By Scott Bush
Boys AA Preview - Girls AA Preview
- Week in Review
Illinois Week-In-Review (4/4-4/10)
Things are just starting to heat up in Illinois, as the outdoor season
was in its second week of progression. Few simply spectacular marks were
put up, but a few times and distances were worthy of making the Illinois
Week-In-Review. Here is what went down:
Boys Highlights
- Eric Dettman (Jr., York) ran 4:17.8h (1600m) in a tri meet with Schaumburg
& Vernon Hills this past week. He led a contingent of five Dukes under
4:30, including three at 4:20 or faster. All five of the milers are juniors.
- At the Thornridge Invitational, there were a few jumps marks that were
very good. Darreal Beal (Sr., Leo) lept 22' 1.5" in the long jump,
while Ryan Doris (Sr., Bolingbrook) leapt 44' 6" in the triple jump.
- Another solid triple jump performance was put up by Carmeronis Williams
(Marian Catholic), as he went 44' 8" at the Stagg Invitational on
Saturday.
- Class A distance star, Sean Houseworth (Sr., Eureka) ran 9:30.6h in
the 3200m run and then doubled back with a 4: 25.3h in the 1600m run,
as he won both events at the Metamora Invitational on Friday evening.
- Blair Majcina (Sr., Lincoln-Way East), who leapt 7' 1" indoors,
went 6' 8" to win the high jump at the Thornridge Invitational.
Girls Highlights
- On the girls side, Sophia Ponce (Rockton Hononegah) ran 25.67 in the
200m dash and 56.09 in the 400m dash, to win both races at the Kaneland
Invitational.
- At the Homewood-Flossmoor Invitational, Seun Adigun (Homewood-Flossmoor)
ran 14.23 in the 100m high hurdles, beating another hurdle star (Megan
Thompson) in the process. This is the best high hurdles time in the state
this season.
The next week or two the outdoor season should really start to get going,
as many of the top teams and individuals in the state start to compete
is more serious invitationals. Until then…
Boys AA Preview
100m Dash
1. Adam Harris (Wheaton North) - He is the class of the field as long
as he can stay healthy. He had some minor injury issues towards the end
of the indoor season, but since then has been on track to getting back
to greatness.
2. Timothy Allen (East St. Louis) - The only other returnee in the 100
meter dash from last year, Allen needs to score some big points here if
his team hopes to compete for the team title. Allen has been a consistent
performer for some time now, so his experience will come in handy when
it matters most.
3. Tyler Rice (Conant) - This spot is up for grabs and Rice is as qualified
as anyone else to get the number three nod. Look for big things from this
kid come late in the season.
Others: The sprints are not as strong as they have been in the past, but
Harris could do something very special this year if the weather and his
body cooperate. Even though the fast times will most likely not be as
fast, there is still a lot of depth to be seen. Along with the three mentioned
above, Chris Littleton (Champaign Centennial), Donnell Taylor (Joliet
Twp.), Pete Ploszek (St. Charles East) and Noel Figueroa (McHenry) should
all be key sprinters in this one.
200m Dash
1. Adam Harris (Wheaton North) - Another race, another win. That is what
is perceived right now.
2. Timothy Allen (East St. Louis) - Can he challenge Harris? The doubters
will say no, but this will be Harris' fourth race of the day, so anything
can happen.
3. Noel Figueroa (McHenry) - Everyone will be keeping an eye on Harris.
There are a bunch of guys that will be right behind him however, and Figueroa
will be one of them.
Others: This event is always so hard to call. Most of the top guys in
this event will be doing a relay or two before the 200 gets underway,
while if a guy is relatively fresh for this event they can really pull
an upset. Keep an eye on Roderick Jenkins from Rich Central as well to
make some noise in Charleston.
400m Dash
1. Alex Riley (Neuqua Valley) - The fastest returnee from '04. Riley has
the speed and endurance to really make a push at going under 48. He has
shown that he can win the big races, so that should bode well for state.
2. Sean Muldoon (Evanston Twp.) - Muldoon was a guy that was overlooked
much of last year. This year though everyone who follows the sprints will
know his name. He will help his team in a variety of ways this season,
both in the individual events and relays.
3. Logan Ponce (St. Charles East) - Like the other two, experience will
come to the front and that will help Ponce earn a top three spot on the
podium.
Others: Last year was a great year for 400m talents in Illinois. With
the graduation of all the top guys, that leaves this year's field wide
open for a surprise or two. Riley, Muldoon and Ponce are all very experienced
returnees, while state qualifiers Sam Shepherd (Jacobs) and Iboro Umana
(Carbondale) will also be looking for a top three position. This event
will be great this year and you can bet a new face will rise up and stun
everyone as well.
800m Run
1. Durrell Williams (Waubonsie Valley) - Williams won the state meet last
year and if he runs this event again plan on his being up front with 200
meters to go. This kid has the heart of a champion. Put him in any race
on the track and he is always right there. Williams however may opt for
the 1600, but his team really could use his team points, so he may stay
in this event.
