Schools

Dream Comes True With 10-3 Vault

Christine Stitcher qualifies for third state meet in a trio of sports in one school year. McIntyre, Gold advance as well.

became one of the few athletes in Illinois history to qualify for three state meets in one school year when her 10-3 pole vault at the Niles West Sectional sent her to the State Finals Thursday through Saturday at Eastern Illinois University.

Earlier this year, Stitcher, a junior, competed in the State Swim Meet as a diver and in the winter season went to the State Finals in gymnastics participating in the all around event, uneven parallel bars and floor exercise.

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“I’m very, very excited,” Stitcher said of her second place finish after the meet. “I felt I could qualify for three State Meets, but in a sectional meets anything can happen. It feels so amazing.”

Two other Warriors——will join Stitcher at the State Meet as the Warriors placed fifth as a team in the Sectional with 54 points behind Evanston, Loyola, New Trier and Highland Park.

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McIntyre’s throw of 114-3 made her the Sectional discus champion while she placed fifth in the shot put with a toss of 37-6. Gold won the triple jump with a leap of 36-2.

Stitcher hopes to achieve a personal best vault next week at the State Meet but has set loftier goals for her senior year where she wants to repeat her achievement. “I want to gain a lot of experience and come back next year and make it to the finals (in all three),” she said.

In an era of specialization where young athletes compete with clubs where they are not participating in their one event during the high school season, Stitcher is unique taking the time to excel in three sports.

“It makes me really happy to compete in all three,” Stitcher said. “People question me about it. I can do well in all three.”


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