No matter what you are doing at a track meet, whether it's taking a trip to the bathroom or concession stand or even vendor but it seems everyone gets in tune with a quality relay when it's announced. Suddenly there is a rush to get back to one's seat and watch the action.
4x800-
Meet Record: 8:00.6h by Elmhurst York 2006
Key entrants: LaGrange (Lyons Township), Cahokia, Elmhurst (York), Hinsdale Central, Chicago Lane Tech
Outlook: One thing is clear here. Cahokia is a team that is going to push things to the limit. The Comanches come in with the state's fastest time at 8:10.67 run at the University of Arkansas. They will be tough to beat if they get out well on the opening leg. Lyons Twp. put up a great early season time at the Proviso West Valentine Day Relays. The Lions will feel at home here as will Hinsdale Central. But there is York out there lurking. The Dukes have been quiet on the state scene for several years now. Freshman standout Charlie Kern Jr. take part in the festivities with his teammates. Lane Tech loves the 4x8 and if you recall they stung the field last year with a season opening 8:01.96. The Indians may not have the same type of team now but a quality performance would go a long way in setting the tempo for later in the season.
4x200m-
Meet Record: 1:31.8h by Proviso West 1999
Key entrants: Cahokia, Proviso West, Lyons Twp, Oak Park-River Forest
Outlook: At the risk of overhyping the meet, we won't say that Cahokia and Proviso West are going to go 1-2 and run clear of the field. The 4x2 relay is the only event in indoor track that is unforgiving. All it takes is a nudge here and a push there and the favorite is no longer in contention. It sounds like auto racing doesn't it? Cahokia has long been a team capable of great things but bad stick play has put a stop to possible record runs. The meet record has surprisingly stayed intact for 16 years but then again don't be surprised.
4x400m-
Meet Record: 3:25.4h by Harvey (Thornton) 1973
Key entrants: Cahokia, Proviso West, Neuqua Valley, Lyons Twp.
Outlook: The US#13 Cahokia quartet has their sights set for the longest standing meet record. It has been 42 years and counting for Thornton. If there is one meet record that should receive an ovation it is this one... the Comanches ran 50-point per man down in Arkansas. So the team that has run 3:21.77 should easily get the record right? Yes but there are factors that come into play. 1) Competition- it would help if one or more teams could push the state's best quartet for at least two legs; 2) clean stick play- Cahokia cannot drop the baton or get into sloppy transitions. Ja'Mari Ward the jumps specialist is the usual lead off man. He is very fast and fleet footed; 3) long day- The final event of the day will see tired individuals who will be motivated by finishing strong for their teams. But the meet record has to remain in their sights though. All that is needed is 51-seconds per man and the ancient 3:25.4 mark is good as gone.