2. Stephen Williams (Marion) - The junior formerly known as Stephen Jones,
could very well pull off the upset in this event. Last year as an inexperienced
sophomore he nearly won the state title, losing by less than two-tenths
of a second. This indoor season he has worked hard on his speed, running
some sprint races, and should be looking to break 1:50 this season.
3. Tim Pierie (Lincoln-Way East) - This senior is as solid of a performer
as you can ask for. Pierie has run well for the past year and should carry
his momentum from indoor and build upon that outdoor. He has some great
tutelage at LWE with past state great Jason Van Swol helping him out a
bit.
Others: So much youth in this exciting event should create a very fast
year. The top five finishers from last years state final (all of whom
ran under 1:54), and six out of the top seven, may mean that this year
we could see some very, very fast marks. It would not be surprising to
see two guys go under 1:50 and a few more in the low 1:50's. Along with
Williams, Williams and Pierie, keep an eye on Jared Richardson (Harlem),
Steve Bach (Lake Park), Roger Billhardt (York) and Mike Arnold (York).
Any of these guys on a good day could take home the state title.
1600m Run
1. Sean McNamara (York) - By winning this event, McNamara will finish
up his career in Illinois competition as one of the best ever. Last season
he lost this event on a kick, this year he is a notch above everyone else
and may be able to go after an amazing mark if he so chooses.
2. Jesse Luciano (Willowbrook) - Luciano had a firm grasp on the number
two spot during cross country, but was injured for the state meet and
didn't get to prove just how good he was. This spring he should have enough
inspiration alone from the injury to push himself harder than ever before.
If he does that a great time in the mile could very well happen.
3. Steve Finley (Palatine) - He won the Illinois Prep Top Time meet and
keeps on improving. The junior, who transferred last summer from Pennsylvania,
has had a lot of success on the track, so I am sure we can expect big
things from him later this season.
Others: Last years final in this event was insanely slow. The amount of
talent in the race was great, but too many people just wanted to sit and
kick. Hopefully this year it will be an all out race right from the start.
There is so much talent in this race, and it all starts right at the top.
McNamara will be the clear favorite, but if Luciano is fresh for this
one and McNamara has to run sub-9 in the 3200 earlier in the day, a possible
upset could occur. This field is wide open though. Finley won the IPTT
meet and has been steadily getting stronger since moving to Palatine.
Keep an eye on Matt Dettman (York) as well. He had a stellar fall, and
while dealing with illness during indoor, you can get he will be primed
and ready for outdoor. A fifth person to keep tabs on is last years 800m
champ Durrell Williams (Waubonsie Valley). Williams may move up this year
and if that is the case watch out for him. Ryan Kuphall (Lyons Twp.) could
also be a factor if he is not too spent from doing the 4x800 earlier in
the day.
3200m Run
1. Sean McNamara (York) - Dominated the fields of Illinois this past fall
and was one of the top distance runners all season long. That should not
change and the goals he has set for himself will prove that he is the
best runner in the state and possibly the nation if he accomplishes them.
2. Jon Popejoy (Wheaton Warrenville South) - He is healthy for the first
time in a while, and it showed during the indoor campaign, as he led the
state in this event. If he can maintain his health, you never know just
how good this kid can be.
3. Eric Dettman (York) - He has really stepped up his game the past year
and could very well push the nine-minute barrier or break it if in the
right situation.
Others: So many key players run this event that it will be hard to name
them all. McNamara is the pre-race favorite of course, as he easily distanced
himself from the rest of the state last fall. Popejoy turned in some huge
performances indoors and if he can stay healthy and peak correctly for
the last few meets of the season he could be the next super-star distance
man in Illinois. Both Eric and Matt Dettman could be contenders for the
second place spot, depending on which one runs this event and if they
stay healthy. Each has a great shot at running nine-flat if they can get
in the right race. After that the field dissipates a bit, but we could
still see a few more guys go under 9:20. Tom DeBerge (Naperville North)
has bounced back well after an injury plagued fall and ran an excellent
race at York indoors in this event. Ryan Craven (Prospect) proved just
how good he was at state last fall and if he has a race like that again
this season a big time could be in the works. Dan Klatt (Willowbrook)
is also a key distance man to follow. He performed very well at the state
cross meet earlier in the school year and with an injury free season he
could once again earn himself a very high spot on the awards podium.
110m High Hurdles
1. Adam Harris (Wheaton North) - He won last year and should win again
this year. Enough said.
2. Chris Vasich (Naperville Central) - A rivalry between Vasich and Drew
could come to fruition at state. These two guys should face off a few
times and each time will be going for the win. Vasich has proven to be
one of the best hurdlers around the past two seasons.
3. Tracey Drew (Waubonsie Valley) - Drew needs a big race here in order
to boost his team early on towards a team trophy. He has the talent and
has worked very hard all off-season and indoor season to make sure that
he has a great spring.
