 3:53.97.

Matt Alvero (200 in 25.83), Cumberland (800 in 2:14.2) and Von Stein (4-8 in high jump) were fourth. Jack Garvey (24-8) and Mike Lindsey (23-8) were fifth and sixth in triple jump, Lue was fifth in the 600 (1:43.53) and Kiril Kuzmanovski (3,200 in 11:46.1-PR), Lars Lofquist (400 in 1:01.27) and Zaher (800 in 2:18.6) were sixth.

WSC Boys Silver Indoor Conference Track & Field Meet

By: Bill Stone

The Hinsdale Central Boys indoor track and field team competed at the West Suburban Conference Silver Division championships Saturday, March 21, at Proviso West.

The varsity finished fourth (60 points) and the sophomores finished sixth (28 points).

Senior James Reilly won the varsity 400-meter dash (51.43 fully automatic time) with the only sub-52 of the meet. He is the program’s first 400 indoor champion since Matt Sperry in 2002. Reilly later was fourth in the 200 (23.42).

Senior Steven Chun (13 feet-6 inches in pole vault) and junior Dan Lillard (600 in 1:23.93) both were second.

Juniors Kareem Muhammad (55 in 6.65) and Jared Neumann (55 low hurdles in 8.17) were third. Muhammad also was sixth in the 200 (23.52) and Neumann was sixth in the 55 high hurdles (8.57).

Fourth-place finishers were seniors Erik Knecht (13-0 in pole vault) and Alex Domiano (3,200 in 9:41.45) and the 800 relay of Muhammad, juniors Matt Hillock and Christian Bobak and senior Jack Breslin (1:36.62). Also sixth were junior Yuji Cusick (800 in 2:05.06), Hillock (19-0 3/4 in long jump), the 1,600 relay of Breslin, Lillard, Neumann and senior Max Maydanchik (3:38.69) and the 3,200 relay of senior Matt Tobia, junior Chris Brenk, senior Griffin Gartner and Maydanchik (8:21.96). Junior Jordan Keen qualified for the 55 high hurdles finals and was seventh (8.58). Senior Zach Hedayat advanced to the 55 low hurdles finals but scratched due to injury.

By just one point, Oak Park-River Forest edged York 116-115 for the team title. The Huskies last won the varsity indoor title in 2012. Lyons Township (82 points) was third, followed by the Red Devils (60), Proviso West (58), Glenbard West (54) and Downers Grove North (41).

On the sophomore level, the 3,200 relay of sophomore Ryan Doorhy, freshman Sean O’Connell and Neil Cumberland and sophomore Ethan Planson was third (8:45.50). Doorhy also was fourth in the 800 (2:08.26) and Planson was fifth in the 1,600 (4:43.07).

Sophomore Jimmy McKay (5-4 in high jump) and the 800 relay of freshmen Matt Bjorson, Vlad Vincent and Aaron Antoniou and sophomore Eli Blacketor (1:42.05) also were fourth.

Sophomore Jacob Dawson was fifth in the 55 low hurdles finals (8.36). In the 55 high hurdles finals, Bjorson was sixth (9.42) with Dawson eighth (9.63).

Sophomore Andrew Denos was fifth in the 600 (1:34.42). Taking sixth were sophomore Sam Fathizadeh (800 in 2:11.93) and the 1,600 relay of sophomore Anthony Carta, Fathizadeh, sophomore Davis Palo and Blacketor (3:54.82).

Downers Grove North (137 points) won the indoor sophomore title. Lyons Township and York (110 each) tied for second, followed by Oak Park-River Forest (98), Glenbard West (38), the Red Devils (28) and Proviso West (6).

