The Sandburg Eagles distance program arguably had the best ever one year calendar for an Illinois School, this one was winning the 4xmile national championship at New Balance Indoor Nationals (Kyle Brazeil photo)
4x800-
2016 State Champion: Orland Park Sandburg 7:37.36
Key returning teams: Prospect, York, Hinsdale Central, Chicago Whitney Young, E. St. Louis Sr., Naperville (Neuqua Valley), Downers Grove North, Wheaton-Warrenville South
Outlook by boys distance editor Ray Lewis:
The 3A 4x800 final was possibly the highlight of the entire state meet in 2016. OPRF and Sandburg went back and forth for the majority of the race before Sean Torpy's leg, which is when the Eagles began to pull away. Chris Torpy anchored the race and helped Sandburg destory Jacobs' previous state record.
There will surely be a new champion this year, as Sandburg's talent has graduated. All of the finalists from last year brought senior heavy teams so conjecture may be difficult but we can look to some of the usual players to be favorites.
Expect Lyons Township to field a strong 4x800 team. Vince Zona (Sr.) has been the Lions' rock in the 4x800 his career and he returns this year, along with Dan Palmer (Sr.), from last year's 6th place team. Lyons also can use their burgeoning superstar junior Danny Kilrea, especially if he elects to run the 1600 rather than the 3200. Look to Neuqua Valley for the same as well- they have an embarrassment of riches in their cross country pack, such as Jackson Jett (Sr.) and Jake McEneaney (Sr.). They will find their anchor in mid-distance specialist Isaiah Robinson (Sr.), who sports a 1:53.3 800 best as well as a 48.78 400. Robinson himself is in the discussion for the individual title.
Downers Grove (North) could be worth keeping an eye on. DGN reflected Neuqua's pack well and could produce a handful of dependable 800 guys for the relay, including Alec Danner (Sr.) and Jacob Ridderhoff (Jr.). The Trojans also return sub-2:00 runners Brendan Lockerby (Jr.) and Robert Falconer (Sr.) from the state qualifier last year. Lake Zurich could also find success in this event if they put their eggs in this basket- the top 4 punch of Matt Pereira (Sr.), Kyle Griffith (Sr.), Brian Griffith (Sr.) and Patrick Burns (Jr.) was the Bears' calling card the entire cross country season and could be a recipe for success. Cross country 5th place finishers Whitney Young returns 3 out of their 4 from last year's team that finished just .02 off the podium, as well (Clayton Mendez (Jr.), Evan Radomski (Sr.), Keduse Worku (Sr.), expect them to be in the mix with these others as well.
Other teams to watch: East St. Louis, York, Wheaton Warrenville South, Hinsdale Central
Top performances in 2016-
| RANK | TIME | TEAM | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7:37.36 | ||
| 2 | 7:41.48 | ||
| 3 | 7:43.56 | ||
| 4 | 7:45.80 | ||
| 5 | 7:46.30 | ||
| 6 | 7:51.00 | ||
| 7 | 7:51.11 | ||
| 8 | 7:51.41 | ||
| 9 | 7:51.93 | ||
| 10 | 7:52.44 |
East St. Louis Sr. won their record 10th 4x100 relay title, but first title since 2005
4x100-
2016 State Champion: E. St. Louis Senior 41.64
Key returning teams: ESL, Edwardsville, Plainfield North, Hoffman Estates, Minooka, South Elgin, Downers Grove North, Aurora (Metea Valley), Huntley, Bloomington
Outlook: The Flyers had to get the job done when they drop a fast time during the early part of the outdoor season. E. St. Louis Sr. ultimately won their 10th state relay crown- the most in Illinois history in terms of big class track. Though three very stout legs graduate, don't discount ESL who always seem to reload like a munitions factory. In order words, the next group of talented youngsters are waiting for their chance to perform at a high level. This event enjoyed a great year overall as nine teams broke 42.00. Ironically, none of the state final teams return more than two starting legs. Fortunately, we are in a midst of a time where individual talent abounds. The 100m has been strong in recent time and most short sprinters run relays with pride. One team that appears headed in the right direction is Plainfield North. The Tigers burned the track for a school record 41.72 at sectionals. They were destined to be on a high medals perch in Charleston. Unfortunately a butchered handoff on 3/4 exchange zone resulted in a disqualification. The Tigers will add speedy freshman Marcellus Moore to the mix. He will be a tremendous boost. Minooka, South Elgin, and even Edwardsville will have decisions to make when the state series arrive in May.
Top performances in 2016-
| RANK | TIME | TEAM | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 41.37 | ||
| 2 | 41.64 | ||
| 3 | 41.68 | ||
| 4 | 41.72 | ||
| 5 | 41.76 | ||
| 6 | 41.80 | ||
| 7 | 41.91 | ||
| 8 | 41.92 | ||
| 9 | 41.97 |