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Wheaton Warrenville South's Samantha Poglitsch probably couldn’t have done much better than her 2019 Class 3A state cross country meet.
Poglitsch has managed to for her senior season.
“She’s in phenomenal shape right now, the best shape of her life,” WW South coach Rob Harvey said.
Poglitsch is known for her positive outlook and she’s maintained that through these challenging and unusual circumstances.
With no state meet expected, she will not officially become the Tigers’ first four-time all-stater.
She still couldn’t be stopped from her verbal commitment to the University of Illinois just before the preseason. She’s also committed to being a strong senior captain with Jess Michalowski and Rachel Nordmark.
“I’m really happy with how I’ve raced and I’m really proud of the team, too,” Poglitsch said.
“I really feel I haven’t really missed a beat at all. It was disappointing to have the track season canceled, but once we were guaranteed a cross country season, it was easy to get back into training, especially once I was around my teammates.”
In 2019, Poglitsch finished second at state in a school-record 16:37.68 for 3.0 miles to Glenbard West’s Katelynne Hart (16:05.81), who won her fourth state title. Poglitsch was seventh in 2018 (16:39.32) and 11th in 2017 (17:01).
For Poglitsch, just as memorable was seeing her teammates’ eyes before their Aug. 29 season opener, which she won in 17:39.1.
“I remember being in the huddle just saying, ‘It’s COVID. Any race could be the last race,’ and looking at everyone and seeing how hopeful the season is,” Poglitsch said.
Poglitsch visited Illinois last October on an unofficial visit. Since the pandemic, Poglitsch said coach Sarah Haveman’s flexibility in answering questions and a Zoom meeting with Illini runners facilitated her early decision.
“At this time last year, I probably would have wanted to commit after state but just as the decision became more clear, I was more comfortable to make the decision early on,” Poglitsch said.
Poglitsch won the opener by 0.66 over Batavia junior Katrina Schlenker, who was third in 3A in 2019. After their second meeting Sept. 12, Poglitsch remained upbeat about finishing second to Schlenker (17:25.0 to 17:42.4).
“It was definitely a positive learning experience because I never really had anyone go at the 2-mile mark like Katrina did. I’m happy how I did,” Poglitsch said.
“That’s Sam, such a positive kid who really sees the good of everything, any situation at all,” Harvey said. “Lots of people always do the stuff they always do well but Sam attacks her negatives and turns them into her strengths.”
Viewing options: Teams whose spectators are not permitted at meets are going the extra mile to provide coverage.
The Aug. 29 Fenwick-Nazareth opener was streamed live by Fenwick broadcasting club students.
For the Glenbard West girls Instagram account, assistant coaches Dan Kim and Mark Staron moved around the rainy Lyons Township south campus course for all three races Sept. 19.
Many athletic directors and coaches use Twitter Live. Downers Grove South boys coach Brian Caldwell has broadcast and provided commentary through most of the Mustangs’ first three meets. The Sept. 12 Leyden dual attracted roughly 250 people live and 1,300 including the replay.
“It’s really been cool to see the parents as viewers that are commenting and even many alumni tuning in,” Caldwell said. “I’ve been having a lot of fun doing it and will continue to get every race.”
WSC update: West Suburban Conference Silver and Gold teams began this season only with duals among each other, but conference meets are about to be added. Race plans still are being finalized, but all or some Silver competition will occur Oct. 17 at Camera Park in Glendale Heights, Glenbard West's home course.