Others: Harris is the obvious favorite, so nothing else needs to be said
there. Last year Vasich was DQ'd, so he should be inspired and hungry
to put his stamp on this event. Drew needs to score big for his team here
and has the right tools to get the job done. A few other key players are:
Alex Kwiatkowski (Granite City), Carlton Pryor (Tinley Park), Rich Kirthey
(Mt. Carmel) and Carlos Trigleth (Kankakee). All of these guys go to schools
that are not powerhouses in track, but most of the schools have produced
some stars over the years. Keep an eye on these four, because vast improvement
by any of them could be a top three finish for sure.
300m Intermediate Hurdles
1. Tracey Drew (Waubonsie Valley) - Call it a hunch, but having Drew as
the winner of this event seems like a solid choice. Last year he produced
some great marks in this event, and while he wont be the clear cut favorite,
he should vie for the top billing.
2. Nate Larkin (Glenbard West) - Tough and experienced are key attributes
to a long-hurdler and Larkin has both. He is the top returnee in this
event, which of course has to mean something.
3. Chris Vasich (Naperville Central) - Another hurdle race, another race
he has the ability to win. Can Vasich become a two event state champ?
Others: This event could be fast and furious, which will make for an exciting
showdown. Drew, Larkin and Vasich are all-state returnees and should be
the top three favorites heading to Charleston. However, there are a few
other individuals that could make this event even more exciting. Watch
out for Eric Horvath (Grant), Grant Brewer (Mahomet-Seymour), Fransisco
Robles (Lincoln-Way Central), Patrick Smith (Hinsdale Central) and Jordan
Skee (Quincy). All of these guys are legit and can compete with the best
of them.
Pole Vault
1. Jake Winder (Plainfield South) - 16 feet indoors is no easy task. Winder
has been one of the states best since his frosh year, and now that he
is a junior he has enough experience and consistency to really go after
some very high marks, as well as winning a state championship.
2. Nic Warrens (Wheaton Warrenville South) -
3. Ben Hinds (Kaneland) - Hinds comes from a program that has produced
some very solid pole vaulters over the past few years. Last season he
finished in the last all-state spot. This year, with another year of practice,
he should be going after a top three finish. If Winder falters, you never
know what might happen.
Others: The pole vault event seems to grow each year in the amount of
talent that is out there and the amount of fan recognition as well. Last
year for both boys and girls, fans stayed on the backstretch bleachers
to watch these athletes reach enormous heights. This year should be even
better. Winder had a fantastic indoor season and the junior should be
looking to soar over even higher heights in another two months. Warrens
and Hinds both have experience and have proven their worth when it matters
most. Jared Anders (Quincy), James Ellis (Glenbard North), Mike Beese
(Naperville North) and Phil Hanson (Pontiac) are all key returnees as
well. One youngster to watch is sophomore Aaron Mathis of Urbana. Last
year as a frosh he vaulted 14', and with another year of training under
his belt he could be the surprise of the season.
Shot Put
1. Nick Mitchell (Fremd) - Yet another great thrower from Fremd has emerged.
Mitchell has possibly the best throws coach in the state and has been
on the rise since his freshman year. He threw some big numbers last year
as a sophomore, so a huge season from him is not out of the question.
2. Richard Behling (Harlem) - He putted over 58 feet indoors. What does
that mean for outdoors? Hopefully he can break sixty feet this season
and stamp himself as one of the best throwers in Illinois state history
(since he is great at both the discus and shot put).
3. Eric Hernandez (West Chicago) - He turned in some quality marks last
spring and had a solid indoors showing. His stock is on the rise.
Others: The big boys of track and field will once again take center stage
and some big expectations are starting to brew. Mitchell and Behling could
be in for a fantastic duel if they both stay healthy and top of their
game all season. Behling could be Illinois' next sixty foot putter, and
Mitchell could be the next big thing in the throws seeing he has another
season after this one to compete. Brit Miller (Decatur Eisenhower), Toddy
Newman (Bartlett) and Derek Blachard (Lake Zurich) are three other individuals
who have big meet experience and if they can throw in the high fifties,
they have a shot at winning as well.
Discus
1. Richard Behling (Harlem) - It will be interesting to see just how far
Behling can throw this season. He has been one of the top discus men for
two years, and with his senior year already in progress you can bet he
is hungry for his first state title.
2. Blake Gish (Pontiac) - He was only three feet off of Behling at last
years state meet. If he can break 180' and throw consistently in the 170's
he has a great shot at winning.
3. Zach Johnson (Rock Island) - Last year Rock Island had a stable of
throwers. This year a few of those guys have graduated and Johnson will
be the star of the show. Every year it seems like Rock Island has someone
step up and do great things at state and this year it could be Johnson's
turn.
Others: This year's meet could be great. Behling should be the favorite
heading into state, but as most of you are well aware of anything can
happen on Friday and Saturday. A few others that could be in the running
for a top three spot are Nick Bledsoe (Wheeling), who is only a sophomore,
Brit Miller (Decatur Eisenhower) and Alex Granrath (Willowbrook). Having
three or four guys in the 170-180 range is not out of the question.
