When it comes to assists, Peotone’s Chris Wurst is definitely the best.
Wurst became first on the IHSA boys soccer all-time list when he recorded his 89th assist in a 6-4 victory over Illiana Christian on Saturday.
That broke the mark of 88, set by Jose Esparza of Eisenhower during 1991-93.
More Top Picks Best Dive Watches
“I knew about the state record when I was a freshman and sophomore, but I never really thought I’d be in the running,” said Wurst, who is considering Marquette, Dayton, Western Illinois and Augustana for college soccer.
Wurst has had a say in more than half of his team’s 61 scores. The center midfielder has eight goals and 22 assists for the Blue Devils (9-3-1), who are in second place behind Herscher in the River Valley Conference. Wurst is closing in on his single-season school mark of 24 assists, set last year.
— Dave Surico
Fast company
As she was practicing for the U.S. Olympic swimming trials in July in Long Beach, Calif., Ashley Wanland glanced over and spotted world record-holder Amanda Beard also training–in the same lane, no less.
“When I saw her, I was like, `Oh my gosh,'” said Wanland, 14, a Stevenson freshman who lives in Long Grove.
Beard is Wanland’s favorite swimmer.
“That was a real exciting experience, something I never thought I’d do,” she said.
Wanland competed in the 100-meter breaststroke trials after qualifying in June at an age-group championship meet in Ft. Lauderdale. She swam a 1:12.31, which was .28 seconds faster than the time needed to move on to the Olympic trials.
She finished the trials swim in 1:13.80.
“I’m going to keep on trying [to make the Olympic team] and, hopefully, keep improving my time,” Wanland said. “I have so much respect for those Olympic swimmers because they put in so much work and have so much devotion.”
Wanland set the Stevenson pool record earlier this month for the 100-yard breaststroke (1:04), previously held by senior Leigh Ann Anderson.
Wanland is the No. 1 breaststroker in the nation among 13- and 14-year-olds, as ranked by USA Swimming. Her sister, junior co-captain Aubrey, competes for Stevenson in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle.
— Ross Forman
A start to remember
Downers Grove South tennis coach Pete Freischlag had enough confidence in Katie Kargl to award the freshman the Mustangs’ No. 1 singles position. But even he is surprised by the rookie’s fast start.
Kargl registered a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Hinsdale South senior Stephanie Galainena on Sept. 14. Later that week, she went 3-0 to win the Hersey Invitational, and her record stands at 21-1. Kargl’s only loss came against Belleville West sophomore Mallory Weber at the Bloomington Invitational.
“We knew she was going to be good, but to settle down and be this good, we’re surprised,” Freischlag said. “What a great kid. She’d run through a wall for you. She’s almost taken over the lead of the team.”
— Nathan Baird
Back in the game
Candis Jackson, a former Tribune honorable mention All-State selection from Young, has decided to continue her college basketball career at St. Xavier. She originally attended Mississippi but left that program in the fall of 2002. “Landing a big-time, Division I transfer like Candis Jackson is what we need to take us to the next level,” St. Xavier coach Bob Hallberg said. As a senior during the 2001-02 season, the guard averaged 25 points, eight assists and eight steals for the Dolphins.
More Top Picks Best Serger Machines For Garment Sewing