ILLINOIS PREP TOP TIMES
BOYS CLASS AA
2007 SEASON PREVIEW
PREPARED BY MICHAEL NEWMAN
IPTT CLASS AA LEADERBOARDS EDITOR
ZOOMOVIN@ILLINOISPREPTOPTIMES.COM
Here is a quick look at the upcoming track and field season. This will be a memorable one. The end of an era…the last year of the two-class system in the state of Illinois. Cahokia returns the bulk of their scary talent from last season’s state championship team. A number of teams will be chasing after them.
TEAMS
Cahokia: Coach Leroy Milsap lost two studs to graduation in jumper Kali Jackson and sprinter Greg Williams. Yet, his cupboard is far from bare….it is overflowing! This team has the possibility in scoring in 13 out of 18 events at state. The sprint corps is led by state runner up in the 100 Jerdo Williams and 200 meter champ Earnest Winters. Darien Donald is the favorite in the 400. Clyde Young is strong in both hurdle races and the Long Jump. To make matters worse for their competition, Junior Mario McCottrell transferred in from East St. Louis-Senior and will give them even more depth. They will be tough in the 400, 800, and 1600 meter relays.
East St. Louis-Senior: The Flyers hate to lose the state title. It hurts even more when they lose to neighbor rival Cahokia. East returns a young group of top flight sprinters led by Tommie Hopkins and Javaughn Tabbs. Hurdler Artavious Kizer is the defending state champ in the 110 and would love to add the intermediates for his own. Vaulter Keven Griffen surprised everyone at state with his performance and will be counted on with his points. This school will be tough in all 4 relays.
Springfield Lanphier: Mike Garcia’s squad missed a trophy by two points last spring…they look forward to taking the next step this season. Major Clay returns as the State Champ in the High Jump and looks forward to defending it. George Weed emerged last year as a contender in both weight events. Juniors Waernether Banks and Jake Mitchell lead a talented group of sprinters.
Frankfort Lincoln-Way East: Could be chasing for a trophy. Have quality points in the weight events with All-Stater Adam Gettis. Vaulter Joe Noonan will be counted in getting points in his event. Sprinter Marvin Cosby is one of the favorites in the 400 and could score also in the 200. The Griffins also have a strong distance squad, led by Senior Kyle Kirchner, who could score some points.
Harvey Thornton: With no mistakes, this team could be in the hunt for a trophy. Brandon McCallister leads a deep group of sprinters. He will also be tough in the Long Jump. Also watch for Jonathan Day in the hurdles and Brian Steele in both horizontal jumps. This school will have quality in all 4 relays.
INDIVIDUALS
100 Meter Dash
Top Returnees:
10.56 Jerdo Williams (2-AA) Sr Cahokia
10.73 Demarcus Brooks (1-AA) Jr. Springfield Southeast
10.74* Brandon Phillips Sr. New Lenox Providence
10.84* Carleston Acres Sr. Springfield Southeast
10.84* Warenther Banks Jr. Springfield Lanphier
10.84* Patrick George Sr. Chicago Gordon Tech
10.84* Brandon McCallister (7-AA) Sr Harvey Thornton
10.84* Jake Mitchell Jr. Springfield Lanphier
10.84* Alan Smith (8-AA) Sr. Naperville Neuqua Valley
10.94* Squatty Burns Jr. Chicago Leo
10.94* Kenny Williams Jr. Elgin
10.94* Roger Jones Jr. Belleville West
10.94* Zeke Sayon Sr. Machesney Park Harlem
11.04* Jacob Arnold So. Plainfield North
11.04* Marcus Bailey Sr. Naperville Neuqua Valley
11.04* Marcus Clemons Sr. Alton
11.04* Justin Darcy So. Buffalo Grove
11.04* Dan Dierking Sr. Wheaton-Warrenville South
11.04* Justin Lee Sr. Burlington Central
11.04* Derek Reid Sr. Hoffman Estates Conant
11.04* Earnest Winters Jr. Cahokia
What to watch: Demarcus Brooks of Springfield Southeast comes back to defend his title and will have a lot of runners breathing down his neck. Jerdo Williams and Earnest Winters of Cahokia should be factors in this event this spring. Also watch out for the Lanphier junior tandem of Warnether Banks and Jake Mitchell. One runner who could surprise them all is Junior Roger Jones of Belleville West. Jones ran 10.7h at the end of March, but was out the rest of the season. Watch for him to come on strong.
