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DyeStat IL - 2015 IHSA 3A Boys State Track and Field Meet PreviewPublished by
Montgomery, Moss, Reiser headline what could be one of the best Illinois state meets ever
By Michael Newman
Several coaches contacted me over the weekend after the IHSA 3A final qualifier list came out. They proclaimed that this could be one of the best state meets ever. I would have to agree with them. There are so many quality events in the 3A meet with the possibility of some overall IHSA Meet records falling. York is back to defend their team championship but it could be Edwardsville, Evanston Township, Oak Park-River Forest, and Neuqua Valley fighting it out for the top prize.
Where to start with individual events? Kahmari Montgomery will go after winning three events with a chance to break the 400 Meet Record. Scotty Miller, Cary Lockhart, and Corey Hertz may have something to say about that. Ty Moss will go after the 800 crown with the possibility of setting a record. The distance races are lights out with Jesse Reiser leading the field in defending his 3200 title and also a deep 1600 field that could see a new meet record.
Here is a look at each of the individual events. Previews of some of the top teams follow that.
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 3A State Meet Record - 7:40.02 - Algonquin Jacobs - 2006 2015 3A State Best - 7:43.51 - Barrington 2015 3A Sectional Best - 7:48.55 - Chicago Jones College Prep 2015 State Best - 7:43.51 - Barrington
Outlook – It is a good possibility that the state record in this event gets broken. Defending champion Neuqua Valley is back again with Ty Moss anchoring. The Wildcats have run only 7:50.42 this season. It is most likely they will have to use 400 specialist Zac Espinosa as part of the quartet in the finals. He is capable of running 1:55. If Neuqua can stay close to the lead by the time Moss gets the baton, Neuqua could repeat.
Barrington ran the fastest time in the state at their conference meet (7:43.51) with three of their four running 1:56 and anchor Konrad Eiring running a low 1:55. All four are capable of running faster this weekend. York ran 7:45.50 to win at Wanner Knights at the beginning of May. Matt Plowman and Charlie Kern lead a team that could win this race. Both are capable of running 1:53 legs. Prospect has finished second to both teams in the last month. They currently have the second fastest time in the state. They have no “name runners” but have the talent to compete for the championship.
Glenbard West missed all-state honors last year by half a second and return all four runners from that squad led by Ben Hecht. The Hilltoppers ran 7:47.16 to win the WSC-Silver Meet two weeks ago and should be in the mix of things this weekend. Lyons Township finished a second behind Glenbard at the WSC-Silver. They will be strong and should be in the hunt especially if Alex Lima is their anchor. Sandburg won their sectional last week led by Chris and Sean Torpy. Both brothers are capable of dipping in that 1:53 range. The Eagles are a team that could run 7:44 or faster this weekend.
Jones College Prep, led by Mark Protsiv, ran the fastest 3A sectional time last week. They could dip under 7:45 this weekend. Oak Park-River Forest is similar to Prospect where they do not have the big names. But they do have the talent to finish in the first nine. O’Fallon, led by Dorrian Gordon and Spencer Phillips, could be the surprise team in this race. New Trier, Hersey, and Lane Tech are among the teams that could also challenge for the finals. It will take 7:52 or faster to make it to Saturday’s finals.
4 x 100 Meter Relay
IHSA State Meet Record - 41.42 - Cahokia - 2006 IHSA 3A State Meet Record - 41.42 - Cahokia - 2006 2015 3A State Best - 41.87 - Edwardsville 2015 3A Sectional Best - 41.87 - Edwardsville 2015 State Best - 41.31 - Cahokia
Outlook – Welcome to the high wire relay where one iffy handoff can cost you a chance at a state championship. This event is up for grabs. All qualifying teams ran under 43 seconds. Believe it or not, 15 schools are in the mix to qualify for the nine team final. The question is who will get the stick all away around the track without any bobbles?
Edwardsville ran the fastest time in the state last week (41.87) edging East St. Louis-Senior by two hundredths of a second at the Normal West Sectional. The Tigers are powerful led by Fontez Davis and could run in the mid 41’s this weekend. Eastside has an all underclassmen team led by Roosevelt Davis. Good exchanges could get them the state championship.
Belleville West also ran 42 seconds at Normal West (41.94). They have great relay tradition at state. The Maroons are capable of winning this race. The one team to keep an eye on is Evanston Township. The Wildkits are peaking at the right time winning the Loyola Sectional having run 41.94. Reggie Murphy and Malachi Adams are two parts of a team that could win this race. Barrington ran 42.00 at the MSL Championships. Scotty Miller is one of the top sprinters in the state and could guide this team to the win. Huntley and DeKalb were only separated by one hundredth of a second at the Guilford Sectional and could dip under 42 seconds. Plainfield North won the tough Plainfield North Sectional ahead of Minooka and Plainfield East. All three teams could end up in the finals.
Other schools to keep an eye on in this event include Schaumburg, Oak Park-River Forest, Proviso West, Bartlett, Niles North, and Bartlett are all teams that could end up in the top nine. In good conditions, it could take 42.07 or better to make the finals. It will be that close.
