Joliet Run Club Athletes Continue to Impress at USATF JO State and Regionals

Joliet Run Club had four athletes compete, and render podium performances, at the USATF MT Association Junior Olympic meet in Helena, at Vigilante Stadium, on June 14 and 15. Kevin Sharpe placed 3rd in Pole Vault, tying his personal record. Mason McQuillan placed 2nd in the 100m and 6th in the 200m amidst some talented competition and challenging weather. Sibling duo Auston and Sophia Schellig also had a superb couple days of racing, with Auston winning the 3000m and 1500m, as well as placing 2nd in the 800m. Sophia took 2nd in the 400m and 3rd in the 800m.

McQuillan and the Schellig siblings moved on to the Region 11 competition in Missoula the next weekend. From the Regional meet, the top 5 in each event qualify for the National competition in College Station, Texas, July 22-28, if they choose to continue.

Auston Schellig kicked off the three day competition with a win and new personal record time of 9:23.7 in the 3000m. The second day of competition McQuillan was first to compete where he put in an impressive 11.35 second 100m and a new personal record 24.05 in the 200m, qualifying in both events for finals the next day. Auston ended the day with another championship title in the 2000m steeplechase.

Auston Schellig in his first time trying steeplechase.

Day 3 of competition saw Auston take first place again in the 1500m race. Unchallenged in this race, he showed impressive discipline with consistent lap splits and crossed the line 6.5 seconds ahead of second place. Younger sibling Sophia, was next to race the 400m, where she earned a personal record time of 1:07.14, and a 4th place finish, also qualifying her for Nationals.

The 100m finals were held in between the 400 and the 800, giving the Schelligs an opportunity to rest and cheer teammate McQuillan on to another National qualifying performance and a 3rd place finish in the 100m finals.

Mason McQuillan on the podium for the 100m.

The roles reversed for the next races, the 800m. McQuillan cheered while Auston was able to put in one more national qualifying performance with a 3rd place finish. Sophia just missed qualifying, finishing 7th place in an extremely talented field of competitors. To end the day, McQuillan performed well, but found himself just one spot off the podium in 6th place in the 200m.

All were smiles, despite their exhaustion at the end of the meet, proudly displaying their hardware and excitedly looking toward their promising track futures.

Editor's & Coach's Note: The growth and dedication of all these athletes is second to none. I am so proud of all the Run Club athletes that have continued to compete during Club season, as well as those who show up in the early morning three times a week to workout and steadily grind toward their goals.