Cahokia has the numbers for their fifth straight 2A title; Can Ward break the IHSA records in the jumps?

 

By Michael Newman

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Any team that thinks that they can topple Cahokia from top of the 2A mountain please raise your hand? If you answered honestly, you most likely would not see any hands come up. Cahokia will go for their fifth straight 2A championship in what could be Coach Leroy Millsap’s best team ever. National jumps leader Ja’Mari Ward plays a big part of that. The Comanches qualified 18 to Charleston. It could be tough for any team to beat those numbers.

 

Ward is not the only individual in the spotlight in the 2A meet. Josh Eiker is one of the nation’s best sprinters and could set records in the 200 Meter Dash this weekend. He could also push Galesburg in the top three for a trophy. The 100 Meter Dash should also be stellar with Eiker being challenged by Dion Hooker for the state championships. Their seasonal bests are only separated by one hundredth of a second. The relay events should be great as Cahokia tries to sweep all four finals.

 

Here is a look at each of the events. Teams to watch follow the individual preview.

 

 

 

4 x 800 Meter Relay

 

IHSA State Meet Record - 7:40.02 - Algonquin Jacobs - 2006

                In the 1976 finals, Harvey (Thornton) recorded a manual time of 7:38.0 in the 2-mile relay (18.7 meters longer).

IHSA 2A State Meet Record - 7:46.38 - Lansing Illiana Christian - 2014

2015 2A State Best - 7:55.70 - Metamora

2015 2A Sectional Best - 7:55.70 - Metamora

2015 State Best - 7:43.51 - Barrington

 

Outlook - The first 2A final on the track Saturday morning should be interesting to say the least. Metamora ran the fastest 2A time in the state when they ran 7:55.70 to win the Macomb Sectional. John Mangold and Jake Gillum have both run 1:57 in open races this spring giving this squad a chance to run near 7:50 or better. Cahokia also figures to be in the mix in this event at state. This year again will be no exception. The Comanches ran 7:56 at the beginning of the month in Missouri and should challenge Metamora. Chris Stanley has 1:56 speed that could put them up in the front.

 

Normal University, behind Alexander Bruno, ran 7:58 to finish second at Macomb, could run under that this weekend. Rochester has Josh Cable, a freshman who has run 1:56 this year, which could put the Rockets among the leaders. Geneseo and Highland have quality runners that will also challenge for the front.

 

The surprise in this race will be Johnsburg. They ran 8:04 to win their conference meet. They will have 400 specialist Sam Blankenship part of their quartet. Do not be shocked if this team is in the first three.  Burlington Central, Rockford Christian, and Taylorville will challenge in the top five in what could be a close final.

 

 

4 x 100 Meter Relay

 

IHSA State Meet Record - 41.42 - Cahokia - 2006

IHSA 2A State Meet Record -  41.67 - Jacksonville - 2012

2015 2A State Best - 41.31 - Cahokia

2015 2A Sectional Best -  41.86 - Cahokia

2015 State Best - 41.31 - Cahokia

 

Outlook - Cahokia has the fastest time in the state and has run under 42 seconds five times this spring. Ja'Mari Ward has been part of those fast squads and could be their anchor on Saturday. Phillips Academy will be their chief competition. They are still smarting from last year when they had a great team that failed to get out of sectionals. Phillips ran 41.89 (three hundredths  behind Cahokia's sectional time) and could push for the win. Cahokia's best time this year is better than that of the IHSA meet record. Could either of these teams go lower than that on Saturday?

 

Let us not forget about Galesburg. They have run 42.26 this year. The Silver Streaks also have Josh Eiker anchoring. If Galesburg  is close when Eiser gets the baton, we could have an "ooooh' moment. Evergreen Park has been a surprise this season and could figure in the top five. Mt. Carmel could be in the mix up front led by Tyrin Thurman.  Sycamore has Dion Hooker anchoring. They could end up among the top three. Highland, Troy Triad, and Hillcrest  could be among the other teams fighting for a top five finish.

