2014 Class A Boys Pre-Season Field Events Preview

The Class A field events arena had been a strong suit for the classification in recent years with some very impressive performances that have rocked the national consciousness.  That claim will more than likely slow down with the graduation of Kyle Landon (Chester). Landon was ranked among the very best in the country in the high jump with 7-0 efforts indoors and out last  year.  It may be just the Adam Coulon show in the pole vault all season long.

Long Jump-    
2013 State Champion: Kyle Landon (Chester) 22-1.75
Key returners: Micheal Randall (Sr., Knoxville), Marcus Sitko (Jr., Staunton), Bjoern Adden (Sr., Pleasant Plains), Austin Wenskunas (Sr., Argenta-Oreana)
Outlook:.Micheal Randall is the classification’s top returner with his third place in the state final with a leap of 21-8.25.  But in terms of numbers, one would need to look toward football standout Marcus Sitko who has the top returning mark of 22-6.25. Sitko placed fourth in the state last May.
 

Rank Mark Athlete Name Team C/O Date Meet
1. 22-0 Micheal Randall Knoxville Senior High School 2014 04/22/2013 Redstorm Relays
2. 21-10.75 Martel Hunter Monmouth-Roseville High School 2014 04/26/2013 Tiger Relays
3. 21-9.75 Anthony Flemming Auburn High School 2014 05/10/2013 Northern Illinois Conference (NIC-10) Championships (Boys)
4. 21-5.75 Marcus Sitko Staunton High School 2015 05/25/2013 IHSA Boys State Track & Field Championship
5. 21-3.5 Corey Kersey Neoga High School 2015 04/05/2013 Arthur Invitational
6. 21-3 Austi Wenskunas Argenta-Oreana High School 2014 05/25/2013 IHSA Boys State Track & Field Championship
7. 21-1.5 Dylan Troyer Eureka High School 2015 04/26/2013 Eureka Invitational
8. 20-10 Brett Charlton Eureka High School 2015 04/26/2013 Eureka Invitational
9. 20-4.75 Sylvester Pydych St. Benedict High School 2014 04/19/2013 Elmwood Park Tiger Classic
10. 20-4.5 Andrew Frazer Chester High School 2015 04/24/2013 Monroe/ Randolph Bi- County Meet
11. 20-4.5 Philip Fox Peoria Christian High School 2015 04/26/2013 Dragon Invitational
12. 20-4.25 Bailey Bachman Eureka High School 2016 04/06/2013 Metamora Co-Ed Invitational
13. 20-3.25 Alger Saldana Central Camp Point High School 2015 05/25/2013 IHSA Boys State Track & Field Championship
14. 20-1.5 Brady Rude Newman Central Catholic High School 2016 05/17/2013 1A Bureau Valley Sectional (Boys)
15. 20-1 Collin Aimone Hall High School 2014 05/17/2013 1A Bureau Valley Sectional (Boys)
16. 20-0.75 Gabe Mckinley El Paso-Gridley High School 2015 04/26/2013 Eureka Invitational
17. 20-0.5 Zack Lewis Newton High School 2015 05/11/2013 Shelbyville Open
18. 20-0 Tyler Rubarts Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School 2014 04/26/2013 Spartan Classic
19. 20-0 Jayden Kaiser Unity High School 2016 04/26/2013 Spartan Classic
20. 20-0 Max Balagna Farmington High School 2015 04/29/2013 Monmouth-Roseville Titan Invitational


Pole Vault-
2013 State Champion: Adam Coulon (So., Downs Tri-Valley) 15-9
Key returners: Coulon, Jack Denby (Sr., Carlinville), Riley Smith (Jr., Casey-Westfield), Brandon Tolliver-Goode (Sr.), Caleb Niemann (Sr., Litchfield).
Outlook: When it comes to five-star pole vaulters, Adam Coulon’s name has to be at the top of the list. He met all expectations upon entering high school when he won the state title in his first attempt as well as producing another age group record of 16-2.  So it appears that the sky is indeed the limit for Mr. Coulon.  Can he get up near the elusive 17-foot stratosphere by the end of the season? Jack Denby will be hopping mad after being a chief competitor to Coulon but he ended his season on a very sour note by NH at state.  He will be seeing 16-foot stars in his eyes this season.
 

