The buck starts and ends with Anna Sophia-
This classification has enjoyed the strong presence of distance running prowess courtesy of Anna Sophia Keller (Jr., Effingham St. Anthony). Keller was a star even before high school and now even bigger. Her lofty times have remained consistent over the past year despite some setbacks. Last spring Keller had a consistently sore hip common among girls who are growing from freshman to sophomore years. This year it has been a sore knee that doctors termed she has bursitis. But whatever ailment she has it can't stop Anna Sophia from being dominant. She has produced marks of 10:35.96 and 4:52.15- all in limited action among lightweight competition. The only person who could be a threat to Keller is Daly Galloway (Jr., Dwight). Galloway has always been in Keller's shadow- especially during the cross country season when she runs under the South Wilmington co-op name. It will take a coup to defeat Keller no matter what condition she is under. Colleen Madden (Sr., Carlinville) is steaming with confidence after winning the Top Times meet and producing a top five mark this spring.
The ladies choice in the 800m could fall to several candidates. Last year's state runner-up behind three-time champion Cassie Mundekis (Midwest Central) is Audrey Harrod (Jr., Hinckley Big Rock). Harrod is the sectional leader at 2:17.94. It is a small cushion over Lauren Evelti (Sr., Decatur St. Teresa) and a bigger one over classification leader Mariah Brodie (Sr., Illini West). Even Arielle Summit (So., Urbana U High) has to be taken seriously now that she is healthy. It will all take shape during the prelims and the top seeded person may be the one standing tall on Saturday.