110 Meter High Hurdles
Top Returnees
14.00 Artavious Kizer (1-AA) Sr. East St. Louis-Senior
14.00 Clyde Young (3-AA) Sr Cahokia
14.44* Josh Gist (4-AA) Sr. South Holland Thornwood
14.44* Temi Ogunbodede Sr. Barrington
14.64* Tony Morrison Sr. Chicago Brother Rice
14.64* Gerald Turner Sr. Chicago Lane Tech
14.73 Alex Migit Sr. Morton
14.74* Justin Small Sr. Plainfield Central
14.94 Dan Hagberg Sr. Burlington Central
14.97 Shawn Ledbetter Sr. Moline
15.03 Darius Triplett So. Machesney Park Harlem
15.06 Ken Klein Sr West Chicago
15.10 Bryan Hustler Sr. Sycamore
15.14* Martavius Hines Sr Cahokia
What to watch: Only three all-staters return in this event led by defending state champ Artavious Kizer of East St. Louis-Senior. Clyde Young of rival Cahokia has a great chance of winning along with Josh Gist of Thornwood. This event was senior dominated last spring, so watch for some new blood in this event.
200 Meter Dash
Top Returnees
21.59 Demarcus Brooks Jr. Springfield Southeast
21.68 Darren Patterson (3-AA) Sr Waukegan
21.71 Earnest Winters (1-AA) Jr. Cahokia
21.74* Warenther Banks (6-AA) Jr Springfield Lanphier
21.84* Jerdo Williams Sr. Cahokia
21.87 Imani Carey Jr. Chicago Heights Bloom
21.94* Brandon McCallister Sr Harvey Thornton
22.04 Zeke Sayon (9-AA) Sr Machesney Park Harlem
22.04* Jon Simmons Sr. New Lenox Lincoln-Way Central
22.04* Dusty Sluzewicz Sr. Lockport Township
22.07 Patrick George (8-AA) Sr. Chicago Gordon Tech
22.14* Javaughn Tabb Sr East St Louis -Senior
22.14* Darian Davis Jr. Bloomington
22.24* Carleston Acres Sr. Springfield Southeast
22.24* Diante Eristall Jr. Granite City
22.34* Alex Jackson Sr. St. Charles East
22.41 Marvin Cosby Sr. Frankfort Lincoln-Way East
22.44* Caleb Cartman Sr. Country Club Hills Hillcrest
22.44* Armando Hermisillo Jr. Summit Argo
22.44* Derek Reid Sr. Hoffman Estates Conant
22.44* Peter Rhoades Sr. Wheaton-Warrenville South
What to watch: This event is loaded led by returning state champ Earnest Winters of Cahokia. Darren Patterson of Waukegan surprised a lot of on-lookers by coming out of no where last spring to place 3rd…he will not be overlooked this spring. Demarcus Brooks of Springfield Southeast ran the fastest time in the state last season but it was after the state meet. Will he be able to duplicate this effort this season?
