Reavis’ Paulina Gal has it covered

A sectional champion last year in the discus, Reavis’ Paulina Gal is valuable to the Rams on the track, too.

In addition to winning the shot put and discus Saturday at the Stagg Invitational, Gal was second in the 800-meter run and third in the 300 hurdles.

“I started the shot sophomore year, but I didn’t really focus on it as much because I was running,’’ Gal said. “Junior year I started doing discus. Now I focus on the throws a lot more than I did before.’’

Gal, a senior, was the Class 3A Lyons Sectional discus champ last year (111 feet, 3 inches). Two weeks ago, she finished seventh in the shot put (40-3) at the Illinois Top Times Meet, the unofficial indoor state meet.

“I’m not the biggest thrower you’ll see, so I try to work hard in the weight room,’’ Gal said.

Rich East’s Ashley Dennis, a returning state qualifier in the discus who won the shot and discus Tuesday at the Larry Roland Invitational, is working to get to the Class 2A state finals.

“The girls were doing more technique than me,’’ Dennis said of the 2013 prelims. “I was throwing off power. They had a spin technique. This year I’m ready to do my spin and get farther in my distance.’’

Boys: Blue Smoke should sizzle

Saturday’s Blue Smoke Invitational at Thornridge will include Class 3A state runner-up Providence and the host Falcons, who were fifth in the 2013 2A state meet.

A couple of individuals to watch are Providence high jumper Mike Monroe, state runner-up last year, and Lincoln-Way East’s Austin Corydon, who was sixth in the state 110 hurdles. Lincoln-Way North sprinter Julian Hylton is expected to run after resting a sore back Wednesday against H-F and Thornton.

Thornton, led by sprinters Tifonte Hunt and Jauan Wesley, should be the team to beat Saturday at the Stagg Invitational.