2006 Boys AA Track and Field Preview
The boys program is in direct contrast with its female counterpart. A number of teams have an opportunity to surprise and do well this spring. Gone are a number of solid individuals and teams. Wheaton NorthÕs Adam Harris has dominated the hurdle and flat races the last several years finally moved on to college. On the team side, ThornwoodÕs reign appears to be a memory. In 2005, E. St. Louis Senior and Cahokia brought the south back on the scene going 1-3 in team scoring. ESL lost several key parts to graduation but will be strong in its title defense. Cahokia is the youngest team in the state and will look to dethrone its neighbor ESL. A number of teams will look to place among the big three this spring. Bloom Township, Evanston, and York are among the top returning teams vying for supremacy.
Top Teams
Scouting Report-
[Spotlight team]
Key personnel: Therone Devine (Jr.), Donald Dismuke (Sr.), Martavis Hines (Jr.), Exzaybion Jackson (So.), Kali Jackson (Sr.), Greg Williams (Sr.), Jerdo Williams (Jr.), Clyde Young (Jr.).
Strengths: LJ, TJ, HJ, 100, 200, 400, 4x1, 4x2, 4x4, 100H, 300H
Weaknesses: throws, distance
Outlook: Cahokia appears to be the team to beat on paper for this year and next year. They are completely loaded and ready to challenge ESL for the state title. This is a team strong in field events and relays- the perfect recipe for title success. The Comanches challenged ESL and York for last yearÕs state title before settling for third place. The key for Cahokia will be maximizing its star power points. They have defending champ Kali Jackson back in the TJ. He may have what it takes to capture the high jump and long jump as well. His teammate Dismuke placed third at states in the TJ. The Hokes will run great times along the way to the state championship.
Key personnel: Martin Baylor (Jr.), Imani Carey (So.), Aaron Lowe (Sr.), Matt Mc Lauren (Jr.).
Strengths: 100, 200, 400, 4x1, 4x2, 4x4.
Weaknesses: distances, jumps, and throws
Outlook: a young team but with a tad of experience. Make no mistake about it the Trojans are Aaron Lowe. Lowe will carry the load in both the individual sprints and relays. The Trojans have the main components back that produced some great relay times. If the Trojans can squeeze out some points in the field then they can solidify themselves as one of the top teams in the Chicago-land area.
Key personnel: Demetrius Booker (Jr.), Richard Cherry (Sr.), Bernard Fowler (Sr.), Artavious Kizer (Jr.), Mario McContrell (So.), Jerrell McDaniels (Jr.), Mikal Rasheed (Sr.), Dontavious Robinson (Jr.), Devin Williams.
Strengths: LJ, TJ, 100, 200, 400, 800, 100H, 300H, 4x1, 4x2, 4x4, 4x8
Weaknesses: throws, vertical jumps, 3200, 1600.
Outlook: the loss of Tim Allen and multi-talented Carlton Ward to graduation will be felt. However, ESL has plenty of firepower to possibly defend its state crown. The Flyers are the only team in the state with the ability to score major points in all four relays. A total team effort is going to be needed if they plan on staying with Cahokia. The Flyers can garner 40 points on relay but a reliance on relays is never guaranteed or a wise investment because of the risks. The Flyers do have Fowler and a solid cast as insurance. Also, look for two new youngsters who should make an immediate impact in the Flyer program: Kraig Appleton (Fr.) and Gregory Edwards (Fr.). These speedsters dominated the middle school ranks and appear ready to join the big squad.
Key personnel: Jeff Crowe (Sr.), Eric Dettman (Sr.), Matt Dettman (Sr.), Jeff Eich (Sr.), Tim Jung (So.), Nick Kuczwara (Jr.), David Montgomery (Sr.), Dan Palmer (Sr.).
Strengths: 4x4, 4x8, 200, 400, 800, 1600, and 3200.
Weaknesses: horizontal and vertical jumps, 100, hurdle.
Outlook: the Dukes have quite a bit of holes to fill if they intend on being state players. Former star Sean McNamara has moved on to University of Michigan. Also, the Dettman twins have to answer several questions: will they return from a less than stellar xc season to be as dominant as in past years? Will they have the motivation to be among the top runners by seasonÕs end? The Dukes will also need help from the field in order to take a shot at top three statuses.
Key personnel: Mike Bolden (Jr.), Kris Jamieson (Sr.), Marvin Rhone (So.), Charles Smith (Sr.).
