Camron Harrel of Bradley-Bourbonnais is one the featured sprinters of the new era
100m-
2016 State Champion: Josh Eiker (Galesburg) 10.48 [+2.3]
Key returners: Camron Harrell (Sr., Bradley Bourbonnais), Cary Lockhart (Sr., Bloomington), Declan Rustay (Jr., Hoffman Estates), Ayo Abiona (Sr., Orland Park Sandburg)
Outlook: The pied piper Josh Eiker's classification move up was a success. He helped usher in a new era of fast sprinting. Declan Rustay absolutely came out of no where last year. The then sophomore had an incredible state meet series in both the 100 and 200. His 10.46 (prelims) was one of the fastest times in IHSA history to not be a state champion. Rustay's prognosis should be A+ rating after the two top speedsters gone off to college in Eiker and Derrius Rodgers. It may take another 10.46 to 10.50 to win the state title. Cary Lockhart will look to rebound from a junior year that has to be characterized as fair and inconsistent. Despite running 10.53 Lockhart was not considered a true threat. Then he went to lay an egg in the state final. Don't expect such a talented young man to finish last again... you all better watch out for the freshman phenom Marcellus Moore of Plainfield North. This young man ran some amazing middle school times as a member of Thomas Boatright's Aurora Flyers Track Club. He has now been delivered to esteemed Plainfield North head Tony Holler. Indeed, the 100 is going to be a very exciting event to follow all season!
Top returning performances-
| RANK | TIME | WIND | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10.46 | 2018 | |||
| 2 | 10.53 | 2017 | |||
| 3 | 10.68 | 2.3 | 2017 | ||
| 4 | 10.71 | 2017 | |||
| 5 | 10.72 | 2017 | |||
| 6 | 10.79 | 2018 |
Brad Garron of Evanston returns as the top overall 400m ace in Illinois
400m-
2016 State Champion: Octavian Wells (Fox Lake Grant) 47.39
Key returners: Brad Garron (Sr., Evanston), Avery Lyons (Sr., Bloomington), Deante Anderson (Jr., E. St. Louis Sr.), Cameron Ruiz (Sr., Lakes), Brandon Adams (Jr., Minooka)
Outlook: Brad Garron is the lead returner and the only long sprinter under 48 seconds. Being from Evanston means serious business in this track game. Garron is as serious as they come when he laces up the spikes. He ran club track for TNT in the off season to work on raw speed. Can he get under 47 seconds this year? It is possible but factors like competition and weather have to be favorable. One competitor looking to push Garron this season is Brandon Adams. As a sophomore, Adams ran on relays quite a bit behind some experienced teammates. His confidence soared during the summer track season when he raced against man child Tyrese Cooper of Florida. Adams is at least ticketed for the 47s this year if not better. Deante Anderson ran on some record setting ESL relays last year. Look for him to star solo this spring. Cameron Ruiz made the state final and finished 6th showing his speed endurance. He of course is ready to dip under 48 seconds. Avery Lyons is another one to watch out for.
Top returning performances-
| RANK | TIME | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 47.72 | 2017 | ||
| 2 | 48.49 | 2018 | ||
| 3 | 48.50 | 2018 | ||
| 4 | 48.55 | 2017 | ||
| 5 | 48.58 | 2017 | ||
| 6 | 48.77 | 2017 | ||
| 7 | 48.78 | 2017 | ||
| 8 | 48.85 | 2017 | ||
| 9 | 48.93 | 2017 |
It just may be Declan Rustay's year when it's all said and done
200m-
2016 State Champion: Josh Eiker (Galesburg) 21.66 [-3.9]
Key returners: Declan Rustay (Jr., Hoffman Estates), Brad Garron (Jr., Minooka), Ayo Abiona (Sr., Sandburg), Cary Lockhart (Sr., Bloomington),
Outlook: An incredible year led by Josh Eiker going under 21.00 set up a great senior class. Unfortunately, no records were set at the state meet and no one other than Eiker broke 22.00 in the final. An incredible headwind thwarted what would have been. There is only one returning and that the speedy Century man Declan Rustay. Rustay bust on the unexpected and earned a spot in the state championship. It appears a long season and tactical. Rustay was probably starstruck a bit because he finished last. He will be more than determined this season. Although a ton of seniors graduated their are some solid speed demons from the regular season returning. Cary Lockhart is a former threat in this event. Look for his long awaited return. Let's also add in freshman Marcellus Moore who ran a wind legal 22.01 as an 8th grader. He would have been an all-stater last season with the same coaching environment high school athletes have.
Top returning performers-
| RANK | TIME | WIND | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 21.70 | 2018 | |||
| 2 | 21.71 | 2017 | |||
| 3 | 21.77 | 2017 | |||
| 4 | 21.79 | 2017 | |||
| 5 | 21.81 | 2017 | |||
| 6 | 21.83 | 2017 | |||
| 7 | 22.02 | 2018 |