 

 

3200 Meter Run

 

IHSA State Meet Record - 8:42.89 - Donald Sage - Elmhurst York - 2000

                Craig Virgin of Lebanon recorded a manual time of 8:42.6 in the 2-mile run (18.7 meters longer) in 1973

IHSA 2A State Meet Record - 9:08.44 - Riley McInerney - Charleston - 2013

2015 2A State Best - 9:22.26 - Luke Beattie (JR) - Woodstock

2015 2A Sectional Best - 9:23.89 - Alex Keeble (JR) - Mahomet-Seymour

2015 State Best -  8:49.40 - Jesse Reiser (SR) - McHenry

 

Outlook - There really has not been one athlete that has dominated 2A this season. That does not mean that this race is going to be dull and slow. With the talent in this field, the winning time will go under 9:20. The question is how much? Alex Keeble has the fastest sectional time 9:23.89 in winning at Mattoon. Remember, Keeble finished fourth in the 2A state cross country meet and fifth in this event a year ago. Luke Beattie ran the fastest 2A time (9:22.26) two weeks ago at the Fox Valley Conference Meet when Jesse Reiser ran 8:49. Beattie backed that time up by running 9:26 at his sectional. He will challenge for the win in this race. Colin DeYoung (Illiana Christian HS, Lansing) has run under 9:30 twice this year including 9:26 to win his sectional last  week. He finished seventh last spring in this event. He would like to be on top of the podium Saturday.

 

Normal University's Eli Hill and Jack Franklin could find themselves in the top five in this race working together. Phillip Copeland (Dunlap HS)  has the fourth sectional time that has hopes of an all-state performance. Shane Williamson (Vernon Hills) finished third last fall at Detweiller Park and has only run 9:39 this spring. He could be a surprise up front in this final. Walmer Saavedra (Lindblom Prep, Chicago), Evan Mitchell (Lincoln-Way West HS, New Lenox), and Adam Millburg (Sycamore HS) will be among the runners up front in this event.

 

 

110 Meter High Hurdles

 

IHSA State Meet Record - 13.79 - AJ Harris - Wheaton North - 2002

IHSA 2A State Meet Record - 13.97 - Spencer Allen - Mt. Vernon - 2012

2015 2A State Best - 14.09 - Korrion Session (SR) - Cahokia

2015 2A Sectional Best - 14.45 - Lucas Ege (SR) - Burlington Central

2015 State Best - 13.91 - William Session (JR) - Belleville East

 

Outlook -  Korrion Session has emerged this spring as one of the elite athletes in this event in the state. His 14.09 time is currently ranked in the top 50 nationally. He should be the one to watch on Saturday. Lucas Ege should be his chief competition. Ege finished third in this event a year ago and has run 14.24 three weeks ago at his county meet. It is a possibility that both of these athletes get close to or under 14 seconds in Saturday's finals.

 

Gamar Hayles (Rich Central HS, Olympia Fields), Deion McShane and David Rials (Freeport HS), Dylan Binion (Erie-Prophetstown HS), and Marquis Murray (Cahokia HS) are some of the other athletes to keep an eye on. Any of them could finish in the top five in the finals.

 

 

100 Meter Dash

 

IHSA State Meet Record - 10.37 - Keith Thomas - Chicago Kenwood - 1986

IHSA 2A State Meet Record - 10.59 - Reggie Bratton - Jacksonville - 2013

2015 2A State Best - 10.42 - Josh Eiker (JR) - Galesburg

2015 2A Sectional Best - 10.43 -  Dion Hooker (SR) - Sycamore

2015 State Best - 10.42 - Josh Eiker (JR) - Galesburg

 

Outlook - One of the must see 2A races on Saturday. It became more of a must see especially after Dion Hooker ran a quick 10.43 in winning the Sterling Sectional. Josh Eiser has run 10.42 earlier this year. He has run under 10.60 three times this season. Hooker, who won the 200 2A state championship his sophomore year, is hungry for another state championship especially in his senior year. Hooker finished second while Eiker finished fourth last year. The thing to watch is the start of this race. Hooker historically gets out of the blocks quickly. Eiker has improved his start but will need a great one in Saturday's final. He has the best closing speed from 40 meters to go possibly in the state.

