Class 3A Boys Illinois Top Times Recap

Minooka's 4x4 quartet got the A+ job done in winning a spirited race (Colin Boyle photo)

RESULTS

PHOTOS

  • The first track event of the day set the tone for what was to come. Clayton Mendez (So., Chicago Whitney Young) was the aggressor in the 3200m throughout the race including lap leading late in the race. However, it was a surprising Martin Barr (Sr., Niles North) who reached down deep over the final 400 to hold off Mendez 9:22.22-9:23.53. Despite the hold of some big guns, the overall field was strong. The top 11 runners were 9:35 or better and last place was a solid 9:50.
  • Josh Eiker of course came in as the major target in the sprints. The University of Illinois signee from Galesburg was expected to win the 60m in comfortable fashion. But there was one issue to consider. Eiker has had some problems with his starts and transition in the short race. In a race like the 60 it is bang-bang and the margin of error has to be very low. Lockport senior Derrius Rodgers is a respected speedster who came into the final with the top mark of 6.91. He made it stand up with a tremendous start on the field and it would have taken a Usain Bolt performance to stop him. Eiker closed hard but 60 meters was simply not even real estate against a fellow bonafide athlete. Rodgers won in a personal best 6.87 and IL #2. Eiker clocked 6.89
  • The state leading Eiker would get a measure of revenge in his premier event the 200m. Like a rocket strapped to his back, Eiker took off against two other competitors (Cary Lockhart of Bloomington scratched) and it was like he was running a solo time trial. Eiker blitzed around the flat but fast oval in 21.58. The time was Eiker's second fastest mark of the season but on this occasion it represented the all-time record previously owned by Anthony Moorman (Lake Park). Moorman's 20.89 outdoor record is the only record standing in Eiker's way.
  • Connor McCue (Sr., West Aurora) appeared to be on his way to another big victory in the 1600 until Jack Aho (Jr., Grayslake) put in a very valiant effort in the final meters to pull out the victory 4:17.49-4:17.88.
  • Chris Thompson (Sr., Lemont) completed his undefeated season against state competition winning in a state leading 49.42. A nasty spill near the end between Thompson and Grant's Octavian Wells could have been disasterous. Jordan Cagigal (Sr., Metea Valley) was eventually awarded second place.
  • Timely hand offs and familiarity as teammates along with great depth will beat talent mostly every time. Plainfield North is a deep sprints program and despite not having its top two sprinters, the Panthers won the 4x2 going way in a state #1 1:31.19. Crete-Monee who many considered the favorite could not get their timing correct during several transitions placed second.
  • An incredible anchor by senior John Partee propelled his Plainfield South crew to an incredible win in the 4x8. The Cougars made up some big ground over the final lap to beat Danville who lead the majority of the race 8:05.52-8:05.54.
  • William Session (Sr., Belleville East) kept his record clean for the season in the 60H and a sweet way to end indoors in a US #11 7.89. 
  • Evan Ramdowski (Jr., Whitney Young) won a tactical 800 in 1:57.37.
  • Michael Papper (Sr., Glenbrook North) and 22-10 stood up early and he won his first indoor long jump title.
  • Zachery Bradford (So., Bloomington) is on his way to becoming the next big star in Illinois pole vault. The sophomore standout completes the indoor season in the #1 position clearing 16-0.
  • Lake Park shot putters go 1-2. Not a surprise. Dylan Scheirich and Chago Basso chugged the 12lb ball 57-10 and 57-9 respectively.