State qualifiers depart for Charleston; boys leave Friday for sectionals at Normal

BOUND FOR GLORY - Tiger state qualifiers pose for pictures before leaving to compete at the IHSA State Meet at Eastern Illinois University at Charleston. Photo/Tom Atwood

FOR LUCK - Tigers release "star balloons" just before leaving for Charleston. Photo/Tom Atwood

Pole vaulters Kennedy Roderick and Hannah Faulkner pack for state. Photo/Tom Atwood

A VAN FULL OF SPEED - Sprinters Shanice Rice, Lauren White, Laila Jason and Meih Huddleston prepare for the ride to Charleston. Photo/Tom Atwood

Freshman Lauren White will compete at state in the 200 and 400-meter relays. Photo/Tom Atwood

EHS band adds color to the state sendoff in the Commons Thursday. Photo/Tom Atwood