DEA Presence Felt at IESA and IHSA 2018 State Track
DEA Nation applies a special emphasis on speed training. That emphasis showed its bright and shiny face at IESA and IHSA State Track and field events this spring as DEA Athletes won 5 of 7 individual 8th grade events. These state champions were accompanied by multiple podium finishes and 2 state records.
Katrina Schlenker started the crowd wow's with her state record setting 800m and 1600m runs. She dominated the field from the gun and just refused to slow down! Katrina also took home a 3rd place in the 400m. Kathleen Baker refused to be outdone and followed up with her own set of gold medals in the 200m and 400m runs. Just 4 weeks later, Kathleen crushed the Illinois State record in the 100m. She also took 4th place 4x200
Alex Reinhart, Her mental effort showed physically when she cruised to an 800m victory and captured 2nd place 400m. Freshman, Marianne Mihas, shocked the High School competition when she won IHSA state in the 1600m.
Several other athletes must be mentioned for their outstanding performances. Brooke Brown, qualified and ran with her hamstring separated from her growth place and still finished a respectable 13th 800m
Kate Fuller, Stepped up to throw discus at state after a hamstring injury kept her from running.
Olivia Helmer, who posted the 4th fasted 400m time by a HS Freshman in Illinois, also anchored her high school 4x400 at state.
Brooke Husby, Who challenged the experience of high school upperclassmen to make a state appearance in the 100 hurdles as a freshman.
Nia Hines, 8th place 100m, 4th place 200m
Jess Horwath, made an outstanding first showing at state in the 100 hurdles and stands to make an official name for herself in 2019.
Ava Parekh, 4th place 800m, 3rd place 1600m
Akili Parekh, 10th place 1600m among 7th graders...as a 6th grader.
Nikki Prell, 4th place 4x200
Gabby Quaranta, 4th place 4x200 Riley Raynor, 4th place 4x200 Brielle Rochester, 3rd place 800m, 5th place 1600m
Rose Sheridan, 2nd place 1600m and was shocked when her 800m 2nd place was taken away after confusion at the finish line. Coaches and athletes from other teams showed clear video proof of no contact. Yet officials stood fast by their standard of not overturning an on track decision.
Special thanks to the coaches, Jay Mabry, Michelle Parekh, Todd Lowder
Additional thanks to Avery Hutchinson who's effort and attitude in the face of adversity are what makes training athletes great every day.
