Rockford Sun

Three seniors from the Harlem High School (Machesney Park) track and field team were recognized at the school board meeting for their performances this year.

"Given the situation, given her high school career, Hannah [Bilodeau] is one of the most decorated athletes ever to come out of Harlem," Jared Richardson, Harlem’s track and field coach, said at the meeting. "And I can’t be proud enough of her. To be here the past four years and watch her grow from that freshman that we’re like, ooh, this girl’s good, to the young lady she is now and representative she is of Harlem. And I know she’s going to go on to do wonderful things."

Bilodeau was recognized for her accomplishments in track and field throughout her tumultuous high school career. She is No. 1 in school history in the 100 and No. 2 in both the 200 and the 400. She was a part of school-record-breaking teams for the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 relays.

Emma Rich, a senior who just graduated, was recognized for her state qualification in the discus. She missed qualifying for state in her junior year by just a few inches. She was not able to attend the board meeting because she was celebrating her sister’s birthday in Chicago. 

There were new coaches for the track and field team in the 2021-22 school year. Riley Lundgren was recognized for being able to score points and pull teams together when the underclassmen were getting beaten at meets. The coaches commended him both for his athletic performance and his team leadership.