Seniors Kira Hanson, Rebecca Dosek and Addie Vaia and their Riverside Brookfield High School girls track teammates were elated to see then-senior Jorie Eggers qualify for the 2025 Class 3A state meet in the 400-meter dash. It’s also given them an even clearer sight on trying to reach state as well.
“It’s really inspiring just knowing I could follow in her footsteps and see what she’s done and just try to follow that example,” Hanson said.
The trio of 2025 Upstate Eight Conference standouts are among key veterans for the Bulldogs, who were ninth at the one-division indoor Upstate Eight Conference Meet, March 21, at Glenbard East (30 points) and second on the junior varsity level, Feb. 28 (100 points).
Third-year RBHS head coach Lillian Holubek said the 400 remains the Bulldogs’ best chance for state qualifiers, as well as the 4 x 400 relay if a fourth leg emerges to join the three seniors.
“It’s definitely something for them to strive for. They saw (Eggers) get (to state) and they’re like, ‘I can do this too,’ which is amazing,” Holubek said. “Our goal is definitely to make it to state and to do well in conference, just showing that we’re competitive.”
At the 2025 outdoor UEC Meet, Dosek and Vaia were part of the first-place 4 x 800 relay (10:20.07) and Vaia also was all-conference in the 800 (3rd, 2:32.33) with a top-four finish. The 4 x 400 relay with Dosek, Hanson and Vaia (4:25.65) was fifth and Hanson (400 in 1:04.99) and Dosek (800 in 2:34.28) were sixth. The Bulldogs finished ninth (33 points).
At the indoor UEC Meet, Dosek (1:03.03) and Hanson (1:05.41) finished 1-2 in the 400. Dosek, freshman Natalie Moran, junior Elizabeth Moran and sophomore Giselle Miranda were third in the 4 x 800 (10:50.76), Hanson, Dosek, Natalie Moran and senior Bella DeMatteo were fifth in the 4 x 400 (4:45.74) and Natalie Moran was sixth in the 1,600 (5:42.74).
“We have a lot of dedicated teammates and have a really good community,” Dosek said. “I’m racing with Kira on the 400 and we’re shooting to go to state. (Personal bests) would be nice but just knowing I’m trying my hardest every time.”
Senior Sophia Maietta returns as the top performer in long and triple jump, taking 10th at indoor UEC (8.11 meters/36 feet-7 1/4 inches). Seniors Emma Hlavaty (shot put) and Mariella Hutar (55 hurdles) and sophomore Kennedy Malone (55 and 200) added top-10 finishes.
“As a team (we want) just everybody showing up to practice with a good attitude and at meet everybody cheering on people,” Vaia said. “My goal for myself is just to have a positive, better attitude going into races and not beating myself up as I want to do.”
Natalie Moran and freshman Elia Bursua have built off strong varsity cross country seasons. At the indoor JV UEC Meet, Bursua won the 1,600 (5:57.03) and 3,200 (12:12.30). Junior Ava Alfaro (3.93m/12-10 3/4 in high jump) and sophomore Madison Kelly (55 in 8.56) also were JV champions.
“I’ve never had athletes that have wanted to run the 3,200 and 1,600 at the same meet and (Moran and Bursua) are all for it. I feel they’re never really tired,” Holubek said.
The seniors also hope to perpetuate teamwork and enthusiasm throughout the season.
“We have some strong leaders, especially our seniors, that show a great example,” Hanson said. “I’ve been trying to get to know the underclassmen more, sharing some laughs and stuff, to build a good relationship.”
LTHS girls track and field
Lyons Township senior Karenna Knop wanted to forget her 55-meter hurdles race from the 2005 indoor West Suburban Conference Silver Division Meet.
“I was too excited and got disqualified (for a false start),” Knop said.
She was even more excited during the indoor Silver Meet March 20. Knop had just taken first in 9.03 seconds.
“I’m still waiting for my heart to stop beating. And the medal,” Knop said moments afterwards. “I focused more on the starters. I think my 100 hurdles (outdoors) are going to go very smooth because I’m out of my head now out of the (starting) block.”
Senior Sarah Wiggins and junior Lucy Laux and Mia Toulios have competed at state and are adding to the Lions’ continued progress. They finished third indoors (72 points) by doubling their points from last year’s sixth-place finish. Sophomore Bianca Taylor set an indoor school record in winning long jump (5.52m/18-1 1/2). Junior Sophia Picha (2.95m/9-8 in pole vault), Laux (400 in 1:01.29) and the 4 x 400 relay of Laux, senior Bella Ruiz, Wiggins and Toulios (4:13.56) finished second. Other standouts include seniors Mya Coglianese and Chloe Russell, juniors Natalia Kass, Molly Sanchez, Avery Stanley and Abby Sullivan and sophomores Lucinda Martinez and Jane Weber.
“Last year we struggled a bit with a very young team,” LTHS coach Greg Frandsen said. “The girls that just missed qualifying for the state meet are eager for another chance to make it. Those near misses have fueled their work ethic and effort and have raised their performance level.”
Wiggins is the lone 2025 state returnee. She won sectionals in a personal-best 49.97 and was 30th at state (51.34).
“I’m very confident (for outdoors),” Wiggins said. “I know what state looks like and I can be more prepared for this year. If I get to go (again), it’s less a new experience.”
Toulios and Laux competed at 2024 state with the 4 x 200 relay (43rd, 1:48.72). Last year, Coglianese (3,200) and the 4 x 800, 4 x 200 and 4 x 400 relays all finished third at sectionals, one place from automatically advancing to state with top-two finishes.
At the indoor Silver Meet, the much-improved Taylor twice surpassed the 2012 school record of 17-6 1/2 by multiple all-stater Emma Haugen.
“At the beginning of the indoor season, I was gunning for it the whole time so I’m really proud of myself,” Taylor said. “Definitely focusing and staying loose is key and just being locked in mentally. That’ll get you far.”
Wiggins and Knop continue to build off each other. Knop was second in the 100 high hurdles (16.50) at last year’s outdoor Silver Meet for the sixth-place Lions.
“We both run the 300 (hurdles also) and stick together for the first 150, 200 (meters) and then I’ll take off,” Wiggins said. “But it’s good to have someone next to me, knowing I’m on pace and where I’m supposed to be.”