This year, the girl’s track and field team added two new assets: Lauren Katz (9) and Jordyn Bunning (9), both freshmen who placed in the top 10 in two events at the state meet last weekend. Jordyn placed third in the 300 meter hurdles and 6th in the 100 meter hurdles, while Lauren placed 5th in the 800 meter run and 8th in the 4 x 800 meter relay, with team members Molly Wasserberg (11), Lauren Kim (12), and Samantha Hershman (12).

“I was especially proud that these two freshmen were able to perform at a high level in the pressure cooker that is the IHSA Track & Field State Championship,” said head track coach Mr. Rush. “They both have elementary school experience and I think that definitely helped, but they also showed poise and maturity beyond their years…I see Jordyn and Lauren being stalwarts of the VH Track & Field team over the next 3 years.”

Both Lauren and Jordyn participated in track throughout middle school and made it to the state meet at that level twice. Jordyn actually placed second in the 100 m hurdles her eighth grade year. Both girls also play multiple sports; Jordyn is a three-sport athlete who plays volleyball and basketball in addition to track, and Lauren runs cross country.

“My favorite memory from the season was definitely getting to go down to state and see the crowd cheering and having the stands full,” said Lauren. “I was able to go to the middle school state meet twice, but nothing was like this was.”

The state meet this year was held at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. In order to prepare for the meet, the team as a whole started tapering, or resting, to get their muscles ready for competition a week before. They also had to make sure to eat right and get plenty of sleep the night before. Luckily, all of their preparations paid off at the meet.

[State] was really great just because I didn’t think I would make it that far, so I was very happy,” said Jordyn. “Along with the competition, it was just fun to be with the team and experience it all.”

The girls received unprecedented support from both their team and their coaches. Jordyn said her team pushed her to “be the best she could be,” and Lauren said that even though it was Coach Rush’s first year helping with the distance girls, he was very valuable and taught them all some new things. Lauren also formed a special connection with Lauren Kim (12), and said that they “had a really strong connection and were able to motivate each other a lot.”

The track team as a whole had a phenomenal year–after winning the IHSA Class 2A sectional meet, the team placed 4th at state, the highest place ever for girls track and field. Other notable athletes besides Lauren and Jordyn include Kasey Firnbach (12) for discus, and the 4 x 400 meter relay team of Christine Tsai (12), Kiara Schuh (12), Molly Wasserberg (11), and Jordyn, which just missed the cutoff to run in the state finals.

“All in all this was the best state meet ever for VHTF,” said Coach Rush. “With so many young and up-and-coming athletes on the team it will be very exciting over the next few years!”The girl’s track and field team has many notable athletes and accomplishments to be proud of. Congratulations to Lauren, Jordyn, and their teammates on their stellar achievements and good luck for next year!