The Comanches can run and dominate any relay they choose... 4x8 has always been a staple of Comanche pride in the state meet
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. Coach Leroy Millsap has been heralded as a coach who produced great jumpers and hurdlers over the years as well as top notched individuals. But he has also presented us all with some of the fastest relay marks in state history. In 2015, Cahokia did something perhaps no other school (no big class school) boy or girl in history- swept all four relays at state.
4x800m relay (preview by Ray Lewis)-
Outlook: The 4x800 is always a tough event to evaluate, but has to be done well and accurately for the viewers. Team success in cross country sometimes translates well to this event and we suspect this year is no different, but when we are talking 2A track in Illinois, there is one team that we always have to include in the conversation: Cahokia. And these guys won this event last year, so let's start discussion there, shall we?
Cahokia - Cahokia absolutely dismantled the state competition last year, scoring 119 points, 82 points ahead of any other team. 10 of those points came by way of a win in the 4x800, beating out Johnsburg by a second in 7:53.53, the fastest time run in 2A in 2015. Particularly scary about the Comanches' 4x800 team is they are the only 2015 finalist to return all four relay participants: seniors Chris McGee, Chris Raymond and Tyran Lyons, and junior Chris Stanley. This is an ultra-talented team with a lot of overlap at other relay events (Stanley, McGee and Lyons all ran for the state-championship 4x400 team). Teams develop throughout the course of the season and a lot can happen over a 3200 meter race so who knows where we will end up in May 2016-it should be safe to predict, however, that this powerful Cahokia team will be playing a role somehow.
Metamora - The Redbirds of Metamora, based simply on a returning power metric, have a lot to offer as well. The third place team from last year's meet (7:58.55) had three sophomores on the squad, which includes Jake Gillum who many coaches across the state identify as one of the more talented runners in 2A. Metamora gathered some more depth as the cross season progressed and ended with a strong 7th place finish at Peoria. They are strong all-state favorites for the 4x800.
Geneseo - The Maple Leafs may fly under the radar a little more than other times, considering the did not qualify for cross country state last year. The are the 5th place team from last year, though, and return three of their four athletes. One is Nathan Soria, who qualified individually in cross country and boasted a 4:34 1600m time. Nick Swartzendruber showed considerable progress throughout his freshman year and offers state experience now. Cayson Frerichs was their leading 800 performer in 2015, though, and could be a solid sub-2:00 to anchor the team.
Tolono (Unity) - You won't find the Rockets in the 2A cross country results, because they were busy dominating the 1A race. Unity won with an incredible total of 30 points, with Shelbyville in a not-so-close second place with 124. Their pack featured Andrew Warnes (2nd, 14:45) and four others finishing faster than 15:10. This team is used to dominant pack running, which is a good conditioning practice for a 4x800 team. All four runners from the 2015 1A 4x800 state champion return: Warnes, seniors Robert Decker and Getch Eisenmenger, and junior Griffin Boyer. Take the entrance of this team to the 2A scene very seriously. They are good.
Mahomet-Seymour - Mahomet-Seymour is not traditionally a team found in the 4x800 state final. However, this year they boasted a fantastic pack running team that dominated competition throughout the regular season. If they choose to pack a 4x800 team, they will be very strong. Ryan Hodge and Ben Caw are their top 800 returners but Alex Keeble, Andrew Walmer, and Gabe Pommier all provide legitimate options for a stacked distance squad.
Normal (University) - Another wild card team, whose success can be very dependent upon the team's event strategy. Jack Franklin can be a valuable asset for this team, if he choses to contribute in the 4x800 rather than 3200. Normal U. loses some firepower on the back end with the graduation of Alexander Bruno but still return Duncan Terry (Sr.) and Jared Shuckman (So.) from last year's 6th place team. Freshman Zach Wolford, the top freshman from the 2A state cross country race (33rd place in 15:20), may also play a part on this 4x800 team.
A good number of any other teams can rise from the pack and steal a podium spot in the 4x800. It will be difficult to make a strong assessment on the scene of the state 4x800 until the beginning of the outdoor season. Do not be shocked to see that not many fast 800s will be run during indoors. As teams achieve more speed work throughout the year, we will see the potential in Illinois for great 4x800 teams come to fruition. Expect to see a state winning time of about 7:55. Sometimes, the most fun seasons are when there are not any clear favorites. If you are a 4x800 team in 2A reading this, get to work now!! Who knows where you might end up by the end of May?
Top times in 2015-
| RANK | TIME | TEAM | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7:53.53 | ||
| 2 | 7:53.64 | ||
| 3 | 7:54.59 | ||
| 4 | 7:58.55 | ||
| 5 | 7:59.63 | ||
| 6 | 8:01.50 | ||
| 7 | 8:02.22 | ||
| 8 | 8:02.35 | ||
| 9 | 8:03.19 |
4x100m-
2015 State Champion: Cahokia 41.12
Outlook: Other than the 40.8h time that South Holland (Thornwood) ran at sectionals in 2001, there is no faster recorded time. But many historians and realists appropriately give the nod to the 2015 Comanches as the best ever quartet. The unit for the most part is intact and should be ready to go. Only Keveion Akins has graduated but that should not be a problem. Even if the amazing Ja'mari Ward decides to jump ship and run individual races at state, Cahokia's depth will prevail. But of course, the Comanches will blaze a few smoking times during the season. Coach Millsap has made it loud and clear that he wants his team to go 40.60 or 40.70 this season.
Phillips Academy is an athletic program on the rise with its key football players running track and enjoying it. The Wildcats won the 4A gridiron title this past fall with some very skilled but speedy athletes. Quayvon Skanes (Sr.) was the star quarterback who rushed for four touchdowns. It is that kind of athleticism mixed with speed that should once again propel Phillips as a threat in this relay all season long. Phillips Academy, which is located on the southside of Chicago in the emerging Bronzeville neighborhood, ran a lightening fast 41.46 that ranks in the top four performances all-time. However, they didn't get a ton of notoriety for such a great performance. That all should change this season. No Galesburg because they have moved up to 3A. The Streaks vacancy will give some other teams to shine like Triad and Highland who bring back two legs. However, it is Triad who return their stud speedster Adam Nelson (Sr.). Nelson is expected to a force in the 100m this season after placing seventh in the state last year.
Top Times in 2015-
| RANK | TIME | TEAM | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 41.12 | ||
| 2 | 41.46 | Chicago Phillips Academy | IHSA Boys State Track & Field Championship 2nd |
| 3 | 42.01 | ||
| 4 | 42.40 | ||
| 5 | 42.57 | ||
| 6 | 42.70 | ||
| 7 | 42.75 | ||
| 8 | 42.82 | ||
| 9 | 42.85 | ||
| 10 | 42.86 |