Deion McShane was living larger than life in last year's 300 Hurdles final until the final stages when the veteran Lucas Ege seized control (Colin Boyle photo)
110HH-
2015 State Champion: Lucas Ege (Burlington Central) 14.15
Outlook: Last year was a solid season in this event that led to some quality marks. It should be another good campaign with six all-staters back. Gamar Hayles has the inside track after producing a break session during the summer- making it all the way to the USATF JO Nationals. His 14.28 rates #4 but the #2 wind legal mark overall as an Illinois short hurdler bodes well for what is to come. Hayles has sharpened his blades by running on a few short relays. He would be wise to continue working on his flat speed through the indoor season. Good flat speed for a talented barrier athlete gives them a pronounced edge over those who don't. Deion McShane got his feet wet as a freshman with a 5th place effort. Dylan Binion is back as one of the better and emerging hurdlers. One last sight in the state final that was turned around for wind purposes, Marquis Murray was right with the leaders through four hurdles before badly crashing the final layout and ended up finishing last. The desire for redemption is burning deep inside his soul. It should be a great outdoor season in this event.
Top returners in 2016-
| RANK | TIME | WIND | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14.28 | -0.1 | 2016 | ||
| 2 | 14.71 | 2016 | |||
| 3 | 14.76 | 2.5 | 2018 | ||
| 4 | 14.80 | 2016 | |||
| 4 | 14.80 | 0.1 | 2016 | ||
| 6 | 14.81 | 2.7 | 2016 | ||
| 7 | 14.86 | 2.5 | 2017 | ||
| 8 | 14.97 | 1.0 | 2017 |
300IH-
2015 State Champion: Lucas Ege (Burlington Central) 37.10
Outlook: It was going well for the man child and then freshman Deion McShane in last year's final. He got the jump on a deep and talented field that featured defending champion Lucas Ege. McShane was an unknown with no pressure on him. After all he was a freshman and making the state final was already a success. As the race entered the final stretch McShane's form was the first thing to really falter and then the footsteps and shadow of Ege crept into his psyche. It would be a matter of a few last strides and the final barrier that McShane would abdicate his stronghold on the field. And just like that it was over. Ege would be a two-time champion in a classification meet record. Ege knew he had experience and a bit of luck in defeating McShane. For McShane the future is now. He will be wearing a bulls eye on his chest during the outdoor season. He will also be in position to accomplish many goals as well as opportunities to reset the record books. The IHSA does not keep records for class because if they did the 37.43 would have to be the top of the rankings. Another freshman was in the field: Reed Vanderheyden. He placed fifth and will return as the second best returner after McShane. It is going to be fun tracking these two titans over the next three seasons.
Top Returners in 2016-
| RANK | TIME | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 37.43 | 2018 | ||
| 2 | 38.53 | 2018 | ||
| 3 | 39.64 | 2016 | ||
| 4 | 39.96 | 2016 | ||
| 5 | 40.08 | 2017 | ||
| 6 | 40.46 | 2016 | ||
| 7 | 40.76 | 2016 | ||
| 8 | 40.80 | 2016 |