300 Meter Intermediate Hurdles
Top Returnees
37.78 Martavius Hines (2-AA) Sr. Cahokia
38.23 Artavious Kizer (5-AA) Sr. East St. Louis-Senior
38.69 Clyde Young Sr Cahokia
39.07 Preston Smith Sr. Normal University
39.08 Alex Migit (6-AA) Sr. Morton
39.14* Adam Gross Sr. Dolton Thornridge
39.24* Josh Gist Sr. South Holland Thornwood
39.24* Derrick Winkle Jr. Granite City
39.34* Tyler Perna Sr. Palatine Fremd
39.44* Kris Appelton So. East St. Louis-Senior
39.50 Chad Aubin Sr. Mattoon
39.58 Craig Hall Sr. Galesburg
39.67 Andre Townsend Sr. Country Club Hills Hillcrest
39.77 Travis Nier Sr. St. Charles East
39.84* Jonathan Day Sr. Harvey Thornton
39.84* Mitch Holmer Sr. Champaign Central
39.85 Bryan Hustler Sr. Sycamore
39.89 Dan Hagberg Jr. Burlington Central
39.89 Viktor Imani Sr. Rockford Auburn
39.94* Temi Ogunbodede Sr. Barrington
What to watch: This longer hurdle race is wide open. Martavius Hines of Cahokia and Artavious Kizer of East St. Louis-Senior appear to be the early favorites. Clyde Young was tough to beat last season, but was disqualified at state. Others to watch in this event include Adam Gross of Thornridge, Josh Gist of Thornwood, Preston Smith of Normal University, and Kris Appelton of East St. Louis-Senior.
400 Meter Dash
Top Returnees
47.64* Darien Donald (2-AA) So. Cahokia
48.71 Marvin Cosby (7-AA) Sr. Frankfort Lincoln-Way East
48.74* Brian LeSeur (5-AA) Sr. Barrington
49.19 Alex Jackson (6-AA) Sr. St. Charles East
49.24* Exzaybion Jackson Jr. Cahokia
49.44* Caleb Cartman Sr. Country Club Hills Hillcrest
49.44* Rob Looby Sr. Wheaton-Warrenville South
49.54* Stephen Moore Sr. Evanston Township
49.64 Sorahando Peter Sr. Chicago Prosser
49.64* Matt Somers Sr. Naperville Central
49.69 Josh Stanner Sr. Champaign Central
49.74* Arius Hunt Sr. Zion-Benton
49.84* Scott Foley Sr. Wheaton-Warrenville South
49.84* Dave Sweeney Sr. Oswego
49.94* Dave Toomey Sr. Downers Grove South
50.04* Martin Baylor Sr. Chicago Heights Bloom
50.04* Willard Lewis Sr. Chicago Julian
50.14* Ben Mathies Sr. Glen Ellyn Glenbard South
50.24* Dontavious Robinson Sr. East St. Louis-Senior
50.62 Darian Davis Jr. Bloomington
What to watch: I think this event will come down to Super Soph Darien Donald of Cahokia and Marvin Cosby of Lincoln-Way East. The other two finalists Brian LaSeur of Barrington and Alex Jackson of St. Charles East should also be factors. One runner who could surprise a lot of people will be Sorohando Peter of Chicago Prosser. He was running in the 51’s all season and dropped a 49.64 at state prelims, just missing the finals. He has the talent to make it one step further.
800 Meter Run
Top Returnees
1.52.74* Nick Kuczwara Sr. Elmhurst York
1.53.41 Tom Robbins (3-AA) Sr. Wilmette Loyola Academy
1.53.54* Kris Hinchley (12-AA) Sr. Elmhurst York
1.54.24* Mario McCottrell Jr. East St. Louis-Senior (transferred to Cahokia)
1.54.56 Yosef Tewolde (6-AA) Sr. Elgin
1.54.84* Darien Donald So. Cahokia
1.54.84* Dan Murphy Sr. New Lenox Providence
1.55.14* Mat Smoody Jr. Palatine
1.56.34* Justin Helpingstine Sr. Salem
1.56.44* Joey Myszka Sr. Schaumburg
1.56.45 Kevin Beltran Sr. Chicago Lane Tech
1.57.07 Sam Megli Sr. Sterling
1.57.12 Todd Farbiak Jr. Huntley
1.57.14* David Grange Sr. Aurora Marmion Academy
1.57.15 Kyle Kunz Sr. Wheaton North
1.57.34* Johnny Wright Sr. Wheaton St.Francis
1.57.64* Arius Hunt Sr Zion-Benton
1.57.64* Derrick Moy Sr Wheeling
1.57.74* Steve Couch Jr. Naperville Central
1.57.94* Noah Dunham Sr. Pontiac
What to watch: With only three finalists returning from last year’s state meet, this event appears to be wide open. Tom Robbins of Loyola Academy is the early favorite. He ran great last fall in cross country, earning all-state honors. Yosef Tewolde of Elgin peaked at the right time last spring and should also be considered in the hunt. Kris Hinchley of York was a surprise last spring and could push Robbins. Nick Kuczwara of York could be a factor, depending on if he can become more consistent. It will also depend on if these two will be running in York’s 3200 relay also. Watch also for Mat Smoody of Palatine, Mario McCottrell of Cahokia (formerly of ESL-Senior), Joey Myzska of Schaumburg, and Kevin Beltram of Lane Tech.
