Sam Sikon was the only putter in Illinois who threw 60-feet or better indoors or outside in 2015 (Colin Boyle photo)
Shot Put-
2015 State Champion: Sam Sikon (Carbondale) 61-0.25
Outlook: Sikon was a confident thrower before anyone knew who he was last indoor season. He promptly went out and threw 60-0 at the Gene Armer Invitational. He stated in that meet's aftermath that his ultimate goal is to surpass 70-feet. He had to settle for 61-0.25 and the top mark in Illinois. A total of eight all state performers return back and all of them were over 50-feet.
Top returners in 2016-
| RANK | MARK | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 61-0.25 | 2017 | ||
| 2 | 54-5.25 | 2016 | ||
| 3 | 54-5 | 2016 | ||
| 4 | 54-3 | 2016 | ||
| 5 | 53-9 | 2016 | ||
| 6 | 52-11 | 2016 | ||
| 7 | 52-1.25 | 2016 | ||
| 8 | 51-8 | 2016 | ||
| 9 | 50-6 | 2016 | ||
| 10 | 50-2 | 2018 |
Triple Jump-
2015 State Champion: Ja'mari Ward 50-6
Outlook: The nation's top jumper in 2016 was Ward of course. As good as Ward has been he has not hit his ceiling. "I think Ja'mari will get 54-55 feet this season," said his coach Leroy Millsap. It will be difficult for Ward reaching those marks this season. It is the belief that he will have to wait until he enrolls at the University of Missouri in 2017 in achieving that mark. Luther Newburn will remain in Ward's shadow this season despite jumping a great 47-10.5. He will be on his own island to say the least. Also watch out for Anthony McRoberts and Tony Rolfe who did not make the state final last season
Top returners in 2016-
| RANK | MARK | WIND | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 51-11 | 1.6 | 2016 | ||
| 2 | 47-10.5 | 2.2 | 2016 | ||
| 3 | 46-11 | 2017 | |||
| 4 | 45-11.75 | 2.2 | 2016 | ||
| 5 | 45-10.5 | 1.4 | 2016 | ||
| 6 | 45-1.5 | 2.4 | 2017 | ||
| 7 | 44-10 | 2017 | |||
| 8 | 44-3 | 1.2 | 2016 | ||
| 9 | 43-10.25 | 2.9 | 2016 | ||
| 10 | 43-6.5 | 2016 |
Discus Throw-
2015 State Champion: Sam Sikon (Carbondale) 174-7
Outlook: Coming into state last year Sikon had lost his previous two contests, one was at the hands of Edwardsville standout AJ Epenza. Kane Carrigan gave Sikon the other loss at the Triad Sectional meet. Sikon would get revenge and redemption over Carrigan. It proved that Sikon was more than a great shot putter, that he had heart as well as range in other areas of the throwing game. It certainly put Carrigan on notice as well as anyone else in 2A that Sikon is not a one trick pony.
Top returners in 2016-
| RANK | MARK | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 177-5 | 2016 | ||
| 2 | 175-9 | 2017 | ||
| 3 | 165-9 | 2016 | Metamora ABC1st | |
| 4 | 159-9 | 2016 | ||
| 5 | 159-1 | 2016 | ||
| 6 | 153-3 | 2017 | ||
| 7 | 151-0 | 2016 | ||
| 8 | 147-10 | 2017 | Metamora ABC1st |