Lemont Runners Lead the Field at Home Invitational

Photo: Jacque Desmond

Lemont’s track and field programs hosted the Lemont Indoor Invitational on March 21, with each team enjoying a great deal of success. The girls’ team finished first among seven teams, while the boys’ squad was second of six teams, finishing just behind Evergreen Park.

Junior Chris Thompson led the way for the boys’ squad, finishing first in the 200 (23.27) and 400 (50.34) meter events. His time in the 400 meters is tops in the state heading into this weekend’s Illinois Top Times Indoor Championships at Illinois Wesleyan University.

Senior Nathan Palermo also picked up a first-place finish for the Indians in the shot put (47’02.50”).

The girls’ squad tallied several first-place finishes in their competition.

Senior Jacque Desmond starred for the Indians by winning three events: the 55 meter hurdles (9.91), triple jump (31’01.50”) and pole vault (10’06.00”). Her effort in the pole vault secured her a berth in the Illinois Top Times Indoor Championships.

The 4x800 relay team of junior Taylor Campos, freshman Celine Ratulowski, freshman Gianna Lopez and sophomore Bridget Kunkel was victorious with a time of 10:32.07.

Additionally, Claire Gagen captured the 3200 meter run (11:58.21), Campos was victorious in the 1600 meter run (5:30.21), and Kunkel triumphed in the 800 meter run (2:41.34).

The Illinois Top Times Indoor Championships will be held at the Shirk Center on the Illinois Wesleyan University campus on Friday, March 27.

Lemont’s boys’ track and field squad is coached by Dennis Kennedy, while Tim Plotke coaches the girls’ squad.

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