Check out the top returning boys cross country teams in the state of Illinois based on scoring the top 7 returnees' fastest 3 mile times on each squad from last fall's cross country season.
The relays are a risky business but at the same time can yield high rewards. They are fun to watch as well can be big point gainers for teams who are powerful.
There are some major changes for the major league classification... some athletes will come and go from 3A. Some of the returning faces that we have grown accustomed to will remain strong. There will be a few surprises that will enhance the love our sport.
The life blood of the sport field events experienced another solid year last season from top to bottom. The action was highlighted by the exploits of AJ Epneza (Edwardsville) in the Discus Throw, setting an IHSA sophomore record. We expect another great season to be had in 2016.
A great era of sprinting, particularly short speeding has come to an end. If you recall, it arguably started with "The Franchise" better known as Aaliyah Brown of Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East)....
At last summer's World Youth Trials Championship held at Illinois Benedictine University in Lisle, several onlookers openly remarked "these two young ladies need to compete against other all season long." As awesome as that sounded, it was remote at best. Both Jaimie Robinson and Lajarvia Brown were reigning and undefeated state champions coming into the summer season.
Last year's sprints and hurdles model was pretty cut and dry. It was then junior Josh Eiker of Galesburg ruling the dashes and Lucas Ege from Burlington Central sweeping the hurdles races
We already know the dominance of Cahokia and their significance in Illinois track and field history. The Comanches have simply been the most dominant program in Illinois regardless of classification. One of the reasons why is relays.
The 2A field is expected to be stronger than ever this season
The Cahokia dynasty has derived over the span of ten years and counting. One of the caveats in the racking up of 10 trophies are the field events.
As we move up the chain to 3A the firepower and talent in the speed category really begins to show its head
No matter how you try and spin it, distance running in high school is enormously popular. Shoe companies love high school kids who run fast and courageous
The field events have been many times looked upon as an after thought in the track and field world.
Relays in 2A will be strong as it is in other classifications. A few teams from 1A and 3A move in to add some quality depth.
We don't mean to sound repetitive but 2016 could be Jon, Davis, Jon Davis, Jon Davis....
Last year we noted the landscape of Class A sprinting is going to be even more different than last year due to heavy graduation. But guess what? The five events somehow quickly reloaded an produced a solid year. Yet again a ton of state performances exited.
The relay scene will be just about the same as it was last year in terms of production and notoriety. You can expect to see many of the familiar returning state individual event runners competing in multiple relays. Can Arcola repeat in the 4x1, 4x4, and move up in the 4x2?
The field events arena should be fun for fans to explore this season, especially in the high jump with senior Noah Adams attempting to leap over 7-0 in every big competition he explores.
What do you think are the bread and butter of track and field are?
There will be familiar faces coming back and those who will be moving up in classification. While it is hard sometimes predicting outlooks for relays, it is comforting to know if a perennially strong team has at least two legs returning, it is much easier to diagram. Who will replace 4x8 champ Tolono Unity? Can Luther North of Chicago be defeated?
You can say whatever you want about Class A distance running in terms of quality, depth, and excitement. It may very well be true that big classification will garner most of the attention in the headlines.
The key to winning championships is getting the jump on the competition early. And most times early means before the track events are underway. The often overlooked field events can be a coaching staff's best friend particularly if they have solid jumpers who can use those events as a warm up for the track. Vaulters and throwers have to be factored in too.
Cahokia senior Ja'Mari Ward returns as US#1 leaper in the triple and long jump; Sam Sikon aims at improving on his 60-footer in the shot put; ryan ashenbremer was state leader with 16-5 in the pole vault
The indoor track scene in Illinois is not as intense as it is on the east coast, but it is pretty competitive. The times of our top flock bears proof when the final tallies are handed in.