Long Jump
1. Ryan Doris (Bolingbrook) - The top returnee from last year, Doris should
be working as hard as he can so he can bring home a state championship.
Looking at his improvement from year to year, there is no reason why he
can't go mid-to-high 23's.
2. Scott Pavel (Naperville North) - The only other all-state returnee,
Pavel needs to score some big points here in this event in order to help
out his team, which could be in the team trophy hunt.
3. Tony Dallavalle (Lincoln) - This kid will be looked over all year simply
for the fact that he lives out of the Chicagoland area. He had a very
productive indoor campaign and should be looking to be even better outdoors.
Others: Doris and Pavel are the only two left from last year's Saturday
competition. With that being said, they are the two hands down favorites
in this event. However, there was some young talent being showcased towards
the end of last season that may turn the tide and make this event one
to watch all season long. Sophomore sensation Andre Anderson (Barrington)
and Hoffman Estate's Steve George will have plenty of chances to square
of this season before the state meet, which should provide some amazing
distances and entertainment for fans of the field events. Keep an eye
on Tony Dallavalle from Lincoln. He competes mid-state, which will keep
him out of the limelight, but he could very well be the best this state
has to offer.
Triple Jump
1. Kali Jackson (Cahokia) - Jackson had a wonderful indoor season and
should have a spectacular outdoor season. Fifty feet is definitely within
range, as he could become another member of the 50' club in Illinois history.
2. Bilah Hameed (East St. Louis) - Hameed is an unknown name in this state
and unless he does something special before the state meet it will remain
that way. ESL always seems to bring up their stacked team and surprise
everyone. Well don't be surprised if this kid can win the whole thing
and score ten valuable points for his team.
3. Ryan Doris (Bolingbrook) - He was a state finalist last year and should
be pushing for the top spot. He has been one of the more consistent jumpers
over the past two seasons, which always helps at the state meet.
Others: A few fifty foot triple jumpers is not out of the questions this
season, as plenty of talent returns to show what they can do in '05. Doris,
Jackson, Hameed and Cameron Williams (Marian) are all returnees from last
year's finals. Each has a great chance to win this event, but there are
a handful of others that could step up their level and take home gold
as well. Travis Jackson (Thornwood), Charlie Larson (Rolling Meadows),
Robert Metellus (Niles West) and Courtney Lynn (Decatur Eisenhower) are
all guys who have the talent and if they worked hard this off-season they
could put up some far reaching numbers.
High Jump
1. Lance Hartley (Taylorville) - He jumped well in his first outdoor meet,
and by well I mean seven feet! He cleared that mark last year and is one
of the top returnees in the nation at the event.
2. Blair Majcina (Lincoln-Way East) - Seven feet is no easy mark to get,
but Majcina got it. He could be the surprise of the whole track season
if he keeps on jumping the way he has been.
3. Jared Nuxoll (Effingham) - This junior has been one of the states best
since his freshman year. Now as a junior it is time for him to prove that
he is one of the top three.
Others: At the top this is one of the best years in a long time for high
jump. With two guys at seven feet and a few others looking for a high
six foot mark, this seasons best field event could be high jump. It will
be exciting to see Hartley and Majcina dual it out at state. Keep an eye
on Mattoon's Jared Hudson as well, as he has shown great promise and has
some big meet experience.
4x100m Relay
1. East St. Louis - When you return two of your four legs from a state
championship team and your team always seems to have talent just waiting
in the wings for their chance, you will be given the top spot in a outdoor
season preview.
2. Thornwood - Success builds more success, and more success leads to
greatness. Thornwood has had its fair share of success in the past with
this event, and this season should be no different.
3. Hinsdale South - They took seventh last year at state and have two
key returnees back from that talented squad. South always seems to have
a few guys, enough to put together solid relays, so lets see what they
can do this year.
Others: With no clear-cut spring powerhouse this season, this event is
up for grabs. This should make for a great race on Saturday at state.
Providence Catholic and Galesburg both have two legs back from their all-state
squads of '04 and keep an eye out for some other south suburban teams,
who always seem to field talented squads.
4x200m Relay
1. Evanston Twp. - Evanston always seems to put it together at the right
time with their relays. This season they have depth and talent in the
longer sprints, which should translate to some great times in this event
and the 4x4.
2. Joliet Twp. - They have three back from last years all-state squad.
With great coaching and some fast marks before state, this team should
be set to blaze the blue track of EIU.
3. Wheaton North - They were state champs this year, but lost some of
their talent. With Harris as your anchor though anything is possible if
you can just keep it close.
Others: This event is always a hard one to read. You never know how much
emphasis teams will place on this event, since it is the stepchild of
the relays. Evanston Township and Joliet Township each return three people
off of their all-state squads of '04, which automatically vaults them
to the top two spots. Wheaton North was the state champ last year, and
while they did lost the majority of their relay power, you cannot discount
a team that has Adam Harris on it. Sprint power Thornwood and East St.