1600 Meter Run
Top Returnees
4.06.76 Evan Jager (1-AA) Sr. Algonquin Jacobs
4.16.25 David Grange (9-AA) Sr. Aurora Marmion Academy
4.16.71 Tom Robbins Sr. Wilmette Loyola Academy
4.18.04* Steve Couch Jr. Naperville Central
4.18.94* Kevin Havel Jr. Arlington Heights Hersey
4.18.98 Nick Kuczwara Sr. Elmhurst York
4.19.30 Dan Chenoweth Sr. Geneseo
4.19.42 Chase Kadlec Jr. Wheaton North
4.19.54* Kevin Adamowski Sr. Orland Park Sandburg
4.19.87 Chris DeSilva Jr. St. Charles North
4.20.54* Tom Achtien Jr. Elmhurst York
4.21.93 Graham Farnsworth Jr. Wheaton North
4.22.74 Cory Nanni Sr. Normal Community West
4.23.10 Blake Brooks Jr. Dunlap
4.23.42 Michael Fry Sr. Elmhurst York
4.24.04* Myles Scott-Stirn Jr. Frankfort Lincoln-Way East
4.24.14* Nate Bohne Jr. Palos Hills Stagg
4.24.14* Evan Possley Sr. Wheaton-Warrenville South
4.24.34* Mike Spain Sr. Schaumburg
4.24.54* Luke Ryan Sr. Downers Grove North
What
to watch:
Defending state champ Evan Jager of Jacobs is an overwhelming favorite
in this race. His returning time of last spring is 10 seconds faster
than his nearest rival. Plus the fact that he ran a
4:12
mile in Boston at
the end of January will be a throw down of sorts. If David Grange of
Marmion Academy concentrates in this race, he could force a fast race
for Jager. Watch for Luke Ryan of Downers Grove North. Injured most of last season, he came on at the end and just
qualified. He ran
4:18 as a
soph, so I can see great things from him. Also watch for Michael Fry of
York to
surprise. The two-time cross country all stater ran
4:14 for a
mile at the end of August before cross country season (that’s with no
speed work!).
3200 Meter Run
Top Returnees
8.47.34 c Evan Jager Sr. Algonquin Jacobs
9.10.34* Kevin Havel (10-AA) Jr. Arlington Heights Hersey
9.11.52 Dan Chenoweth (6-AA) Sr. Geneseo
9.18.00 Ryan Jacobs (4-AA) Sr. Rockton Hononegah
9.23.74* David Grange Sr. Aurora Marmion Academy
9.24.34* Chris Derrick (11-AA) Jr. Naperville Neuqua Valley
9.24.64* Mark Battista (15-AA) Sr. New Lenox Lincoln-Way Central
9.24.64* Mike Spain (30-AA) Sr. Schaumburg
9.28.64 i Robbie Eckhart (35-AA) Sr. Lincolnshire Stevenson
9.29.14 i Kyle Kirchner (12-AA) Sr. Frankfort Lincoln-Way East
9.29.51 Noble Schermerhorn (22-AA) Sr. Deerfield
9.29.94* Josh Stein (33-AA) Jr. Aurora Marmion Academy
9.30.64* Tom Achtien
Jr. Elmhurst York
9.32.44* Sagar Patel (21-AA) Sr. Palatine (right)
9.32.44* Billy Wisser (23-AA) Jr. Arlington Heights Hersey
9.32.64* Jon Roberts (13-AA) Sr. Schaumburg
9.32.81i TR Pursell (29-AA) Sr. Bartonville Limestone
9.32.84* Kevin Adamowski Sr. Orland Park Sandburg
9.33.24* Steve Couch Jr. Naperville Central
9.33.74 Ryan Hoklas (14-AA) Sr. Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge
What to watch: This will be a great event this spring. Evan Jager by-passed this event last spring to help his team win the 3200 relay. We should see him in this event at the end of May. Kevin Havel of Hersey pushed Jager in November at state and should force the issue again at the state finals. Dan Chenoweth came into his own last fall by running 14:24 at state and then running in the Foot Locker Nationals. Chris Derrick of Neuqua Valley is starting to learn how to race and will be dangerous in this race. Also watch for Ryan Jacobs of Rockton Hononegah, Mark Battista of Lincoln-Way Central, and Mike Spain of Schaumburg to be factors in this race.
