Through the cold, windy weather, a heartwarming feeling is scattered across the field as the seniors line up for their final recognition as high school runners. On Monday, April 21, families and supporters filled the Red Raider Stadium with excitement.
“Senior night is an opportunity for us to shine a light on our senior athletes, and we had 16 this year. That’s the most we have had in a while and speaks to the dedication and commitment of this group,” Girls’ head track coach Jason Monson said.
The raiders planned to take on their competition against Burlington Central and Dundee-Crown High Schools with an open, positive mind. Considering their busy outdoor schedule, they are constantly prepared for upcoming meet days.
To start the meet, jumpers and throwers lined up on the track, and Dominique Johnson set a school record in the triple jump of 13.08 meters. PRs in discus by Elena Fetzer, Brianna Felde, Alexis Crudele, and Mia Rieck followed.
“Senior night was great! My friends and family were there to support me, which was fun and bittersweet. It was really sad knowing that I was leaving my teammates. Performance-wise, the meet was really great,” Track & field senior Dominique Johnson said.
With many seniors this year, they all wanted to make the most out of their senior night, aware that they will soon be leaving a strong track team.
“I planned to make the most out of my senior night by enjoying my time with my teammates and cherishing the memories that will soon be gone,” Track & field senior McKenna Corso said.
Sprinters ran the 800-meter dash, and Myla Wade came in third place against two distance athletes, Cori Kilvinger and Aspen Maldonado.
Success also came through to finish the night early with the 4×4 relay. Distance runners Cori Kilvinger, Aspen Maldonado, McKenna Corso, and Izzy Ciesla won against two other Dundee-Crown teams.
“I hope the seniors were able to enjoy the moment and recognition with their family, and I hope they were able to reflect on all this sport has taught them and all they have accomplished,” Monson said.
Coaches, families, and friends will continue to be proud of their accomplishments. Most senior athletes this year have committed to college teams and will soon be able to spread their sportsmanship that began through Huntley track.