Strengths: 100, 200, 400, 800, 4x1, 4x2, 4x4, and 4x8
Weaknesses: throws, jumps, long distance.
Outlook: the Wildkits are not a deep team and they never are in terms of numbers. They are good in events in which they need to be. The Wildkits will nickel and dime for points until they reach desired results. Smith, who has matured over the past few years, will lead the team. He also has triple threat potential: 100, 200, 400 (49.5). He probably will go two open events and two relays to maximize the Wildkits chances of medalling at state. If so, then a top five finish is possible.
-Event Break Down-
Sherrick McManis (Sr.) Peoria Richwoods- defending champion
Kali Jackson (Sr.) Cahokia- always a threat to win his second favorite event
Adrian Clark (Jr.) Joliet Township- had top mark in 2005
Outlook: 9 of 12 state finalistsÕ return in an event that is probably the most competitive in terms of balance. All nine all-staters sailed over 22 feet in last yearÕs final. However, the LJ remains a very weak event on the program. McManis, last yearÕs champion, jumped a measly 22-9 for the victory. That was the shortest jump for victory since 1996. In fact, only four jumpers surpassed the 23-foot mark last season. Jackson has a legitimate shot at winning if he can leap anywhere near his pr of 23-5. Clark had a terrible state meet in Õ05- he didnÕt even make the final despite jumping a great 23-11 during the regular season. Hopefully he can get back on track this season.
Jake Winder (Sr.) Plainfield South- will be an all-American
Phil Hanson (Sr.) Pontiac- a very good vaulter
Adam Hahne (Sr.) Plainfield Central- will challenge cross-town rival Winder
Outlook: top three return as well as 4 of 5 finalists. The vault will be an extremely tough event with several 15 foot plus vaulters. Winder returns as indoor and outdoor champ. He has established himself as one of the nationÕs best vaulters. Both Winder and Hanson have cleared 16 feet in pre-season meets. Look for a showdown for the ages this May.
Jared Nuxoll (Sr.) Effingham- could threaten 7-foot barrier
Major Clay (Jr.) Springfield Lanphier- can he do it?
Jared Bosch (Sr.) Mahomet-Seymour- can he match his female counterpart Laura Morris?
Outlook: ItÕs always hard to predict how the high jump is going to unfold. Illinois has a deep history of producing great jumpers and this yearsÕ class has a great chance of being great. Look for TJ/LJ specialist Kali Jackson to surprise.
Nick Mitchell (Sr.) Palatine Fremd- might be another good one from Coach AikenÕs stable.
Adam Gettis (Jr.) Lincoln-Way East
Jack Brady (Sr.) Downers Grove North
Outlook: the days of great throwers such as the Whalen Brothers (Matt and Pat) appear to be gone- for now. The potential of one solid and possibly a 60Õ performer could rest with Mitchell. His coach is the great Jim Aikens. Coach Aikens has produced a whoÕs who list of champion throwers. Mitchell may just be the next one.
Kali Jackson (Sr.) Cahokia- ranked 4th in the nation last season (50-9.50)
Troy Doris (Jr.) Bolingbrook- will surpass older brother RyanÕs marks.
Donald Dismuke (Sr.) Cahokia- could be a tremendous asset to teammate Jackson.
Outlook: this event will be solid with 3 of top 4 returning. Doris will finally step out of the shadow of his older brother Ryan (now at Eastern Illinois U). The younger Doris became an all-American at the prestigious Nike Outdoor Nationals. Make no mistake though Jackson is the one to beat in a great field of leap froggers. Cahokia would love nothing better than go 1-2 at state.
Mike Schallmo (Sr.) Homewood-Flossmoor
Markus McCown (Sr.) Tinley Park
Karl Smith (Sr.) Decatur Eisenhower
Outlook: the top six performers from last year graduated; 10 of 12 finalists are gone; national performer Richard Behling (Harlem) is off to Georgia Tech. To say the least the DT is going to be very lean on talent and name recognition. Hopefully, someone can emerge over the course of the season.
4x800r-
Glenbard South- return with a stacked line up even without ŅBruce Mac.Ó
St. Charles North- will be sub 7:50 good.
York- never put doubt in the minds of the long green line.