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 3A State Meet Record - 8:42.89 - Donald Sage - Elmhurst York - 2000 2015 3A State Best - 8:49.40 - Jesse Reiser (SR) - McHenry 2015 3A Sectional Best - 9:04.85 - Jesse Reiser (SR) - McHenry 2015 State Best - 8:49.40 - Jesse Reiser (SR) - McHenry
Outlook – The dynamics of this event in the state meet changed when Conant’s Zach Dale opted out of this event to help his team qualify for the 3200 Relay and also qualify in the 1600. The focus in this event turns to Jesse Reiser. Who do you beat a guy who can run off of any pace or any tactic? Last year at the state meet, Reiser ran 2:03 for the last 800 to capture the state championship. Two weeks ago at the Fox Valley Conference Meet, Reiser went out in 4:23 for the first mile finishing in a state leading 8:49.40. He kicked in a 58 last quarter at Arcadia in April to win the race in 8:52. I think he wants the state championship, but he might have to run under 9 minutes to accomplish that.
There is no one in this field that can match Reiser’s kick at this distance. It will have to be someone who will push the pace from the gun and hope that Reiser breaks. Jake and Luke Hoffert (Yorkville HS) last year ran in separate events both getting all-state honors in each of the events. The same thing could happen again this season. If both run together in the 3200, we could see the same type of tactics that they used during cross country trading off the lead pushing the pace faster and faster. Kevin Salvano (Buffalo Grove HS) ran 9:04.79 at Arcadia and could be in that front pack if the early pace is a quick one.
Sophomore Irwin Loud (Oak Park-River Forest HS) is the wildcard in this event. He just missed qualifying in the 1600 making this race his only race of the weekend. He likes to be up front and could be one of those runners up front. Blake Evertsen (Hinsdale Central HS) also missed qualifying in the 1600 so he will also be fresh in this race. He has the talent to also be in the front. Graham Brown (Palatine HS) has been consistently in the low 9:10’s this spring. He is healthy where he could end up in the first five. Connor Horn (Neuqua Valley HS, Naperville) qualified in both distance races. He ran 9:12.11 last week capable of dipping under 9:10.
Peter Johnsrud (Oswego HS), Jon Klaiber and Kerry Gschwendtner (Naperville North HS), Charlie Nodus (Hinsdale South HS, Darien) and Jack Aho (Grayslake Central HS) will be among some of the runners that will be challenging for the top nine. If some of the leaders cannot handle a fast early pace, it could give some of the runners hanging back a chance to pick off the fading front runners. One way or the other, I believe it will be a fast pace. Reiser is capable of getting close to Sage’s record Saturday. He will want the state championship but the meet record may occur because of that.
110 Meter High Hurdles
IHSA State Meet Record - 13.79 - AJ Harris - Wheaton North - 2002 IHSA 3A State Meet Record - 13.79 - AJ Harris - Wheaton North - 2002 2015 3A State Best - 13.91 - William Session (JR) - Belleville East 2015 3A Sectional Best - 13.98 - Travis Anderson (SO) - Edwardsville - William Session (JR) - Belleville East 2015 State Best - 13.91 - William Session (JR) - Belleville East
Outlook – William Session was one of the top hurdlers in the state last year as a sophomore. His great season fell apart at the Friday prelims when he missed qualifying for the state finals by five hundredths of a second. He has been focused this year with sights on that state championship that eluded him last season. He has run under 14 seconds twice this year including a state’s best 13.91 at the Belleville West Invitational in April. He had a challenge on his hands last week when he defeated Edwardsville sophomore Travis Anderson by only thousandths of a second. Anderson will again be one of the athletes to challenge Session this weekend.
Chris Douglas (Deerfield HS) has been one of the surprises in this event this spring running a personal best 14.14 at his conference meet two weeks ago. He will challenge for the top spot. Jaylen McConico (Bolingbrook HS) has a 14.24 personal best and could also challenge for a top finish. Defending champion Antonio Shenault (Lake Park HS, Roselle) had an ankle injury causing him to miss the entire indoor season. He did run 14.38 to edge Steven Connor (Wheaton North HS) by six hundredths of a second to win the DVC Meet two weeks ago. Expect both athletes to be challenging in the front. Roland Amarteifio (Evanston Township HS) ran a personal best 14.32 at his sectional and will be a threat up front.
Justin Wolz (Minooka HS), Tyler Kirkwood (Waubonsie Valley HS, Aurora), Eric Walker (St. Rita HS, Chicago), Elijah Douglas (Crete-Monee HS), and Christian Neal (Bloomington HS) are among the athletes that could make the Saturday final nine. A time under 14 seconds will be necessary to win.
100 Meter Dash
IHSA State Meet Record - 10.37 - Keith Thomas - Chicago Kenwood - 1986 IHSA 3A State Meet Record - 10.37 - Keith Thomas - Chicago Kenwood - 1986 2015 3A State Best - 10.46 - Cary Lockhart (SO) - Bloomington 2015 3A Sectional Best - 10.46 - Cary Lockhart (SO) - Bloomington 2015 State Best - 10.42 - Josh Eiker (JR) - Galesburg
Outlook – Two time state champion Kahmari Montgomery (Plainfield Central HS) announced at the end of March that he would be attempting to win the 100, 200, and 400 at this weekend’s state meet. He will be the favorite in the longer races. The shorter distance could be the most difficult of the three as evidenced by what happened last week at sectional competitions. Cary Lockhart ran the second fastest time in the state (10.46) in winning the Normal West Sectional. His coach John Szabo said after that meet that he looked so relaxed in running that race. A repeat of that relaxation could mean trouble for the rest of this field. Montgomery has improved his start as the season has progressed. He ran 10.62 to win at Plainfield North last week.
