Chicago Luther North crushed its opponents last season in two sprint relays (Sabrina Mendoza image)
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? Find out below.
Note: attached are times from the 2015 outdoor season followed by a complete list.
4x800-
2015 State Champion: Tolono (Unity) 9:40.68
Season outlook analysis: Unity would have been a favorite to repeat had they been in Class A with three solid legs back. They are not. The Rockets have been shipped to 2A for a new challenge. Deer Creek and Petersburg-Porta are prime choices to stand on the top of the podium in May. Deer Creek finished second last year and Petersburg-Porta was third in Charleston. Petersburg-Porta may have double trouble in trying to race the Brauer twins Maria and Adrienne in the 3200m. They have been pillars on the cross country circuit for the past four years. But they have yet to win a state 4x8 title.
Top 5 teams last year-
| RANK | TIME | TEAM | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9:40.68 | ||
| 2 | 9:41.49 | ||
| 3 | 9:43.63 | ||
| 4 | 9:49.65 | ||
| 5 | 9:52.12 |
4x100m-
2015 State Champion: Chicago (Luther North) 49.27
Season outlook analysis: Luther North returns all four legs from last year's state championship. The Wildcats quartet will be the team to watch for sure this season as they go for big marks- possibly taking dead aim at the state meet record of 48.51. Illini West lose two quality guns but return anchor star Mariah Brodie. The Chargers may not be strong enough to stop Luther North, but they should hold their own against the like of Mercer County who have seasoned veterans. The Golden Eagles are going to be a fierce squad. These are facts that should not be ignored. Also, look out for St. Joe-Ogden and Eureka who return full all-state units this season.
Top 5 times last year-
| 1 | 49.27 | ||
| 2 | 49.63 | ||
| 3 | 49.82 | ||
| 4 | 50.10 | ||
| 5 | 50.15 |
4x200m-
2015 State Champion: Chicago (Luther North) 1:42.84
Season outlook analysis: Defending state champs Luther North beat the classification record holder Sullivan and nearly snatched their state meet record falling short of the 1:42.82. The Chargers won their crown by nearly three seconds, which is ridiculous in a state final. But if this team is as good as some feel, they may be able to run in the 1:41's, putting them on par with Class 3A.
| 1 | 1:42.84 | ||
| 2 | 1:45.12 | ||
| 3 | 1:45.16 | ||
| 4 | 1:45.17 | ||
| 5 | 1:45.40 |
4x400m-
2015 State Champion: Carthage (Illini West) 3:59.92
Season outlook analysis: On paper it appears difficult for the defending champion Chargers. They were the only team in Class A to break 4:00 last season lose two of its stallions. In addition, the team's best runner is Mariah Brodie who placed third in the 800 last year. She may concentrate on that event and return in the relay for show. Eureka has historically done well here and the Hornets return three starters from last year's third place state finish. Clifton Central may be the team to beat after finishing fourth with two sophomores in the lineup. The Lady Comets return all four legs.
Top 5 times from 2015-
| 1 | 3:59.92 | ||
| 2 | 4:01.44 | ||
| 3 | 4:01.89 | ||
| 4 | 4:03.52 | ||
| 5 | 4:03.72 |