Central makes every entry count

Brookfield Central's girls track and field team didn't boast a sectional haul that has become typical, but that didn't stop the Lancers from winning a sectional championship.

Competing at Waukesha North in the WIAA Division 1 event May 24, Central scored 86 points to edge Wauwatosa East (80) for the title. More importantly, seven entrants obtained the top-three status necessary to advance to the state meet, beginning Friday in La Crosse.

"The make up of this team was different in that we did not have as many top level athletes as previously," coach Lorie Lewis said. "The success of this season was defined by all the third-through-eighth place scoring the team brought in. Therefore, it seemed a long shot to win sectionals. The victory is a credit to how consistent our higher level athletes have been."

Sophomore Elizabeth Flatley, a serious contender for the state title in the 3,200 meters, won that event in 11:06.25 to move forward, and she added a second place in the 1,600 at 5:20.85.

She was also on board the 4x800-meter relay that took second in 9:51.30, with Danielle Kulpins, Paulina Agnello and Sheila Kilb also in the foursome.

"Not only is it the utmost challenge for a distance runner to qualify in three events, but the weather presented one of the worst scenarios for a distance runner to compete through," Lewis said, referring to the hot and windy conditions. "She was terrific with managing all the races and planning out how to qualify in each one. I was extremely impressed with her races."

The throwers also had a strong day. Jessica Meichtry took second in the discus (107-0) and Debbie Entzminger placed second in the shot put (36-0 ½). Both distances were personal bests.

"Debbie and Jessica have been consistently placing high in the shot and disc all season," Lewis said.

Veronica Porubsky rebounded from a rough start in the 100 high hurdles to chase down third place and qualify by the narrowest of margins with her time of 15.77, just 0.01 second ahead of fourth. Alissa Elwing broke 60 seconds for the first time in the 400 and took second in 59.98.

"She had a great race and has a terrific opportunity to race faster in her first state experience," Lewis said of Elwing. "Over the past year she has worked diligently to become faster, so it was thrilling to see her qualify."