Rank Mark Athlete Name Team C/O Date Meet
1. 16-2 Adam Coulon Tri-Valley High School 2016 06/07/2013 AAU Area 14A National Qualifier
2. 15-6 Jack Denby Carlinville High School 2014 06/07/2013 AAU Area 14A National Qualifier
3. 15-3 Riley Smith Casey-Westfield High School 2015 05/25/2013 IHSA Boys State Track & Field Championship
4. 14-0 Matt Mccoy Lewistown High School 2014 04/04/2013 Bushnell-Prairie City 6-Team Meet
5. 13-6 Caleb Niemann Litchfield High School 2014 04/20/2013 Rochester Rocket Invitational
6. 13-6 Matthew Knipfer St. Joseph-Ogden High School 2016 07/13/2013 USATF Illinois Region 7 Championship
7. 13-0 Ben Elam Tri-Valley High School 2016 04/26/2013 Spartan Classic
8. 13-0 Ashton Rutherford Oregon High School 2014 04/27/2013 Art Carlson Hawk Classic
9. 13-0 Noah Calvert Hillsboro High School 2014 04/30/2013 Carlinville Relays
10. 13-0 Joshua Schien Aurora Christian High School 2015 05/25/2013 IHSA Boys State Track & Field Championship
11. 12-6 Andrew Kowalski Teutopolis High School 2015 04/05/2013 Olney Invitational
12. 12-6 Seth Keeler Robinson High School 2015 04/22/2013 Robinson Invitational
13. 12-6 Austin Mcwhorter Teutopolis High School 2014 04/22/2013 Robinson Invitational
14. 12-6 Cooper Elam Farmington High School 2014 04/26/2013 Eureka Invitational
15. 12-6 Brando Tolliver-goode Newton High School 2014 05/11/2013 Shelbyville Open
16. 12-6 David Wenzel Unity High School 2014 05/11/2013 Shelbyville Open
17. 12-3 Jared Cole Erie High School 2015 05/17/2013 1A Bureau Valley Sectional (Boys)
18. 12-0 Monte Wolke Cumberland Community High School 2015 04/22/2013 Tuscola Open
19. 12-0 Drew Kowalski Teutopolis High School 2015 04/22/2013 Robinson Invitational
20. 12-0 Rich Overbeck Teutopolis High School 2015 05/11/2013 Shelbyville Open


High Jump-
2013 State Champion: Kyle Landon (Chester) 6-10
Key returners: Bjorn Adden (Sr., Pleasant Plains), Matt Utterback (Sr., Pleasant Plains), Tyler Owen (So., Georgetown-Ridge Farm), Kyle Woodside (Jr., ROWVA), Luke Rasmuson (Jr., Lowpoint-Washburn).
Outlook: With the top seven jumpers graduated this event will not be as nearly strong.  Bjorn Adden and Matt Utterback return with 6-6 personal bests and just ahead of a few 6-5 type leapers.  Let's just say the teammates will look to be the best 1-2 punch in the state at year's end.  Kyle Woodside and Tyler Owen return as the top state scorer in seventh place jumping a meager 6-1.
 

Rank Mark Athlete Name Team C/O Date Meet
1. 6-6 Matt Utterback Pleasant Plains High School 2014 04/30/2013 Sangamo Conference Championship
2. 6-4 Tyler Owen Georgetown-Ridge Farm High School 2016 04/26/2013 Spartan Classic
3. 6-3 Kyle Woodside Galva-ROWVA High School 2015 04/26/2013 Moss Relays
4. 6-3 Kyle Hardy Eureka High School 2014 05/11/2013 Mahomet-Seymour Boys Invitational
5. 6-1 Eric Young Christopher Community High School 2014 04/16/2013 Du Quoin Indian Invitational
6. 6-0 Lucas Stone Newton High School 2014 04/05/2013 Olney Invitational
7. 6-0 Quinton Crawley Argenta-Oreana High School 2014 04/05/2013 Arthur Invitational
8. 6-0 Miles Porter Southwestern High School 2014 04/12/2013 Staunton Invitational
9. 6-0 Jayden Lindsay Southwestern High School 2015 04/12/2013 Staunton Invitational
10. 6-0 Lane Fowler Eureka High School 2015 04/22/2013 Elmwood Trojan Invitational
11. 6-0 Bryan Cavanaugh Polo Community High School 2014 04/24/2013 Le-Win / Buzz Gates Jamboree
12. 6-0 Colton Palmer Knoxville Senior High School 2014 04/22/2013 Redstorm Relays
13. 6-0 Aaron Tagala Tri-Valley High School 2014 04/24/2013 Heyworth Home Meet
14. 6-0 Darren Southwell Rockridge High School 2014 04/26/2013 Tiger Relays
15. 6-0 Pierce Dhaese Oregon High School 2014 04/27/2013 Art Carlson Hawk Classic
16. 6-0 Noah Adams Meridian High School 2016 04/29/2013 Tuscola Fresh/Soph Invitational
17. 6-0 Ashton Wilson Arcola High School 2015 04/30/2013 Sullivan Redskin invitational
18. 6-0 Coale Dolbert Blue Ridge High School 2015 04/30/2013 McLean County / Heart of Illinois Conference Meet
19. 6-0 Chris Harmet Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley High School 2015 04/30/2013 McLean County / Heart of Illinois Conference Meet
20. 5-11 Josh Calloni Christopher Community High School 2016 05/03/2013 Du Quoin Classic