 

Anything can happen at the state meet but I think these two athletes are the class of the field. Kevion Akins (Cahokia HS) has run 10.72 this year and should be one of the challengers for third. Adam Nelson (Triad HS, Troy) and Franklin Hunt (Rich Central HS, Olympia Fields) could also be towards the front. Even though Jonathan Stokes (North Lawndale Prep, Chicago) ran over 11 in sectionals, he does have a 10.93 seasonal best. He could be among those front runners. Tyler Higgins (Highland HS), Jack Curtis (Glenbard South HS, Glen Ellyn), Vance McShane (Freeport HS), and Tyrin Thurman (Mt. Carmel HS, Chicago) are athletes that could find their way into the finals.  The 2A meet record should fall in this race.

 

 

800 Meter Run

 

IHSA State Meet Record - 1:49.71 - Jason Van Swol - New Lenox Lincoln-Way - 1998

                Dave Ayoub of Peoria (H.S.) recorded a manual time of 1:48.9 in the 880-yard run (4.7 meters longer) in 1977

IHSA 2A State Meet Record -  1:51.48 - JD Lafayette - Normal University - 2014

2015 2A State Best - 1:54.44 - Connor Stine - (SR) - Stanford Olympia

2015 2A Sectional Best - 1:54.44 - Connor Stine - (SR) - Stanford Olympia

2015 State Best - 1:52.30 - Ty Moss (SR) - Naperville Neuqua Valley

 

Outlook – Connor Stine should be the favorite in this race. He ran the fastest time in the state in winning the Lanphier Sectional. Stine finished ninth in this event a year ago. He will be fresh not doubling back from any other race. Stine could come close to the 2A record that JD Lafayette set a year ago.

 

Jacob Wantland (Morris HS) has been a surprise this season and could push Stine in this race. He ran 1:56.33 to win the LaSalle-Peru Sectional. Connor Hickey (LaSalle-Peru HS) finished behind Wantland in that race and should also be towards the front. The one runner to keep an eye on is Jacob Cable (Rochester HS). He has run 1:55.72 this season and has one of the top times nationally for a freshman. He will be doubling back from the 3200 Relay, but should be towards the front.

 

 Nick Wondaal (Illiana Christian HS, Lansing) will be towards the front as well. Other athletes to watch in this event include Trevor White (Highland HS), Sean Zerrusen (Effingham HS), and Jake Vanderwell (Lincoln-Way West HS, New Lenox).

 

 

4 x 200 Meter Relay

 

IHSA State Meet Record - 1:25.98 - Cahokia - 2007

IHSA 2A State Meet Record -1:27.29 - Chatham-Glenwood - 2011

2015 2A State Best - 1:27.19 - Cahokia

2015 2A Sectional Best - 1:27.19 - Cahokia

2015 State Best - 1:26.78 - Plainfield East

 

Outlook – Cahokia is the dominant team in this event. They ran a season’ best 1:27.19 to win the Triad Sectional by more than two seconds. If they run that kind of race at Charleston, the Comanches will be tough to beat. One team to keep an eye on is Galesburg who ran 1:28.18 to win the Macomb Sectional. They will have Josh Eiker anchoring. If Galesburg is close to Cahokia going into that final 200 meters, Eiker could take them to victory.

 

Phillips Academy is the defending champion in this event and will be towards the front again. They ran 1:28.69 to win their sectional last week. Champaign Centennial, Evergreen Park, and Rich Central will be near the front. Also watch for Montini Catholic. Former York sprint coach Chris Korfist now coaches this squad. York had the reputation of peaking for state at the right. The same thing should happen with Montini. They could finish among the first three teams.