50^th Annual Proviso West Invitational

Saturday, February 28, 2015

By: Bill Stone

Hinsdale Central freshman Neil Cumberland was running fast, but not as quickly as he received credit for Saturday, Feb. 28, at Proviso West

Cumberland was the third leg of the Red Devils’ sophomore 3,200-meter relay. He was coming around the final turn of his third lap on the 200-meter track when he was slightly passed by Cahokia for the lead. Officials, however, thought it was their fourth and final lap. “I looked up and I just saw (anchor Ethan) Planson and all of the other runners in a line. I didn’t want to just run through them so I just gave Planson the baton,” Cumberland said. “I saw all of the officials just standing and looking at each other. They were kind of confused. Then they figured out that we only ran three.” When Planson passed Cahokia in the final turn of their leg, it secured the Red Devils’ lone victory, albeit an abbreviated one, at the 50th annual Proviso West Invite.

The Red Devils were 12th in an expanded 22-team field with 24 points as four entries earned points with top-six finishes. Top-six relay finishers earned double team points than individual finishers (20-16-12-10-4-2).

Because of the lap snafu, no team points were awarded for the sophomore 3,200 relay. Had the Red Devils been given 20 points for first place, they would have finished 11th, just ahead of Wheaton North (43.5). In 2014, the Red Devils were eighth of 14 teams with 30.33 points.

While their time was made irrelevant by the snafu, sophomore Ryan Doorhy, freshman Sean O’Connell, Cumberland and sophomore Planson won the shortened sophomore 3,200 relay in 8:08.24 fully automatic time, .79 of a second ahead of Cahokia. “It still feels good that we won,” O’Connell said. “That was our main goal to do, but considering that we don’t know what our total time would have been, I guess it was kind of disappointing. But overall we still won so it was great.”

Sophomore Blake Evertsen (4:29.52 in mile), junior Dan Lillard (400 in 52.28) and Doorhy (sophomore 800 in 2:09.70) all finished third. Senior James Reilly (400 in 53.03) and the varsity 3,200 relay (Evertsen, senior Max Maydanchik, seniors Matt Tobia and Alex Domiano in 8:17.35) were fifth.

Four-time defending Class 2A state champion Cahokia (186 points), one of several teams added to this year’s invite field, dominated the meet, and rival Lyons Township (129 points) was a strong second. Two more West Suburban Conference Silver Division foes, Oak Park-River Forest (96.5) and York (96), were third and fourth.

“I just hope (our athletes) take some experience in terms of racing against some good competition and looking at some areas that they want to improve on,” Hinsdale Central coach Jim Kupres said. “Hopefully they’ll learn from this and try to move forward. I think the next three weeks before conference (March 21 at Proviso West), that’ll help us and I think we’ll be a lot better. Some guys are coming off injuries. Some guys are not that strong yet right now.”

By the time of the indoor Silver Meet at Proviso West, the frosh-soph group hopes to be able to break the indoor sophomore school record in the 3,200 relay of 8:34.3 manual time from 1992.

On Saturday, Doorhy (2:09.0) and O’Connell (2:12.5) both ran personal-best splits with O'Connell cutting roughly four seconds. Planson anchored in roughly 2:11.

"If the circumstances had been better, I think we could have definitely gotten (the record)," Doorhy said. "A conference, I think that's one of our minor goals. I believe that we can do it at conference. We're going to try and compete."

The group gained confidence after sharing the No. 3 seed in the race behind Cahokia and Downers North (11th, 9:01.51). Doorhy made a strong finish to put the Red Devils ahead after the first leg, and O’Connell maintained it. "We were seeded third or fourth so actually winning it, but kind of not winning it, feels good. We can run better than what we can think we can run is basically what it's saying," Planson said.

Evertsen and Lillard held their own against stiff competition. In the mile, Evertsen only was beaten by York senior Matt Plowman (4:28.44) and LT junior Connor Madell (4:28.95).

In the 400, Lillard only was beaten by Neuqua Valley senior Zac Espinosa (51.17) and Cahokia junior Tyran Lyons (51.51), who both ran against him in the last of seven heats. Espinosa was fourth in the 400 at the 2014 3A state meet (48.18) behind two seniors. "It's awesome. I love running against this caliber of competition," Lillard said. "You get to see firsthand who's the best. It's very cool."