Louis should field squads for this event, while Galesburg, St. Charles
East, and Conant (IPTT champ) should also be contenders. Team wise Waubonsie
Valley and Naperville North should be looking to pick up a few points
in this event to help their team causes.
4x400m Relay
1. Evanston Twp. - They return two of their runners from last years second
place team. Sean Muldoon will anchor them most likely, and if that is
the case few anchors will be able to hang with him.
2. Wheaton Warrenville South - I swear WWS has a great 4x4 squad every
single year. The coaching and talent this team seems to posses is second
to none and with that being said, they should vie for a top three position.
3. Neuqua Valley - Even though they lost a lot of middle distance talent
from last season, NV should be able to put together a very strong relay
here. They will be led by Alex Riley, who could very well be the best
400 meter runner in the state.
Others: I have a feeling that the winner of this year's event will be
the team with the fastest anchor leg. This event should be a close one
and may come down until the final few meters to determine just who is
the best in the state. Evanston has depth that few other teams have and
they have a great anchor leg as well. Wheaton Warrenville South, Neuqua
Valley and St. Charles East are teams that consistently have high-quality
relays, which means they should be in the hunt once again. Waubonsie Valley
had an excellent indoor season and needs to possibly score points here
if they want a team trophy. Thornwood, York and Downers Grove North are
three other teams that should not be counted out at any point throughout
the season.
4x800m Relay
1. York - With all four guys returning from last years second place team,
the Dukes should be excited at their chances to dominate this event. They
had the best time during indoor and have some depth to rest some of their
guys on Friday.
2. Prospect - They were the state champions last year in this event and
return three of their legs. The Knights have had great success in this
event as of late and this year if all goes as planned they should be one
of the favorites once again.
3. Lyons Twp. - Having two great leaders and workhorses like Ryan Kuphall
and Tim Maier leading the way, it would be hard for this squad to fail.
Lyons always seems to put together a great squad for this event, and just
like in years past, they should be in contention towards the end of the
race.
Others: This year has the potential to produce some very fast teams in
this event. From top to bottom there are a lot of returnees on some experienced
teams. York will of course be the favorite, after they showed off their
depth and talent during cross country. Prospect, who was the state champ
in '04, return three of their guys from that squad and have a solid fourth
to add to their crew this season. Lyons could be surprise team though.
They have enough depth and enough talent to be able to assemble a team
that could challenge the Dukes. After those three teams the picture becomes
less clear. Maine West returns their entire squad from a successful '04
season, and with that said there is no reason why they should not challenge
for a top three finish. Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Edwardsville, Harlem
and Waubonsie Valley each showed their hand during the indoor season and
each squad could potentially have a big breakthrough and surprise the
field.
Girls AA Preview
100m Dash
1. Alexandria Anderson (Morgan Park) - She can win yet another one and
show that she is hands down the best female athlete this state has ever
seen.
2. Demeca Hill (Evanston Twp.) - Once again the Evanston vs. Morgan Park
match-up will come up to bat. Anderson is the obvious favorite, but if
she slips Hill is the next in line to take the crown. Hill is the leader
of her team this year along with teammate Shalina Clarke.
3. Aja Evans (Morgan Park) - Evans will need to come up big in this event
and the 200m dash if she hopes to help her team towards a team title.
This year is weak enough up top that if she can score eight points and
Anderson scores forty, they can win the whole thing once more.
Others: A Morgan Park v. Evanston Twp. showdown is always going to happen
at state, and this year, besides the relays, this is the event where it
is going to take place. Anderson and Evans versus Hill should be a classic.
Each team will need to come up big here for the team standings and help
build momentum for their teams. Illinois Prep Top Times champion Ermanda
Roberts (Champaign Centennial) should also be up front, after proving
she is the surprise of the year in the sprints during the indoor season.
200m Dash
1. Alexandria Anderson (Morgan Park) - This could be the one race where
Anderson is vulnerable. She can win this one easily, but it will be after
competing hard in three other events.
2. Shalina Clarke (Evanston Twp.) - This super star is the next in line
to take over for the senior Anderson. Clarke is one of the best (if not
the best) in the land in the 300m Intermediate Hurdles, but she needs
to prove how great she can be in the sprints as well. Look for Clarke
to make a strong push in this event to de-throne Alex the Great.
3. Ermanda Roberts (Champaign Centennial) - This young lady made a huge
impact at the Illinois Prep Top Times meet and showed that she could be
a strong force this year at outdoor state. Lets see what happens.
Others: This event is wide open and I am not sure who else is going to
be up there because it is so wide open. There are ten to fifteen other
girls who could very well be in the top five; it all just depends on how
their training goes and who can hit their stride at the right time. This
should be one exciting race.
400m Dash
1. Alexandria Anderson (Morgan Park) - She will break the state record
and be the best junior 400 meter runner in the nation. That is just my
prediction.
2. Sophie Ponce (Rockton Hononegah) - Ponce came from nowhere last year
to make an impact at the state meet. This year she should be shooting
for a high spot on top of the award stand. While Anderson is the hands
down favorite, Ponce is next in line.
