Glenbrook North had 10 different athletes qualify for the Class 3A boys track and field state meet — a number that was fitting, given how strong and deep Glenbrook North has been this season.
The Spartans finished fourth at the Loyola Sectional on Thursday, May 19, with 49 points — Evanston was first with 85 — but Glenbrook North won every other invitational it entered this outdoor season, including its first Central Suburban North outdoor meet in 16 years. The Spartans did so because of their depth, hard work and talent.
“This is the best team I’ve been a part of during my four years,” senior captain Mason Rosenberg said. “We won every meet, every invite that we were at this year at the varsity level, which is a huge change from when I first came in, when we would barely win anything. Now, as seniors, we’re leaving behind a legacy of success and family that hopefully can continue for the next couple years.”
Seniors Constantine Beniaris (high jump, 6-3) and Michael Papper (long jump, 23-1/2) both qualified for state as individuals, and three of the Spartans’ four relay teams qualified. The 4×200-meter relay crossed the finish line in 1 minutes, 27.76 seconds, which topped its previous season-best time and earned the team a sectional title. The 4×800 relay (7:53.70) and the 4×400 relay (3:21.94) were both third at the sectional, but earned state-qualifying times. The top-two finishers in each event automatically qualified for state.
Rosenberg ran the anchor legs of the 4×200 and the 4×400 relays. The 4×200 relay also included Papper, John Clark and John Gilchrist. All four are seniors who have improved their strength and speed in the four years they’ve been part of the Glenbrook North track team.
But the 4×200 relay shaved 1.27 seconds off of its previous season best because its members practiced their exchanges and were in sync during the race, Rosenberg said. The 4×200 relay’s time was the sixth fastest among teams competing at the 11 Class 3A sectional meets.
Rosenberg said his goal for the 4×200 relay is for its members to continue to improve their handoffs and drop even more time at the Class 3A state meet, which begins on Friday, May 27, in Charleston. He added that going to the state meet in Charleston with so many of his teammates is the perfect way to wrap up his high school career.
“It’s so rewarding,” Rosenberg said. “This is the first year that I’m going down to state. … I’m extremely happy to be able to do that.”
Rosenberg was joined by junior Luke Amen and seniors David Dischinger and Scott Thomas on the 4×400 relay at the sectional. Thomas, Dischinger, sophomore Michael Ocasek and senior Jason Golden comprised the 4×800 relay.
Eric Van Dril is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @VanDrilSports