2017 Class 2A Boys Pre-Season Field Events Preview

We are all going to miss these iconic images from Ja'mari Ward (IAAF photo credit)


Long Jump-

2016 State Champion: Darryl Sullivan (Marion) 23-1  [+2.1]

Key returners: Myles Aldridge (Sr., Normal University), Dearis Herron (Sr., Springfield Lanphier), Michael Smith (Sr., Mattoon), Nathan Graves (Sr., Rockford Alleman), Anthony Pasquesi (Sr., Oak Park Fenwick), Theo Phipps (Sr., Chicago St. Rita)

Outlook: This once plentiful and talented rich event will now see transition. The top seven pillars graduated leaving a big hole to fill. Michael Smith placed 12th at state last year but returns as the top overall jumper in terms of performance. Smith is the sole performer who has jumped over 22-feet indoors and outside. He will be motivated on producing a more consistent season that ultimately may end as heir apparent to Ward. Myles Aldridge placed 7th leaving him as top man back from state. Add in Anthony Pasquesi and Dearis Herron for stability. Perhaps we will see Theo Phipps brought back to life after a solid indoor season before disappering outside. Phipps leaped to a 21-5.5 leaving him with the second best indoor performer returning.

Top returning performances- 



Kacper Jaskowski is looking for big things in 2017 as far as the vault is concerned

Pole Vault-

2016 State Champion: Arthur Atwell (Geneseo) 15-0

Key returners: Jared Trupp (Sr., Burlington Central), Kacper Jaskowski (Sr., Vernon Hills), Alec Morrissey (Jr., Effingham), Kyle Kruthhoff (So., Erie), Danny Walker (Sr., Kaneland), Daniel Martin (Sr., Belvidere)

Outlook: Jared Trupp returns as top vaulter with #8 ranking across all classifications. Trupp proved himself as a consistent 14-foot performer last year. Now it's time to make improvements and get past the 15-foot barrier. There will be room to improve for the next flock of hungry vaulters. Although no else has cleared 14-0 there is talent in the mix like Kyle Kruthoff. Kruthoff won the IESA title two seasons ago. Watch for the youngster to take the next step toward stardom.

Key returning performances- 


Who is going to be the next high jump star in 2017?


High Jump-

2016 State Champion: Darryl Sullivan (Marion) 7-1.5

Key returners: A'Jonte Lee (Jr., Springfield Lanphier), Nicholas Jackson (Sr., Champaign Central), Jonathan Decker (Jr., Tolono Unity), Ethan Posten (Jr., Metamora), Will Maidment (Sr., Woodstock)

Outlook: Only four all staters are back from a great event overall where two leapers scaled over 7-feet and rated in the top 10. Darryl Sullivan soared 7-4 for US #3, IL #3 all-time and the #20 performer in US history! In addition, Sullivan had seven meets where he cleared the 7-foot barrier. We may never see this again during our generation folks... A'Jonte Lee and Nicholas Jackson are rated co #1's with 6-6 clearings. Jackson is the outright top returner from indoor season.  Jackson took 4th which also makes him his marks higher than the rest of the field. There are a slew of characters at 6-4 looking to move up. 

Key returning performances-