3. Seun Adigun (Homewood-Flossmoor) - She can really help her team here
but scoring big. H-F is in the trophy hunt, so some pressure will be placed
on Adigun's shoulders this season.
Others: Many of the top teams will have star athletes in this event. Homewood-Flossmoor
will get a big boost here by Adigun and Deseree Brown, as both could be
in the top five at the end of this race. Palatine's Briana Officer has
been a consistent athlete in this event for the past few years and could
be a top three candidate this season, while Kristin Chism (East St. Louis)
will be searching for a big race to score huge team points here. Caitlin
Finnegan (Lockport Twp.) had a great indoor season this year and should
be up front in this race as well. Anderson is the favorite though and
will win unless she falls or gets hurt.
800m Run
1. Sequia McKinney (Thornwood) - She won this race last year in a surprise
upset. This year she will be the favorite of course and if all goes well
she could dip under the 2:10 mark. Lets hope something big like that happens.
2. Molly Sullivan (York) - She had a great indoor campaign, which should
lead to a very strong outdoor season. She has had much success in this
event. The only thing missing is a state championship.
3. Liz Phillips (Lockport Twp.) - Call it a hunch, but I think this fabulous
freshman has what it takes to win this event. She is the leader of her
team up front and should have enough experience come state time to really
make an impact.
Others: Katie Nelson (Normal Community) won the IPTT meet and will be
up there as well. This event has a lot of talent this season and it would
be great to see a girl or two go under 2:10. Will that happen, that cannot
be answered until the state meet, but there is potential there. Marcy
Farrell (Mother McAuley), Jen Toler (Elk Grove) and Jennifer Roberts (Romeoville)
are all experienced mid-distance runners and should use that experience
to finish up high this time around.
1600m Run
1. Amy Laskowske (Palatine) - If she runs this one fresh, she will be
the odds on favorite to win. If she doubles back from the two mile like
in years past she will still be the favorite, but it will be less obvious.
2. Shannon Phelan (Naperville North) - She made big breakthroughs during
cross and really led her team to get things. She can once again be the
difference maker and has all the tools (talent, work ethic, coaching)
to become a state champion.
3. Hailee Elmore (Springfield) - She should be inspired and ready to roll
after an ok indoor season. She has been up there for the past few years,
now is her year to shine.
Others: Much of the outcome of this event will depend on who is the best
conditioned to double back from an event. Both Laskowske and Phelan will
most likely be doubling back from an event or two. Elmore could be the
top girl in this race who is fresh, which could mean great things for
her. Kelly Vrshek (Rolling Meadows) had a great indoor season, with a
near five-minute effort at the Top Times meet as well.
3200m Run
1. Amy Laskowske (Palatine) - If she can recover fully from her injury
during indoors and get enough base under her belt, Laskowske could be
a title threat once more, in her bid for a third state title.
2. Amber Stack (Wheeling) - She may run the 3200m relay with her team,
but she had quite a fall, and should be up front again in this race if
she runs it.
3. Kelly Vrshek (Rolling Meadows) - This girl has really turned it on
this season and has been the best all-around distance runner in the state.
If she can keep this up all season and keep on improving, she could be
a double title threat.
Others: Just like the mile, this event has front-runners, but after them
it drops way off and could get very interesting. Bekah Regenfuss (Naperville
North) put up some very good times indoors and should be a contender.
However, a lot of girls that were up front last year have not been running
as well this year, so a whole new set of all-staters could come about
this season.
100m High Hurdles
1. Hillary Werth (Chatham Glenwood) - State champions can never be discounted.
Werth is possibly the best all-around athlete in the state of Illinois
and should prove this in post-season competition in the heptathlon this
year after finishing up as one of the best last year.
2. Megan Thompson (Joliet Twp.) - Another year, another chance for Thompson
to win a state title. She had a wonderful indoor season, and now she can
follow that up with an even better outdoor season.
3. Tiffany Harris (Glenbard West) - She brings a lot of experience to
the table and consistency, which bodes well for a high hurdler. Will she
be able to keep up with Werth and Thompson? Maybe is the best answer.
Others: This event could be one of the best ones to watch this year. Werth
and Thompson should battle it out up front, but in a high hurdles event
no one in the final can ever be discounted. Chanel Davis (Springfield
Southeast) is the next great athlete from Springfield, while Sarah Beutler
(Glenbard North) and Seun Adigun (Homewood-Flossmoor) are two other returnees
on the top of most people's lists.
300m Intermediate Hurdles
1. Shalina Clarke (Evanston Twp.) - No one can beat her! She is possibly
the best long hurdler in the nation and has already blazed faster than
anyone did last year except herself. She is only a junior and will be
counted to score more points for her team this year than she was last
year.
2. Hillary Werth (Chatham-Glenwood) - She will have a busy day ahead of
herself, but if she wins the 100m HH and does well in the long jump, she
should be running on a lot of adrenaline.