Evertsen finished an all-state 12th as the top finisher for the Red Devils’ Class 3A state championship cross country team Nov. 8. On Saturday, he hoped to have a mile similar to the 2014 invite victory by graduated Billy Magnesen, who was an all-state fifth in the 3,200 at state track last May. Magnesen won in a lifetime-best 4:24.02. Evertsen was coming off a personal-best 2:02.6 split to lead off the 3,200 relay, but wasn’t apprehensive to hold the lead most of the mile. He wasn’t passed until the final lap by Plowman, who earlier won the 3,200 in 9:36.63.

"I thought I did pretty well in responding," Evertsen said. "Last year at that point I would have maybe given in and let them pass me because I probably would have been complacent. But this year I knew I was going to hit that point in the race where it was going to be a decision of do I go or do I hold back? I thought I did a pretty good job in staying with them. They just got me in that last 150 or so."

As Evertsen expected, the race began strategically. Hinsdale Central junior Michael Gates (13th, 4:44.71) actually held the lead for the first 150 meters, before the leaders crossed the 400 in 1:06, the same split as Magnesen.

In his other early big race at Proviso West Feb. 20, Evertsen was second in the 3,200 to Conant senior Zach Dale (9:14.7 to 9:29.6) with the state’s two fastest times this season reported to DyeStatIL at that point. Dale, second at the 2014 state cross country meet, still holds the state’s No. 1 indoor ranking.

"The second meet of the season, really hard meet, I'm happy with how I can come out here and put out a decent time but I know there's still a lot of work to get done. I can get that (time) down significantly," Evertsen said.

In his first track season last year, Lillard made his mark primarily as a 400 runner and jumper, but Saturday marked his first 400 so far this season. In previous meets, he competed in the 800 and the 600 for the first time. Reilly pulled out fifth overall by finishing second in the sixth heat. "Because I've been busy running the 600 and 800, I haven't gotten around to the 400. It was good to finally run one," Lillard said. "It's a good starting time, but I want to get better from there.

"It was nervewracking. I wasn't really sure what I was going to do but my body remembered how to run the race. Overall I ran smart. I ran the time that I was capable of running today."

Lillard did not jump Saturday but he also got a chance to test his sprinting in the 200. He was 11th (24.26). "I'm tall, better at cruising at a relatively high pace, but my top speed is not the same as some of these guys out here," Lillard said. "I hope that the workouts that I'm doing apply to all of (my running events). I've been running repeat 200s with limited rest."

In the varsity 3,200 relay, Evertsen was followed by splits between 2:04 and 2:06 by Maydanchik (2:04.6), Tobia (2:04.2) and Domiano (2:05.7). Taking seventh were senior Steven Chun in pole vault (12-6) and sophomore Ben Schnieders (10:27.14 in sophomore 3,200) and Alex Konstantinovic (17-11 in sophomore long jump). Konstantinovic also was 14th in the sophomore triple jump (33-0 1/2).

Sophomore Jacob Dawson reached the sophomore 55 high hurdles finals and was eighth (9.82). Senior Josh Feldman (varsity 3,200 in 9:52.25), junior Yuji Cusick (varsity 800 in 2:07.69) and O'Connell (sophomore mile in 4:48.48) also were eighth. Sophomore Jimmy McKay tied for ninth in high jump (5-2). Senior Griffin Gartner (varsity 600 in 1:30.20) and the varsity 1,600 relay (in 3:43.26) and sophomore 1,600 relay (in 3:52.25) were 10th, and senior Erik Knecht tied for 10th in pole vault (12-0).

Junior Jared Neumann (varsity 55 hurdles in 8.55) was 12th, the varsity 800 relay (1:39.27) was 12th, junior Matt Hillock (19-1 3/4 in long jump) and the sophomore 800 relay (in 1:44.90) were 13th and senior Alex Wang (36-10 1/2 in varsity triple jump) and sophomore Sam Fathizadeh (sophomore 800 in 2:17.05) were 14th.

