Hope everyone is enjoying their day off from school, if you are experiencing a snow day. It should be fun to get a run outside while the snow is still around. But if you are stuck indoors, lets discuss the 3A girls to watch for this 2019 track season.
Allie Janke - North Central
1,600, 3,200
Allie Janke is unbeatable when it comes to long-distance races at any level in Washington. The sophomore won her first cross country state title this past fall and helped the Indians to a state team title. During her freshman track season, Janke won the 1,600 state crown running 4:55.48 and took second in the 3,200 in 10:40.36. Her older brother Justin Janke, a distance triple crown winner at North Central, currently runs for Washington State University. Allie looks to complete her first distance triple crown this spring.
Kate Jendrezak - Eastside Catholic
800
It seems odd to only have a one event runner to be featured, but Kate Jendrezak has earned the right for her outstanding job in the 800. Jendrezak is a back-to-back 800 meter 3A state champion and she is only a junior. Her personal best in this event time is 2:10.99. Last fall, Jendrezak placed 18th at the 3A state cross meet but had the third best time at the 3A level all season with a mark of 17:56. She has run the 1,600 a few times and her best time is 5:03.23. Throw in the 1,600 with the 800 and we could see a distance double for Jendrezak at the state track meet.
Geraldin Correa - Kennewick
800, 1,600
The younger sister of Johan Correa, Geraldin Correa is just as good as her brother. Correa was second at the state cross meet running a time of 18:29.8, a personal best for her on a course that was very tough. She finished fourth in the 800 and seventh in the 1,600 at the state track meet. Personal best time are 2:12.89 and 5:01.34. Correa can give Jendrezak a run for her money in the 800 at state this spring. If not, no question Correa is a top three finisher.
Erinn Hill - North Central
1,600, 3,200
Another great North Central runner, Erinn Hill is arguably the second best 1,600 and 3,200 duo runner in the state behind her teammate, Allie Janke. Hill was third at the state cross meet running 18:34.1 and a contributor to the Indians state team title. As a sophomore, Hill finished in third in the 3,200 at the state track meet with a personal best time of 10:42.19. Her twin sister, Mia, is also another runner on the North Central who is great as well. Hill and Janke will battle for the 3,200 state crown.
Lillian Visser - Shorecrest
1,600, 3,200
Lillian Visser showed the strength and versatility at the Northwest District cross meet last fall by winning the district title, and then a week later, finished sixth at the state meet. Visser is a Gonzaga University signee for the next fall for both cross country and track. Last spring, Visser was fourth in the 1,600 and eighth in the 3,200 at the state track meet. Her personal best marks are 5:02.86 and 11:02.83.
Others to watch for:
Emily Phelps - Fort Vancouver: Placed sixth in the 1,600 fourth in the 3,200 at the state track meet.
Mia Hill - North Central: Placed fifth in the 3,200 at the state meet. Also eighth at the state cross meet this past fall.
Sarah Mirkin - Holy Names Academy: Placed fifth in the 800 and eighth in the 1,600 at the state meet.
Anya Hirschfeld - Ingraham: Placed ninth in the 800 and fifth in the 1,600 at the state track meet. She finished seventh at the state cross meet this past fall.
Lindsay Lovrovich - Peninsula: Runner-up in the 800 at the state track meet as a freshman. Also, placed fourth in the 400 too at state.