Jonathan Rosenfeld Qualifies For State In The 1600 Meter Run!

The Highland Park High School boys track & field team has had at least one state qualifier each year since 2001. That streak continues as senior Jonathan Rosenfeld used a gritty final lap to earn himself a 2nd place state qualifying finish in the 1600 Meter Run. The first 800 of the race was slow and Rosenfeld remained in position to respond to any moves by his competitors. On the third lap the pace picked up quickly and by the time the fourth and final lap was about to begin, Rosenfeld was in 4th place as the top two runners were starting to extend their lead. At that point Jonathan set his sights on catching the Prospect runner in 2nd place. He blazed down the backstretch and was quickly closing the gap. By the time he came off the final turn only a few strides remained between qualifying for State and finishing in 3rd place and just missing. With one final push, Rosenfeld went past the Prospect runner and crossed the line in 4:25.45. It was a GIANT effort and thrilling final lap to earn a well deserved trip to the IHSA State Track & Field Meet.

HP had several other notable performances:

In the field events the team had two athletes qualify for the Discus final. Junior Zach Auerbach finished in 6th place (137’3”) and senior Joey Sereda was 7th (136’4.5”). Sophomore Ben Kirsch and junior Ben Zavell both tied their PRs in the Pole Vault. Kirsch tied for 9th (12’1”) and Zavell tied for 13th (11’1”).

Senior Zev Motew gave a great effort in the 110 Meter High Hurdles but just missed qualifying for State. He took 3rd place in 15.37. He also took 8th in the 300 Intermediate Hurdles (42.73).

Junior Fitz Laurie battled a tough field in the 800 Meter Run to finish in 4th place in 2:00.03.

Junior Alec Glazier pushed to stay with the lead pack as long as he could and ran a strong 3200 Meter Run to take 7th place in 9:52.16.

Senior Ben Davis had a strong final meet of his high school career. He began his day with an incredible lead off leg in the 4X100 Meter Relay. The team finished in 8th place with their best time of the season (45.31). The team consisted of Davis, junior Andrew Derdena, sophomore Jonny Rossen, and junior Michael Menaker. Davis also ran well in the 100 Meter Dash to take 10th in 11.56. He finished off his day with his best time in the 200 Meter Dash to take 11th place in 23.11.

The team is now going to support Jonathan Rosenfeld as he competes at the State Meet! This is also a time in which all of the freshmen, sophomores, and juniors need to think about what they will do over the next 365 days to be the best athletes they can be and help Highland Park have a great 2018 season.