High School Sports Spotlight
September 23, 2012 9:12PM
Haley Collins, of Coal City.
Article Extras
Updated: October 25, 2012 6:12AM
Haley Collins
Jr., Tennis, Coal City
Collins is a team captain for the second year in a row. And she’s making strides toward going to the state tournament for the second straight year.
“My groundstrokes definitely need some work, but they are getting better,” Collins said. “My goals for the season are to place in the top two at the sectional and qualify for the state competition.”
A year ago, Collins was part of the first Coalers doubles team to reach the state meet since 1995.
Dennis Nelson
Jake Runnion
Sr., Cross Country,
Plainfield East
Since watching runners as a youngster inspired him to join cross country, Runnion has come to appreciate more than just race results.
“I’ve been running since sixth grade, so it was a natural thing to do in high school,’’ he said. “I’m very grateful for all the people I’ve met and everything I’ve gone through to get where I am.”
He expects to run next year at UIC.
Tim Tierney
Victoria Salazar
Soph., Cross Country,
Lemont
Salazar surprised herself by leading Lemont at the 2011 Class 2A state meet.
“I was really bad in middle school,’’ she said. “Somehow last year I did really good, more than I expected.”
After finishing 102nd at Detweiller Park in 19 minutes, 11 seconds, her goal this season is the 18:30s or below and the team to improve on 21st place.
Salazar chooses soccer over track in the spring.
“I’m not good short distances,” she said, smiling.
Tim Tierney
Savannah Rubocki
Soph., Swimming,
Joliet Catholic
Rubocki got an extra boost of inspiration this summer when she saw the Olympic swim trials in Omaha, Neb.
“I met many of the swimmers and their families, even Debbie Phelps (Michael’s mom), and it was very motivating to be there,” Rubocki said.
As a freshman, Rubocki just missed state in two events, finishing third at sectional in the 200- and 500-yard freestyle.
Tim O’Brien