Scotty Miller (Barrington HS) lost to Montgomery indoors at 55 meters. This is outdoors however. Miller ran a season’s best 10.53 to win the Lake County’s championship three weeks ago and ran 10.64 to win the Palatine Sectional last week. He will be challenging for the win. Miller finished third in this event last year. Shandall Thomas (Schaumburg HS) finished behind Miller at both the MSL-West Divisonal meet and the MSL Championships. His 10.65 seasonal best makes him a threat at the state championship.
Alex Teague (York HS, Elmhurst) has been the surprise in the 3A sprints this spring. The converted hurdler has run 10.72 in this event and could be a surprise in this race. Corey Hertz (Lakes HS, Lake Villa) is better known for the longer sprints. He has run strong this spring running a 10.78 personal best behind Miller at the Lake County Meet. He could be a threat in this event. Martise Craig (Thornton Township, Harvey) ran a season’s best 10.81 to win at his sectional. Watch for him challenging for Saturday’s final.
Christian Glass (Plainfield East HS), Tyler Foulks (Rock Island HS), Derrius Rodgers (Lockport Township HS), Demoria Harris (Dunbar HS, Chicago), and Romello Hatter (Belleville West HS) are some of the runners that will challenge for the Saturday final nine. The winning time in this final could get close to the IHSA State record.
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 3A State Meet Record - 1:49.71 - Jason Van Swol - New Lenox Lincoln-Way - 1998 2015 3A State Best - 1:52.30 - Ty Moss (SR) - Naperville Neuqua Valley 2015 3A Sectional Best - 1:52.67 - Heath Warren (JR) - Springfield 2015 State Best - 1:52.30 - Ty Moss (SR) - Naperville Neuqua Valley
Outlook – After seeing Ty Moss bring his team back from a distant sixth place to second running a 1:51 split on the final leg of the 3200 Relay at the Mustang Relays indoors in March, I was convinced that he could win the state championship in this event. I was also convinced that if anyone could break the IHSA State Meet record, it would be him. I am not talking about Van Swol’s time. I am talking about David Ayoub’s 1:48.9 that he ran in 1977 in the 880 Yard Run. Watching that race I thought no one would get that record. Moss has the stuff to accomplish that. In his two sectional races, he did not look lie he was running at full steam, but ran a 1:52 split in the 3200 relay and then came back to run 1:53.86 to win.
The big thing is how much energy he will have to exert in the 3200 relay. That could be a big factor in the final. The one person that I think has a shot is Heath Warren who ran the fastest 800 sectional time last week. Warren has a decision to make as he qualified in both the 800 and the 1600. He could place high in both events. If Warren chooses the 800, he could be up front challenging for the win. The double that he ran last week convinces me he could get near 1:50. The question will be if he goes for both races or only selects one? Wes Schoenthal (Edwardsville HS) has the same decision to make as he finished behind Warren in the 800 at the Normal West Sectional by more than a second. He could challenge for the win in one of the events. He could be all-state in both events. For both athletes, the 800 / 16000 is one of the toughest at the state meet having to run four races in less than 24 hours.
Bryce Richards (Mundelein HS) has the same decision that Warren and Schoenthal have. He ran 1:54.00 to win the Palatine Sectional and could be in the mix to place high in this event. This is the first year of running track for Torrain Haughton (Maine East HS, Park Ridge). He has responded by running 1:54.44 this spring. He could be a factor in this race. Luis Davilla (Rockford Jefferson HS) has been a distance surprise having run 1:54.27 at his conference meet two weeks ago. He could finish in the top five in this event.
An unknown factor in this race could be York’s Charlie Kern. He has run a 1:55.1 this outdoor season and won a tactical sectional race last weekend. He has showed he is not afraid of big time pressure. Detweiller Park last November is a good example. He could also be in the mix for a top five finish. Other runners that could get all-state honors in this event include John Partee (Plainfield South HS), Chris Torpy (Sandburg HS, Orland Park), Charles Nash (Deerfield HS), and Matt Goldby (Jacobs HS, Algonquin).
4 x 200 Meter Relay
IHSA State Meet Record - 1:25.98 - Cahokia - 2007 IHSA 3A State Meet Record - 1:25.98 - Cahokia - 2007 2015 3A State Best - 1:26.78 - Plainfield East 2015 3A Sectional Best - 1:26.78 - Plainfield East 2015 State Best - 1:26.78 - Plainfield East
Outlook - Plainfield East was the first team in Illinois under 1:27 when they won at the Plainfield North Sectional. Host Plainfield North was three tenths behind and will again push their city rival. Bloomington would be a threat to these two teams especially if Cary Lockhart is their anchor. Evanston Township is peaking at the right time running the 3A sectional’s fourth fastest time (1:27.77).