3. Brandi Roddy (East St. Louis) - After Clarke and Werth the talent level
drops, but Roddy will be right up there. She could score some very valuable
team points if all goes as planned.
Others: Clarke is something really special and I hope everyone in the
state realizes this. She is turning into the best hurdler this state has
ever seen and is hands down one of the top three best hurdlers in the
nation. She is on the level of Alexandria Anderson in terms of hurdling.
Another young lady to watch is Rashundra Hoover of Crete-Monee, who is
back and has state meet experience.
Pole Vault
1. Amy Dahlin (Rolling Meadows) - This program always turns out a few
great vaulters each year, as this event is really emphasized as this school.
Dahlin did some great things last spring and should be up front once again
to vie for the state title.
2. Ashley Korol (Wheaton Warrenville South) - She is the top returner
from last year and should be expecting big things from herself. Flying
over some very high heights is not out of the question.
3. Mary Choules (Mahomet-Seymour) - Her top level training partner graduated
last year, but Choules will still remain as one of the top vaulters in
the state. Last year her breakthrough meet was the IPTT meet, and she
rolled after that. This year a whole new level of expectations will be
laid out there.
Others: The pole vault is one of the fastest growing (popularity and participation)
events in the state and nation. It is starting to become a cult event,
and if last year was any indication, the future of this event is in great
shape. While last year's state champ, Sarah Landau (Geneva), graduated
and moved on, there is a wealth of talent back. Dianna Noonan (Lincoln-Way
East) and Katie Darraugh (Lake Forest) are both back and should compete
for the win as well. Don't be surprised if a girl or two really come out
of the woodwork and impress everyone with some great heights this season.
Shot Put
1. Danielle Eiler (Grant) - The top returnee. Eiler has a teammate or
two that will push her this season, which is always helpful. She has the
big meet experience, which makes her a favorite for this one.
2. Emma Schmelzer (Bloomington) - She is the other returnee from last
season, so she has as good as chance at winning this one as Eiler does.
Both of them have a distinct advantage over the rest of the field, because
they know what to expect during the Friday and Saturday sessions.
3. Angela Stoczynski (Hoffman Estates) - She did great things during the
indoor season, which she capped off at the IPTT meet. Stoczynski has just
as much potential to win state this year as anyone else.
Others: This event is the most wide-open event in the field events this
season. With only two returnees from last year's Saturday competition
and no breakthrough performances indoors, the shot put is in a very interesting
situation this year. Could a girl come up big this season and have a wonderful
spring and surprise the whole state? This is the event where that is a
possibility. Ann Bucalo (Cary-Grove) is another girl to watch along with
the three mentioned above.
Discus
1. Katherine Dykstra (New Trier) - If she can maintain her health this
season and get in a full season of competition, Dykstra should be the
favorite in Charleston come late-May.
2. Stephanie Smith (Belleville West) - She was sixth in '04 and is the
top returnee in this event. She could do some great thing this year if
all goes well for her.
3. Emma Schmelzer (Bloomington) - This event is wide open this year, so
why not have Schmelzer in this spot. She very well could be the best all-around
thrower in the state.
Others: This event is continuously getting better and deeper each year,
so this year should once again produce a quality field, despite the lack
of competitors returning from last year's state final. Danielle Eiler
(Grant) and Jewel Sanders (Peoria Richwood) are two other girls that could
create some noise in this event.
Long Jump
1. Alexandria Anderson (Morgan Park) - Another year, another state title
for Anderson. As long as she can stay healthy and maintain the same form
she had last track season in this event, she will win.
2. Hillary Werth (Chatham-Glenwood) - If it weren't for Anderson, Werth
would be the premier track star in this state. She has impressed her fans
for two years now and should be looking to create an upset or two this
season.
3. Casey Taylor (Marian) - How well can she double with both jumps this
season? It seems like all the great long jumpers this season will be doing
multiple events.
Others: In addition to these three young stars, Jenna Uhe (Highland),
Jackie Coleman (Neuqua Valley), Becca Brunner (Lincoln-Way Central), Kathryn
Gevitz (Oak Park-River Forest) and Nicole Joyner (Homewood-Flossmoor)
are a few of the other contenders for all-state recognition.
Triple Jump
1. Casey Taylor (Marian) - Last year's state champ will return once again
to defend her title. Taylor is one of the best athletes in this state
and will continue to prove it as the season goes on.
2. Aleisha Leeper (Freeport) - Leeper literally lept onto the state scene
last year as a freshman. She had little experience, but now that she has
had a full season under her belt and knows what to expect, she has the
potential to knock off Taylor in the top spot.
3. Jenna Uhe (Highland) - She is the most looked over girl in the jumps
in the entire state. A lot of years Uhe would be the favorite to win both
jumping crowns, but the talent up front the past couple years in those
events has been wonderful. Look for big things to come from Uhe though.
