On Monday, May 6 the Beacon Track Team raced in the Lake Shore Athletic League alongside the British School, Horizon Science Academy-McKinley Park, the Intrinsic School-downtown, Morgan Park Academy, Roycemore School, and Wolcott College Prep. The Beacon Boys team triumphed in securing a conference title while capturing two individual titles, and several All-Conference placements. The Girls Squad competed equally as well, but numbers prevented them from the team race.
This was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the boys after losing three-time All-State runner, Julian Aske to graduation. However, senior leadership goes a long way, and what better way to go than bringing home the Team Trophy, individual bragging rights on an afternoon that honored all the League’s seniors.
The boys were led by Seniors Carlos Lucero, and Ian Parsons. Each contributed in multiple events, while earning Conference Titles in the 1600 meter, and 800 meter races, respectively. The entire event saw a number of Beacon student-athletes earn All-Conference honors (top six earn All-Conference). Lucero, and Parsons were two legs of the runner-up 4x400 meter team alongside sophomore Calvin Wooldridge, and freshmen Evan Reise. Beacon has dominated this event for the past five years.
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Wooldridge finished second in the long jump, and 800 meter race. Parsons was the runner-up in the 400 meter race, and freshmen Woody Zhang finished fifth in the 400 meter dash, and sixth in the 200 meter dash.
Second Year Head Coach James Weissensel stated, “I knew we would have to be strategic to get as many points as possible. I told the boys to treat today like a hard workout, just go out there, and do what they can. I had a couple of mini goals set for them and they accomplished several PR's in the process. We are in a good spot as we head into sectionals next week.”
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The girls were led by Sophomore Temi Fadiya, the 2024 100 meter hurdle champion. Newcomer sophomore Racer Glickman earned All-Conference in the 800 meter race. Glickman also played soccer this Spring, and showed her grit competing on the track.
“This was a good tuneup for them as they prepare for sectionals this coming Thursday,” commented Weissensel. “I am happy with how they performed today and I am looking forward to seeing what they can do in a few short days.”
The IHSA Girls Track Sectional Championships is on Thursday, May 8 at Chicago Hope Academy.
