Before heading off to run distance at Amherst College next school year, Wheaton Academy’s Sarah Daly has one more achievement in mind.

The Wheaton resident will be hoping to place at the Class 2A girls track and field state meet in Charleston this weekend after winning the 3,200-meter run at the Glenbard South sectional Saturday in Glen Ellyn.

Daly was confident going into sectionals considering her personal-best time of 11:33.24 was 21 seconds better than the state qualifying standard. She won the sectional race in 11:52.39.

“I was pretty comfortable coming in,” Daly said. “I was a little concerned about the wind, but as long as I got top two, I was going to be happy.”

Daly had to be patient going into the sectional because the meet was originally scheduled for Friday, but was suspended due to the weather. This circumstance could have created a bit of anxiety, but never affected Daly’s mentality since she was able to run on a crisp and sunny afternoon as opposed to a cold and dreary, rain-filled evening.

“I didn’t really let it get to me,” Daly said. “I would have rather run today than yesterday, and I got to go watch our girls soccer team win the Wheaton Cup. It was worth it.”

Joining Daly at the state meet will be Sarah Dede, who came in second place in the long jump with a personal-best mark of 16-feet, 7-and-1/2 inches. She also posted a third-place finish in the 100 high hurdles in 17.49 seconds. Anna Curato finished fifth in the 800 run (2:40.15).

The Warriors were ninth in the team standings with 26 points.

St. Francis
Kelly McShea won the 1,600 run and qualified for this weekend’s state meet in Charleston.
The 4 X 800 relay of McShea, Maria Diamond, Alyssa Robinson and Erin McShea also took top honors at the Glenbard South sectional.

McShea topped the 1,600 field in 5:31.55, while the distance relay crossed first in 10:05.76.

Alyssa Robinson came in third place in the 1,600 run (5:41.09), while fourth place finishers included Courtney Trunk in the 3,200 run (12:20.61) and Jamie Stefely in the discus (88-8)
 Katy Garcia posted a fifth place finish in the high jump (4-11).

The Spartans tied for fourth with Aurora Central Catholic as both teams scored 38 points.