Collinsville and Rock Island were flying under the radar until last week’s sectional performance. They will challenge for a top finish this weekend. Bartlett, Bolingbrook, Lockport, Warren Township, and Edwardsville are some of the teams that could challenge for the finals. This is a deep field with plenty of good teams. We could see one of the slower sectional seed teams in the outer lanes make it to the finals.
400 Meter Dash
IHSA State Meet Record - 46.51 - Harold Leonard - Chicago Mt. Carmel - 1985 IHSA 3A State Meet Record - 46.51 - Harold Leonard - Chicago Mt. Carmel - 1985 2015 3A State Best - Kahmari Montgomery (SR) - Plainfield Central 2015 3A Sectional Best - Kahmari Montgomery (SR) - Plainfield Central 2015 State Best - 46.87 - Kahmari Montgomery (SR) - Plainfield Central
Outlook – I do believe that Harold Leonard’s thirty year old IHSA State Meet record is definitely in jeopardy. Kahmari Montgomery would like to make it his own on Saturday. The defending champion in this event last week at his sectional meet ran a state leading 46.87. He was not dying in the end. He eased up at the finish. That is why I think he is capable of running in the low 46’s.
Montgomery will have athletes that could push him. Roosevelt Davis (East St. Louis-Senior) ran 47.76 to win the Normal West Sectional. Cory Hertz (Lakes HS, Lake Villa) has run under 48 seconds twice including running 47.81 last week to win the Palatine Sectional. Both athletes could run under 47 on Saturday afternoon. Zac Espinosa (Neuqua Valley HS, Naperville) has run 47.81 this year but finished third behind Montgomery and Steven Strange (Oswego HS) at last week’s sectional. Both Espinosa and Strange could finish high Saturday.
Chris Thompson (Lemont HS) is having a breakout season having run 48.05 to win at Downers Grove last week. He will be a factor in this meet. Carl Klamm (Evanston Township) ran 48.22 last week and will also challenge for a sub 48 time. Octavian Wells (Grant HS, Fox Lake), Emanuel Spearman (Homewood-Flossmoor HS), Demontez McCray (O’Fallon HS), and Michael Edwards (Zio-Benton) are other runners that could challenge for final spots. It could be one of the fastest 400’s ever run at the state meet. That is how deep this field is.
300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles
IHSA State Meet Record - 36.77 - Jon Schweighardt - Wheaton-Warrenville South - 1999 IHSA 3A State Meet Record - 36.77 - Jon Schweighardt - Wheaton-Warrenville South - 1999 2015 3A State Best - 37.13 - Isaiah Michl (SR) - Edwardsville 2015 3A Sectional Best - 38.02 - Gavin Hoch (JR) - Lake Forest 2015 State Best - 37.13 - Isaiah Michl (SR) - Edwardsville
Outlook - This is the 3A mystery event of this meet. Isaiah Michl looked strong early in the year running a then top ten performance in this event (37.13). A week later at the end of the race at the Belleville West Invitational, Michl injured his hamstring struggling over the final hurdle to win. He had not raced at all until last weekend when he ran 39.26 to finish second. If he is 100% healthy, he is the athlete to beat. If not, this event is wide open.
Gavin Hoch ran the fastest sectional time last week winning at Palatine. Chris Douglas (Deerfield HS) ran 38.08 at the Lake County Meet and could be Hoch’s biggest challenger. William Session ran 38.22 at the beginning of the month in Missouri. He could be a surprise in this race. Michael Saxon (Cary-Grove HS) ran a personal best 38.59 to win the Guilford Sectional. He could be a threat in this event. Paul Ifianayi (Elk Grove HS) looked strong in running 38.76 and winning at York. He could also be a factor in this race.
Peyton Piron (Batavia HS) and Justin Wolz (Minooka) both ran near 39 seconds last week. Both could make the finals in Friday’s prelims. Other athletes to also watch include Kyle Decker (St. Charles East HS), Delano Anderson (East St. Louis-Senior HS), Christian Neal (Bloomington HS), and Jaylen McConico (Bolingbrook 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 3A State Meet Record - 4:05.17 - Jeff Thode - Hoffman Estates Conant - 2009 2015 3A State Best - 4:09.72 - Zach Dale (SR ) - Hoffman Estates Conant 2015 3A Sectional Best - 4:09.85 - Jesse Reiser (SR) - McHenry 2015 State Best - 4:09.72 - Zach Dale (SR ) - Hoffman Estates Conant
Outlook – This could be the most anticipated event of the meet. Zach Dale has the fastest time in Illinois this year and is running only this event this weekend. Jesse Reiser ran the fastest sectional time last week (4:09.85) running the last 400 in 55 seconds to defeat Keagan Smith (Huntley HS) by less than a second. Smith, like Dale, will be only running this event.
Factors in this race could be Wes Schoenthal, Heath Warren, and Bryce Richards if they just choose this event. These three runners also have qualified in the 800. If any of them just run this event, they could finish in the first five.
