Coach Leroy Millsap (Blue t-shirt) poses with his fifth consecutive title trophy (Colin Boyle photo)
For several years now a sizable conglomerate of Illinois high school coaches wanted sweeping changes to the Illinois high school track and field (IHSA) state series. It appears that some of them got what they wanted... and more.
Although the changes haven't been officially ratified yet, it is believed that the following points are key areas of notoriety in Illinois track and field:
The IHSA Track & Field Advisory Committee met last week and passed the most sweeping changes we have seen in years.
1.Nearly every qualifying mark for the State Meet has been changed for both Class A and Class AAA. Class AA is still under review.
2. Semi Final races are eliminated at Sectional Meets.
3. All 3200 meter runs run be run sequentially at both the Sectional and State Meets.
4. Sectionals may be on Wednesday.
5. At the Sectional meets, all events will be scored to eight(8) places and medals will be awarded to the first eight (8) place winners in each individual and relay event. This would include the wheelchair division.
6. Preliminary marks in the horizontal jumps and throws will not carry over to the finals at the state meet. All field events at the state meet will start over in the finals except for seeding purposes. Three trials will be contested in prelims and three additional trials in the finals each.
7. Use the International starting line (waterfall starting line) during the IHSA state series for the 1600 and 3200 meter run.
To read the full minutes of the meeting, click: http://www.ihsa.org/documents/adv%20minutes/15-16/15-tr-minutes.pdf
5-time defending 2A state champion Cahokia Head Coach Leroy Millsap on key issues regarding the prelims:
"I agree with the prelims at sectionals but I do not agree with the rationale for throws and jumps. If a kid throw or jump the first day before the soreness (stiffness) kick in, then think they should have the right to throw or jump the next day. As far as the change, there are only going to be sub-par performances just to make top 9 for finals."
Coach Millsap weighs in on the International starting line:
"I hope the board reverse that decision- International rule; then give me a coaches box on the field."
Regarding the sharp changes in some of the rules:
"They are calling it the CAHOKIA RULE. NO MATTER WHAT, WE WILL ADJUST."