Despite what anyone says Illinois is a top tier state in terms of depth and talent. So with being said the overall performances were above average when you consider no shows from a number of top players. The WSC, MSL, and DVC leagues were noticeably missing. Also missing was the state's top sprinter Dajour Miles. The freshman sensation from Aurora (Waubonsie Valley) has been grounded at the moment... no Judy Pendergast (Sr., Naperville North), Lincoln-Way East relays, or Lajarvia Brown (Sr., Alton) were in the building. But as they say, "the show must go on."
- Jaimie Robinson (Sr., Homewood-Flossmoor) is a gladiator to the highest degree. She will take on all-comers anywhere at any time. Several weeks ago she and her incredibly supportive mother flew into New York City on a minute's notice to compete in the New Balance Indoor Nationals. Robinson took fourth in one of the deepest triple jump fields in its meet history. The end result was a fourth place finish and an All-American honor. At the Top Times Robinson placed third in the long jump. It was her warm up to the triple jump. What a show Robinson put on! She broke the all-time record of 40-2 several times. The first attempt went 40-9. The second leap frog traveled 41-0.75. However, the big leap of the contest was the 41-3.50 was three feet further than anyone in the field. Robinson's performance vaulted her to US #4 as the indoor season closes. It also serves notice that the state title has to go through her.
- Shaliyah Dixon-Tucker: The little known Dixon-Tucker, who is a senior at Downers Grove South, quietly came into the Shirk Center as just another quality performer. She left as the Illinois leader and respect from the national boards in the 60m and 60HH. Dixon-Tucker started her day with a blistering 8.65 60HH time that shook the crowd in the prelims. The awesome performance was the second fastest time outside of the legendary Shamier Little (Chicago Lindbloom) who clocked 8.60. Dixon-Tucker's prelim was not a fluke as she returned in the final to run 8.75... Dixon-Tucker showed off her flat speed skills in the 60 dash busting the competition once again burning the track in a big state leading 7.50! The final was a great one with Kayla Hylton (Sr., Lincoln-Way East) and Ozzy Erewele
- The little known Kameesha Smith (Jr., Thornwood) was perhaps noted for her all-state performance in the 400. Smith can add the high jump to her resume because she beat a solid field that included the state leader Jelena Rowe (Jr., Bloom Township). Rowe jumped 5-9 earlier this season but could only manage 5-5 and sixth place. Smith dueled Alexa Schmitt (Sr., Grayslake Central) and Jes Skudlarek (Sr., Prospect) to the point of reaching 5-7. It was less misses that propelled Smith as the winner.
- IL #2 Lindsey Payne (So., Glenbard West) showed her consistency as she had all indoor season in the 3200. Payne had company with a fleet of girls for the portion of the race like the pack of six through 1200 in 3:56. At the first mile the pack withered down to Payne and Emily Shelton (So., Minooka) who crushed through in 5:16.2. Matters stayed the same two later at 2k in 6:36.3. It was clear that Payne was trying to shake Shelton but the surge over the next two laps did not work. Finally, it was prior to the penultimate lap and then the bell that Payne got a little separation. Payne's leg turnout propelled her to the win in 10:34.35. Shelton held strong with a big personal best 10:36.26. In all, the epic race saw five runners broke 11:00 including three Minooka girls.
- The outcome was a bit of a surprise in that only a handful of girls double back. Hardly any returned for the 1600, Hinsdale Central duo Reilly Revord (So.) and Anne Zaher (Sr.) stayed in close contact throughout the race with earlier leader Mackenzie Altmayer (Sr., Geneva) and kicked home late to go 1-2 in 4:59.94 and 5:01.54.
- Shots fired: Despite being the state 800 state champion Michaela Hackbarth (Sr., Downers Grove South) has not garnered the respect from the pundits. Hackbarth agreed to delay her spring vacation to change the scope of the leader board. Jenna Diers (Jr., Lincoln-Way Central) led in the early going w/ 30, 63.3. Just like a cobra strike, Hackbarth made her move quick and deadly bolting to the front and it was over. Hackbarth hit the 600 in 1:38 and then on to the finish 2:12.26.
- Courtney Morgan (Jr., Metea Valley) won the shot put by three feet with a toss of 46-6. Morgan remained in the IL #2 spot and is still a candidate to top 50-feet this season.
- One of the premier pole vaulters Katie Schroder (Sr., Grayslake Central) captured the win with a clearance of 12-9. She is now IL #2 as the season moves outside.
- Four girls measured over 18-feet in the long jump but it was Sade Akinfe (Sr., Oswego East) who took the title on her third attempt 18-9 to vault to IL #3.
- Kayla Hylton re-emerged as a top sprinter in the state again. Though she did not leave some of her performances were of the stagnant nature. She led a Lincoln-Way East sweep in the 200 clocking 25.08. The explosiveness was noted and her two teammates Jasmine Howell (Sr.) and Asia Brown (Sr.) followed pursuit. Now the Griffins clan will head to the Texas Relays to strut their stuff with confidence.
- Samara Miller (Sr., Neuqua Valley) kept the pressure on Kierra Griggs. Miller was in total control. Though the time was not great it was good enough to get the W.