Matt Plowman (York HS, Elmhurst) ran 4:11 to win the Kansas Relays in April. He has the potential to run faster this weekend. Ryan Clevenger (Downers Grove North HS) finished third in this event last year and has run 4:14.61. He will be fresh in this race and should be a factor. Matt Pereira (Lake Zurich HS) is back healthy after missing most of the season with an injury. He did run 4:16.95 to win the Palatine Sectional. Considering he ran 4:15 for a full mile as a freshman, he should be one to watch for. Jared Christiansen (Hononegah HS, Rockton) was a surprise when he ran 4:13.41 at Prospect at the beginning of the month. He could be in the top five in this race. Connor McCue (West Aurora HS) ran 4:13.15 at Sandburg at the beginning of May. He has great closing speed that could play a part in the outcome of this race. Connor Madell (Lyons Township HS, LaGrange), Pavlo Hutsalyuk (Lane Tech HS, Chicago), Sean Torpy (Sandburg HS, Orland Park), and Daniel Santino (St. Ignatius Prep, Chicago) could all qualify to get to Saturday finals. Friday’s prelims could be tactical but fast. It might take 4:17 or under to qualify.
Just like in the 3200, Reiser has a killer kick. The 55 last week to run 4:09 demonstrates that. To have an idea of what we could expect in the final, we might see the same strategy that Conant’s Jeff Thode used in setting the state record in the 2009 state meet. Thode pushed the pace at the beginning daring people to go with him. I think we see Dale use that tactic. Last week at the York Sectional, Plowman moved by Dale in the last 100 meters to win a tactical race. Also watch for Reiser in this race. If the 3200 is a fast pace, how much will Reiser have left? 4:06 or better wins this race.
200 Meter Dash
IHSA State Meet Record - 20.89 - Anthony Moorman - Roselle Lake Park - 1997 IHSA 3A State Meet Record - 20.89 - Anthony Moorman - Roselle Lake Park - 1997 2015 3A State Best - 21.05 - Kahmari Montgomery (SR) - Plainfield Central 2015 3A Sectional Best - 21.20 - Kahmari Montgomery (SR) - Plainfield Central 2015 State Best - 21.02 - Josh Eiker (JR) - Galesburg
Outlook – Defending champion Kahmari Montgomery has the second fastest time in the state and fastest in 3A (21.05). He will be the favorite in the event but will have company up front. Cary Lockhart (Bloomington HS) looked great when he ran 21.24 to win the Normal West Sectional. Scotty Miller (Barrington HS) ran 21.26 to win at Palatine. Corey Hertz (Lakes HS, Lake Villa) has run 21.49 and will also be a factor up front.
Alex Teague (York HS, Elmhurst) was impressive winning his sectional race in 21.62. He could be the surprise in this event. Demoria Harris (Dunbar HS) won the 2A 200 last year ahead of Galesburg’s Josh Eiker. Harris could be pushing up front for the win in this state meet. Shandall Thomas (Schaumburg HS) and Marcus Jones (Brother Rice HS, Chicago) are some of the other runners that could make the finals. 15 athletes ran 22 seconds or faster in last week’s sectional meets. Expect the times to be just as fast this weekend. Could a sub 21 time win in the finals on Saturday? With the qualified talent, it is definitely a possibility.
4 x 400 Meter Relay
IHSA State Meet Record - 3:13.66 - East St. Louis-Senior - 2007 IHSA 3A State Meet Record - 3:13.66 - East St. Louis-Senior - 2007 2015 3A State Best - 3:18.17 - Evanston Township 2015 3A Sectional Best - 3:18.17 - Evanston Township 2015 State Best - 3:17.78 - Cahokia
Outlook – How fast could this final be to end the meet? Eight teams have already run under 3:20 this spring. You know that the state meet will draw teams under that 3:20 mark? The funny thing is that it could take 3:19 or faster to qualify! Evanston Township made a statement running the fastest 3A time in winning the Loyola Sectional. They have a solid group led by Carl Klamm that is capable of running near 3:16. Neuqua Valley will have Zac Espinosa and Ty Moss as part of their quartet. They have run 3:18.21 this year. They could push for the win. Defending champion East St. Louis returns everyone from last year’s championship team led by 47 400 runner. They ran under 3:17 last year. They have the horses to run in the 3:15’s.
Lakes ran 3:19.49 to win at Palatine. They could be a force if Corey Hertz, who has run 47 for 400, is their anchor. Minooka, Edwardsville, Minooka, and Plainfield East all have run under 3:20. All will be in the hunt for a top five finish. Homewood-Flossmoor has a solid team led by Emanuel Spearman. They could be a surprise in this event. Fremd, Grant, Cary-Grove, and Jacobs all ran under 3:21 and could be in the qualifying mix. Saturday will be an awfully fast way to end the meet. That’s a good thing in this event.
FIELD EVENTS
Long Jump
IHSA State Meet Record - 24 - 6 1/4 - Oscar Wallace - Alton - 1969 IHSA 3A State Meet Record - 24 - 6 1/4 - Oscar Wallace - Alton - 1969 2015 3A State Best - 23-8 1/4 - Remi Simmons (JR) - Harvey Thornton 2015 3A Sectional Best - 23-8 1/4 - Remi Simmons (JR) - Harvey Thornton 2015 State Best - 25- 6 1/2 - Ja'Mari Ward (JR) - Cahokia
Outlook – A wide open event with top 11 athletes from sectionals all within a foot of each other. There has been no athlete in 3A that has been dominant. The big surprise last week was the 23-8 ¼ bomb that Remi Simmons jumped at the Homewood-Flossmoor Sectional. That was his best jump by more than a foot and a half. Matt Fleming (Simeon HS, Chicago) been up and down this season. He jumped 23-2 ½ last week to win the Lyons Township Sectional. He needs an up week to capture the state championship. Fontez Davis (Edwardsville HS) jumped 23-2 ¼ earlier this year at Belleville West. He jumped 22-6 last week to win his sectional. He is also capable of winning this event. Cameron Ruiz (Lakes HS, Lake Villa) could be the surprise. The sophomore jumped 23-1 ¾ at the beginning of the month. He could be a factor.
