4x800m-
2016 State Champion: Washington 9:31.01
Outlook: Washington appears to be in the midst of a mini dynasty with two state titles over the past three years. The Lady Panthers are poised to be the best overall team as all four legs are back: Kassidy Dexheimer (Sr.), Taylor Widder (Jr.), Josie Hermann (Jr.), Hailey Tranchitella (Sr.). Dexheimer and Tranchitella were on the first championship as freshmen. Tranchitella has positioned herself as an individual threat in the 800 and if she decides to opt out of the relay, the coaching staff can add McKenna Blackorby (Jr.). Blackorby ran in the prelims last year which on a subliminal level it could mean Washington would be a state title threat in 2018 as well. As far as any competition in the field, there are a few teams who could challenge. Vernon Hills has a strong distance program but will have to replace two legs. Lauren Katz (Jr.) has now blossomed into one of the top distance runners in the state. There is a chance for her to run the 3200 at a high level this season. Highland returns three legs and should be incredibly strong this season. Of course state team title threats Kaneland and Dunlap are among the elite in this field once again. They finished 7th and 2nd respectively in the cross country state meet. Dunlap could be the best overall team with its ability to move kids around because of tremendous depth.
Top performances in 2016-
| ANK | TIME | TEAM | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9:31.01 | ||
| 2 | 9:40.69 | ||
| 3 | 9:41.35 | ||
| 4 | 9:42.12 | ||
| 5 | 9:42.33 | ||
| 6 | 9:43.07 |
The always tough Springfield Southeast program netted another state title among headhunters
4x100m-
2016 State Champion: Springfield Southeast 48.15
Outlook: There were many pundits who overlooked Springfield Southeast but they were able to come out and win another state title. However, let's count out the Spartans again. It will be incredibly tough to replace jumpers/sprinters Alexis Henry and Jamari Drake. Their versatility was unmatched for coach Barb Montgomery. Kaneland could move into a top spot with three strong legs back. The Knights had some quality depth last year that many folks did not know of. Nicole Sreenan (Sr.) anchored the state runner-up squad that came within inches of winning it all. Cahokia returns back three legs as well as the fastest time and Mariya Hudson (Sr.). Hudson could be shifted out of the relays and back in the pit at season's end for state points. She was a 19-foot long jumper a few seasons ago. Dunlap is another program that run under 48.30 and they return all four legs.
Top performances in 2016-
| 1 | 47.80 | ||
| 2 | 48.13 | ||
| 3 | 48.15 | ||
| 4 | 48.21 | ||
| 5 | 48.42 | ||
| 6 | 48.49 | ||
| 6 | 48.49 |
Rich South ran away from Dunlap in last year's state championship 4x2 relay
4x200m-
2016 State Championship: Richton (Rich South) 1:41.98
Outlook: Addition by subtraction... the defending champions return two of a unit that rated #3 overall in the state (all classes) and #3 in the south suburbs of Chicago. These are factors that enable programs to stay on top of their game. The two legs in tow could add their best overall sprinter Likkaya Keys (Jr.) if she agrees to give up her 400m individual dreams. But there is also talk of Keys making a serious attempt of running the 300H. There are some decisions to be made once May gets here. If Keys eyes a gold medal, then you better count the Stars in for that spot on the top of the podium in Charleston. Regardless of who is in any other team's lineup, the team to watch for and be concerned with is Dunlap. The Eagles were a young bunch last year and not quite ready for the big time lights. They will be this time around with Kiara Pauli (So.) leading the charge. And word has it they add more middle school superstars. If anything they will be good decoys and depth when the championship season arrives. Cahokia may produce the fastest time in Illinois if Mariya Hudson runs a few races in relay meets. The Comanches clocked 1:42.98- their season best without Hudson. Kaneland is in the same boat as Cahokia because the only chance top speedster Nicole Sreenan will contribute here is in invitationals. Don't forget about state finalists Morgan Park, Vernon Hills, and Westinghouse. They will be back in force again this season.
Top performances in 2016-
| 1 | 1:41.98 | ||
| 2 | 1:42.38 | ||
| 3 | 1:42.93 | ||
| 4 | 1:42.98 | ||
| 5 | 1:43.29 | ||
| 6 | 1:43.57 | ||
| 7 | 1:43.74 | ||
| 8 | 1:43.99 |
Kaneland needed point the 4x400 relay offered last year for a team state championship
4x400m-
2016 State Championship: Maple Park (Kaneland) 3:56.16
Outlook: It was all drama in Charleston last year Cahokia's Mariya Hudson won the 200m. It meant Kaneland had to win the "showstopper" outright if they wanted a share of the state championship. Thankfully a gamble inserting Allie Heinzer in the 200 prior to the state series vs. top sprinter Nicole Sreenan. Sreenan was safe and relatively fresh for the showdown. Heinzer took 4th in the penultimate race which set the stage for a classic race. It was a close one against challengers Springfield Southeast and Rich South, but the cushion that Sreenan and her teammates built for anchor Jamie Martens was too much to overcome. Martens held strong and the tears of joy streamed long and hard for the Knights program... Kaneland will be strong again this season with three legs returning including Sreenan. Rich South is adding some replacements as word on the street tells it. It will be interesting if the Stars can put a wrinkle in the plans of the favorites this year. Dunlap will once again be strong and may be wrapping up their state championship team hopes by the time this event concludes.
Top performances in 2016-
| RANK | TIME | TEAM | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3:56.15 | ||
| 2 | 3:57.75 | ||
| 3 | 3:58.04 | ||
| 4 | 3:58.93 |