Outlook: this event is an absolute crapshoot. There are so many if, ands or buts. What about perennial power York, Prospect, and Palatine? They have the personnel to win it all but will load up for a relay crown? There are other events in which they can strike riches. (1) York has to make a decision with the Dettman twins by state. Will E. Dett and M. Dett concentrate solely on open events and then dabble with the 4x8? Can both of them run the 4x8 and come in the 1600 and/3200? (2) Palatine may have equally difficult decisions because of Steve Finley. Finley has emerged with as a premier threat in the 3200 and may have to opt out of the relay (aka: find another leg). (3) Prospect may do without Ryan Craven for the same reason. It would be hard to justify using a potential national champion on the relay (then again it has been done before). Watch for E. St. Louis- they ran 7:53 but had a bad state meet.
4x100r-
Cahokia- ran 41.9 last season with three underclassmen
E. St. Louis Sr- will be strong once more
Springfield Lanphier- check for them in Ō06
Outlook: a lot was lost on this short relay. It will be like a new event because graduation hit it hard. Cahokia is the only team besides Lanphier with entire unit intact. Lanphier clocked 43.10 (FAT) with a frosh-soph line up. ESL lost their star Tim Allen but have a tremendous frosh-soph team ready to move up. Also, expect a team or two from the Chicago Suburbs to emerge. Evanston, Bloom and Thornton should be in the fray by seasonÕs end.
3200m-
Ryan Craven (Sr.) Prospect- ran 9:09 last season.
Evan Jager (Jr.) Jacobs- ŅxÓ factor
Kevin Havel (So.) Hersey- among the top five underclassmen in the USA.
Outlook: Craven has emerged the top choice in the field littered with great talent. Craven was 4th at states last year but came of age this past XC season. A near tragic finish at states could have been a psychological killer but it wasnÕt. Craven went on to establish himself as one of the best runners by placing third at Footlocker National XC championships. CravenÕs goal will be to run sub 9:00 and be state champ. Steve Finley (Palatine) may or may not run here. It will depend on the coaching staff and what it wants to do or what the team need is. Jager earned FLXC national status in Õ05 and will be much faster than the 9:19 he ran last season. E. Dettman was runner up last year and had the fastest time in the state (9:07). Health issues over the past year have clouded his chances of assuming the throne vacated by former teammate Sean McNamara. Regardless of the season outcomes, 2006 will be one of the best fields in what have been great fields in recent years.
Bernard Fowler (Sr.) E. St. Louis Sr.- in line to be the best ESL hurdler since Rodney Session.
Tony Dallavalle (Sr.) Lincoln- solid hurdler.
Tafari Mahau (Jr.) Chicago Morgan Park- who is guy? Watch and see.
Outlook: Adam Harris basically had a trademark on this event the several years. Harris has moved on to U of Michigan as well as four other top hurdlers who graduated- just 2 of 9 finalists return. The short hurdles will be somewhat lean on talent and quality but Fowler should stand out. DonÕt be surprised if several other power broker teams use this event to nab easy points.
Did you know: Dallavalle
is the nations top High School Decathlete? Look for his athleticism downstate.
100m-
Emanuel Lewis (Sr.) Decatur Eisenhower- developed championship attitude over the summer.
Brandon Collins (Sr.) Rich East- was all-state sprinter last year.
Herman Rome (Sr.) Proviso East- has shot at talent because of talent.
Outlook: quite a bit of depth in the Century run. Look for many relay runners to move into the open dash to fill graduation voids. What may be a surprise to some wonÕt be to the Decatur fans. ŅShrekÓ Lewis will emerge as the top sprinter in Illinois. His coach is former state champion/legend Bob Jelks from MacArthur. Jelks held the state meet record in 200m (21.04-in 1986) until Anthony Moorman broke it in 1997. Jelks has restored ShrekÕs confidence with improved mechanics and training that translated into a great summer. The same can be said about Rome, who is coached by former Proviso West great Johnny Nolan Jenkins. Nolan-Jenkins was 400m state champion in 1988. Rome has vastly improved and should be a force this spring. Be on the watch for EvanstonÕs Charles Smith and all-state sprinter Patrick George from Chicago (Gordon Tech).
800m-
Stephen Williams (Sr.) Marion- could be nationÕs best half-miler.
Jared Richardson (Sr.) Harlem- 1:52 is in the plans.
Bobby Kenney (Sr.) Lockport- will prove that last season wasnÕt a fluke.