Cameron Harrell (Bradley-Bourbonais HS), Scott Jonske (Barrington HS), Chico Jackson (Wheaton North HS), and Peter Andreano (Minooka HS) are all capable of placing in the top three. It will take more than 23 feet to win, but who will it be? We will find out beginning Friday afternoon.
Triple Jump
IHSA State Meet Record - 51- 1/2 - Chris Hercules - Palatine - 1997 IHSA 3A State Meet Record - 51- 1/2 - Chris Hercules - Palatine - 1997 2015 3A State Best - 47-1 - JaShaun Steward (JR) - Hillside Proviso West 2015 3A Sectional Best - 47-1 - JaShaun Steward (JR) - Hillside Proviso West 2015 State Best - 51-11 - Ja'Mari Ward (JR) - Cahokia
Outlook – Just like the Long Jump, the favorite in this event is up in the air. JaShaun Steward is competing in his first year of track & field. He has the talent achieving the best sectional performance (47-1) last week. He did finish third in March at Illinois Top Times. Steward does not want to repeat that performance in this meet. Keith Wilson (Libertyville HS) has been consistently over 45 feet all season including a foot improvement on his personal best when he jumped 46-11 ½ to win at Palatine. He will be an athlete to watch this weekend. Chris Walker (West Aurora HS) finished second a year ago in this event but could be the favorite. He jumped a season’s best 46-10 ½ last week to win his sectional meet. Watch for him to challenge for the win.
Walker’s teammate Davion Cross jumped 46-7 last week and could also finish in the first five. Gio Basso (Lake Park HS, Roselle) jumped 45-9 ¼ last week and could also challenge for a top five finish. Juwan Wells (Plainfield East HS), Ryan Meredith (United Township HS, East Moline), Kiwaun Seals (Dundee-Crown HS, Carpentersville), and Jamante Steward (Proviso West HS, Hillside) could also challenge for all-state medals.
High Jump
IHSA State Meet Record - 7-3 1/2 - Tom Smith - Heyworth - 1985 IHSA 3A State Meet Record - 7-3 1/4 - Gail Olson - Sycamore HS - 1977 2015 3A State Best - 6-9 - Chris Wright-Madison (SR) - Oak Park-River Forest 2015 3A Sectional Best - 6-7 - 4 athletes at this height 2015 State Best - 6-10 - Darryl Sullivan (SR) - Marion - Noah Adams (JR) - Macon Meridian
Outlook – It could be a battle between three WSC-Silver athletes for the state championship in this event. Teammates Chris Wright-Madison and Kenny Brown could give Oak Park-River Forest big points in the meet. Wright-Madison has the highest 3A clearance in the state (6-9). Brown has a 6-7 best. Jamante Steward (Proviso West HS, Hillside) has cleared 6-8 outdoors but has a 6-10 personal best done indoors in February. He finished third behind the Oak Park duo at their conference meet two weeks ago. The non-WSC-Silver athlete that could win this event is Peter Andreano (Minooka HS). He cleared 6-8 at his conference meet two weeks ago. He will be among the last men jumping Saturday afternoon.
Jeylyn Hill (Streamwood HS) cleared 6-7 last week and also could challenge for the win. Anthony Colangelo (Lincoln-Way East HS, Frankfort), Jay Hunt (Batavia HS), and Daquon Cross (West Aurora HS) are capable placing in the top five in this event.
Pole Vault
IHSA State Meet Record - 17-3 - Luke Winder - Plainfield Central IHSA 3A State Meet Record - 17-3 - Luke Winder - Plainfield Central 2015 3A State Best - 16-6 - Andy Jatis (SR) - New Lenox Providence - Jake Larocca (SR) - Palatine 2015 3A Sectional Best - 16-6 - Andy Jatis (SR) - New Lenox Providence 2015 State Best - 16-6 - Andy Jatis (SR) - New Lenox Providence - Jake Larocca (SR) - Palatine
Outlook – This event will come down to two athletes that will contend for the win. Andy Jatis has cleared 16-0 3 times including a 16-6 clearance to win at Homewood-Flossmoor last week. Jake Larocca started his season clearing 16-6 at a small meet at York. He has been consistent this spring including clearing 16-0 one more time. They have the best marks in 3A by more than a foot. These are the athletes to keep an eye on.