Carta achieved a personal highlight as he finished the sophomore 400 in 59.12 for 18th. "My goal today really was to break 60," Carta said. "Last week here, I ran 60 and I bumped that, a really good day. I just felt like I could finish a lot better. I was really focusing on my form towards the end so I think that made me better."

Carta feels that he has improved significantly with help from training with assistant coach John Snee's group in addition to the offseason lifting with the football program. He was a receiver for the sophomore team this past season.

"I never would have thought I would run this fast today so I think I've exceeded what I thought I was going to do," Carta said. "Basically (I've learned) what Snee does really works so just keep buying in, keep buying into his workouts and things like that, keep pushing myself."

Red Devil Update Student E-News

February 20, 2015

This past Friday, the Boys’ Track team competed in their first meet of the season against Downers North, Downers South and Oak Lawn. Varsity finished 2nd and sophomores finished 1st. The top finishers on the varsity level were: Blake Eversten, Josh Feldman, Andrew Irvine and Matt Tobia 1st place - 3,200m Relay, Zach Hedayat 2nd place - 55m Low Hurdles, Jared Neuman 2nd place - 55m High Hurdles, Max Maydanchick - 1st place - 600m Run, Zach Sayer 2nd place - 1,600m Run, Jake Hall - 2nd place - 1,600m Run, Steven Chun1st place – Pole Vault, Erik Knecht 2nd place – Pole Vault. The top finishers on the sophomore level were: Ethan Planson, Ben Schnieders, John Bynan and Sam Fathizadeh 1st place – 3,200m Relay, Vlad Vincent 2nd place - 55m Low Hurdles and 2nd place – 200m Dash, Michael Chadwell 1st place - 800m Run, Andrew Denos 2nd place - 800m Run, Sean O’Connell2nd place - 1,600m Run, Kiril Kuzmanovski 2nd place – 3,200m Run, Luka Karginov 1st place – 3,200m Run, Jimmy McKay 1st place - High Jump, Sam Fathizadeh 2nd place High Jump and Anthony Carta 1st place – 800m run. The track team will be competing this Friday, Feb. 20th at Proviso West.

Red Devil Update Student E-News

March 6, 2015

Last Thursday, the Boys’ Track team competed in a six-team home meet and finished second on both the varsity and sophomore levels. The top finishers on the Varsity level were: Jared Neumann – 2nd place 55m High Hurdles and 2nd place 55m Low Hurdles, Jacob Heiser – 2nd place 400m Dash,Eric Knecht – 2nd place Pole Vault and Steven Chun – 1st pace Pole Vault (New Field House Record). The top finishers on the Sophomore level were:Michael Chadwell – 2nd place 3200m Run, Matt Bjorson – 2nd lace 55m High Hurdles, Jacob Dawson – 1st place 55m Low Hurdles, Colin Yandel – 1st place 1600m Run and Jimmy McKay – 2nd place High Jump. This past Saturday, the team competed at the 50th Annual Proviso West Track & Field Invitational. The top finishers on the varsity level were Dan Lillard – 3rd place 400m Dash and Blake Eversten – 3rd place Mile Run. The top finishers on the sophomore level were Ryan Doorhy, Sean O’Connell, Neil Cumberland and Ethan Planson 1st place 3200m Relay and Ryan Doorhy – 3rd place 800m Run.

Red Devil Update Student E-News

March 6, 2015

12th Annual Mustang Relays Indoor Invitational

Monday, March 9, 2015

By: Bill Stone

The Hinsdale Central boys track and field team sent three relays to Downers Grove South’s Mustang Relays Monday, March 9, at North Central College in Naperville.

The meet only conducts girls and boys competition in the 3,200-meter, 800 and 1,600 relays.

The 3,200 relay of sophomore Blake Evertsen and seniors Matt Tobia, Alex Domiano and Matt Maydanchik finished eighth (8:08.31 fully automatic time). Personal-best splits from Evertsen (1:59.0), Tobia (2:02.1) and Domiano (2:02.6) helped the same lineup improve significantly from its fifth-place 8:17.35 at the Proviso West Invite Feb. 28.

