Boys Track: Cougars Win Sectional Title, Heading to State Finals

After a botched handoff that cost Plainfield South a chance to win the 4x200 relay at Thursday’s Class 3A Plainfield North Sectional, Cougars junior Dantrell Wright had some redemption to chase.

With the team standings between the Cougars and West Aurora still tight, Wright shook off his bad exchange with senior Dondre Adams with a thrilling win in the 200 meters, setting a personal best at 21.80, to help Plainfield South win the team title.

“I just felt relieved,” Wright said. “The 4x2 can’t go to state, but overall, I feel a little better after the 200. I felt like I got one back for the team.”

The Cougars wound up with 102 points to win the meet, though the absence of the 4x200 at next week’s state meet at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston will hinder the Cougars’ chances of winning the state title. Neuqua Valley placed fourth with 62 points.

Adams had already won an individual event before the 4x200, taking home the long jump (22-8 ¼). Senior Sheldon Magee won the 400 (48.08) as part of his dominant evening, as well. Neuqua Valley junior Jacob Bender, who finished in second, pushed him.

“It was a great race,” Magee said. “Give credit to Bender for pushing me. We got out real quick and I just ran my race. I like the challenge. Him pushing me makes my time go faster and faster.”

Magee anchored two Plainfield South relays that won titles, as well. He teamed with his brother John, Steven Harris (who finished second in the high jump to advance to state) and Mitchell Wolff to win the 4x100 (41.70) and joined John Magee, Wright and Adams to win the meet’s final even, the 4x400, in a blistering 3:16.45.

“It means a lot,” Sheldon Magee said of his team’s performance. “We’re just going to keep working hard and hopefully get a trophy downstate.”

The Cougars also had four other state qualifiers. Peter Gal (triple jump) and Juliano Lodi (800 meters) each finished second, Richie Ruske (800) finished third and Wolff (400) finished fourth to move on to state.

Plainfield North did not have a champion at the meet, but the Tigers will be well represented at state. Andrew Sandoval (3,200) ad the 4x200 relay each finished second, Josh Moore (300 hurdles) and the 4x100 relay each came in third and Caleb Donaldson (discus) and the 4x400 relay both placed fourth to advance.

Plainfield Central had a pair of qualifiers, with freshman Luke Winder (pole vault) finishing third and the 4x400 relay coming in fifth. Sophomore Jalil Manson (110 hurdles) was Plainfield East’s lone state qualifier.