400 Meter Relay
Top 2006 Performances
41.02 Cahokia
41.74* Springfield Lanphier
41.84* Harvey Thornton
41.86 East St. Louis-Senior
42.04* Naperville Neuqua Valley
42.12 Evanston Township
42.14* South Holland Thornwood
42.31 Elgin
42.42 Belleville West
42.49 New Lenox Providence
42.56 Hinsdale Central
42.59 Normal University
42.60 Lake Zurich
42.65 Country Club Hills Hillcrest
42.67 Dolton Thornridge
42.74* Bolingbrook
42.75 Springfield Southeast
42.80 Macchesney Park Harlem
42.84* Gurnee Warren
42.84* LaGrange Lyons Township
What to watch: Even though they lost Greg Williams to graduation, Cahokia is loaded and could flirt with 40.7 this spring. Thornton returns most of their quartet led by Brandon McCallister. Also watch for East St. Louis-Senior, Springfield Lanphier, Springfield Southeast, Bolingbrook, Thornwood, and Lake Zurich to be pushing for all state honors.
800 Meter Relay
Top 2006 Performances
1.26.35 Cahokia
1.27.34* Harvey Thornton
1.27.74 Hillside Proviso West
1.27.96 Springfield Lanphier
1.28.03 Naperville Neuqua Valley
1.28.07 Elgin
1.28.19 Evanston Township
1.28.24 Country Club Hills Hillcrest
1.28.54* New Lenox Providence
1.28.65 East St. Louis-Senior
1.28.94* Bloomington
1.28.95 Rockford Jefferson
1.28.99 South Holland Thornwood
1.29.19 Rock Island
1.29.24* Hinsdale Central
1.29.24* Hoffman Estates
1.29.24* Lake Zurich
1.29.28 Chicago Heights Bloom
1.29.29 O'Fallon
1.29.34 Belleville West
1.29.34* Champaign Centennial
1.29.34* LaGrange Lyons Township
1.29.34* Oak Park-River Forest
What to watch: Cahokia should be the favorite again in this event, but watch out for East St. Louis-Senior. The Flyers placed in state last spring with a frosh/soph squad. They will be tough, tough, tough. Thornton did not make it out of their sectional last spring, so they will be out to prove they belong with the elite schools in this event. Also watch for Springfield Lanphier, Springfield Southeast, Rock Island, Providence, and Neuqua Valley.
1600 Meter Relay
Top 2006 Performances
3.14.12 Cahokia
3.15.41 East St. Louis-Senior
3.16.63 Evanston Township
3.18.84* Naperville Central
3.19.24* Elmhurst York
3.19.30 Wheaton-Warrenville South
3.19.78 Naperville Neuqua Valley
3.20.75 Algonquin Jacobs
3.21.04 Aurora West
3.21.22 Rockford Boylan
3.21.44* Maywood Proviso East
3.22.44* Park Ridge Maine South
3.22.64* Salem
3.23.09 Hillside Proviso West
3.23.14* Marion
3.23.18 Harvey Thornton
3.23.24* Hoffman Estates Conant
3.23.44* Barrington
3.23.44* Frankfort Lincoln-Way East
3.23.52 Champaign Central
What to watch: Cahokia had the fastest time in the state last season, but East St. Louis-Senior ended up winning when it counted at state. Cahokia should be the favorite in this event with Darien Donald and Exyabion Jackson returning. They will be even tougher with transfer Mario McCottrell from Eastside. Aurora West will be tough, returning their nucleus. Watch also for Wheaton-Warrenville South, Lincoln-Way East, Neuqua Valley, and Thornwood to be chasing Cahokia and East St. Louis-Senior.
