2017 Class 3A Girls Pre-Season Relays Preview

Who is going to be this year in the lead now that Lincoln Way East is out of the picture?

4x100m-

2016 State Champion: Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East) 46.86

Outlook:

Lincoln-Way East was a speeding bullet in this event over the past six years, picking up four state titles plus the state meet and all-time record (46.04). It may be a bit different this year without coach Angelo Brown. The supreme motivator sprint guru has parted ways from a program that he helped nurture for many seasons. So, who will be the next great cast of teams for the upcoming season? West Aurora immediately comes to mind. The Blackhawks missed the state final despite running a solid 48.84. Now they add super transfer Dajour Miles (formerly of Waubonsie Valley) to the mix. Miles is a former middle-school prodigy who matched up well against high schoolers two seasons ago. Despite missing out on last year's outdoor season as a freshman she still ran 11.91 legal wind for 100m. That alone puts one of the four returning Blackhawks off of the unit in prime time. Look for West Aurora to make a serious charge to the top of the charts.

Springfield placed 4th in the 3A state division and will remain intact. State 100m all-stater Ozzie Erewele (Jr.) along with two other legs will be tough again this season. The Senators should be the best team in talent rich Springfield. Despite losing anchor Hannah Willhite to graduation, Rock Island should once again be the team to beat in Western Illinois. The Rocs have been strong in this event for years and return three legs. Perhaps, the team to watch is O'Fallon. The Panthers had a wonderful year until their state prelim heat where they did not finish the race because of a botched baton exchange. It was all for not for the second best team in all of Illinois who ran 48.00. Granite City had a disaster too- getting disqualified in the state final after running a 3rd best 48.26. Fortunately for the Warriors they return three legs and the two freshmen are now experienced sophomores.

Homewood-Flossmoor is back with all four legs led by jumps extraordinare Jaimie Robinson (Sr.) who has gotten much faster with the leg speed. Other outstanding units to consider are Proviso West, Belleville West, Lincoln-Way East, Romeoville, Batavia, and Bolingbrook.

Top Performances in 2016- 

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