 

 

400 Meter Dash

 

IHSA State Meet Record - 46.51 - Harold Leonard - Chicago Mt. Carmel - 1985

IHSA 2A State Meet Record -  47.31 - Garret Payne - Glen Ellyn Glenbard South - 2011

2015 2A State Best - 48.39 - Josh Eiker (JR) - Galesburg

2015 2A Sectional Best -  49.35 - David Shadid (SR) - Peoria Notre Dame

2015 State Best - 46.87 - Kahmari Montgomery (SR) - Plainfield Central

 

Outlook – This event is a toss up to predict. A number of athletes could win this event. David Shadid enters this event with the top sectional time (49.35) in winning the Macomb Sectional. He has a seasonal best 49.11 that was run at his conference meet the week before. Sophomore Tyler Higgins (Highland HS) will also make his presence known towards the front. He ran 49.50 to win his sectional race but ran 48.87 in April at the Belleville West Invitational. Sam Blankenship (Johnsburg HS) ran 49.50 to win the Richmond-Burton Sectional. He also won the Illinois Top Times Championships ahead of Higgins in March. Do not be surprised to see Blankenship win this event.

 

Aaron Porter (Marion HS) is peaking at the right time and could also challenge for the top three. Chris Stanley (Cahokia HS) also ran a season’s best 50.02 last week and could also be a threat. Some other athletes to watch in this event include BJ Harris (Peoria HS), Colfay Pointer (Rochelle HS), and Christian Kramer (Harvard HS).

 

 

300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles

 

IHSA State Meet Record - 36.77 - Jon Schweighardt - Wheaton-Warrenville South - 1999

IHSA 2A State Meet Record - 37.34 - Lucas Ege - Burlington Central - 2014

2015 2A State Best - 38.08 - Lucas Ege (SR) - Burlington Central

2015 2A Sectional Best -  38.11 - Lucas Ege (SR) - Burlington Central

2015 State Best - 37.13 - Isaiah Michl (SR) - Edwardsville

 

Outlook – It is hard to see anyone getting close to Lucas Ege in this race. The defending 2A champion in this event broke the 2A record in that race. After the race, he hinted that he wanted to go after Jon Schweighardt’s 36.77 IHSA record this season. He has a season’s best of 38.04. Keep an eye on him in the Friday morning prelims to see if he is in the mid 37’s. If that is the case, we could see him threaten the overall IHSA record Saturday.

 

In the sectional lists, there is no athlete within a second of Ege. Korrion Session (Cahokia HS) has run 38.57 this spring and could get close to Ege. Freshman Deion McShane (Freeport HS) ran a personal best 39.11 to win the Sterling Sectional. He could see his times dip into the 38’s this weekend. Reed Vanderheyden (Geneseo HS) is another freshman that could make his presence known up front. He has run 39.16 this year. Other athletes to watch include Drew Pranka (Princeton HS), Zach Gyuricza (Saint Viator HS, Arlington Heights), Brandon Ruffin (Peoria HS), and Keondre Wells (Cahokia HS).

 

 

1600 Meter Run

 

IHSA State Meet Record - 4:05.17 - Jeff Thode - Hoffman Estates Conant - 2009

                Andy Isla-Rubert of Hillside (Proviso West) recorded a manual time of 4:07.1 in the longer mile run (9.3 meters) in 1970

IHSA 2A State Meet Record - 4:15.97 - Jamison Dale - Chicago Jones College Prep - 2012

2015 2A State Best -  4:19.26 - Lance Mueller (SR) - Waterloo

2015 2A Sectional Best - 4:19.30 - Lance Mueller (SR) - Waterloo

2015 State Best - 4:09.72 - Zach Dale (SR ) - Hoffman Estates Conant

 

Outlook – Fans will be waiting for the power packed 3A race that will follow this race on Saturday. Do not dismiss the 2A race. The athletes are in this field that could threaten Jamison Dale’s 4:15.97 2A record that he ran three years ago. Lance Mueller (Waterloo HS) will be one of the favorites. He ran 4:19.30 to win the Triad Sectional. Mueller ran 4:19.26 at the Collinsville Sectional three weeks ago. Brenner Webster (Salem HS) lost to Mueller by only four hundredths of a second last week and will be a threat in the front. Alexander Bruno (Normal University HS) improved his personal best by 10 seconds running 4:19.99 to win the Macomb Sectional. These three runners could push the winning time to near 4:14.