Shot Put-
2013 State Champion: Ryan Pearce (Villa Grove) 60-0.25
Key returners: Jason Fry (Sr., Stewardson-Strasburg), Stephen Gibson (Jr., Tuscola), Jonah Walker (Sr., Aurora Christian), Chase Hagene (Sr., Nashville), Ben Foster (Sr., Annawan), Terron Bell (Sr., Chicago Leo).
Outlook: The top five state placers from last year are graduated, it leaves only three throwers out of twelve back for the showcase. Jason Fry is the only returner with a heave over 50-feet during the outdoor season. He placed sixth in the state meet with a 50-10 effort.  Jonah Walker, who placed second in the Illinois Top Times, is back.  It will be difficult to see someone throw near the 60-feet range like Ryan Pearce did.  However, this is a new year and it is certain that someone will step up along the way.
 

Rank Mark Athlete Name Team C/O Date Meet
1. 52-3.5 Jason Fry Stewardson-Strasburg High School 2014 05/11/2013 Shelbyville Open
2. 50-5 Stephen Gibson Tuscola High School 2015 04/29/2013 Tuscola Fresh/Soph Invitational
3. 49-5.75 Jonah Walker Aurora Christian High School 2014 05/08/2013 Suburban Christian Conference
4. 49-3 Chase Hagene Nashville High School 2014 04/22/2013 Tri County Championships
5. 45-5.5 Mikel Welton Shelbyville High School 2015 04/30/2013 Sullivan Redskin invitational
6. 45-4.5 Taron Cocke DuQuoin High School 2014 04/16/2013 Du Quoin Indian Invitational
7. 45-3.5 Clayton Turner Tuscola High School 2015 04/30/2013 St. Joseph-Ogden Boys FR/SO Classic
8. 45-1.5 Jeremy Gibson Nashville High School 2014 04/22/2013 Tri County Championships
9. 44-8.5 Parker Buenzli Casey-Westfield High School 2015 04/29/2013 Tuscola Fresh/Soph Invitational
10. 44-5 Ben Corlett Sherrard High School 2014 04/20/2013 Rockridge Invitational
11. 44-2.5 Breaden Lappin-pratt Bismarck-Henning High School 2015 04/26/2013 Spartan Classic
12. 44-0.5 Justen Paden St. Joseph-Ogden High School 2014 04/06/2013 Saber Invitational
13. 43-9 Trayvon Smith Monmouth-Roseville High School 2014 04/29/2013 Monmouth-Roseville Titan Invitational
14. 43-8.5 Nick Barr Catlin Community High School 2015 04/29/2013 Tuscola Fresh/Soph Invitational
15. 43-6.5 Trey Schlieker Sullivan High School 2014 04/30/2013 Sullivan Redskin invitational
16. 43-5 Brady Johnston Galva-ROWVA High School 2014 04/04/2013 Bushnell-Prairie City 6-Team Meet
17. 43-3.25 Josh Wallick Fisher High School 2014 04/26/2013 Spartan Classic
18. 43-2 Buddy Shaw Mercer County 2014 04/09/2013 Monmouth-Roseville Quintagular
19. 42-10p Justin Buckman Bureau Valley High School 2014 05/17/2013 1A Bureau Valley Sectional (Boys)
20. 42-9.5 Brendan O'neal Mt. Olive High School 2014 04/20/2013 Rochester Rocket Invitational


Triple Jump-
2013 State Champion: Corey Kersey (Jr., Neoga) 45-3
Key returners: Kersey, Bjorn Adden (Sr., Pleasant Plains), Chris Walker (Sr., North Boone), Dejon Brissett (Jr., Lake Forest Academy).
Outlook: It will be slim pickings for defending indoor and outdoor state champion Corey Kersey and key challenger Bjorn Adden.  They are the only returning leap froggers with marks over 44-feet.  With only three of the top 12 returning, it may only take something in the 41-foot range to make all-state.
 

