Hinsdale South senior Sarah Leganski qualified for her first Class 3A state track and field meet by a step, maybe two.
A former soccer player and a four-year member of the cross country team, she is set to compete Friday, May 22, at the state meet in Charleston, in just her second season of track and field.
At the Downers Grove North Sectional Thursday, May 14, the Darien resident clocked a season-best 2 minutes, 18.63 seconds in the 800-meter run to emerge as the Hornets’ lone state qualifier. Her time ranks 22nd among state qualifiers based on sectional results.
She has dropped her time in the 800 in recent weeks and her progress toward state looked promising at the Wheaton Warrenville South Invitational May 1 when she placed fourth right at the state qualifying time of 2:19.74.
Leganski credited junior teammate Kailey Hoel with an assist. Hoel maintains a stopwatch during Leganski’s races and calls out her splits.
“She has helped me so much,” Leganski said of Hoel. “Kailey has been doing that the whole year. Although we are allowed to, I don’t like to wear a watch.”
“This is great for her. I’m happy for her,” Hinsdale South coach Dave Bonner said. “Her teammates have helped her, first and foremost, with the transition [from distance]. Her teammates have allowed her to feel like she belongs with the sprinters.”
Leganski, Hoel, freshman Natalie Axelrod and senior Nakiyah Darden were two seconds away from advancing to state in the 1,600 relay. The four placed fifth in 4:06.22, while the state cut was 4:04.22.
Twitter @geomwilcox
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