3200 Meter Relay
Top 2006 Performances
7.38.35 Elmhurst York
7.40.02 Algonquin Jacobs
7.42.97 Glen Ellyn Glenbard South
7.43.77 East St. Louis-Senior
7.45.15 Quincy
7.46.38 Downers Grove North
7.46.57 Libertyville
7.47.16 Lisle Benet Academy
7.47.31 St. Charles North
7.50.15 Mt. Prospect-Prospect
7.51.00 Wheaton-Warrenville South
7.51.84* Palatine
7.55.19 Bloomington
7.55.21 Edwardsville
7.55.61 East Moline United
7.55.84* Plainfield Central
7.55.89 Macchesney Park Harlem
7.57.04* Naperville North
7.57.97 Harvey Thornton
7.58.19 Oak Park Fenwick
7.58.94* Park Ridge Maine South
7.59.39 Rock Island
7.59.59 Evanston Township
7.59.75 Winnetka New Trier
7.59.95 Lockport Township
What to watch: York should be the favorite in this event. They return 3 runners from last year’s runner up squad led by Seniors Nick Kuczwara and Kris Hinchley. This a deep team, with possibly 8 runners going under 2:00. The one school that could challenge them is Glenbard South. They return 3 from their state final team plus add Sophomore Andrew Payne, who ran in the prelims. Other teams that will push these two include Benet Academy, New Trier, Bloomington, and St. Charles North. I think we will see another fast year in this event with 7:41-7:42 winning it.
Long Jump
Top Returnees
23-8 i Clyde Young (3-AA) Sr. Cahokia
23-7 Andre Anderson Sr. Barrington
23-6 Brandon McCallister (8-AA) Sr. Harvey Thornton
23-2 Vernon George (9-AA) Jr. Zion-Benton
23-0.25 Jerrill McDaniels Sr. East St. Louis-Senior
23-0 Troy Doris Sr. Bolingbrook
22-11.75 Brian Steele Sr. Harvey Thornton
22-9 Jonathan Majors (5-AA) Jr. South Holland Thornwood
22-6 Tim Williams Jr. Palatine
22-4.5 Earnest Green Sr. Chicago St. Rita
22-4 Roger Jones Jr. Belleville East
22-2.5 Jamar Walter Jr. Homewood-Flossmoor
22-2 Desmond Johnson Sr. Chicago Simeon
22-1.75 Kenny Williams Sr. Elgin
22-1.5 Willie Smoot Sr. Calumet City TF North
22-1.25 i Cody Mixon Sr. Galesburg
22-1 Bernard Conley Sr. Naperville Neuqua Valley
22-0.25 Brandon Campbell (11-AA) Sr. Chicago Manley
22-0 Richard Brown Sr. South Holland Thornwood
22-0 Abel Rangel Jr. Wheeling
What to watch: This is a hard event to project a favorite. There are a number of jumpers in the hunt. Clyde Young of Cahokia jumped well early on and returns with the best mark. Andre Anderson of Barrington had a great meet at Prospect at the end of April. He will need to find some consistency to be at the top. Triple Jump state champ Troy Dorris of Bolingbrook would also have to be considered. Also watch for Jonathan Majors of Thornwood, Brandon McCallister of Thornton, Vernon George of Zion-Benton, Jerrill McDaniels of East St. Louis-Senior, and Brian Steele of Thornton all to have a shot at the state championship.