Rank Mark Athlete Name Team C/O Date Meet
1. 45-3 Corey Kersey Neoga High School 2015 05/25/2013 IHSA Boys State Track & Field Championship
2. 44-1 Anthony Flemming Auburn High School 2014 05/17/2013 3A Huntley Sectional (Boys)
3. 42-5 Martel Hunter Monmouth-Roseville High School 2014 04/20/2013 Rockridge Invitational
4. 42-3.25 Nolan Mcginn Newman Central Catholic High School 2015 05/17/2013 1A Bureau Valley Sectional (Boys)
5. 42-3 Tyler Rubarts Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School 2014 04/26/2013 Spartan Classic
6. 41-5p Dylan Binion Erie High School 2016 05/17/2013 1A Bureau Valley Sectional (Boys)
7. 40-6.5 Austi Wenskunas Argenta-Oreana High School 2014 04/26/2013 Spartan Classic
8. 40-6 Bryan Cavanaugh Polo Community High School 2014 04/24/2013 Le-Win / Buzz Gates Jamboree
9. 40-5 Marcus Sitko Staunton High School 2015 03/30/2013 Staunton Invitational
10. 40-3.5 Philip Fox Peoria Christian High School 2015 04/26/2013 Dragon Invitational
11. 40-3 Mason Plater Rushville-Industry High School 2014 04/22/2013 Redstorm Relays
12. 40-2 Brock Beeson Pana High School 2014 05/11/2013 Shelbyville Open
13. 39-11.5 Sylvester Pydych St. Benedict High School 2014 07/13/2013 USATF Illinois Region 7 Championship
14. 39-9 Cody Heuerman Teutopolis High School 2014 04/05/2013 Olney Invitational
15. 39-6.75 Nick Thoele Wesclin High School 2014 04/06/2013 Belleville West Invitational
16. 39-6.5 Darrian Crawford Madison High School 2014 04/12/2013 Staunton Invitational
17. 39-5.25 Tyler Owen Georgetown-Ridge Farm High School 2016 04/30/2013 St. Joseph-Ogden Boys FR/SO Classic
18. 39-3.75p Gabe Mckinley El Paso-Gridley High School 2015 05/17/2013 1A Bureau Valley Sectional (Boys)
19. 39-2 Darren Southwell Rockridge High School 2014 05/07/2013 Rockridge Quad
20. 39-1.5 Dwight Swartz Sherrard High School 2014 04/29/2013 Monmouth-Roseville Titan Invitational


Discus Throw-
2013 State Champion:
Ryan Pearce (Villa Grove) 162-1
Key returners: Josh Wallick (Sr., Fisher), Chase Hagene (Sr., Nashville), Jonah Walker (Sr., Aurora Christian), Jason Fry (Sr., Stewardson-Strasburg), Manning Plater (So., Rushville-Industry).
Outlook: Josh Wallick is the top returner from the state meet with a third place finish.  He will have strong momentum to improve on his placement and personal best of 150-6. Jason Fry will also be motivated to improve his lot after placing 10th in the state meet despite a personal best of 160-5.  There are several other throwers to watch including Chase Hagene and Jonah Walker.
 

Rank Mark Athlete Name Team C/O Date Meet
1. 160-5 Jason Fry Stewardson-Strasburg High School 2014 04/16/2013 Bi-County Championships
2. 152-2.5 Chase Hagene Nashville High School 2014 04/22/2013 Tri County Championships
3. 150-6 Josh Wallick Fisher High School 2014 05/25/2013 IHSA Boys State Track & Field Championship
4. 150-4 Trayvon Smith Monmouth-Roseville High School 2014 04/26/2013 Tiger Relays
5. 147-10 Jonah Walker Aurora Christian High School 2014 05/25/2013 IHSA Boys State Track & Field Championship
6. 144-3 Stephen Gibson Tuscola High School 2015 04/29/2013 Tuscola Fresh/Soph Invitational
7. 141-3 John Barnes St. Bede High School 2016 04/06/2013 Don Gooden Invitational
8. 138-10 Kadeem Hemphill Hales Franciscan High School 2014 05/11/2013 Chicago Catholic League Boys Championship
9. 138-1 Nick Matthews Fairfield High School 2015 04/05/2013 Olney Invitational
10. 135-11 Cody Riddle Newton High School 2015 05/11/2013 Shelbyville Open
11. 135-6 Ryan Mcdonald New Berlin High School 2014 04/30/2013 Sangamo Conference Championship
12. 134-11 Colton Evans Farmington High School 2015 04/26/2013 Eureka Invitational
13. 134-9 Clayton Turner Tuscola High School 2015 04/22/2013 Tuscola Open
14. 134-0 John Henderson Villa Grove High School 2014 04/26/2013 Spartan Classic
15. 133-11 Nicholas Brandenburg Neoga High School 2014 05/11/2013 Shelbyville Open
16. 133-9 John Macbean Marquette High School 2015 05/04/2013 Mooseheart Relays
17. 133-1 Lane Dueringer Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley High School 2014 04/26/2013 Spartan Classic
18. 132-6 Trenton Chepan Central A&M High School 2015 04/29/2013 Tuscola Fresh/Soph Invitational
19. 130-9 Bobby Lincoln Mercer County 2014 04/24/2013 MCGE Invite
20. 128-3 Ryan Houser Central A&M High School 2014 04/22/2013 Tuscola Open