 

Sal Flight (Fenwick HS, Oak Park) finished fourth last year and will be with the three above mentioned. Sophomore Ben Flowers (Jersey HS, Jerseyville) has emerged this track season having run 4:21.75. Austin Kintz (Kaneland HS, Maple Park) has dropped his personal best to 4:22.32. Do not dismiss either Flowers or Kintz in this race. Nick Fiene (Illiana Christian HS, Lansing) ran 4:24.61 last week to win his sectional in a solo effort. Do not be surprised if he is also towards the front.

 

Other athletes to watch include Jake Gillum (Metamora HS), Ashton Hyatt (Champaign Central HS), and Matt Carr (Limestone HS, Bartonville).

 

 

200 Meter Dash

 

IHSA State Meet Record - 20.89 - Anthony Moorman - Roselle Lake Park - 1997

IHSA 2A State Meet Record - 21.28 - Josh Eiker - Galesburg - 2014

2015 2A State Best -  21.02 - Josh Eiker (JR) - Galesburg

2015 2A Sectional Best – 21.02 - Josh Eiker (JR) - Galesburg

2015 State Best - 21.02 - Josh Eiker (JR) - Galesburg

 

Outlook – Josh Eiker set the 2A meet record in the prelims last year only to be upstaged by Demoria Harris in the finals. Eiker has run of the nation’s best times this year running 21.02 to win the Macomb Sectional title. You could see Eiker go for the record in the prelims and the win in the finals.

 

I think this could be a battle for second. No athlete is within one second in the sectional lists. Vincent Gordon (Centennial HS, Champaign) has run 21.67 during the season. Dion Hooker (Sycamore HS) won this race his sophomore year. And will threaten for the win. Tyree Allen (Hillcrest HS, Country Club Hills), Kevion Akins (Cahokia HS), Marquise Peggs (Mt. Carmel HS, Chicago), and Jack Curtis (Glenbard South HS, Glen Ellyn) are other athletes that could challenge for top five finishes.

 

 

4 x 400 Meter Relay

 

IHSA State Meet Record - 3:13.66 - East St. Louis-Senior - 2007

IHSA 2A State Meet Record - 3:17.66 - Cahokia - 2014

2015 2A State Best - 3:17.78 - Cahokia

2015 2A Sectional Best - 3:22.54 - Burlington Central

2015 State Best - 3:17.78 - Cahokia

 

Outlook – Burlington Central has the fastest sectional time but Cahokia is the big favorite. The Comanches have run the state’s best time (3:17.78) and have run under 3:20 four times. They also are five seconds faster than Burlington Central’s seasonal best. Cahokia owns this event. They are not about to give up this title.

 

There is a two second drop off after Burlington Central’s time. Highland, Peoria, Troy Triad, Pontiac, Chatham-Glenwood, and Erie-Prophetstown are among the teams that will chase after Burlington Central.

 

 

FIELD EVENTS

 

Long Jump

 

IHSA State Meet Record - 24 - 6 1/4 - Oscar Wallace - Alton - 1969

IHSA 2A State Meet Record - 23-7 3/4 - Ja'Mari Ward - Cahokia - 2013

2015 2A State Best -  25- 6 1/2 - Ja'Mari Ward (JR) - Cahokia

2015 2A Sectional Best - 23-1 - George Washington (SR) - Rantoul

2015 State Best - 25- 6 1/2 - Ja'Mari Ward (JR) - Cahokia

 

Outlook – Get to the track early Friday morning to watch Ja’Mari Ward jump. He most likely will try to put this event out of reach so that he can save his energy for the Saturday finals in the relays. Ward has been sensational this season including the nation’s best jump (25-6 ½). That is a foot better than Oscar Wallace’s 46 year old meet record. If Ward is on, he breaks that record. Ward will also want to put this event out of reach having memories of last year. He hurt his ankle in the final run throughs and could not jump. Ben Barnes (Kaneland HS, Maple) came along and surpassed Ward for the state win. Ward will not allow that to happen this year.

 

George Washington jumped 23-1 to have the best sectional jump. He will be among the top three athletes. Barnes jumped 22-6 ½ and will also be in the hunt. Michael Smith (Mattoon HS), Roman Hill (Centralia HS), Logan Geiger (Highland HS), and Bryan Worby (Pontiac HS) should also challenge for a top five finish.

