The girls track team at MCHS has been immensely talented since the beginning of their time. Girls have been qualifying for state since 1982, and from the years of 1997 to now, there was only one year a girl did not qualify. Since 2009, at least five girls have been sent to the state finals via MCHS.

Their success each and every year is earned, not given. The girls team competes in one of the best areas in the state for track and field. Every meet is a challenge for the girls, yet they always finish near top.

Because of their recurring success in the postseason, the girls, as well as head coach Kevin Gummerson, have their expectations set high for this upcoming season.

“We always want to win the conference meet, then we want to get as many girls down to Charleston for the state meet as possible,” said Gummerson.

Last season, eight girls qualified for the state tournament. Out of those eight, three graduated. Despite losses in most events, the girls are ready to step up into those roles.

“We are all really hard working and we have a lot of returning runners that were good last year and will be even better and more experienced this season,” said senior Jenna Roberts.

One of the team’s most important strengths this coming season will be their depth, not just on the track but in the field events as well.

“This year in every event area we have multiple kids that can contribute. Our throws looks strong, our field events are continuing to look better,” said Gummerson. “We had a great turnout with our sprinters; we have a lot of young kids as well as some great upperclassmen leadership. Our distance will be strong as well as they came off a nice cross country season.”

Another aspect that makes this team successful every season is their ability to see track as not just an individual sport but a team sport. Each girl works hard not only for herself but for everyone else on the team to achieve team wins.

“This team has heart and that will really help us accomplish a lot as a team, and I am really excited for this season,” said senior Sydney Andreano.

The girls had their first indoor inviational on Feb. 10 and placed second behind the host, Wheaton Warrenville South.

While falling short of first place, the girls placed high in all events. There were first place finishes in pole vault (Katelyn Gall), the 4×800-meter relay (Emily Shelton, Vivian Van Eck, Emily Ellis, and Julia Dames), and the 1600-meter run (Shelton).  The results showed Gummerson the true abilities of his team, exciting him for the rest of the season.

“This was a great way to start up the 2018 season. It is clear that this team is going to be strong in all the event areas, and it was great to see them competing with a ton of enthusiasm,” said Gummerson.