Curtis Gordon was the winner of the 2016 Illinois Top Times pole vault title
The field events arena should be fun once more for fans to explore this season, especially in the high jump. It is probably the only event that is on par with the 3A classification in terms of matching big performances and depth. The discus and pole vault will be of special interest as well. Sit back and see how things transpire in 2017.
Events: Pole Vault, Long Jump, High Jump, Shot Put, Triple Jump, Discus Throw
Curtis Gordon post-Illinois Top Times interview in 2016
Pole Vault-
2016 State Champion: Curtis Gordon (Sr., Vandalia) 16-0
Key returners: Curtis Gordon, Andrew McWhorter (Sr., Teutopolis), Thomas McGinnis (Sr., Peoria Christian), Blake Hubbard (Jr., Carlinville), Jacob Weinreich (Sr., Seneca), Andrew Glynn (Sr., Staunton)
Season outlook: The University of Illinois landed a prized recruit in Curtis Gordon. Gordon also happens to be a great short hurdler with state title aspirations on track. As one of the nation's top returning vaulters, Gordon is destined to meet great heights this season. HIs all-time best 16-0 was achieved at the perfect time at the end of last spring. The expections will be hitting the 16-foot barrier during the indoor campaign and then magical outdoor 17-foot mark sometime outside. There are no other returning vaulters who have cleared 15-feet. Andrew McWhorter and Thomas McGinnis are the other top returners who cleared 14-feet.
Top performances of 2016-
| RANK | MARK | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16-0 | 2017 | ||
| 2 | 14-3 | 2017 | ||
| 3 | 14-0 | 2017 | ||
| 4 | 13-6 | 2018 |
Long Jump-
2016 State Champion: Nick Schultz (Sr., Gibson City- Melvin-Sibley) 22-5 [+2.6]
Key returners: Nick Schulz, Jaylon Bester (Sr., Belleville Althoff Catholic), Jacadia Wright (Decatur St. Teresa), Jordan Smith (Jr., Shelbyville), Connor Artman (Jr., Illini West)
Season outlook: Defending state champ Nick Schultz is back to defend his title against a solid field. Schultz, a wizard in three events, surprised many because he did not attempt a long jump competition since the 7th grade. Schultz asked his coach to enter him in the team's conference meet and he won. It was the ultimate confidence going into the state meet which ultimately proved victorious over a talented field. The main threat to watch has to be Jaylon Bester. Bester is one of the top football running backs in the state and has committed to play at Miami of Ohio University. He should be extra motivated to improve on a dismal 11th place finish at state. Bester, who was ranked #1 headed into Charleston last spring, indicated that he had a bad day. "I'm trying to break 24-feet this year in the long jump," Bester said. Jordan Smith and Connor Artman were all-staters last season and will look to move up the food chain this year.
Top performances of 2016-
| RANK | MARK | WIND | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22-7 | 2017 | |||
| 2 | 22-5 | 2.6 | 2017 | ||
| 3 | 22-3.25 | 2018 | |||
| 4 | 22-0.5 | 2018 |
High Jump-
2016 State Champion: Tyler Owen (Georgetown-Ridge Farm) 6-10
Key returners: Nick Schultz (Sr., GCMS), Jace Norman (Jr., Illini West), Adam Mille (Sr., Pana), Devin Yocum (Jr., Bushnell), Quinn Halverson (Sr., Rockford Christian), Cameron Getz (Jr., Meridian), Caleb Vogel (Sr., Duquoin), Tristan Tewes (So., Pleasant Plaines), Dawson Schulenberg (So., Orion)
Season outlook: This event could be among the strongest on the docket with seven state finalists returning. Although there are no potential 7-footers on the horizon as in past years, there are seven all staters back which means depth and competitiveness. Long jump state champion Nick Schultz is actually in his best event and he will do anything in his power for a state title. His personal best 6-7 could be stretched to 6-10 on a career day. Look for fellow 6-7 jumper Jace Norman to compete with Schulz. Norman lost on more misses which resulted in a 4th place finish at state.
Top perfomances of 2016-
| RANK | MARK | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6-7 | 2017 | ||
| 1 | 6-7 | 2018 | ||
| 3 | 6-5 | 2017 | ||
| 4 | 6-4 | 2018 | ||
| 4 | 6-4 | 2017 | ||
| 4 | 6-4 | 2017 | ||
| 4 | 6-4 | 2018 |