 

 

Triple Jump

 

IHSA State Meet Record - 51- 1/2 - Chris Hercules - Palatine - 1997

IHSA 2A State Meet Record - 48-7 1/4 - Vernon Carter - Cahokia - 2010

2015 2A State Best - 51-11 - Ja'Mari Ward (JR) - Cahokia

2015 2A Sectional Best - 46-6 1/2 -  Ja'Mari Ward (JR) - Cahokia

2015 State Best - 51-11 - Ja'Mari Ward (JR) - Cahokia

 

Outlook – Ja’Mari Ward just jumped last week to hit the qualifying standard for state. He still had the best sectional mark by almost a foot. Even if he has an off day, he will still be the favorite in this event. He should defend his title. Ward has jumped a nation’s best 51-11 this season. He could threaten the Chris Hercules state record. Just like the Long Jump, he would like to accomplish that Friday.

 

Laron Carr (Dixon HS) jumped 47-8 at his conference meet but only jumped 43-10 last weekend. We could see some athletes over 46 this weekend. Athletes to keep an eye on in this event include Tony Rolfe (Glenwood HS, Chatham), Fraquan Gaines (Champaign Central HS), Ben Barnes, Anthony McRoberts (Cahokia HS), Luther Newburn (Hillcrest HS, Country Club Hills), and Kaprion Felton (Freeport HS).

 

 

High Jump

 

IHSA State Meet Record - 7-3 1/2 - Tom Smith - Heyworth - 1985

IHSA 2A State Meet Record - 7-1 - Alex King - Metropolis Massac County - 2013

2015 2A State Best - 6-10 - Darryl Sullivan (SR) - Marion

2015 2A Sectional Best - 6-8 - Noah Agnew (JR) - Vernon Hills

2015 State Best - 6-10 - Darryl Sullivan (SR) - Marion

                                     - Noah Adams (JR) - Macon Meridian

 

Outlook - It could be an exciting final with 6-10 or higher winning it. Darryl Sullivan has cleared 6-10 at three meets outdoors and could have the slight advantage. Noah Agnew has the best sectional mark (6-8) and defeated Sullivan at the Illinois Top Times Championships in March. Jordan Lamie (Herscher HS), Isaiah Roby (Dixon HS), and Anthony McRoberts have all cleared 6-8 this season. They will push for a top finish. Hunter Johnson (Frankfort HS, West Frankfort) finished second last year and has only cleared 6-6 outdoors. Matt Martinson (Marian Catholic,, Chicago Heights) finished third a year ago and has cleared 6-7 in 2015. Both Johnson and Martinson could be challenging for the win. Jack Curtis (Glenbard South HS, Glen Ellyn), Seandre Vinson (Cahokia HS), Brady Irvin (Rockford Christian HS), and Kendrick Griffin (Lanphier HS, Springfield) have the ability to also finish in the first five.

 

 

Pole Vault

 

IHSA State Meet Record - 17-3 - Luke Winder - Plainfield Central

IHSA 2A State Meet Record - 17-1 - Logan Pflibsen - Streator - 2011

2015 2A State Best - 15-1 - Arthur Atwell (JR) - Geneseo

2015 2A Sectional Best - 14-0 - 4 Athletes at this Height

2015 State Best - 16-6 - Andy Jatis (SR) - New Lenox Providence

                                     - Jake Larocca (SR) - Palatine

 

Outlook – There is no consistency in this event in 2A this year. There will be one athlete that will be “on” that could capture the state championship. But who will that be? Junior Arthur Atwell has the best 2A vault this year achieved at his conference meet two weeks ago. Triston Ballinger (Olympia HS, Stanford) was all-state last year and has cleared 14-3 outdoors. He could challenge for the win. There are so many athletes that could win this event. Keep an eye on Joseph Bevilaqua (Bloomington Central Catholic HS), David Biondo (Carmel Catholic HS, Mundelein), Jacob Wells (Monticello HS), Danny Walker (Kaneland HS, Maple Park), Michael Rariden (Normal University HS), and Austin Lowry (Harrisburg HS) who could all win this event.