Outlook: the two-lapper will remain strong. Back is defending state champion Williams. Williams is the supreme runner here by far. He is a smooth and natural looking runner that only knows one gear- fast! He is also a national league runner who clocked a sweet 1:51.84 in winning the state championship last season. He went on to place 11th at the Nike Outdoor National Championship. He learned a valuable lesson running against some great runners: ŅI wanted to come in and run 1:50, but I got boxed in and couldnÕt go aroundÉ I have never been pushed around or kicked before. It was a new experience.Ó With his 48 second quarter speed, the goal of a sub 1:50 clocking is real. It would be the first time since 1998 when Lincoln-WayÕs Jason Van Swol ran 1:48.91. Other stud to watch will be Brian Beaird (Naperville Central)- 1:54.56 for all-state honors in Õ05.
4x200r-
Cahokia- relay experienced group back
E. St. Louis Sr.- will be fast again.
Bloom Township- ran 1:27.9 last year.
Outlook: Cahokia blitzed 1:26.7 last year at sectionals but struggled somewhat at he state meet due to youth and inexperience. This year the entire quartet should be intact and ready for any moves ESL will try to throw at them. ESL lost three legs including Tim Allen to graduation, but will reload in a hurry. Bloom returns three legs from a solid team. Evanston will be a force as well.
400m-
Zach Splan (Sr.) Naperville (Neuqua Valley)- can he take Prince RileyÕs vacated throne?
Stephen Williams (Sr.) Marion- may be best quarter miler in Illinois
Sorhondo Peters (Jr.) Chicago Prosser- a hidden gem from Chicago Public League.
Outlook: an amazing 8 of 9 state finalists graduated forcing Splan to the top of the food chain. However, Williams is one of the best quarter milers regardless if he runs the event or not. Williams ran 48.3/47.9r last season but will run exclusively in the half-lapper. Peters is a Chicago Public unknown but improved his stock, going from :53 to 49.70 in less than three weeks! ThatÕs peaking folks! Also, add Iboro Vinana (Carbondale) to the mix.
Artavious Kizer (Jr.) E. St. Louis Sr.- will prove to be best long hurdler over time.
Tom Zozokos (Sr.) Dundee-Crown- solid long barrier runner.
Martavis Hines (Jr.) Cahokia- itÕs just a matter of time.
Outlook: Kizer should be the main man here after enjoying a solid first year of long hurdling in Õ05. ItÕs conceivable that he will run low to mid 37Õs if everything falls into place. Zozokos was a surprise when he finished 4th at stat last year. Hines is a tremendous long sprinter running hurdles. He will be much improved this season, bringing back prestige in this event.
1600m-
Steve Finley (Sr.) Palatine- the peopleÕs champ.
Bruce MacTaggart (Sr.) Glenbard South- could be champ.
Matt Dettman (Sr.) York- wants to be champ.
Outlook: this event will be just as strong as big brother 3200m. The event is so strong that a number of quality milers may opt for other events. This seasonÕs top returnee Matt Dettman may not be the best four-lapper. His health may be in question just like his twin brother Eric. Only time will tell if he is ready. Ryan Craven will run some solid times here. Possibly a 4:10 is possible at some time during the season.
200m-
Emanuel Lewis (Sr.) Decatur Eisenhower- has a lot to prove.
Aaron Lowe (Sr.) Bloom Township- workhorse for the Trojans.
Raymon Parker (Jr.) Romeoville- unknown product.
Outlook: graduation hit the ranks pretty hard. Still, ŅShrekÓ Lewis among some others should faith and prosperity to an event with a strong history. Lowe is the top returnee, finishing 7th. Parker may be the wild card. How far can he improve from 8th place? Charles Smith (Evanston) is a double threat and so is Herman Rome (Proviso East). The half-lapper should be an event to keep an eye on.
4x400r-
Cahokia- has shot at record 3:14.
E. St. Louis Senior- same shot as Cahokia.
Evanston- Coach Willie May loves the 4x4.
Outlook: Cahokia ran 3:16 last year prior to the state meet and it surprised the entire state. However, the great time or personnel decisions didnÕt transpire on the track at state. Clyde Young is arguably the teamÕs best track athlete, but didnÕt run in the relay. ESL can never be counted with their history in the event- even in lean years. The Flyers bring back their entire unit. The talent is good enough to go after the all-time best of 3:14 if placed in a proper meet. Evanston always seems to get up for the grand finale and should once again find themselves among the leaders.