2016 Class 3A Boys Pre-Season Distance Preview

The start of last year's epic 1600m final (Colin Boyle photo)

1600m-

2015 State Champion: Pavlo Hutsalyuk (Chicago Lane Tech) 4:08.19

Outlook: Four seniors finished in the first four positions in 2015, which means forecasting this meet is going to take a healthy dose of speculation. Chicago Public League star Pavlo Hutsalyuk ran a strong strategic race that made him Reiser's only obstacle to a triple crown, despite an intense surge from Reiser in the final 100 meters. Although the field may not be quite as crowded as the 3200, it is no less competitive.

There are just four returners from the final last year, and Dan Santino (5^th) is the first. His focus on the 1600 last spring was apparent and he provided five sub-4:22 performances in the span of about a month, including his best 4:14.07 in the prelims at state. Santino finished 24^th in cross country, giving him his second all-state honor (1600, XC), but quickly sets his sights for the 1600, the even he has excelled at most over his long, competitive career.

Roman Drabchuk is the next one (5^th). Drabchuk's improvement during, and since, last spring has been steep and he continues to improve. He entered the 3A Downers Grove South track sectional with a 4:23.57 personal best, and left state the next weekend with a 4:15.26 and a 5^th place All-State finish on the 3A level. He then dismantled competition all cross country season long with his teammate Charlie Nodus and finished 3^rd in 14:35 at Detweiller. Drabchuk now can aim for his own title at the highest level in 3A, and he is a major competitor in this event.

The third returner is Keagan Smith, and he also boasts the third-fastest time entering the year (4:10.70). Smith's 2015 track season was littered with strong 1600m performances, including seven races faster than 4:18 and 11 better than 4:21 over his career. He won his prelim heat in Charleston but slid to an 8^th place all-state finish in the final after establishing his position early. Smith's 5^th All-State nod in his career could also be his bid for a state championship, for he has been running fast 1600s more often and consistently than any other runner in the state.

Finally, Sean Torpy ran a disappointing 12^th place finish in the state meet in 2015 but could be the favorite entering the 2016 season. Torpy redeemed his last place finish with a 4:16 win at Magnificent Miles in June and a 4:09 victory at the US Army Midwest Distance Classic. His role on a powerhouse Sandburg team became clear when he finished no lower than sixth in all his races and capped off his cross season with a strong third at Detweiller. Having to beat Torpy in the state final is a daunting prospect, especially now that Torpy has been sharpened by plenty of large meet experiences. A likely scenario is for Torpy to attempt another double in the 4x800 and 1600, possibly compromising his own chances for a championship but helping boost an already powerful Sandburg team.

There were a couple notable absences from the final as well. Connor McCue was cut by just .04 seconds despite his 4:13.15 1600 best from early in the 2015 outdoor season. McCue returned for a strong performance at the USATF Youth T&F champs, blazing 1:53.09 in the 800 for a victory and a 3:57.94 1500m for a close second. McCue ran slightly under the radar during the XC season, running strong to start the year but suffering a tough race at the St. Charles North Regional.

Like McCue, Heath Warren is a recognizable name and an acute talent, but opted for the 800, where he finished 8^th. Warren is a particularly strong long sprint runner (51.3/1:52.67) but also displayed strong 1600 showings, especially a 4:12.3 win at the Wanner Knight Invite and a 4:09.89 performance at the Nike Festival of Miles. Warren's racing history lends us to believe he will likely pursue the 800 but his 1600 credentials are too much to ignore.

Be sure not to forget some strong names such as Connor Madell, Chris Torpy, Matt Pereira, Charlie Kern, Kevin Salvano and Blake Evertsen.

Top returners for 2016-