It is a known fact that all great things come in threes: The Three Musketeers, the Furies, the Fates, the Holy Trinity, Newton’s three laws of motion, etc. The powerhouse trio of the LHS girls track team—Sam Zoellick, Bridget Loucks and Marissa Hollingsworth—is no different.
The trio broke the record for the 200 meter relay during their sophomore year, with then senior Mo Jones. Throughout this season and last season, Sophomore Jenny Angster has run anchor with them.
“Jenny is honestly unbelievable. Every time she runs, I am so impressed,” Loucks said.
Freshman Ginger Yen alternated with Angster this season, and is a great admirer of the trio.
“Practicing, being on the team and just hanging out with them was a great experience. I could always count on them to cheer me on and give me great tips. They were always there for me and were full of encouragement. They always knew how to make me smile. Sadly, they are leaving next year, and I will truly miss them all very much. I am really lucky to have had the opportunity to get to know them and run with them,” Yen said.
The trio broke the 200 relay record again with Angster at a meet against Lake Zurich and Stevenson on May 3. Zoellick, Loucks and Hollingsworth were completely shocked when Coach Tom Bizosky informed them that they broke the school record—again.
“We were so happy. Breaking a record is like finally getting awarded for running. We don’t get many fans, so breaking a record is a highlight of track. Sam, Marissa and I have been through our last four years together and breaking the school record our final meet was an incredible way to end it,” Loucks said.
Not only do these girls run competitively with each other, but they also have developed a strong friendship and support system with one another since freshman year.
“I love being with all my friends and working out at the same time. Because track is a no-cut sport, you get to meet a lot of people. I work a lot harder to keep up my times so I don’t bring down the other girls,” Zoellick said.
There is also an unspoken air of competitiveness between the trio, which keeps them motivated and driven.
“I love the fact that Bridget, Sam and I have been running together since freshman year because, over time we’ve had, all three of us learned how to bring out the best in each other. We’re comfortable giving criticism to make sure that all of us run the best race possible,” Hollingsworth said.
Bizosky speaks very highly of Zoellick, Loucks and Hollingsworth, and has seen their running skills and friendship strengthen greatly through track
“This is the second time they’ve broken this record, and, after four years, they’ve really learned each others’ baton handoffs. It’s really great because they’ve known one another for such a long time, and they’ve become better friends because of it,” Bizosky said.
From what they’ve displayed to the community, it’s no overstatement to say that Zoellick, Loucks and Hollingsworth have epitomized the dedication and close friendships that can come out of LHS sports.
“I think Sam, Bridget and I felt like we really accomplished something because we’ve been working really hard on our relays, and to break the school record a second time shows that our hard work has paid off,” Hollingsworth said.