The 1,600 relay of senior James Reilly, junior Dan Lillard, senior Jack Breslin and Maydanchik was 10th (3:32.11) with Reilly and Lillard posting sub-52 splits and Breslin and Maydanchik sub-55.

The 800 relay of juniors Matt Hillock, Christian Bobak, Jared Neumann and Michael Licata was 25th (1:38.42).

Hinsdale Central Athletic New

March 13, 2015

This past Friday, the Boys’ Track team competed in an eight-team home meet and won on both the varsity and sophomore levels. The top finishers on the Varsity level were: Ruiling Ge - 2nd place - 3,200m Run, Joe Griffin – 1st place - 3200m Run, Zac Sayer – 2nd place - 800m Run, Blake Eversten – 1st place - 600m Dash, Christian Bobak - 1st place - 200m Dash, Kareem Muhammad – 2nd place - Triple Jump and 2nd place Long Jump, Matt Hillock - 1st place - Long Jump, Steven Chun – 2nd place - Pole Vault, and Josh Feldman, Andrew Irvine, Nic Tandle, Zac Sayer – 1st place - 3200m Relay. The top finishers on the Sophomore level were: Mark Zelisko - 2nd place - High Jump, Anthony Carta - 2nd place - 400M Dash, Elijah Blacketor – 1st place - 200m Dash, Jorell Wilson – 2nd place - 55LH, Ryan Doorhy – 1st place - 800m Run, Ethan Planson – 2nd place - 800m Run, Steven Zaher – 1st place - 3200m Run, Sam Fathizadeh – 2nd place - 3200m Run.

Blake Evertsen smashes his own Sophomore Indoor School Record in the 1600 meter run.

Blake's time was a stellar 4:20.79 F.A.T.

Batavia Distance Madness Invitational

Friday, March 13, 2015

By: Bill Stone

Numerous Hinsdale Central boys indoor track middle- and long-distance runners participated at Batavia's Distance Madness invitational Friday, March 13.

The meet features individual girls and boys races at 3,200, 1,600 and 800 meters. Six girls and 10 boys programs participated, including the Hinsdale Central girls.

Sophomore Blake Evertsen finished fourth in the 1,600-meter run in a personal-record 4:20.79 fully automatic time in the top-seeded of six heats.

Senior Alex Domiano (4:31.97) and junior Chris Brenk (4:35.46-PR) and senior Josh Feldman (4:36.93) were seventh, eighth and 10th in the top heat and those places overall. Seniors Matt Tobia (4:45.42) and Nick Tandle (4:52.30) were 11th and 12th in the top heat. Competing in earlier heats were senior Max Maydanchik (4:42.98), junior Yuji Cusick (4:44.34-PR), sophomore Ben Schnieders (4:51.09-PR), freshman Steven Zaher (4:55.94-PR), junior Jake Chin (4:57.44-PR), senior Jeff Hopkins (4:57.94-PR), sophomores Andrew Denos (4:58.29-PR) and Joe Miscimarra (5:02.79) and freshman Colin Yandel (5:10.80-PR).

In the 3,200, juniors Michael Gates (9:55.16-PR) and Zach Sayre (10:05.09-PR) were fourth and eighth in the top-seeded of four heats. Gates beat his previous best by 22 seconds to comfortably break 10 minutes.

Sophomore Ethan Planson (10:11.47-PR) won the second heat and was ninth overall with a PR by 20 seconds. Also competing in the 3,200 were freshmen Sean O’Connell (10:20.46-PR), and Neil Cumberland (10:28.41-PR), junior Andrew Irvine (10:32.32) and senior Alex Lambert (10:39.15).

In the 800, junior Nathan Hill was seventh (2:04.77-season PR) out of the top-seeded of five heats. Sophomore Sam Fathizadeh (2:12.62-PR), senior Joe Griffin (2:14.64-PR), juniors Ruiling Ge (2:14.75-PR) and Daniel Hu (2:17.53-PR) and sophomore John Bynan (2:18.86-PR) also competed in the 800.