Distance runner Nitz, high jumper Hood earn state spots

HUNTLEY — Huntley will be represented in two events at the IHSA Class 3A State Track and Field Meet set for May 26-27 at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

Sophomore Tommy Nitz advanced from the DeKalb Sectional with a second place finish in the 3,200-meter run while senior McKale Hood won the high jump. The Red Raiders finished a strong fourth place with 47 points. Fresh from winning the Fox Valley Conference boys cross country and sectional meets, Nitz was poised for a big sophomore season in track and field distance running.

But a knee injury slowed those hopes but it did not stop the talented distance runner. He regained his form and leading to a FVC 3,200 meter run title and a runner-up bid at the Class 3A sectional.

“I didn’t run a mile for four weeks and when I did, it felt awful,” Nitz recalled.

Through rehabilitation he make steady progress and was able to return to the distance events.

“The turning point came in a win at Lockport and the conference win helped my confidence, Nitz said.

Sectional champ Evan Horgan of DeKalb set a fast start in the first 1,600 meters but did even better in the second mile. Nitz ran a 9:26.78 time in the 3,200  meter run at sectional, a personal best, easily topping the third place finisher.

Hood, meanwhile, won the sectional high jump in 1.95 meters.

“I think about doing my best and what I will need to do in college (events),” Hood said.

Hood just missed state qualifying in the long jump, ending third at 6.48 meters.

HHS head boys track and field coach Chris Maxedon praised the state-bound athletes’ efforts.

“I was really pleased with Hood and Nitz,” Maxedon said. “They both have had high expectations placed on them all year. They have met those expectations. It will be fun to see how they perform at the state level.”

The Red Raiders’ other top performers at sectional included: Vinny Costa was fourth in the 100-meter dash, 11.15 seconds; Zach Rysavy, wfourth in the triple jump, 12,87 meters; Talon Sargent took third in the 400-meter run, 51.22; Hudson Fisher earned fifth in the 800- and 1600-meter runs; Logan Borzych was fifth in the 110 meter high hurdles and the 4×100 and 4×200 meter relays were also fifth.

Late season highlights as a team included capturing the Fox Valley Conference championship with 109 points in rainy conditions May 5.