Track and Field Hall of Fame
2002, 2003 Eureka Girls Track & Field Teams
The Eureka girls track and field team won the program’s first state championship in 2002, then followed up in 2003 with a second-place finish, both in IHSA Class A. The teams were inducted together as an Era of Excellence.
Under coach Don Samford, the Hornets won their first trophy at the state meet in 2002, taking the team title with 48.5 points. The 2002 team was anchored by junior Abby Heinold, who was named Journal Star Female Track & Field Athlete of the Year.
In 2003, the Hornets increased their team points total to 52, but finished second to Freeport’s record 86.5 points. Senior Megan Reese won her second state championship in the high jump, and Heinold ended her career with 14 state medals.