Cooper Jazo (Lakes HS, Lake Villa) cleared 15-4 two weeks ago and could finish in the top five. Josh Pelock (St. Charles North HS) has cleared 15-0 twice this year including last week in winning his sectional meet. Edward Smoliak (Highland Park HS) has cleared 15-3 outdoors and will also be in the mix. Ryan Ashenbremer (Normal West HS) cleared 16-3 indoors but has only cleared 15-0 during the outdoor season. If he gets hot, he could be a threat at the front. There are number of athletes that could challenge for the top nine including David Prigg (York HS, Elmhurst), Luke Nelson (Oak Park-River Forest HS), Ethan Koval (Lake Park HS, Roselle), and Nick Peterson (Grant HS, Fox Lake). If the conditions are rainy and they have to move indoors, look for the athletes that found success under roof a couple months ago. Otherwise, it could take 16-9 to win this event if the meet stays outside.
Shot Put
IHSA State Meet Record - 66-5 3/4 - Jermaine Kline - Roselle Lake Park - 2011 IHSA 3A State Meet Record 66-5 3/4 - Jermaine Kline - Roselle Lake Park - 2011 2015 3A State Best - 61-3 - Adam Schaufelberger (SR) - LaGrange Lyons Township 2015 3A Sectional Best - 59-6 - Adam Schaufelberger (SR) - LaGrange Lyons Township 2015 State Best - 61-3 - Adam Schaufelberger (SR) - LaGrange Lyons Township
Outlook – Adam Schaufelberger has been the top athlete in the state this season. His only defeat came to Carbondale’s Sam Sikon in the rain at the Collinsville Invitational three weeks ago. Schaufelberger has the best put in 3A by almost two feet. He will be the athlete to watch in this event.
This event could be closer than people think. Three athletes, along with Schaufelberger, have gone 58-10 or better this season. Kyle Hedge (Crystal Lake South HS) only had a 53-6 performance last week. He has a seasonal best of 59-5 and finished third last year. Ricky Hurley (Cary-Grove HS) had a seasonal best 581-0 to win his sectional last week. He missed qualifying last year. He could be the athlete to win. Mike Prestigiacoma (Lake Park HS, Roselle) had a 59-7 ½ put at the beginning of May. If he gets hot he could also win this event. Teammate Dylan Schierich threw 57- ½ at the same meet that Prestigiacoma did. Both could finish in the first five. Ryan Mullen (Lakes HS, Lake Villa) has a 56-3 ½ best this season. He could find his way into the top five.
Discus
IHSA State Meet Record - 205-8 - Dan Block - Roselle Lake Park IHSA 3A State Meet Record - 205-8 - Dan Block - Roselle Lake Park 2015 3A State Best - 194-3 - AJ Espenesa - Edwardsville HS 2015 3A Sectional Best - 184-10 - AJ Espenesa - Edwardsville HS 2015 State Best - 194-3 - AJ Espenesa - Edwardsville HS
Outlook - AJ Espenesa has the best throw in the state this year (194-3). The sophomore has been the surprise of this event this season. He has improved a whopping 48 feet over the last year. He will be the athlete that the others will be shooting for. Ricky Hurley (Cary-Grove HS) threw 178-7 last week to win at Guilford. He finished second in this event a year ago. He could move up one place at this state meet.
Four other athletes, besides Espenesa, have gone past 180 feet this season. Three of them qualified and will be threats for the top spot. Mike Prestigiacoma has a 191-10 best to his credit this season. Ryan Mullen threw 184-0 at Lake Zurich at the end of April. Kyle Hedge threw 181-7 at a small home meet at the beginning of May. Anyone of these three could be a threat. Other athletes to keep an eye on include Sam Weisz (Yorkville HS), Kelvin Jones (Romeoville HS), and Dan Danek (Bartlett HS).
Teams to Watch (In Alphabetical Order)
Barrington State Qualifiers – 7 Total; 4 Individuals, 3 Relays
Outlook – The Broncos do not have the numbers but they could get quality points from this small group. Scotty Miller will play a big part being one of the favorites in the 100 and 200 and a big part of the 400 and 800 relays that could score points. Their 3200 Relay has the state’s fastest time. They would like to add ten points from that event. Konrad Eiring qualified in the 800 and could pick up some points. Scott Jonske was a surprise in the Long Jump. Bonus points in that event could decide if Barrington is in contention for a trophy.
Bloomington State Qualifiers – 9 Total: 7 Individuals, 2 Relays
Outlook – This team took a big hit when their 400 Relay did not qualify for Charleston. The Raiders could find their way into the top five. Cary Lockhart will be a favorite in both the 100 and 200. He will help the 800 Relay get into the top five. Christian Neal could qualify for the finals in both hurdle events. Coree Harrell and Garrett Lyle could get their team bonus points in the Triple Jump.
Edwardsville State Qualifiers – 13 Total: 10 Individuals, 3 Relays
Outlook – The Tigers flexed their muscles qualifying 13 in hopes of bringing home a state championship trophy. AJ Epenesa has been a surprise in the Discus this year. He has the state’s longest throw and is the favorite. He could also score in the Shot Put. Fontez Davis will be one of the favorites in the Long Jump. He will play a big part in their relays. The 400 Relay had the fastest sectional time. Their 1600 Relay could be among the top five. Their 800 Relay qualifying could be a bonus. They could use points from all three of those events. Wes Schoenthal qualified in both the 800 and 1600. He could score points in one of those events. Travis Anderson tied for the fastest time in the 1110 Hurdles. He could pick up big points there. Isaiah Michl has missed most of the outdoor season with an injury. He raced for the first time last week qualifying in the 300 Hurdles. He could be a surprise in the event. He did have the fastest time in the state. 100% healthy could mean big points.
