Mahomet-Seymour senior Alex Keeble will have one more shot at a state title
2A Boys will be eyeful to watch if you like distance races (preview by Ray Lewis- @raymilesplitil; raymond.j.lewis@vanderbilt.edu
3200-
Those who watched the 2A 3200m last year may think they are watching the 2015 race on DVR-many of the same players will be factors on Saturday, including the top finishers. Colin DeYoung (Sr., Lansing (Illiana Christian) will run to defend his 2015 state title and brings his Palatine Distance Night win 9:13.65 in as 2A #2. Last year's #3, Luke Beattie (Sr., Woodstock), is this year's classification leader (9:10.70), and has the fastest sectional qualifier. Alex Keeble (Sr., Mahomet (M.-Seymour)) was runner up and owns the #3 time in 9:16.42. Two names to keep a close eye on as well are Evan Mitchell (Jr., New Lenox (Lincoln-Way West)) and Jack Franklin (Jr., Normal (University)). Both are juniors coming off a strong cross country campaign, and will look to ride recent 3200 success into the pack with the other seniors, especially Mitchell who finished runner-up to Keeble at PDF (9:13.85). Also watch for Matt Stelmasek (Sr., Johnsburg), Zach Mesplay (Sr., Monticello) and red-hot Michael King (Sr., Glen Ellyn (Glenbard South)) who took his 3200 PR down almost 20 seconds to qualify out of his home sectional.
1600-
Get excited for a packed race with many contenders, and the winner likely breaking from the pack in a last second kick. Matt Carr (Sr., Limestone) has the fastest time in 2A this year (4:20.02) but only barely over Seth Williams (Sr., Rock Falls, 4:20.74) and Jake Gillum (Jr., Metamora, 4:20.83). A year ago, Williams had run under 4:38 only once, while Gillum had run under that 21 times. Still, their paths cross with Carr and these 4:20 runners with very different racing styles will battle it out, but will also be followed closely behind by many others. Matt Stelmasek, Alex Keeble, Evan Mitchell and Jack Franklin may all elect to try the 3200/1600 double and all have run 4:25 or faster. Ben Flowers (Jr., Jerseyville), a possible favorite for next year, will be fresh and is the 2A #5. Jacob Gebhart (So., Sterling) could be a 2018 favorite and ran a personal best to qualify with the fourth best time (4:22.35). Andrew Warnes (Sr., Tolono (Unity)) and Nick Wondaal (Sr., Lansing (Illiana Christian)) are senior leaders on championship-level teams, and will want to claim team points as well as individual glory as well (both also have run 4:23).
800-
The favorite in this race has to be super sophomore Josh Cable (Rochester). We saw glimpses of Cable's potential as a freshman last year (5th place in the 2015 800 race), and this year's Central State 8 meet saw Cable dragged to a 1:53.25 2A #1, right behind Springfield senior Heath Warren. Cable is running only the 800 and can add an exclamation point to a breakout season with a win right here. The likely challengers include Tim Krashevsky (Jr., Vernon Hills), who is the top returner from last year's final and whose 1:55.69 is the 2A #2. Last year, Cable was also edged out by Sean Zerrusen (Sr., Effingham) in the final; Zerrusen is the #3 qualifier with 1:55.75 at the Champaign Central sectional. Gavin Hartley (Sr., Benton) has broken out this outdoor season and enters with the #2 qualifier (1:55.73). The other all-state positions are left up for grabs in a very competition field, but the following athletes look to be the runners to watch this coming weekend: Andrew Warnes, Nick Harvey (Sr., Burlington (Central)), Jacob Bonanotte (Sr., Arlington Heights (St. Viator)), and Drew Wilkerson (Jr., Freeberg). Interesting to note is that no freshman qualified for the semifinal round this year.