 

 

Shot Put

 

IHSA State Meet Record - 66-5 3/4 - Jermaine Kline - Roselle Lake Park - 2011

IHSA 2A State Meet Record - 62-4 1/2 - Kevin Farley - Springfield Lanphier - 2011

2015 2A State Best -  61-1 3/4 - Sam Sikon (SO) - Carbondale

2015 2A Sectional Best -  59-0 - Sam Sikon (SO) - Carbondale

2015 State Best - 61-3 - Adam Schaufelberger (SR) - LaGrange Lyons Township

 

Outlook – Sam Sikon has been one of the dominant athletes in the state in this event and definitely the most dominant in 2A this season. He has a 61-1 ¾ best this year. His best put is four feet better than the closest competition. Sikon finished second as a freshman a year ago. He could threaten Kevin Farley’s five year old 2A record this weekend.

 

Daniall Akins (Cahokia HS) finished ninth a year ago. He is having a great outdoor season with a 57-2 ½ best put. He has improved by five feet from a year ago. He could be a solid second in this event if he throws in the upper 56 and above range. No other athlete is within two feet of him. Other athletes to watch that could finish in the top five include Montell Haynes (Lanphier HS, Springfield), Kyler Yodts (Alleman HS, Rock Island), Andrew Franklin (Mahomet-Seymour HS), Parker Evans (Centennial HS, Champaign), and Bryce Vollrath (Richwoods HS, Peoria).

 

 

Discus

 

IHSA State Meet Record - 205-8 - Dan Block - Roselle Lake Park

IHSA 2A State Meet Record -  188-4 - Ryan Njegovan - Sandwich - 2013

2015 2A State Best - 177-5 - Kane Carrigan (JR) - Harrisburg

2015 2A Sectional Best - 177-5 - Kane Carrigan (JR)  - Harrisburg

2015 State Best - 194-3 - AJ Espenesa - Edwardsville HS

 

Outlook – Kane Carrigan and Sam Sikon are the only 2A athletes over 170 feet this season and should challenge for the state championship. Carrigan is coming on strong throwing a sectional best 177-5 last week. The best throw for the junior prior to that was 156 feet. Can he repeat that sectional performance this weekend? Sikon threw 175-9 last week but has thrown over 160 feet six times this season. He could be the big threat to win.

 

Jacob Wagner (Mattoon HS) has thrown 169-8 this season and could be a threat to win. Cade Neumann (Metamora HS), Parker Evans (Centennial HS, Champaign), and Nick Helm (Salem HS) all had good sectional performances and also could place among the top three. Matt Long (Coal City HS) and Gabe Megginson (Jacksonville HS) are also possibilities to place in the top five.

 

 

Teams to Watch (In Alphabetical Order)

 

 

Burlington Central

State Qualifiers – 9 Total: 7 Individuals, 2 Relays

 

Outlook – A team that could end up in the top five Saturday afternoon. A trophy is also a possibility. Lucas Ege will be the favorite in the 300 Hurdles and could also win the 110 Highs. He will play a big part in their 1600 Relay that could place in the top three. Dionte Smith could score points in the Triple Jump. Jared Trupp could also get points in the Pole Vault. Nick Harvey could score in the 800. It would be a bonus if Kyle Neubauer gets to the 400 finals along with Clay Musial in the 1600. The 3200 Relay could also be a top five finisher.

 

 

Cahokia

State Qualifiers – 18 Total: 14 Individuals, 4 Relays

 

Outlook – The Comanches are the best team in the state regardless of classification. That should be demonstrated this weekend. Coach Leroy Milsap thought his team could score over 100 points 2 years ago but missed by half a point. They have the pieces to go over the century mark. Ja’Mari Ward is the big favorite in the horizontal jumps. He will also play a part in the 400 and 800 Relays that will be the favorite. Don’t forget about the 1600 Relay. They have the best seasonal time over everyone else by five seconds. The 3200 Relay should also score big points. Daniall Akins should finish in the top three in the Shot Put. Anthony McRoberts should score big points in both the Triple Jump and the High Jump. Keveion Akins will play a big part in the two of their relays. He should also score points in both the 100 & 200. Korrion Session is the favorite in the 110 Hurdles and will be among the top three in the 300 Hurdles. Watch the prelims Friday morning. Just like two years ago, they could advance all of their qualified athletes to the Saturday finals.