Triple Jump
Top Returnees
50-2 Troy Doris (1-AA) Sr. Bolingbrook
46-8.5 Willie Silas Sr. Belleville East
46-5 Josh Harks (5-AA) Sr. Glen Ellyn Glenbard South
46-4.5 Ty Kirk Jr. Rolling Meadows
46-1.5 Aaron Morrison Sr. Springfield Lanphier
46-1 Ramon Gates Sr. Cahokia
46-0 Robert Kamentsev (8-AA) Sr. Wheeling
45-6.5 Gabriel Hodges Sr. East St. Louis-Senior
45-4 Kendrick McRath Jr. Cahokia
44-11 Joe Schindenbauer Sr. Sterling
44-3.5 Mahmoud Odeh Sr. Berwyn-Cicero Morton
44-3.5 Tim Williams Jr. Palatine
44-2 Jordan Wells Sr. Elgin
43-10 i Ike Ofor Jr. Chicago St. Ignatius
43-9.5 Myles Haggans Sr. Hillside Proviso West
43-9 Andrew Thierry Sr. Galesburg
43-7.75 Alex Moncrief Sr. Lockport Township
43-7.5 Vince Johnson Jr. Chicago St. Patrick
43.7.25 Jack Glover Sr. Round Lake
43-6 Brian Steele Sr. Harvey Thornton
43-4.25 Jonathan Majors Jr. South Holland Thornwood
What to watch: Defending State Champ Troy Doris is the clear favorite in this event. He was the unexpected winner last spring when favorite Kali Jackson scratched on all of his 3 prelim jumps. There are a pack of jumpers behind Dorris. These include Aaron Morrison of Springfield Lanphier, Ramon Gates and Kendrick McRath of Cahokia, Josh Harks of Glenbard South, Willie Silas of Belleville East, Robert Kametsev of Wheeling, and Gabriel Hodges of East St. Louis-Senior.
High Jump
Top Returnees
7' 0" Major Clay (1-AA) Sr. Springfield Lanphier
6' 9" Mykhail Chambers (2-AA) Jr. Urbana
6' 8" i Martel Wilson Sr. Skokie Niles North
6' 7" Derek Stone Sr. Belvidere
6' 7" Phillip Thomas (5-AA) Jr. Alton
6' 6" Cheldon Brown So. Springfield Lanphier
6' 6" i Robert Kamentsev Jr. Wheeling
6' 6" Jimmie Treadwell Sr. Springfield
6' 4" Darryl Hendricks Jr. Edwardsville
6' 3" Max Bellmore Sr. Libertyville
6' 3" Lawerence Hardin Sr. Peoria Richwoods
6' 3" Dejari Nelson Sr. South Holland Thornwood
6' 3" Scott Ryman So. Belvidere
What to watch: This will be an interesting event to watch. The field is wide open after defending State champ Major Clay of Springfield Lanphier and Mykhail Chambers of Urbana. Clay was undefeated last spring and looks to extend his streak this spring. Watch also for Derek Stone of Belvidere, Martel Wilson of Niles North, Cheldon Brown of Springfield Lanphier, and Phillip Thomas of Alton all to be in the hunt. We should see some fresh faces in this event this spring…not a lot of returnees.
Pole Vault
Top Returnees
15-6 Sam Kranz (3-AA) Sr. Maple Park Kaneland
15-6i Andy Ryan Sr. Rolling Meadows
15-3.5 Joe Noonan (10-AA) Sr. Frankfort Lincoln-Way East
15-3 Jim Foreman (4-AA) Sr. West Chicago
14-9 Keven Griffen (8-AA) Sr. East St. Louis-Senior
14-9 Mick Viken (9-AA) So. Rolling Meadows
14-4 Tim Robberstad Sr. Mahomet-Seymour
14-3 Ray Meininger Sr. New Lenox Lincoln-Way Central
14-3 Josh Winder (15-AA) So. Plainfield Central
14-0 Dylan Erb Sr. O'Fallon
14-0 Mitchell Erickson Jr. Chicago Heights Marian Catholic
14-0 Jeff Fellers Sr. Pontiac
14-0 Blan Peckman Sr. Normal Community
14-0 Alex Schrautemeyer Sr. Roselle Lake Park
13-9 Cameron Becker Sr. New Lenox Lincoln-Way Central
13-9 Lance Liggett Sr. Urbana
13-9 Eric Michel Sr. Naperville Central
13-9 Nick Quas Sr. Lombard Glenbard East
What to watch: Even with Phil Hanson and Jake Winder moving on to the college ranks, I expect this to be a great event this spring. Sam Kranz of Kaneland is the top returning vaulter and should be flirting with 16-0 this spring. One vaulter to keep a close eye on is Andy Ryan of Rolling Meadows. Ryan cleared 15-6 early in March, then suffered a season ending injury the following week. If he can stay healthy, he will push Kranz. Also watch for Joe Noonan of Lincoln-Way East, Jim Foreman of West Chicago, Keven Griffen of East St. Louis-Senior, and Sophomores Mick Viken of Rolling Meadows and Josh Winder of Plainfield Central.
