Hope Tewes won the indoor high jump title at Illinois Top Times in March
The field events will grab attention for sure-
As it was mentioned in the beginning of the preview "KD" Young is expected to grab a boatload of attention this weekend in Charleston. Young is US #3 in the shot put at an astounding 51-11.5. The only thing that will stand in the way is the all-class meet record 50-9.5 by Emmonnie Henderson of Edwardsville. The discus throw may take a little more effort for Young who is the state's best thrower at 154-2. Young has one loss to Mikah Maples (Sr., Central A&M), who caught her off guard at the Shelbyville Open in April. Young paid for the defeat with a tough workout immediately after the contest courtesy of her father. KD has not been challenged since then. But let's not leave out #2 seed Rachel Clowers (Sr., Pleasant Hill). Clowers is nationally ranked just behind Young with a strong toss of 153-8. An upset would not surprise those from the Clowers camp come Saturday.
It could be a fierce battle in the long jump between several girls but things more than likely will come down between McKendra Barthelme (Sr., Newton) and hurdles ace Jenny Kimbro (Sr., Caitlin- Jamaica Salt Fork). Last year's champion Amanda McClain (Sullivan) is starring for Illinois State where she won the MVC indoor and outdoor titles.
It was sad to see one of Illinois' greatest pole vaulters in Morgan Zacharias (Reed-Custer) graduate. Before she darted to the University of Louisville, Zacharias took the second best (13-3) height clearance with her. Kristin Slaughter (Jr., Effingham St. Anthony) did not compete at the Illinois Top Times indoor meet in which Hanna Atwood (Jr., St. Joe-Ogden) won. Slaughter has enjoyed a good outdoor campaign this spring. The 12-0 mark by Slaughter is the classification leader and 7th highest clearance in the state overall.
Megan Reed (Sr., Cambridge) is one of the better triple jumpers in the state. Her 37-2 at sectionals puts her on the top rack and it only confirms what happened during the indoor season was real. Reed is the heavy favorite and the fight for second will be among Cheyanna Michael (Sr., Williamsville), Grace Alley (Fr., Seneca), Annie Carlson (Sr., Westmont), and Tarynn Mays (Jr., Duquoin).