Others: Just like all the other jumping events, the triple jump is stacked
with talent from top to bottom. Returning nearly every person from the
final day of competition last season, this event will be a great one to
watch. Taylor is the hands down favorite to win, but after her it gets
a little more interesting. There are four other girls who could all place
in the top three if things go their way. Lauren Martin (Conant), Jackie
Coleman (Neuqua Valley) and Arielle McAlpine (Evanston Twp.), each return
with vast experience. Coleman was solid at the IPTT meet, while Kathryn
Gevitz (Oak Park-River Forest) could place very high in all three jumping
events, which is never really heard of.
High Jump
1. Nicole Williams (Sterling) - She has been one of the most consistent
and extraordinary high jumpers this state has seen. If she wins it this
year she will be the first and only four time state champ in this event.
She also has a great shot to break the state meet record. Williams has
a shot at history, so make sure not to miss this event at state.
2. Katie Wagner (Mt. Vernon) - A great coach, a good team and some good
competition should set up Wagner for a great year. She finished fourth
in '04, and should be looking to compete with Williams for the win this
year.
3. Laura Morris (Mahomet-Seymour) - Every year Mahomet-Seymour seems to
find the girls with talent, and Morris is one of their best. She was fifth
in '04 as a freshman. Expect big things from her early on.
Others: Williams will be going for her fourth state title, which is a
rarity in any event, but especially this one. It has never been done before,
which should create some excitement at that end of the track. Morris'
teammate, Jennifer Fall, will be in contention as well for the individual
title, and having two teammates go after one title will be extremely interesting.
Nicki Mitchell (Lake Forest) and Erin Ballum (Oswego) both should be up
there as well after having great seasons last year.
4x100m Relay
1. Evanston Twp. - They return a bunch of blazers for this one. They will
be able to duke it out with MP on this one, which should create a lot
of excitement.
2. Morgan Park - Can they find the athletes to compete with the Wildkits?
Every year this team seems to be in this event, whether they have their
top girls running or not.
3. Champaign Centennial - With newfound star Ermanda Roberts, this team
from mid-state could be the surprise team of the season, despite their
success last year and the early part of this season.
Others: The sprint powerhouses always seem to dominate this event, which
means Chicago Young, Thornwood and East St. Louis should all put up great
teams in this event. Lyons Twp. is an upstart crew that returns a lot
of talent, so they will be tough as well.
4x200m Relay
1. Evanston Twp. - Last year the Wildkits destroyed the field in this
event and scored a big ten points. While they don't return everyone, Evanston
seems to like to stack this event and see what they can do. Never count
this team out.
2. East St. Louis - With four returning they will be the favorites most
likely in this event come state time. Experience is something never to
be overlooked, so don't overlook this team.
3. Conant - They return their whole team and should qualify easily for
state out of their sectional. If they can get in some tough races before
state and run some fast marks, this Conant team could be state champs.
Others: For the past few years certain teams have dominated this event.
This year however, with the loss of some super-star relay runners, this
event could be exciting to watch from spots 1-9. Morgan Park, Cahokia
and Palatine each should have teams that can contend for a top spot as
well.
4x400m Relay
1. East St. Louis - ESL is always strong in this event and gets overshadowed
every year since they are out of the Chicago area. This year though no
one should over look them. This team returns three of last years four
legs and has enough talent to fill in that last spot. They are the favorites
here!
2. Homewood-Flossmoor - Just like ESL, this team will be leaning on this
event to score them some valuable team points. With Seun Adigun and Deseree
Brown both on this relay, H-F could end up being state champs.
3. Evanston Twp. - They return their whole team from last year's all-state
squad. Just like every other team, this event could be the deciding event
on who takes home the state trophies. All eyes will be on Evanston.
Others: Each year the 1600m relay is one of the best this state has to
offer. There is so much talent and experience that it is just a great
race to watch. This year though an extra item may make it that much more
exciting. After pre-scoring the meet, this race will be the deciding factor
as to where some teams place, including if they end up with team trophies
or not. Along with the three squads mentioned above, keep watch for Thornwood,
Conant, Batavia, York and Morgan Park. Each of these teams returns at
least two of their squads legs from '04.
4x800m Relay
1. Geneva - They return their whole crew from a very successful squad
last year. Led by a few seniors, this team should be hungry to really
train hard and go after some amazing times this season.
2. York - They return their full squad as well from '04. They have possibly
the best anchor in the state in Molly Sullivan. If her teammates can get
her the baton in the first few positions watch out for York.
3. Wheeling - If they stack this event with their best and brightest they
have the potential to be the best team there is in this state. However,
they have not truly stacked their relay team for a few seasons or been
at their best when it matters most, but this year could be the year.
Others: There are a slew of teams that will be fighting for a top three
spot. This state championship is not wrapped up by any team. Naperville
North has both depth and talent to really make a run depending on whom
they place in this event. Last year's state champ Barrington should be
ready to roll after regrouping from a disappointing fall. Palatine is
always so strong in this event, and this year should be no different,
as they return some very experienced girls. Neuqua Valley, Lockport Twp.,
Benet and Mother McAuley all should have very strong teams as well and
return some experience and youth that should cause this event to be possibly
the deepest it has been in years.
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