Mick Viken (above) and Andy Ryan
of Rolling Meadows provide a great 1-2 punch
for Jim Voyles' Mustangs
Shot Put
Top Returnees
60-1 Colin Madison (1-AA) Sr. Villa Park Willowbrook
59-10.5 Adam Gettis (2-AA) Sr. Frankfort Lincoln-Way East
56-7 Ryan Asta Sr. Barrington
56-4 Jon Makowski Sr. Hoffman Estates
56-4i Brandon Pence Sr. Bartonville Limestone
56-0.5 Tyler Lamz Sr. McHenry
55-7.5 George Weed Jr. Springfield Lanphier
55-5.75 Brad Fortney Sr. Antioch
55-3 London Davis Jr. Cahokia
55-2 Nick Bledsoe Sr. Wheeling
54-4.75 Peyton Lumzy Sr. Dixon
54-0.25i Jim Theologes Sr. Huntley
53-7.5 Nicco Terry Sr. Libertyville
53-1.25 Brett Einbecker Jr. Aurora Waubonsie Valley
53-0.5 Nick Toresso Sr. Schaumburg
52-11 Joey Johnson Sr. Rochelle
52-4 Raphael Grays Jr. South Holland Thornwood
52-3 Dan Shellhamer Sr. Downers Grove North
51-11.5 Bob Schultz Sr. Sycamore
51-11i Alex Nelson Sr. Hinsdale Central
What to watch: Watch for a great dual between defending state champ Collin Madison of Willowbrook and runner-up Adam Gettis of Lincoln-Way East. Madison was not even a blip on the map until he peaked at sectionals and then at state. Ryan Asta of Barrington could also be a factor in the state finals. Also watch for Nick Bledsoe of Wheeling, Jon Makowski of Hoffman Estates, Brandon Pence of Bartonsville Limestone, George Weed of Springfield Lanphier, and Brad Fortney of Antioch.
Discus
Top Returnees
182-10 Nick Bledsoe (2-AA) Sr. Wheeling
174-1 Ryan Asta (6-AA) Sr. Barrington
167-7 Adam Gettis (11-AA) Sr. Frankfort Lincoln-Way East
167-0 Ryan Grossman Sr. Glen Ellyn Glenbard South
166-0 John Gausmann Sr. Naperville Central
165-11 Andrew Burnell (12-AA) Sr. Dixon
163-4 Nathan Swope (9-AA) Sr. Sterling
162-9 George Weed (10-AA) Jr. Springfield Lanphier
160-9 Joey Johnson Sr. Rochelle
159-6 Bobby Psenka Sr. Cary-Grove
156-8 London Davis Jr. Cahokia
155-10 Nick Autoom Sr. East St. Louis-Senior
153-8 Howie Knutson Sr. Elk Grove Village-Elk Grove
153-0 Brett Einbecker Jr. Aurora Waubonsie Valley
What to watch: This event is very deep with talent. Six state finalists return led by runner up Nick Bledsoe of Wheeling. Last season, there was really no one who was consistent. Ryan Asta of Barrington had a great spring and should be the main rival to Bledsoe, his in-conference foe. Also watch for Adam Gettis of Lincoln-Way East, George Weed of Springfield Lanphier, Nathan Swope of Sterling, Ryan Grossman of Glenbard South, and Andrew Burnell to be amongst a handful of throwers challenging for the top.