Elmhurst York State Qualifiers – 7 Total: 5 Individuals, 2 Relays
Outlook – The defending 3A champions only advanced seven to Charleston but could some quality points in six of those seven events. Matt Plowman is in the 1600 and could score big points in that event. Freshman Charlie Kern qualified in the 800. He could score points in that event. Both Plowman and Kern will run in the 3200 Relay that has the third fastest time in the state. They could pick up big points in that event. Alex Teague has been a surprise in the sprints this year. He could be in the top five in both the 100 and the 200. Teague will be part of the 800 Relay. It would be a bonus if the Dukes made the final in that event. David Prigg could also get his team points in the Pole Vault.
Evanston Township State Qualifiers – 12 Total: 9 Individuals, 3 Relays
Outlook – One of the teams that could be the favorite in this meet. All three relays could score big points. Their 1600 Meter Relay has the best time coming out of the sectional. Carl Klamm will be a big piece in those relays. He could also place in the top five in the 400. Roland Amarteifio could score points in both hurdle events. Malachi Adams could place in both the 100 and 200. Trinton Jones ran a personal best last week in the 800. He could provide bonus points if he makes the finals. Morgan Brown could also be a surprise in the Discus.
Huntley State Qualifiers – 11 Total: 10 Individuals, 1 Relay
Outlook – The winners in the Rockford Guilford Sectional could place in the top five in this meet. Keagan Smith will be one of the favorites in the 1600 and could pick up some big points. Huntley’s 400 Relay has the potential to make the finals. Isaac Jimenez qualified in both weight events and could score in both. Brennan Bell qualified in both hurdle events. He could also potentially score in both. Cooper Boos qualified in both the 100 and 200. It would be a bonus if he qualified in one of those events.
Lake Villa Lakes State Qualifiers – 8 Total: 7 Individuals, 1 Relay
Outlook – With only eight qualifiers, there is not much room for mistakes. Their big gun will be Corey Hertz. He should pick up big points in the 400 and 200. He should also get points in the 100. Hertz will play a part of a 1600 Relay that won their sectional race. They could finish among the top five in the final race of the day. Ryan Mullen qualified in both weight events and could score points in both events. Cameron Ruiz could place in the top three in the Long Jump. Cooper Jazo could also get points for his team in the Pole Vault.
Minooka State Qualifiers: 10 Total: 7 Individuals, 3 Relays
Outlook – A combination of relays making the finals and Peter Andreano could get the Indians a state trophy. Andreano will be one of the favorites in the High Jump. He could also get points for his team in the Long Jump. Justin Wolz could qualify for the finals of both hurdle events and score points. Wolz will also be a part of the 1600 Relay that could place in the first five. The 400 and 800 Relays are good also. They could also make it to the finals on Saturday. If that happens, anything could happen on the big blue oval Saturday afternoon. Ryan Pullara could also give his team bonus points in the Pole Vault.
Naperville Neuqua Valley State Qualifiers: 11 Total: 9 Individuals, 2 Relays
Outlook – The Wildcats will need to rely on two athletes if they want to leave Charleston with a trophy. Ty Moss is the favorite in the 800 and should pick up some big points. He will also be a part of the 3200 Relay and the 1600 Relay that could be among the first three teams. Zac Espinosa will be up front in the 400. He could also qualify in the 200. He will be a part of the 1600 Relay with Moss. It is a possibility that he will run the 3200 Relay finals on Saturday. Connor Horn could pick up points in the 3200. Horn and Daniel Weiss are both in the 1600. It would be bonus if one of them makes the finals. Kimani Mobley could also score in the Triple Jump. It could be a bonus if Tom Cwiok can get points in the Discus.
Oak Park-River Forest State Qualifiers: 21 Total: 17 Individuals, 4 Relays
Outlook – The big qualifiying numbers are a little deceiving considering the Huskies were in one of the weakest 3A sectionals in the state. The WSC-Silver Champs still have the points that could get them in contention for a trophy. Kenny Brown and Chris Wright-Madison are two of the top High Jumpers in the state. They should score double digit points in that event. It would be a bonus if Brown also scores points in the Long Jump. Irwin Loud only qualified in the 3200. Being fresh in that event could get his team some big points. Luke Nelson could also points in the Pole Vault. All four relays could be strong. Their 3200 Relay could pick up some big points. The 400 and 800 are good enough to qualify for the finals. It would be a bonus if the 1600 Relay makes it to Saturday.
Roselle Lake Park State Qualifiers: 8 Total: 8 Individuals
Outlook - The Lancers know how to win a state championship. Their numbers are small but could find their way into the top three. The weight events will be their strength. Mike Prestigiacomo could score big points in both the Shot Put and Discus. Dylan Scheirich could pick up points in the Shot Put. Chago Basso could score points in the Discus. Gio Basso qualified in both horizontal jumps. He could score in both of those events. Ethan Koval has improved during the year in the Pole Vault. The sophomore could get points for his team in that event. Defending state champion in the 110 Hurdles Antonio Shenault was injured indoors but qualified for state. He could be among the top three in this meet.
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