Cahokia set the tone for the relays sweep at state with an impressive win in the 4x800
4x8 preview by Ray Lewis
4x800-
2016 State Champion: Cahokia, 8:00.03
2016 State Leader: Cahokia, 7:55.80
Season Outlook: Since I graduated from high school (which was May 2013), there have only been THREE relay finals that Cahokia has NOT won, which means they have won nine of the 12 relays run, which includes the previous two 4x800 finals. The Comanches' relay team surely will include veterans Chris Stanley (Sr.) and Gabriel Guffey (Sr.), who return from last year's winning team. The squad that Cahokia beat at the line last year, however, Geneseo, returns all four of their runners from last year. The 2016 team 800 best belonged to Nick Swartzendruber (Jr.), who led the way for Nathan Soria (Sr.), Andrew Benhart (Sr.), and anchor Cayson Frerichs (Sr.). A gutsy led by Frerichs came up just short of Tyran Lyons (Cahokia), which should leave a sour taste in the mouths of the most experienced team returning from last year's final (the only one without a senior).
The story of cross country in 2A this year, however, was the pack of Mahomet-Seymour. The Bulldogs finished 7th in last year's final, and Riley Fortune (Jr.), Ryan Hodge (Jr.) and Ben Craw (Sr.) are the returning runners from the 4x800 last year. The Bulldogs will have an immense amount of depth to use in the 4x800 and this entire varsity team now has experience running at the national level, which could prove to be a great benefit. Another team to watch could be Normal (University), whose 4x800 squad was disqualified last year but returns three of their runners, including all stater Jared Schuckman (Jr.). Although it is likely that Jack Franklin runs the 3200, the Pioneers do have him at their disposal and could make for a dangerous 4x800 team.
Other teams to keep an eye out for include Jake Gillum's Metamora Redbirds, Vernon Hills (anchored by Tim Krashevsky), Taylorville (6th last year, returns ¾), and Maple Park (Kaneland).
There will be some good 4x800 competition indoors, but expect most of the fastest times of the season, including most all sub-8:00 performances, to occur during the outdoor season. Last year, only Cahokia managed to run sub-8:00. Expect several more performances than that in 2017.
Top performances in 2016-
| RANK | TIME | TEAM | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7:55.80 | ||
| 2 | 8:00.71 | ||
| 3 | 8:02.22 | ||
| 4 | 8:02.45 | ||
| 5 | 8:02.65 |
Mitch West and Montini will be focused on winning the 4x1 this season
4x100m-
2016 State Champion: Cahokia 42.29
Outlook: It was a startling scene at the finish line when Cahokia won this event without their star Ja'mari Ward. Ward was rendered to manager duties because of injury. Perhaps his inability to compete was the necessary ingredient for the Comanches to focus and move on. This season the Comanches appear to be in excellent shape again. That so-called "B-Team" will now be the A-Team with three parts returning. If Cahokia abandons the 4x8 in prime time, regular Chris Stanley could be moved here. Another team to watch out for is Montini. The Broncos came into the final with the #2 seed but was disqualified for a lane violation. Mitch West was seething mad afterwards. Thankfully for he and his mates who return will have another opportunity in 2017 to redeem themselves.
Top Performances in 2016-
| RANK | TIME | TEAM | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 42.03 | ||
| 2 | 42.29 | ||
| 3 | 42.34 | ||
| 4 | 42.52 | ||
| 5 | 42.66 |
The Reapers led Israel Adeoti look to return as the best quartet this season
4x200m-
2016 State Champion: Chicago Morgan Park 1:27.62
Outlook: The champion Mustangs got another relay title for the Chicago League before setting sail with all four starters. The next best unit has to be state runner up Plano. The Reapers have individual threat Israel Adeoti on their side along with three returners. Adeoti may have additional duties this season because he is a year stronger and more implications for his team will be on the line. Montini of course will have another reason to be mad and motivated with all four legs back including Mitch West. The Broncos finished last in the final. And last but not least is Cahokia. The Comanches had the fastest time in 2A last year but gave up the running their A team at state for the better of the program. Cahokia will return as a force once again this season.
Top performances in 2016-
| RANK | TIME | TEAM | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1:27.37 | ||
| 2 | 1:27.57 | ||
| 3 | 1:28.60 | ||
| 4 | 1:28.96 | ||
| 5 | 1:28.99 |
Expect the Showstopper to be a fun and competitive event again all season long
4x400-
2016 State Champion: Cahokia 3:20.54
Outlook: Cahokia imprinted a lasting touch on the 2016 state championship in that relays played a huge part of their success. Coach Leroy Millsap would not allow his kids to let selfishness or ego to come into play while in Charleston. The 4x4 though was an event the Camanches are best at and they saved their best here in defeating a good Rochelle team. Despite the graduation of steady anchor Tyran Lyons, Cahokia will be back for more in 2017 with a group of somebodies. Geneseo could impose a very serious threat with all four legs back from a 4th place team. Thornridge was young with two freshmen legs but experience followed three returners from a 7th place state team will be a factor. Peoria Manual is also a tough group back with three starters.
Top performances in 2016-
| RANK | TIME | TEAM | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3:19.34 | ||
| 2 | 3:21.82 | ||
| 3 | 3:21.90 | ||
| 4 | 3:22.78 | ||
| 5 | 3:22.85 | ||
| 6 | 3:22.90 | ||
| 7 | 3:22.91 |