 

Champaign Centennial

State Qualifiers – 10 Total: 8 Individuals, 2 Relays

 

Outlook – The Chargers could be in the hunt to pick up a trophy this weekend. Vincent Gordon could finish among the first three in the 200. Gordon will also be a part of the 800 Relay quartet that could finish in the first four. It would be a bonus if their 40 Relay qualifies for the finals. Parker Evans could score points in both the Shot Put and the Discus. Davion Foster could score in the Long Jump. David Black has the possibility of scoring in the Pole Vault. It would be a bonus if David Allston makes the 400 finals.

 

 

Chatham-Glenwood

State Qualifiers – 8 Total: 5 Individuals, 3 Relays

 

Qualifiers – Do not be surprised if the Titans end up among the top five teams in this meet. This team has the tradition of strong relays at the end of the year. 2015 should be no exception. The 1600 Relay should be among the top five teams in that event. They could also make the finals in the 800 Relay. It would be a bonus if they also qualified in the 400 Relay. Sophomore Tony Rolfe could also score points in both horizontal jump events.

 

Freeport

State Qualifiers – 8 Total: 6 Individuals, 2 Relays

 

Outlook – The Pretzels could be the surprise team in this meet. They have only eight qualifiers so everything has to click during the Friday prelims. Deion McShane could be among the top five in both hurdle events. David Rials could finish in the first five of the 110 Highs. Vance McShane could finish towards the front of the 100. All three will be a part of the 400 and 800 Relays that could score big points in both events. Kaprion Felton could score in the Triple Jump. It would be a bonus if Warren Pearson scores in the Shot Put.

 

 

Galesburg

State Qualifiers – 7 Total: 4 Individuals, 3 Relays

 

Outlook – The Streaks do not have the huge numbers advancing to Charleston. The quality in those small numbers could get Galesburg a trophy. Josh Eiker will be the favorite in the 100 and the 200. He will also be a part of the 400 and 800 Relays that will be in the mix for a championship. Ben Holloway will score points in the Long Jump. It would be a bonus if the 3200 Relay makes the finals.

 

 

Highland

State Qualifiers – 9 Total: 5 Individuals, 4 Relays

 

Outlook – This team has a chance to finish in the first five. Sophomore Tyler Higgins will be their work horse. He will be one of the favorites in the 400 and should also score points in both the 100 and 200. Trevor White could be among the first five in the 800. He will also be a part of a 3200 Relay that could finish in the top five. Logan Geiger could also score points in the Long Jump. Their 400 and 800 Relays should make the finals.

 

 

Maple Park Kaneland

State Qualifiers – 10 Total: 7 Individuals, 3 Relays

 

Outlook – Kaneland just missed the state team championship by six points last year. Even though they lost the core of their scorers, the Knights could be in the hunt for a trophy. Ben Barnes should be among the first three in the Long Jump and score in the Triple Jump. He will be part of the 400 Relay that could be among the top five. Danny Walker could score points in a wide open Pole Vault. Austin Kintz could finish in the top five in the 1600.

 

 

Normal University

State Qualifiers – 10 Total: 6 Individuals, 4 Relays

 

 

Outlook – The Pioneers won the tough Macomb Sectional qualifying ten to this weekend’s state meet. U-High could earn a trophy in this meet. Alexander Bruno will be one of the favorites in the 1600. He will also play a big part of the 3200 Relay that could finish among the first five teams in that event. Drake Taylor could score points in the Long Jump. There is a good possibility that both Eli Hill and Jack Franklin could score in the 3200. The 400 Relay could qualify for the finals. It would be a bonus if the 800 and 1600 Relays make the Saturday finals. Michael Rairden has a chance to place high in the Pole Vault.