The Century will feature some of the same top performances as last year
100m-
2016 State Champion: Adam Nelson (Triad) 10.72 [+2.3]
Key returners: Mitch West (Sr., Lombard Montini Catholic), Israel Adeoti (Sr., Plano), Najee Syvester (Sr., Country Club Hills Hillcrest), Tyler Higgins (Sr., Highland), Romell Clark (Jr., Chicago Dunbar), Trayvon Ross (Sr., Chicago Dunbar)
Outlook: It doesn't matter that only three all-staters are back. The main threat is 3rd placer Mitch West. The football standout is ready to take his talent up a notch and reach for a something big like sub 10.60. His coach Christian Korfist is a well known speed coach who uses some elaborate techniques in improving his athletes. Some of you have gotten familiar with glute activation and other methods over the past several seasons. There are almost a dozen sub 11.00 performers back. Tyler Higgins, the 2015 state 400 champ, ran 10.81 but missed on Saturday Charleston festivities. Dunbar HS has a pair of speedsters in Romell Clark and Trayvon Ross. They may become the best duo in the state this season. Israel Adeoti will be much improved as well.
Top returning performances-
| RANK | TIME | WIND | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10.70 | 2017 | |||
| 2 | 10.81 | 2017 | |||
| 3 | 10.82 | 2017 | |||
| 4 | 10.86 | 2018 | |||
| 5 | 10.91 | 2017 |
This lasting image from Aaron Harris could be bestowed upon another emerging Lisle sprinter this year
400m-
2016 State Champion: Aaron Harris (Lisle) 48.97
Key returners: Tyler Higgins (Sr., Highland), Dearis Herron (Sr., Springfield Lanphier), Chris Ferguson-Scott (Sr., Mascoutah), Chris Stanley (Sr., Cahokia)
Outlook: Despite running a classification best 49.09 the 2015 state champion Tyler Higgins could not recover and stay healthy on a consistent basis. If he is healthy this season then expect to see the 48.29 type of Higgins everyone was accustomed to. Dearis Herron may be part of resurgent force at Springfield Lanphier. He placed third at state a year ago. A newcomer on the scene to watch out for is Lisle senior Isaiah Hunter. Hunter is running the 1-lapper for the first time this season. He has already run 50.38 during the pre season part of the indoor campaign and will only get better.
Top returning performances-
| RANK | TIME | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 49.09 | 2017 | ||
| 2 | 49.53 | 2017 | ||
| 3 | 49.72 | 2018 | ||
| 4 | 49.80 | 2017 | ||
| 5 | 49.82 | 2017 |
The 200 could be the most wide open event in Illinois this season
200m-
2016 State Champion: Aaron Harris 22.17 [-2.3]
Key returners: Mitch West (Sr., Montini), Trayvon Ross, Tyler Higgins, Tristan Blair, Najee Sylvester, Bret Dannis (Jr., St. Bede)
Outlook: Mitch West returns as the lone ranger from the state meet. His 5th place finish does not make him the best by any stretch. This may be the most open event on the docket. Several top sprinters may opt for the relay and ditch the half lapper if team points are not a factor down the stretch. It will be a wait and see approach here.
Top returning performances-
| RANK | TIME | WIND | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 21.95 | 2017 | |||
| 2 | 21.97 | 2017 | |||
| 3 | 22.09 | 2017 | |||
| 4 | 22.23 | 2017 | |||
| 5 | 22.45 | 2017 |