Michael Papper returns as one of the top long jumpers in the state (Colin Boyle photo)
The life blood of the sport field events experienced another solid year last season from top to bottom. The action was highlighted by the exploits of AJ Epneza (Edwardsville) in the Discus Throw, setting an IHSA sophomore record. We expect another great season to be had in 2016.
Long Jump-
2015 State Champion: Fontez Davis (Edwardsville) 23-6
Outlook: The long jump in this classification has held steady. It hasn't been great nor has it been bad. Other than former Wheaton North great Zach Gordon ripping 24-0.5, the state's winning marks have generally been in the 23-foot range. The top jumper on measurement is Remi Simmons. The low-key Simmons took fourth in the state last year and has a personal best of 23-8.25. He will seek to brand his name this season by battling a fleet of characters such as Cameron Ruiz and Camron Harrel. Ruiz is a kid that improved over a foot from the previous year. Can he continue Lake's continuum of success they have enjoyed the past few seasons in 3A? Harrel lost to Simmons at the Homewood-Flossmoor Sectional but rebounded to take fifth in state. Michael Papper has dedicated himself over the winter and will now look to cash in on the sweepstakes this season. He took eighth in the state final last spring. Ja Shaun Steward has created a buzz to the start of the 2016 season already jumping in the mid-22's. It is going to be a real good year for the long jump.
Top returners in 2016-
| RANK | MARK | WIND | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23-8.25 | 2016 | |||
| 2 | 23-1.75 | 2017 | |||
| 3 | 22-9.25 | 2017 | |||
| 4 | 22-9 | 2016 | |||
| 4 | 22-9 | 2016 | |||
| 4 | 22-9 | 2016 | |||
| 7 | 22-7 | 2016 | |||
| 8 | 22-6.5 | 2016 | |||
| 9 | 22-4.5 | 2.6 | 2016 | ||
| 10 | 22-3.25 | 2017 |
Pole Vault-
2015 State Champion: Jake LaRocca (Palatine) 16-0
Outlook: The fifth place finisher in the state Cooper Jazo returns with the top overall mark at 15-4. He will be among two other vaulters returning that cleared 15-feet. On the surface this event looks like a bare cupboard. But Illinois has had such a rich history of great vaulting that things should replenish itself lovely. The Flying Dragons Vault Club have been a chief source of keeping things stocked. Ryan Ashenbremer is a member. Sophomore Zach Bradford is already near the 16-foot mark tapping 15-10 at the National Pole Vault Summit. Josh Pelock is another vaulter to top over 15-foot last season. He is back to set some new marks.
Top returners in 2016-
| RANK | MARK | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15-4 | 2016 | ||
| 2 | 15-3 | 2016 | ||
| 3 | 15-0 | 2017 | ||
| 4 | 14-6 | 2016 | ||
| 4 | 14-6 | 2016 | ||
| 6 | 14-3 | 2017 | ||
| 6 | 14-3 | 2016 | ||
| 6 | 14-3 | 2017 | ||
| 6 | 14-3 | 2016 | ||
| 6 | 14-3 | 2016 |
High Jump-
2015 State Champion: Kenny Brown (Oak-Park River Forest) 6-9
Outlook: The outdoor season turned into a dud after witnessing 6-10 and 6-9 efforts outdoors. We all thought there would be several 7-footers. None of that happened. Will it be deja vu all over again this year? So far in the early going an unknown Jordan Boyd (Sr., Chicago Brother Rice) has never jumped better than 6-4 (2014)- an average at best athlete- skyed 6'10" as of this printing- is in position for a monster season. Jelyn Hill along with Matt Haller return with the best marks at 6-7. Sadly, Haller did not qualify for state. Hill placed sixth in a tie with Jay Hunt. A flew of jumpers at 6-4 to 6-5 leaves room for growth here.
Top returners in 2016-
| RANK | MARK | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6-7 | 2017 | ||
| 1 | 6-7 | 2016 | ||
| 3 | 6-6 | 2016 | ||
| 4 | 6-5 | 2017 | ||
| 4 | 6-5 | 2016 | ||
| 4 | 6-5 | 2016 | ||
| 4 | 6-5 | 2016 | ||
| 4 | 6-5 | 2017 | ||
| 9 | 6-4 | 2016 | ||
| 9 | 6-4 | 2016 | ||
| 9 | 6-4 | 2017 | ||
| 9 | 6-4 | 2016 | ||
| 9 | 6-4 | 2017 |